The Moka pot was first introduced in 1933 by an Italian engineer, Alfonso Bialetti[1], and quickly became a staple kitchen device in every Italian home.
Now, the Moka pot is available worldwide, allowing anyone to enjoy real Italian coffee at home.
If you're considering buying this device at home, you're probably wondering what's the right Moka pot size for you.
We know how confusing their sizes are, but don't worry. We're here to help.
In this article, we will discuss the different Moka pot sizes and how to choose Moka pot size for your needs. Let's jump in!
Moka Pot Sizes Explained and Compared
Size | How many ML | How Many Ounces |
|---|---|---|
1 cup Moka pot | 59.1 ml | 2 fl. oz |
3 cup Moka pot | 177.4 ml | 6 fl. oz |
6 cup Moka pot | 295.7 ml | 10 fl. oz |
9 cup Moka pot | 532.3 ml | 18 fl. oz |
12 cup Moka pot | 739.34 ml | 25 fl. oz |
Important reminder: The cups used in measuring Moka pot sizes are espresso cups and are much smaller than regular cups.
1 Cup Size
This is the traditional size of the Moka pot. It's the smallest size and is recommended for a single serving.
This 1 cup Moka pot is perfect for those who only drink one cup of coffee a day or those who like to brew fresh coffee whenever they feel like having a drink.
Moka pot coffee maker is also a perfect alternative device to brew espresso. Think of it as a small espresso pot; it can help you make espresso-style coffee even without the machine.
This can also be an excellent choice for those who like to brew strong coffee, especially if you're always on the go and just want something quick.
But for regular coffee drinkers who enjoy more than one cup of coffee, this isn't the Moka pot for you.
It can only make an espresso cup for serving, so you'll surely end up brewing more after each cup, and that's a waste of time. It's better to buy a larger Moka pot to accommodate your coffee needs.
3 Cup Size
If you're looking for the best size Moka pot for one, this is the best choice.
Even though it's advertised as a 3-cup Moka pot, the cup size they use is made for espresso and not a regular coffee mug.
That's why we recommend this size for coffee lovers who drink multiple cups of coffee a day or those who like drinking in a large mug.
This Moka pot size is also perfect for couples who enjoy their morning cup together, given that they don't drink much coffee.
If a single cup isn't enough for a single person, you may need to look for a bigger pot to ensure you're both well-caffeinated.
6 Cup Size
The 6-cup Moka pot size is great for those looking to brew coffee for a group. It can make up to 300 ml of coffee, enough for at least three people.
As an alternative espresso machine, this size can also help you create many espresso-based drinks, especially if you're hosting dinner parties and want to impress your guests.
We also recommend this size for couples who drink more than one cup of coffee a day. However, for a single person, this size may be too big.
If you have plans to invite people over for coffee or drink a lot of coffee throughout the day (no judgment!), this could still be a good choice.
Make sure you don't brew too much for yourself if you don't have guests, so you won't waste coffee grounds.
One thing you should note about this 6-cup size Moka pot is it's a bit bulky compared to a smaller pot.
It's 8 ½ inches or 22 cm tall, which can be challenging to store, mainly if you have limited space. But if you have the storage space, this wouldn't be a problem.
9 Cup Size
The second largest Moka pot is the 9-cup size. This is perfect for brewing coffee for larger groups.
This size of Moka pot is also ideal for households with more than two coffee drinkers. Like the previous size, it's also bulky, standing 10 inches or 25 cm tall.
So, make sure you have enough space to store this stovetop espresso maker before you purchase one.
In addition to storage challenges, you should also be aware of its weight. Compared to a smaller Moka pot, this large Moka pot is heavier. It also requires more time to make coffee.
If your household is always busy in the morning or you're having people over for coffee, make sure you plan and start making coffee early.
12 Cup Size
Last but definitely not least is the 12-cup Moka pot. This is the one you need if you're looking for a Moka pot coffee maker, perfect for big crowds.
