Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker
WARNINGS
Read the instructions carefully as they contain important information about safety, use, and maintenance of the product.
IMPORTANT: READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND KEEP IT WITH CARE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
- These instructions are an integral part of the product and, throughout the entire life of the product, must be kept and be available. The documentation should be given to the subsequent owners of the product.
- Attention: This coffee maker requires a heat source for its operation and develops pressure inside. Failure to comply with the instructions may cause the risk of burning or the coffee maker bursting.
- Before each use, make sure the coffee maker is not damaged and is complete with all its parts. In case of doubts, contact the dealer or the manufacturer. Remove the packaging materials of the coffee maker and any warnings inside
it before use. - This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or a lack of experience and knowledge.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Use the coffee maker for the purpose for which it was designed. The product is intended for household use only.
- Do not leave the appliance unattended during operation.
- Do not touch the hot surface of the coffee maker. The surfaces get hot. Therefore, use the handle (1) to move the coffee maker.
- Never use the coffee maker without water in the heater.
- Never use other liquids in the heater or the upper part; the coffee maker is intended to be used with water only.
- The coffee maker is designed to be used only with water and ground coffee for Moka for household use: do not use other products (e.g,. barley, cocoa, coffee extracts, tea, COFFEE FOR PERCOLATING FILTERS OR ESPRESSO MACHINES,
etc.). - Make sure the steam jet is oriented far from the user by ensuring the safety valve is not oriented towards the user.
- Do not leave the coffee maker on the heat source for too long to prevent any colour change.
- Make sure the coffee maker is properly closed before use.
- When using a gas heat source, the flame must not go beyond the rim of the heater.
- In case of induction/electric/ceramic glass plate, never use the highest heat, but maintain a medium setting. In case of an induction plate, never use the boost function.
- Do not open or close the coffee maker by forcing the column (1).
- Never use the coffee maker in the oven or in a microwave.
- During use, close the cup support base (7) of the coffee maker.
- In case of malfunctioning, do not use the product and contact the dealer or the manufacturer.
- After use, allow the coffee maker to cool down before opening it.
- After use, place the coffee maker on suitable surfaces, as its base reaches high temperatures. Do not store it in contact with flammable surfaces that might deteriorate with the heat.
- Choose only original Bialetti spare parts suitable for the model used.
- At the end of dispensing, there might be some water in the heater. Such residue helps avoid possible changes in colour of the heater surface in case the coffee maker is left on the heat source for a prolonged period of time after dispensing.
- In case of malfunctioning, do not use the product and contact the dealer or the manufacturer.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
First use of the product
- When using the coffee maker for the first time, wash it thoroughly, only with water, and make at least 3 cups of coffee, discarding them (do not drink them).
- For the use of induction, check the compatibility of the diameter of the coffee maker heater with the technical features of the hob.
- Check that the coffee maker is complete with all its components and is properly positioned, as shown in the figure. Check that the coffee maker is complete with a safety valve, funnel filter, gasket, and filter plate, and that these parts are in the correct position (5-6-3-2).
- Do not drink the first 3 dispensing operations of coffee, as they are necessary for enhancing the aroma of coffee at best.
- Make sure the safety valve is not oriented towards the user.
- Hand wash only without using detergents and abrasive sponges to preserve its features over time.
- Use ground coffee for Moka, that is, with a suitable grinding, and never use fine-grinding coffee.
- Never press coffee into the funnel.
- Store each part of the coffee maker completely dry and without closing it.
- Replace the gasket if worn. It is recommended to replace it at least once a year anyway.
- Do not beat the funnel to remove the coffee, as it might get damaged or get ovalized, jeopardizing a proper seal.
MAKING COFFEE
- Remove the cup support base (7 – upper part of the coffee maker) and, without forcing the column (1), rotate clockwise the heater (4 – lower part of the coffee maker). Fig. A.
- Fill the heater (4) with cold water without exceeding the opening of the safety valve level (Fig. B).
- Insert the funnel filter (6) into the heater (4). Fig. C.
- Fill the funnel filter (6) with ground coffee for Moka, without pressing it down, taking care not to leave coffee powder on the rim of the coffee maker, Fig. D.
- Assemble the cup support base (7) on the heater (4), by rotating the heater counterclockwise, and tighten well, without pressing too much and avoiding forcing the column (1), Fig. E.
- Put the coffee maker on the heat source with the cups underneath the column (1) on the cup support base (7), Fig.F. In case of a flame, make sure that it does not go beyond the rim of the coffee maker. In case of induction/ electric/ceramic glass plate, do not use the highest heat.
BIALETTI INSPECTION SAFETY VALVE (5)
The Bialetti valve has been patented and designed to guarantee the use of the coffee maker in complete safety. Using the coffee maker with drinking water might entail the risk of the formation of lime scale in the hole of the valve, causing its clogging. To avoid clogging arising
from lime scale, just move the small piston coming out of the valve along its axis during the normal washing operations, Fig. F. It is advisable to carry out this inspection periodically to ensure its proper operation. The safety valve is a protective element and should intervene only in conditions of abnormal operation or use of the coffee maker.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
- Before carrying out cleaning and maintenance, wait for the appliance to cool down completely.
