Moka pots don't make espresso though. True espresso requires ~9 bars of pressure to make. Moka pots can create at max 1.5 bars (though optimally it would hover between 0.5 and 1 bar).

So while they make very good, rich, full-bodied coffee, it's just not espresso.

It may not be true espresso, but I will ask my Nona every day for an espresso made from her probably 30 year old bialetti. When I'm drinking Moka, it's more about the vibes anywho.

Not to detract from your point but the Bialettis also let you make a great cafecito

I have an espresso machine (or had, recently sold) as well as a moka pot as well as many other coffee making gadgets like a V60 and an Aeropress. They all make different types of coffee and are not comparable. Sometimes if you want true espresso you need to use an espresso machine.

But they make horrible coffee, and can by design only brew at the wrong temperature.

Thank you lol. I don't understand the love for Moka pot at all. You are guaranteed to get bitter coffee brewing at close to 212F. If you want simplicity, get a pourover or french press!