I've had one of those inexpensive stove-top mocha pots for years now, and I've watched for a stainless steel model to upgrade. I finally got one (Kontessa). Same process and everything. The main difference is everything is made sturdier, and you don't feel like you're using a toy. Feel better about cooking with something out of steel rather than aluminum (I'm not fanatical about this sort of thing, but you know...), but there are some cons to this thing vs the cheapo. First thing I noticed is that the top knob/button on the lid gets so hot, you can't check on the process, where as you could with the junkie little plastic knob on the other maker. Second, the ornate, oddball shape of the base of the Kontessa kind of makes it difficult to squeeze to tighten and loosen. So I also more appreciate the octagon shape of the cheapo. In conclusion, the Kontessa is a lot prettier, but I'm not sure I actually upgraded this tool. Oh, and the Kontessa does pour a little nicer, as you had to pour really slowly and carefully with the cheap model.