Alessi 9090 Review

The Alessi 9090 is a moka pot for those who want more than a standard Bialetti. It is an entirely stainless steel moka pot designed by Richard Sapper, whose form immediately adds a design accent to your kitchen. It remains a genuine moka pot for your strong daily Italian coffee — but at an entirely different level of finish and craftsmanship.

Why the Alessi 9090 stands out

What sets this moka pot apart is the combination of design, comfort and durability. The wide stainless steel base provides stability and fast, even heating. The upper part closes via a bayonet mechanism rather than a screw thread: easy to open and close without "wrestling" with the thread. The spout is designed to pour cleanly without drips.

Instead of a small aluminium pot that looks worn after a few years, you have here a solid, gleaming stainless steel moka pot that stays presentable after years of use — clearly a moka pot you don't hide in a cupboard.

The 9090 won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro in 1979 and is part of the MoMA permanent collection in New York. It was also the first induction-compatible moka pot ever made — a remarkable technical achievement for 1977.

Coffee taste

Used correctly — moderate heat, good grind — you get a rich, concentrated moka coffee with plenty of body. The stainless steel body heats quickly and evenly. The taste is clearly in the "strong Italian espresso-style coffee" segment, ideal as a base for cappuccino or to drink straight.

For those who have already used moka pots, this is familiar territory. The difference lies primarily in the finish and comfort rather than a radically different extraction profile.

In daily use

In practice, the 9090 is both solid and practical. The bayonet closure clips together quickly, the wide base is stable on electric and ceramic hobs (and on an adapter for induction), and the spout makes serving surprisingly clean. Small details you appreciate every day.

Two things to note: the handle is metal — if the flame is too high on gas, it can heat up. Solution: low flame, kept within the diameter of the base. And the inside of the upper chamber is fairly deep, so a long-handled brush is helpful for cleaning.

Strengths & points to consider

Strengths

• Entirely stainless steel: solid, durable and beautifully finished
• Bayonet closure: easy to open/close, reliable seal
• Wide, stable base and clean-pouring spout
• Rich, full moka coffee when used correctly
• Replaceable parts (gasket, filter), so long service life
• Works on all hob types including induction

Points to consider

• Higher price than a standard moka pot
• The handle can get hot at too high a flame, especially on gas
• The deep upper chamber needs a little extra care when cleaning

Who is the Alessi 9090 a good choice for?

The Alessi 9090 is made for you if:

• you want a durable stainless steel moka pot that lasts a lifetime;
• you value design and are looking for a moka pot that adds something visually to your kitchen;
• you are prepared to invest a little more than in a standard aluminium model;
• you use induction and want a moka pot that works natively without an adapter.

If you are primarily looking for the cheapest way to make moka and appearance means little to you, a classic aluminium moka pot is more logical. But if you want a beautiful, solid and pleasant moka pot that you are proud of every day, the Alessi 9090 is in a class of its own.