UNM wrote:
Claims to be made by 'Calandra & Co Pty Ltd', 240v 900w, cat no CXE9 Yes, it was marked as working (but with usual warning tag on the power cable that it is not tested). Doesn't seem to be a true espresso machine. I think it just heats the water up and steam pressure drives water through the head when you open the valve. Not something I need, but an interesting curiosity
I just happened to come into that model just two months back (and moved it on since). Was planning to use it as a portable steamer but was too bulky for that purpose. Both you and KK are right. It's a Bellman-style moka-pot coffee maker, with electric element (~1000 watt) and a thermostat. Interestingly there is also a thermostat-bypass button presumably for extra oomph when steaming. The advantage I see is that you can make multiple cups of coffee, compared to conventional moka pots where you only get one try. Load the portafilter (takes about 14-15g, 54 mm tamper), open valve, pull a moka-shot, close valve, reload, pull another moka shot, rinse and repeat until the water runs out. The brew temperature can get quite high like a conventional moka pot so no surprise there. Very powerful steamer - almost too powerful. Given its age, I was surprise it still works and quite well at that. And a nicety is it's made in almost full stainless steel construction (with the only exception in the shower screen which was made from your usual moka pot aluminium/alloy).
