Ah I'm sure there must be someone from the community who can contribute expertise! I mean I've been using moka my entire life. I wouldn't claim expertise but maybe life experience tips. It can be a tricky device & maybe even depends on the model you use. eg we had an old Bialetti for years, no issues, same procedure every morning. I asked my mom to bring me a newer model from Italy a few years ago, the Brikka, and have had nothing but problems with it!