This stainless moka pot is beautiful and easy to use. I have had no issue with staining, but note that the inside of the bottom is not POLISHED stainless steel, so does appear dark. And stainless is not stain-free so make sure that when you wash it make sure you dry it right away. I have alkaline water where I live, so haven't had any issues at all. It makes two 10-ounce cups of strong near-espresso coffee and cleans up in a jif. We have one to take on vacation and it does work on a variety of burners...which is really great because you will get addicted to the strong, mellow coffee this creates. We have a Winco near us and use the Black Satin coffee beans. A morning ritual wherever we are!