It's also the biggest Moka pot you can find in the market today.
Like the other big stovetop brewer, storing this can also be challenging. It's 11 ½ inches or 29 cm tall, which can be a problem if you have a small kitchen space.
This one is more difficult to find out of all the Moka pot sizes available. The same with a 1-cup Moka pot.
This is because it's pretty rare to find people who want to brew a lot of coffee all at once--unless it's for an office or a meeting.
But then again, offices don't usually have stoves, so this device isn't really an option for them.
But if you like hosting dinner parties or have a big household, this is a suitable device.
Why Does Getting The Right Moka Pot Size Matter?
If you're wondering whether the size of a Moka pot matters, the answer is yes, it does. If you want delicious coffee every morning, you must have the right brewing device size.
If you don't, making coffee in the morning will be a chore, and nobody wants that.
As a coffee lover, you need a Moka pot cup size that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you drink less coffee, you don't want to end up having a large cup.
Not only will it be difficult to brew the right amount of coffee, but you'll also waste storage in your kitchen.
Another reason you should get the right size is to brew the perfect cup. After all, you want a Moka pot to experience real Italian coffee, and you don't want its size limiting you from experiencing that.
Unlike other brewing devices, Moka pots should be completely filled. If you don't, you might end up with a bad cup. It is designed to have the correct water-to-coffee ratio.
So, filling it with less than its capacity can restrict it from giving you high-quality coffee. That's why the size matters.
Lastly, the best way to enjoy your Moka pot coffee is to drink it fresh. If you end up making extra cups that you can't consume right away, you'll end up with a stale cup since coffee loses its flavor minutes after the brewing process.
If you get a bigger one that doesn't fit your coffee drinking habits, you'll end up with extra coffee that you'll probably end up throwing.
What Makes A Moka Pot Special? (They're More Than Just Cute!)
Yeah, we get it. Moka pots are cute, especially the smaller ones. But they're more than just eye candies.
This compact Italian-made brewing device allows users to create espresso-style coffee without needing a large, expensive, high-maintenance machine.
When you brew a coffee in a Moka pot, you get an intense and flavorful cup, different from the ones you get from a drip coffee maker.
However, espresso fans argue that it lacks crema, while other enthusiasts think it has a burnt taste that's quite off-putting.
Also See - Starbucks Cup Sizes Explained
How Does a Moka Pot Work?
A Moka pot is made of three chambers: one for water, another one for the grounds, and the last one is made for the brewed coffee called the filter basket, which includes the gasket.
This brewing device relies on the pressure generated by the stovetop steam, building up from the lowest chamber, going up through the coffee grounds, and finally making its way to the last chamber.
To understand it better, here's how to brew coffee in a Moka pot:
First, you'll need:
Once you have everything ready, begin brewing by:
- 1Fill the bottom chamber with water or hot water up to the safety valve. If you don't like the "burnt" taste some Moka pots give, the best way to do this is pre-boil the water and put hot water instead of room temperature water. Preheating decreases the time the coffee grounds are in contact with the water, preventing it from producing a burnt flavor. Just be careful, as the pot can get really hot.
- 2Then, place the funnel into the cup. If water enters the funnel, pour out the excess water.
- 3Next, fill the second chamber with finely ground coffee. Don't overcrowd the chamber. Otherwise, the steam will find it difficult to get through the top chamber.
- 4After that, screw the top chamber tightly.
- 5Then, place it on the stove over medium heat. If you're using a gas stove, make sure that the flame is not bigger than the pot itself, or else the handle will be exposed to heat, and it'll be hard to put the coffee in. If you have an induction cooker, this device is compatible.
- 6Now, this is where the magic happens. As the water in the bottom chamber begins to boil, the pressure from the boiling water will push the coffee up into the upper chamber. You will hear a hissing, gurgling sound once it's done. Immediately turn the heat off and let the coffee flow to the upper chamber. Once done, pour and enjoy your coffee!
