It is relatively heavy and not thrifty on coffee.

If weight is not an issue Bialetti makes it in many sizes ( (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)). I own a 6 a 9 and a 12, use the 6 for solo and the 9 for tandem. I've lost handles on trips but thats about it.  I do like the brew it makes- as you said "not quite (but pretty close) espresso"
Almost all the parts can be replaced.

Thanks for the review.

I can't get my trip off my mind and am already planning the next one. I tried some new gadgets out and thought I would pass on the results.

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I gave the moka pot a shot. I was very impressed by the results. You ended up with a very strong cup of coffee that was not especially bitter tasting. No easy feat. My friend who is not a regular coffee drinker loved it as well.

There are, however, some drawbacks. First off it doesn't make a full 16 oz cup of coffee. Probably 8 oz of not quite espresso strength brew. I like my coffee to last a while and this seemed to not last quite long enough.

Secondly, even though it is cast aluminum it weighs a bit and I suspect is vulnerable to breakage.

Thirdly, it uses a lot of coffee to achieve results. I suppose you could use the grounds again (as a small quantity of water passes quickly over a generous helping of beans) but somehow that's not my style.

I am glad to have it but not sure it will be with me on trips where lots of travel is expected......... I have already employed it as Solus does by pulling in a rest stop with the pocket rocket while traveling by vehicle. I believe he called it road coffee.