Well they say not to because if it's too compressed it can blow up or something. I dunno. I always do and it works.

I'm just guessing that it's because if you're compressing the coffee in the filter, you decrease the exchange surface between hot water and coffee and so, lose a little bit of it (I mean it could have more coffee on the final "product").

Hahah Remyyy you sound so scientific!! But I think you're right. It's because by compressing the coffee, you're missing getting the most of it. the looser the coffee ground, the more permeable and therefore, the more tasty the coffee...cheers!

But if you are making the coffee more permeable you are going to prevent the water from properly extracting the flavor from the grinds. The more permeable, the faster the water goes through, the less time the water has with the coffee, less flavor.

Of course you don't want to pack it too tight or you'll get a bitter burnt mess.

It's a balance. A Moka pot is a finicky piece of equipment.

I actually did this because your coffee looked so good. It's weird that it comes out purple like that - must be the camera.

That wasn't my intention, but yea, I guess it is.

I'm still really pissed about how it ended (Sopranos).

But to be honest I can't really think of a way that would have satisfied me.

Totally.

I need some more but it's like 18 bucks to get 'em down here.

Yeah, that is some impressive crema for the Moka pot. Mine doesn't do that well. Maybe I need to be compressing the grounds like you. Or maybe you have a fancy kind of Moka pot.

Well I wouldn't say I compress them - I just kind of pat them down. I'm not tamping by any means.

And yea it's not a regular moka pot - the little 'bell' on the top of the stem thing, where it comes out, is weighed down so it forces more pressure, hence the crema.

bialettishop.com/BrikkaMain.htm

I'd recommend decaf but... actually no I wouldn't.

i liked that line too.

The jealousy is already setting in.

I swear one day, when I manage the ability to blow $800 I'm gonna get Ms. Silvia and Rocky.

The Lucy was a bonus to reward ourselves when we reached a major milestone at Unikum.net.

Aw, don't say that man.

decided not too....made my own.... :-)

Haha - sweet avatar.

I like to grind the shit out of the beans to maximize surface area. I HIGHLY recommend this pot (link above) and the Hair Bender from Stumptown.

I haven't tried Hair Bender but I did get a bag for a friend in Seattle. I wonder how he liked it?

I did see a similar moka pot at this place in seattle called Caffe D'arte. I will consider now that I've seen what it can do!

Although, people and their coffee, almost the same thing.

Hopefully Looby will be coming to help out.

That's the only way I know how to do it.