I spent six years studying at an Italian university back in the early 1970s, and getting to have espresso coffee every day was one of the benefits of that period of my life. Returning to America, I gradually re-acclimated myself to the more typical java I'd get at work or home, but my memories of that small stovetop coffee pot and the rich aroma coming from it persisted. So imagine my delight when this item popped up during an Amazon search. I placed the order and within a day or two, this package arrived. No cord to plug in, no sequence to program: just a well-designed, simple machine with no moving parts. Water goes in the bottom, apply heat, and excellent coffee comes out the top. The folks at HUDSON make this unit in several different sizes and colors: I chose the 6 cup classic polish finish, which reminds me of my Italian adventure so many years ago. If you'd like a different type of coffee experience , get yourself one of these and live the good life.