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Alessi Pulcina — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Coffee MakersAlessi Pulcina

📦

Alessi

Alessi Pulcina

4.5(288 reviews)

$142.00$180.0021% off

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MDL02/6 RRed6 Cups 1 year

Expert Review Analysis

The Alessi Pulcina Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker is a designer moka pot created by Michele De Lucchi in partnership with illycaffè, featuring a chick‑shaped, stepped‑boiler design that reduces bitterness and delivers a fuller espresso. It is built from cast aluminum with a red polyamide handle, offers dishwasher‑safe parts, and comes in 1‑, 3‑ and 6‑cup sizes, including an induction‑compatible version.

✓ Best for: Design enthusiasts, coffee purists, and small households (1‑2 people for the 3‑cup model, larger families for the 6‑cup) who want a premium stovetop espresso experience with distinctive style and consistent flavor.✗ Not ideal for: Users who prioritize lightweight cookware, those who need a fully dishwasher‑safe induction pot, or coffee drinkers who prefer a very fine grind without risking sediment.

Pros

✓Superior espresso taste with fuller body and reduced bitterness thanks to the stepped boiler shape and illy collaboration.
✓Unique chick‑shaped design with a heat‑sensitive red polyamide handle that changes color when the water is ready.
✓

Price History

Current

$142.00

Average

$104.81

Lowest

$104.73

Highest

$142.00

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#142Best#142Worst#143,723 +143,581

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.2/ 5Reviews2,050

Specifications

Design

Height122 mm mm

Width260 mm mm

Depth122 mm mm

Weight1005 g g

MaterialCast aluminum

Features

Induction CompatibleYes

Heat SourcesGas, electric, induction

Dishwasher SafeYes (most parts)

Cleaning RecommendationHandwash recommended for induction models

Pre-infusion TechnologyLow-pressure pre-infusion

General

BrandAlessi

ModelMDL02/6 R

ColorRed

Cups6

Capacity (fl oz)10.5 fl oz fl oz

Heat Regulation

Stepped Boiler SurfaceReduces the “Stromboli‑volcano effect” and bitterness

Collaboration

Illycaffè R&D PartnershipOptimized espresso extraction parameters

Handle

Polyamide (PA) KnobHeat‑sensitive color change on some models

Induction Compatibility

Magnetic Steel BaseIntegrated base allows direct use on induction hobs

Cleaning Recommendation

Dishwasher vs Hand WashMost parts dishwasher‑safe; induction models recommended hand‑wash

Dimensions & Weight

Height4.8031522 Inches

Width10.236226 inches

Depth4.8031522 inches

Weight2.21343848 pounds

Research Sources

canyoncoffee.co

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User Reviews

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Sturdy cast‑aluminum construction with a heavy base that provides stable brewing on gas, electric and induction stovetops.

✓Dishwasher‑safe components make cleaning convenient, while the magnetic steel base enables direct induction cooking.

✓Available in 1‑, 3‑ and 6‑cup sizes, catering to single users up to small families.

Cons

✗The pot is noticeably heavier than typical moka pots, which can make handling and storage less convenient.
✗Requires a medium‑coarse grind; using too fine a grind can cause sediment and over‑extraction.
✗Some induction models must be hand‑washed and may need a diffuser on electric hobs, limiting ease of cleaning.
✗The heat‑sensitive handle is not present on all versions, leading to inconsistent user experience.
✗Higher price point compared to classic alternatives like the Bialetti Moka Express.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Mokahead highlights the “stunning coffee” produced by the unique funnel and stepped boiler design.
✓Kaha Coffee notes the heaviest base tested, delivering balanced extraction with 18 g of medium grind in the 3‑cup model.
✓Lumens and Alessi praise the functional aesthetics that improve heat regulation and reduce bitterness.
✓Connox emphasizes the ideal boiler shape for espresso properties, calling it a design‑driven performance upgrade.

Criticized by Experts

✗Reviewers mention the heavier weight as a drawback compared to lighter moka pots.
✗Some experts point out that the induction‑compatible version requires hand‑washing of certain parts.
✗The need for a specific grind size is noted as a limitation for users unfamiliar with coffee grinding.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users love the beautiful red design that adds a decorative element to the kitchen.
✓Many appreciate the rich, espresso‑like coffee without a burnt taste, especially in the 3‑cup size.
✓The compact size is praised as ideal for small households or single users.
✓Easy to use daily ritual with quick brewing time.

Users Complain About

✗Several users report occasional sediment when the coffee grind is too fine.
✗The heavy weight makes the pot feel cumbersome to lift off the stove.
✗Cleaning the induction version can be finicky, with some parts recommended for hand‑wash only.
✗The heat‑sensitive handle’s color change is inconsistent across units.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consistently commend the Pulcina for its striking design and the tangible improvement in espresso flavor, attributing the reduced bitterness to the stepped boiler and the illy collaboration. They also note the solid aluminum build and induction readiness as strengths, while flagging the heavier weight and the need for careful grind selection as minor drawbacks.

What Users Say

Everyday users celebrate the pot’s aesthetic appeal and the rich, non‑bitter espresso it produces, especially praising the 3‑cup size for daily use. Common complaints revolve around the pot’s heft, occasional sediment with overly fine grounds, and the extra care required when cleaning induction models.

Common Complaints

Sediment when using too fine a grind, heaviness making the pot cumbersome, finicky cleaning of induction versions, and inconsistent performance of the heat‑sensitive handle.

How It Compares

vs. Bialetti Moka Express (3‑cup)

Advantages

✓Lower price point and lighter weight make it easier to handle and store
✓Traditional octagonal design is widely recognized and familiar
✓Compatible with most stovetops; induction add‑on available
✓Simpler cleaning without specialized parts

Disadvantages

✗Lacks the stepped boiler shape, leading to the “volcano effect” and more bitterness
✗No heat‑sensitive handle or premium aesthetic features
✗Base is lighter, offering less stability on induction
✗Does not benefit from illy collaboration for optimized extraction

Choose the Pulcina for superior taste, design flair, and induction readiness; choose the Bialetti for budget‑friendly, lightweight, and classic moka experience.