Pezzetti Moka Pot: The History and Evolution of a Classic Italian Coffee Maker

The Pezzetti moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that has been a feature in Italian kitchens for decades, holding a specific place in the history of Italian coffee culture. Its story is intertwined with the broader adoption of the moka pot, a symbol of Italian ingenuity and the domestic coffee ritual. Pezzetti has been building these stovetop brewers in northern Italy for more than 80 years, evolving from early aluminum models to modern induction-ready lines while keeping the basic pressure-brewing principle the same.

The Dawn of the Moka Pot

The moka pot principle itself dates to 1933, when the invention was created by Luigi De Ponti, who sold the patent to Alfonso Bialetti. Bialetti’s "Moka Express" was a revolutionary household coffee maker that used steam pressure to brew a strong, espresso-like coffee on a home stovetop, making a style of coffee previously only available in cafes accessible to the average family. The aluminum design quickly spread through Italian homes, especially after the war.

The History of Pezzetti

Early Years and the Everest Express (1940s)

In the 1940s, Ezio Pezzetti founded the Pezzetti company in Seregno, Italy, initially manufacturing aluminum kitchenware. By 1947, the company had introduced its own moka pot: the "Everest Express." This first model was a six-cup coffee maker distinguished by its ten concave sides, with production reaching 200 units per day.

Expansion and Rebranding (1960s)

The 1960s marked a significant period of growth. To emphasize its Italian origins as the company began exporting, the pot was renamed "Italexpress." Pezzetti also expanded its product line to include a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 1-cup to 14-cup models. This expansion boosted annual output to approximately 200,000 units.

Mass-Media Marketing (1970s)

In the 1970s, Pezzetti increased its visibility and presence in Italian homes by advertising on the popular national television program "Carosello." The campaign used memorable slogans like, "Shine outside, shine inside, and make a coffee that's a marvel!"

Acquisition and the Modern Era (2000 – Today)

In 2004, the long-standing company was acquired by Abert and Ghidini Cipriano, and its headquarters were moved to Brescia. Under this new ownership, Pezzetti has continued its development into a globally recognized brand. In 2020, the company paid homage to its design roots by launching the "Borbottiera," a collector's series with a design inspired by the Italian Futurist movement, returning to sculptural forms.

A Note on Luigi Pezzetti

Separate from the history of Ezio Pezzetti's company, some sources mention a Luigi Pezzetti. He is described as an associate of Alfonso Bialetti, the inventor of the Moka Pot. Luigi Pezzetti is credited with helping to popularize Bialetti's original design in the early days of the moka pot.

Design, Materials, and Features

Pezzetti moka pots are recognized for their traditional design. While the original Everest Express had ten sides, the classic Italexpress often features an eight-sided shape, similar to the iconic Bialetti. This multi-sided design is not just aesthetic; it helps to diffuse heat evenly across the base for a better extraction of the coffee's flavor and aroma.

Pezzetti Product Lines

Over the years, Pezzetti has developed several lines of moka pots, each with its own characteristics:

Model Material Key Features Sizes Induction Ready
Everest Express Aluminum Original 1947 model with 10 concave sides. 6 cup No
Italexpress Aluminum The classic 8-sided design; available in various colors and a plain alloy finish. 1–14 cup No
Bellexpress Aluminum Features a rounder, retro shape, often in bright colors. Some versions have a glass lid and are suitable for induction. Varies (e.g., 3, 6 cup) Varies by model
Luxexpress High-polish Aluminum An 8-sided model with a highly polished, reflective finish. 3–9 cup No
Steelexpress Stainless Steel Durable construction with a round shape. Designed for all stovetops. 2–6 cup Yes
Borbottiera Aluminum 2020 collector's line with an angular, futurist-inspired sculptural design. 3 cup No
Other Lines Varies Pezzetti has also produced other specialty models, including the Pentaexpress, Solidexpress, and Futurexpress.

Reception

While the build quality of Pezzetti moka pots is generally praised, some reviewers note that the coffee basket in certain Italexpress sizes can be shallower than those of competitors. This may result in a lighter brew compared to other moka pots of the same cup size.

Historical Timeline

Year Milestone
1940s Company founded by Ezio Pezzetti in Seregno.
1947 The 10-sided "Everest Express" model enters production.
1960s Brand is renamed "Italexpress" for export; new cup sizes are introduced.
1970s First national TV advertisements appear on the "Carosello" program.
2004 Acquired by Abert & Ghidini Cipriano; headquarters moved to Brescia.
2020 The "Borbottiera" collector's line is launched.

Works Cited