- It is advisable to clean the coffee maker in all its parts on a regular basis, including the dispensing column, which must be free from coffee powder obstructions.
- After each use, wash with warm water without detergents and/or abrasive materials (the product CANNOT be put in the dishwasher).
- Store the product perfectly dry in all its parts and not closed to prevent any build-up of stains/oxidations.
- Regularly perform the decalcification procedure:
- Fill the heater with water as per normal preparation.
- Add two teaspoons of citric acid or vinegar.
- Reassemble the product and, without adding any coffee powder, dispense once.
- Throw away the solution obtained.
- Wash the coffee maker under running water and make coffee.
- Do not beat the funnel to remove the coffee, as it might get damaged or get ovalized, which would prevent a proper seal.
- Regularly check that the holes of the filter plate (2) are not obstructed; otherwise, open them using a brush with delicate bristles or a needle.
- Periodically check the internal components and, in case of wear or damage, replace them only with original Bialetti spare parts suitable for the model used.
- Replace the gasket (3), if worn. It is advisable to replace it at least once a year anyway.
DISPOSAL OF THE APPLIANCE
- At the end of the life of the product, dispose of it in a waste collection centre.
- Adequate waste sorting and the correct disposal contribute to avoiding negative impacts on the environment and public health and permit recycling of the materials from which the product is made.
- For more detailed information regarding the available collection systems, contact the local refuse centre or the store where the product was purchased.
WARRANTY
The product is guaranteed for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase, with the functional conditions as foreseen in this instruction leaflet. In case of a claim for servicing under warranty, it is required to contact the dealer or Bialetti Industrie S.p.A. and provide proof of purchase or an equivalent document showing the identification data of the dealer or the date of purchase.
Warranty does not cover:
- The replaced components (plate, funnel, and gasket) were for non-original defects.
- Failures and/or defects caused by an use, which is improper or non-compliant with the instructions.
- Failures and/or defects arising from the use of non-COMPATIBLE spare parts.
- Damages caused by impacts, falls, and lime scale deposits.
FAQ
The coffee maker does not dispense:
- Check the presence of all parts.
The safety valve vents:
- Make sure the coffee used is ground coffee for Moka.
- Make sure it is not pressed into the funnel.
- Make sure there is not too much water in the tank.
- When using the induction plate, check whether too high a power or the boost function has been used.
If the phenomenon still remains, it could signal a malfunction; therefore, do not use the product and contact the dealer.
The coffee maker leaks water:
- Check the proper tightening of the coffee maker.
- Check the gasket for wear and replace, if necessary.
- Make sure there is no coffee powder residue on the rim of the heater.
The coffee maker does not dispense coffee:
- Check the presence of all parts.
- Check the proper tightening of the coffee maker.
- Check the coffee maker for leakage.
The coffee is cold/too hot:
- Check the proper level of water, which must be at the same level as the bottom edge of the valve (5).
The coffee maker changed colour:
- The coffee maker has remained on the heat source for too long. Anyway, this does not jeopardise the use of the product.
The coffee maker does not activate on the induction hob:
- For the use of induction, check the compatibility of the diameter of the coff ee maker heater with the technical features of the hob.
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Bialetti Mini Express Coffee Maker-FAQs
How do I clean the Bialetti Mini Express?
Simply rinse it with water after each use. Do not use soap or put it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the finish and alter the coffee’s taste.
Is the Bialetti Mini Express compatible with induction cooktops?
Yes, thanks to its double-layer boiler design, it distributes heat evenly and works well on all types of induction hobs.
When should I take the Mini Express off the stove?
When you hear a hissing or gurgling sound, it means brewing is complete. Remove the pot from heat immediately and let the coffee finish flowing into the upper chamber.
Can I use filter coffee in the Bialetti Mini Express?
Technically yes, but filter coffee is usually ground too fine or too light for moka pots. For best flavor, use coffee specifically ground for moka-style brewing.
What makes Bialetti coffee makers special?
Made in Italy, Bialetti brewers feature high-quality craftsmanship, an ergonomic handle, and a patented safety valve for easy inspection and cleaning.
Can I use regular ground coffee in the Mini Express?
You can, but make sure it’s ground coarser than espresso. Fine grinds can clog the filter and cause over-extraction or a burnt taste.
How long does it take to brew coffee with the Bialetti Mini Express?
It usually takes between 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the heat level and coffee maker size. Remove from heat once the upper chamber is filled to avoid burning the coffee.
What type of coffee grind is best for the Mini Express?
A medium-coarse grind, often labeled as “Moka grind,” is ideal. It allows proper extraction without clogging the filter or over-extracting the coffee.