I used a similar design unit made of aluminum for many years and decided to switch to stainless steel; mainly for health concerns, While of the same capacity (6 demi-tasse cups) as my previous unit, the Vev Vigano is faster: the base is a little larger and bulbous in shape and it is able to better utilize the heat from my stove burner. The directions are weak in their description of how to clean the unit. I would have appreciated a picture of the unit with each part shown uninstalled but ready to be reassembled. And, twice, this unit has dripped at the seal. My profound hope is that these dripping incidents are part of the teething process. The taste of the coffee is superb and the unit makes efficient use of the coffee grounds; I need to use about half as much coffee to make the same intensity of flavor compared to my French press. You might be able to find a better machine of this type, but I doubt it.