What is this thing?

Oh my gosh, I totally get the excitement of finding a hidden gem at Goodwill, especially when it comes to coffee makers! That feeling of scoring something for just $5 that makes "bomb coffee" is absolutely unbeatable. It's like finding treasure, even if you "have no idea what this is" at first glance! Your mystery maker sounds a lot like what many of us coffee enthusiasts adore: a classic moka pot or a manual espresso maker. When you mentioned "London Sip espresso maker" in your thoughts, you might be onto something! While "London Sip" is a brand that makes various coffee accessories, including moka pots, sometimes people use "London Sip" to describe a certain aesthetic or type of stovetop brewer. What you likely have is a variation of an Italian moka pot, which is famous for brewing strong, espresso-like coffee right on your stovetop. It's definitely "not a French press"—French presses use immersion brewing and a plunger, resulting in a different kind of brew. Your discovery sounds like it's designed to push pressurized water through coffee grounds, yielding that rich, concentrated "cup final of coffee" you're raving about! A lot of these fantastic vintage finds, especially from places like Goodwill, can be incredibly durable and brew coffee just as well, if not better, than newer, more expensive models. For someone like me who loves a good bargain, a $5 coffee maker that delivers such quality is a dream come true. It’s amazing what you can uncover if you keep an eye out! If you're still curious about identifying your specific model or brand, take a closer look at the base or handle. Sometimes there are faint markings, brand names, or even "Made in Italy" stamps that can give you a clue. Even if it's unbranded, the fact that it "makes coffee" so well is truly all that matters! For anyone else out there who's found a similar "thingy from Goodwill" or is looking to get into stovetop espresso, here are a few tips I've learned: Cleaning Your Find: Since it's second-hand, a thorough cleaning is essential. Disassemble all parts. For aluminum moka pots, avoid harsh detergents, as they can corrode the metal. A mix of white vinegar and water can work wonders to remove hard water stains and scale. For stainless steel, regular dish soap is fine. Make sure to rinse thoroughly! Grind Size Matters: For moka pots, a medium-fine grind is usually best – coarser than espresso, but finer than drip coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water struggles to pass through; too coarse, and your coffee will be weak. Experiment a little to find what works for your machine and preferred strength. Water Temperature: Many people use cold water in the bottom chamber, but I've found that pre-heating the water (not boiling, just hot) can prevent the coffee grounds from "cooking" and give you a smoother, less bitter taste. Heat Control: Use medium to low heat. You want the coffee to brew slowly, not gush out. Once you hear a gurgling sound or see the top chamber nearly full, remove it from the heat immediately. This prevents over-extraction. Storage: Always store your moka pot dry and disassembled (or at least with the top and bottom chambers unscrewed) to prevent moisture from getting trapped and causing odors or corrosion. Your exciting discovery is a perfect example of how sometimes the best coffee experiences come from unexpected places and for an amazing price. Who needs fancy machines when a $5 "thingy" from Goodwill can make such a "cup final of coffee"? Keep enjoying your fantastic brew!