Westmark Brasilia Plus Espresso Maker Stainless Steel 4 Cups - 18/8 Silver Stovetop Moka Pot, Durable Italian Coffee Maker
$116.74
In stock
- Breaks in quickly for rich, full-bodied espresso with 4 cup capacity.
- Durable 18/8 stainless steel construction ensures even heating and long life.
- Stovetop design delivers authentic Italian espresso without electricity.
- Easy to clean and maintain with a simple rinse after each use.
- Compact size fits easily on any countertop for daily brewing convenience.
Our Score
Westmark Brasilia Plus Espresso Maker Review — Stovetop Moka Pot with Review
The Westmark Brasilia Plus Espresso Maker is a stovetop moka pot designed for brewing up to 4 cups of espresso-style coffee. Its Italian-inspired look and stainless steel construction aim to appeal to home baristas who want a manual brewing experience. Suitable for electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktops, it offers flexibility across kitchen setups. While the concept is promising, early user reports raise concerns about durability, particularly with the bottom plate warping on electric cooktops. This review examines the build, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's a worthy addition to your coffee routine.
Product Overview
The Brasilia Plus is made from 18/8 stainless steel, with a black plastic handle and knob that stay cool to the touch. It holds 4 espresso cups worth of water, but the actual yield is about 200 ml after brewing, as some water remains in the lower chamber and grounds. The fine sieve allows for adjustable coffee strength based on how tightly you pack the funnel. Cleaning is straightforward since all parts are dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to preserve the finish. The compact dimensions (12 x 10 x 18 cm) and 480 g weight make it portable for travel or camping. However, multiple buyers report that the bottom of the boiler bulges outward when heated on electric and ceramic stoves, causing poor contact with the burner and under-extracted coffee. This issue seems less pronounced on gas or induction cooktops. The manufacturer claims compatibility with all stove types, but user experiences suggest that electric flat-top stoves are problematic. The included components are just the carafe and the maker itself; no extra filters or accessories are provided.
Key Features
Multi-Stove Compatibility
- ✓Works on electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktops
- ✓Ferritic stainless steel base ensures magnetic coupling on induction
Aromatic Fine Sieve
- ✓Fine mesh filter extracts full flavor from ground espresso or coffee
- ✓Adjustable strength by varying how much coffee you add to the funnel
Heat-Insulated Handle
- ✓Plastic handle and knob stay cool during brewing
- ✓Ergonomic grip for safe pouring
Safety Valve
- ✓Regulates pressure to prevent over-pressurization
- ✓Provides controlled brewing and peace of mind
Easy Cleaning
- ✓All parts are dishwasher safe
- ✓Disassembles quickly for thorough cleaning
Build & Materials
The Westmark Brasilia Plus is constructed primarily from stainless steel, though user tests with a magnet reveal that only the upper chamber's outer shell is non-magnetic (true 18/8 stainless). The boiler bottom, lower chamber, filter, and riser tube are magnetic, indicating a ferritic or lower-grade stainless steel that may be less corrosion-resistant over time. The plastic handle and knob are securely attached, but some users note wobble after repeated use.
A significant design flaw reported by multiple reviewers is the bottom plate's tendency to bulge outward when heated on electric and ceramic stoves. The flat base becomes convex, reducing contact with the burner and leading to uneven heating and leftover water. This does not happen on gas or induction, where heat distribution is more direct. The sealing ring creates a tight seal, but the overall build quality has been criticized, especially given the premium price point.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Elegant Italian design that looks good on the stovetop
- ✓Compatible with all common stove types including induction
- ✓Fine sieve produces rich, aromatic coffee when used correctly
- ✓Heat-insulated handle and knob stay safe to touch
- ✓Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- ✓Compact and lightweight for portability
What Doesn't
- ✗Bottom plate warps on electric and ceramic cooktops, causing poor heat transfer
- ✗Not pure 18/8 stainless throughout; magnetic parts may rust over time
- ✗Plastic handle feels less durable and may develop play
- ✗Actual coffee yield is about 200 ml, less than expected from 4-cup capacity
- ✗Higher price point compared to similar quality moka pots
The Verdict
The Westmark Brasilia Plus has the looks and concept of a classic moka pot, but actual performance is marred by a warping bottom that affects brew quality on electric and ceramic stoves. Users who primarily cook on gas or induction may find it acceptable, but at its price point, there are better-constructed alternatives like the Bialetti Musa. Overall, it's a stylish but unreliable choice, earning a middling score.
Price vs Value
What You Get
- Stainless stovetop moka pot with Italian styling
- Multi-stove compatibility including induction
- Fine sieve for rich coffee extraction
What You Pay
The listed full price of $116.74 is significantly higher than comparable moka pots from Bialetti or other brands, which often range from $30 to $60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Westmark Brasilia Plus induction compatible?
Does the bottom really bulge on electric stoves?
How much coffee does it actually make?
Can I adjust the coffee strength?
Is it dishwasher safe?
What defects have been reported?
(3) Comments
Product Specifications
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