Every morning, she accompanies my little lunch Level mark of well-marked water (not on the model 3 cups) Used to be a small bowl or two good French cups. Electric plate used on medium to low heat. A monitor when it starts to spit. Nice smell that diffuses the heat. Avoid tap water if too limestone use spring water. Joint changed after one year. The most important thing is to screw it if the water seeps through the middle and the coffee is damn ... a shot to be taken to avoid disappointment. I ended up stalling me on coffee Lavazza Crema e Gusto, not easy to find in France, but available on the site. I'm a fan of my Bialetti!