Alessi Black Moka Pot

The Pulcina is Alessi's modern reinvention of the Italian stovetop moka pot, designed by Michele De Lucchi in collaboration with illy coffee. Its distinctive flared spout is shaped to cut off the brew at the right moment — before the bitter final phase — so what reaches your cup is rounder and more aromatic. The sculptural aluminum body and bold handle make it as much an object to display as a tool to use.

A classic Italian morning ritual, built to sit out on the counter rather than hide in a cupboard. Pairs naturally with a set of Italian espresso cups and Alessi's mirror-polished coffee spoons.

Capacity: 3-cup (also available in 6-cup)
Material: Cast aluminum body, thermoplastic handle
Made in: Italy
Maker: Alessi — designed by Michele De Lucchi
Finish: Black
Use: Stovetop (gas or electric coil; not induction-compatible)
Care: Hand-wash and dry well; do not put in the dishwasher
Sold as: Individual

What makes the Pulcina different from a regular moka pot? The spout. It's engineered to stop the flow before the coffee turns bitter, so the last drops don't spoil the cup.

Is it dishwasher safe? No. Like all aluminum moka pots, hand-wash it and dry it fully. Skip soap once it's seasoned — a quick rinse keeps the flavor clean.

Does it work on an induction stovetop? No. The aluminum body needs gas or an electric coil burner.

Is this a good wedding or housewarming gift? Yes — a design-forward take on an everyday Italian ritual. It's useful, it looks like a sculpture on the stove, and it suits people who appreciate good design.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers? Biordi has been San Francisco's source for authentic Italian goods since 1946, in the same North Beach storefront — a San Francisco Legacy Business. We carry Alessi alongside the hand-painted ceramics and espresso cups that complete the table, so you're buying from people who know how the pieces go together.

Alessi — Omegna, Piedmont — Since its founding in 1921, Alessi has grown into a leading "Factory of Italian design," turning everyday objects into things that are interesting and desirable — where looks, function, and quality meet. The house works with celebrated designers to make the ordinary extraordinary.

Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come.

Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.

Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it.

Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica.

Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.

UPS Ground

Flat shipping charge of $10 for each shipment of merchandise under $100.00. For orders of $100.00 or more, shipping is 10% of the order total.

UPS Next Day Air

Flat shipping charge of $63 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 90% of the order total.

UPS 2-Day Priority (Rush Shipping)

Flat shipping charge of $42 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 60% of the order total. Note: This option is required for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS 3-Day Priority

Flat shipping charge of $21 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 30% of the order total.

International Shipments

Please contact us at customerservice@biordi.com or call us at (415) 392-8096 for quotes to ship internationally.

You will be charged a rate based on your delivery area, value and shipping preference. For items shipped via UPS, see below for information pricing information. Once the package is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information to track your package.