The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker Review
The moka pot is a true staple of Italian coffee culture: we dare you to find an Italian household that doesn’t own at least one of these classic coffee makers. If you’re interested in a brewer that pays homage to the iconic octagonal design while also blending it with modern technology the DeLonghi Alicia Electric Moka Pot might be the answer to your prayers.
The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker
- Plugs in like an electric kettle
- It can keep your coffee warm for up to 30 minutes
- The automatic shut-off feature means that you won’t run the risk of burning it
The sturdy aluminum boiler is built for frequent use, and the container is transparent to let you track the brewing progress.
– De’Longhi
The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Review
So, you want to find the best moka pot that suits preference. Whether you’re struggling with an inconsistent stovetop or are simply looking for a modern approach to classic Italian coffee, the electric DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia is an excellent option.
Ease of Use – 5/5
Combining the simplicity of the moka pot and the convenience of an electric kettle, the DeLonghi is practical and easy to use. Simply add water to the aluminum boiler (make sure not to fill above the valve), place the filter, and add the ground coffee without tamping it. When you are ready to brew, just screw on the top chamber, place it on the base and flip the switch. (1)
Unlike traditional moka pot coffee makers, you won’t even need to place it onto the stovetop, since it relies entirely on its own heating element.
This, combined with the cool-touch base, makes it very portable and easy to use in different rooms of the house, at the office or on holiday.
Brew Capacity – 4/5
The Alicia can give you 6 cups of coffee, but, if you need less, you can use the included filter adapter and enjoy 3 instead. While DeLonghi does not make any other size options, we appreciate the filter adapter to make brewing less coffee easier. If you are serving more than five or six people, factor in a bit of extra time for the brew, but take comfort in the fact that the Alicia does not require your supervision. With temperature optimizing technology and an auto shut-off feature, you can turn it on and come back to perfect, hot coffee.
Thanks to the transparent container, you’ll also be able to monitor the brewing process and enjoy the bubbling dance of the coffee pouring into the top compartment.
Another of the Alicia’s handy features is its “Keep Warm” function that can keep your coffee piping hot for up to 30 minutes!
Build Quality – 3.5/5
When you see the DeLonghi logo, that’s a warranty in itself: this Italian company was founded in 1902 (2), so they definitely have plenty of experience in the field… and it shows! The Alicia is a durable, high-quality electric moka espresso maker that was clearly built and designed for frequent use.
While the transparent plastic upper chamber is not as aesthetically pleasing as the design of all-metallic models, it’s still an interesting design choice as it allows you to easily monitor the extraction process. Following the moka pot tradition, the base and filter basket are made of aluminum and hold up quite well over time. The important thing is that it does what it’s built for: make good espresso coffee and keep it warm for a while.
Cleaning and Maintenance – 4/5
The DeLonghi Alicia electric moka pot is fairly easy to clean and maintain: while it can’t be put in the dishwasher unlike some other moka pots, you can simply rinse its parts under the water, but you must be careful not to immerse or rinse the bottom part of the boiler directly. We also recommend that you descale it every once in a while, to ensure its longevity and best coffee flavor.
Value for Money – 4.5/5
The nice thing about the moka pot is that it can create a very nice cup of strong coffee, and that the equipment you need is wholly affordable.
Not only is the DeLonghi Alicia electric moka espresso maker very good value for money, but it will actually save you quite a bit in the long run, as you won’t have to rely on coffee pods, paper filters, nor expensive K-Cups. It’s a one-time purchase that can brew espresso-esque coffee for all your favorite frothy drinks and caffeine cravings. We recommend investing in a grinder to make your moka coffee from freshly-ground beans and achieve the best flavor!
Do Not Buy the De’Longhi EMK6 Alicia If…
You prefer the traditional moka method – While the DeLonghi Electric Moka Espresso Maker shares the design and brewing process of the traditional moka, it uses an electric heating system rather than the old school stovetop method. If you want to keep it authentic and stay true to the roots of the moka pot, then we think that Bialetti’s Moka Express or the Brikka would be a better choice for you, as both meant to be used on your stovetop. It’s also the company that invented moka pots to begin with, so it surely can’t get more authentic and traditional than this! (3)
You want proper espresso – This is no fault of De’Longhi: moka pots in general are designed to give you an espresso-style drink, but it’s not technically espresso as they lack the pressure needed to achieve its particular extraction method. If you like the quality and performance of the Alicia but you want a true-to-form shot topped with a thick layer of crema, then we think you should try the De’Longhi EC155 15-Bar Espresso Machine.
You routinely brew coffee for more than 5 people at a time – As we discussed before, making coffee for a big group will take more than one brew cycle with the Alicia. If you are looking for a more time-efficient option, we suggest the TOPS Rapid Brew, which is available in 6, 9, and 12-cup sizes, and the Cuisinox Roma, which comes in 4, 6, and 10-cup sizes.
The Verdict
The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia electric moka espresso coffee maker is a quick and practical solution to your caffeinated needs that blends nostalgic traditional elements and modern perks, such as the auto shut off, the Keep Warm feature and the cool-touch base. Relying on its own heating system rather than a stove, it’s also perfect for the office or to take with you on holiday and plug in your hotel room.
FAQs
No, moka coffee is not as strong as espresso, but it’s the closest you can get to it without using an espresso machine. Moka coffee is usually 2 to 3 times more concentrated than drip coffee.
No, you should never tamp the ground coffee in a moka pot like you would do with an espresso machine. This is because espresso machines rely on very high pressure to extract coffee (around 9 bars), whereas moka pots reach much lower levels of pressure (1-2 bars), which is not enough for the water to filter through tamped ground coffee and reach the coffee container.
Yes, it’s rare but a moka pot can explode if you cover the pressure relief valve. That’s why it’s important to always fill the water below the valve line.
References
- Bialetti Moka Pot. Preparation Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://blog.bluebottlecoffee.com/posts/bialetti-moka-pot
- De’Longhi Group History. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.delonghigroup.com/en/group/profile
- About our history. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bialetti.com/ee_en/our-history