Note: You can still use cold water for your Moka pot. However, you need to use more heat before the pressure builds up. This may take a while, and not recommended for those who don't have enough time to make their coffee.
Do Moka Pots Make Espresso?
The short answer is yes, Moka pots can make espresso, especially if you're using the 1 cup Moka pot size. That's why it's also known as a stovetop espresso maker.
So, if you want to make your own coffee drinks at home using espresso, you can do so with a Moka pot.
If you want to make a double espresso shot, some brands like Bialetti Moka pot offer 2-cup Moka pots. However, they're pretty rare to find.
Related Article - Moka Pot Vs Aeropress Compared
Tips & Tricks For Selecting The Best Moka Pot
Now that you know the different Moka pot sizes, it's time to learn how you can find the best size for you. Here are some factors that you should consider:
Know How Much Coffee You Consume
How many cups do you consume per day?
This is the most crucial question you should ask yourself.
Smaller pots are out of the picture if you are an intense coffee drinker who needs to have multiple cups a day. However, if you enjoy espresso coffee drinks, a small Moka pot is perfect.
Another thing you need to check is how big your typical cup is. If your coffee mug is huge, you might need to get a larger pot to accommodate your caffeine needs.
Consider The Size Of Your Stovetop
The next thing you should check is your stovetop size. Do you have a small stovetop or a larger one?
If you have a small one, stick with smaller sizes. But if you have a large stovetop, you can consider buying a bigger size, given that it fits your needs.
Related Article - Moka Pot On Electric Stove - Is It Possible?
Heat Retention
Some Moka pots can stay hot for a long time, so if you want something that can keep your coffee hot for a while, get one with good heat retention, and look for ones made out of stainless steel.
Ease Of Use
If you're a first-time Moka pot user, you should buy one that's easy to use, especially if you brew daily.
Various devices are straightforward. However, if you have been using a Moka pot for a while, you can skip this tip.
Also See - Keurig Cup Size Guide
Price
This is probably one of the most critical factors you need to consider. This brewing device can range from $20 to $100, depending on the size and material.
A small size Moka pot is cheaper than larger ones. Don't just buy something because it's cheap.
You might end up buying one that doesn't fit your needs. Remember, the price is essential, but it's not the deciding factor.
Knowing the correct size you need and find one that fits your budget, not the other way around.
Style
While style is not as important as the other factors, it's still something that you should look at.
There are tons of designs and styles you can choose from. However, they may be more expensive than the original style.
If you're not too picky with style, the traditional look is for you. It's also cheaper than those with designs.
Related Article - French Press Sizes Explained
Frequently Asked Moka Pot Sizing Questions
How do you maintain your Moka Pot?
After cleaning your Moka pot, make sure it's dry before storing it. If it's not, gray marks may appear on it.
This is also a low-maintenance coffee maker. The only thing you need to check (apart from cleaning it every after use) is its gasket. If it's melted or dry, change it.
Can I make 3 cups of coffee in a 6-cup Moka pot?
Yes, it can make three standard-sized cups as size guides refer to the maximum amount of cups and you can make any number below that amount.
How do I know what size my current Moka pot is?
Fill your Moka Pot's bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve/ Then pour the water into a measuring cup to view how many ounces it is.
Is Moke coffee stronger than French Press?
Yes, it can make stronger coffee than French press coffee but not as intense as espresso and cold brew.
How long does it take coffee to brew in a Moka pot?
Usually around 3 to 4 minutes, but this can also depend on the water temperature you use.
What are the most popular Moka pot brands?
The two most popular Moka pot brands are Bialetti Moka Express pot and Pezzetti Moka pot.
Conclusion - Now You Know Your Size!
Moka pots are genuinely an excellent device for making great coffee.
Also known as stovetop espresso makers, this device allows you to make the best coffee drinks without an espresso machine.
Hopefully, this buying and size guide can help you find the right Moka pot size!
Also See - Chemex Coffee Sizes
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_pot
