Bialetti: history of a coffee pot

A while ago, I already wrote about the history of the cappuccino. It is only natural that I also talk about a famous coffee maker: the globally renowned Bialetti. In 2023, the brand celebrated its 90th anniversary, giving us an additional reason to delve into the history of Bialetti.

What is a Bialetti coffee pot or perculator?

Let me first explain what a Bialetti coffee pot is. I guess you recognize them from the image. You can find them in almost every (specialized) coffee shop.

The Bialetti percolator is particularly recognizable by its shape and the little figure on the pot. But the preparation method of this so-called ‘coffee machine’ is also quite unique. But more about that below.

From which country does Bialetti come? Where is the Bialetti coffee pot made?

You might have already guessed it from the name, but the Bialetti coffee pot has been made in Italy by an Italian company for almost a century.

Bialetti is a thoroughly Italian brand, which adds to the nostalgia of the cup of coffee you brew with it.

How does the Bialetti coffee pot work?

The design of the Bialetti percolator makes the coffee pot unique, but it’s not necessarily the easiest or fastest way to brew a cup of coffee. That’s also the reason why Bialetti was on the verge of bankruptcy in 2018, facing pressure from coffee machines that use pads and capsules.

But how do you make coffee with a Bialetti coffee pot? The Italian Alfonso Bialetti, who had experience working with aluminum through his job, got the idea almost a century ago from his wife’s washing machine. His wife didn’t use a modern washing machine but a washtub with a valve that retained the steam from the hot water in the tub, keeping the water and laundry warm. This system is still found in the aluminum percolator today. Alfonso registered the patent in 1933.

You heat the percolator by placing it on your stovetop, making the Bialetti also convenient to take on vacation.

Bialett: a coffee pot that survives

The Bialetti coffee pot is clearly a percolator with a history, and no less than 90% of Italians have one at home. It can easily be called a cultural symbol of Italy.

The aluminum percolator has been on the brink of bankruptcy a few times, but it managed to survive each time. The unique and recognizable design has a lot to do with it.

Both young and old use the Bialetti. Whether it’s for a Bialetti moka, cups, glasses, cappuccino, and especially espresso, you can get to work with the Bialetti coffee pot!

Source picture 1

Source picture 2