Moka pot size guide

A guide to choosing the right moka pot size, identifying your current moka pot, and finding compatible gaskets and parts.

Written by 

Yoji and Nathaniel

Published 

26 Jan 2024

Updated 

26 Jan 2024

Bialetti Moka Express size chart

Use this chart and table to differentiate between Bialetti Moka Express models by height, base width, and water volume.

The Ultimate Guide to Espresso Drinks — Poster

We designed a poster! Featuring 76 illustrated espresso drinks, this is one of the most extensive espresso posters available.

Bialetti Venus, Musa, and Kitty size chart

Use this chart and table to differentiate between Bialetti Musa, Venus, and Kitty by height, diameter, and water volume.

Bialetti Brikka, Induction, and others size chart

Bialetti make a lot of different moka pots. Exactly why they make so many is unclear. Here's some of the less popular models.

Why moka pot size matters

Moka pots are simple to use and make quality coffee, but they can only make a fixed amount. You shouldn't overfill or underfill them, so choosing the right size ensures you get the amount of coffee you need.

How moka pot size is measured

Moka pots use the terms "cups" or "tazza" for sizing, but these aren't the same as standard recipe cup sizes or a typical cup of coffee. One moka pot cup equals approximately 60 ml or 2.1 fl. oz., similar to a double espresso.

What is a tazza?

In Italian, "tazza" means "cup" or "mug." When talking about moka pots, an Italian invention, "tazza" is used to describe one serving, about 60ml. The term is often abbreviated as "tz" or referred to as "tasses" in French.

Which size moka pot should you buy?

Before we delve into the sizes it's important to note that the brand of moka pot does matter. Even though they mostly look the same they produce very different results. We've tested many brands and we got the best results from Bialetti and Alessi.

The Best Moka Pot — A Hands on Comparison and Review

Our review of 12 different moka pots (so far!)

We recommend Bialetti Moka Express:

• They invented the moka pot.
• Their iconic moka pot design has hardly changed since 1933.
• Their products last a very long time.
• Their popularity and consitent design means replacement parts and information are easy to find.
• Their moka pots produce great coffee.

Since Bialetti is our recommendation — and the most popular brand — we've concentrated our size guide on their products.

If you're looking for something really special — Alessi creates beatufiul moka pots. However, be prepared for a significantly higher cost and more difficulty in sourcing replacement parts.

What size moka pot for one person?

For one person, we recommend a 3-cup Moka Express. A cup is just 60 ml / 2.1 oz when it comes to moka pots, so this will allow you to brew one large mug of coffee. It's more versatile can be used to make two smaller cups if you have someone round.

Our recommendation

Bialetti Moka Express – 3 cups

Versatile, durable, affordable and makes great coffee, it's no surprise that this is the most popular stovetop coffee maker still today.

5out of5

Pros

• Easy to find spare parts
• Iconic design
• Durable
• Makes consistent coffee

• Check price on Amazon*
• Find used on eBay*

* If you make a purchase through these affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

If you like espresso-like coffee, the 1-cup moka pot is recommended, but you'll have to brew again for a more servings. For making two shots at once, opt for the 2-cup moka pot.

What size moka pot for two people?

For two people, we recommend the 6-cup Moka Express. The 3-cup and 4-cup versions yield only two small, espresso-like drinks. For larger mugs of coffee, the 6-cup size is more appropriate.

Our recommendation

Bialetti Moka Express – 6 cups

Versatile, durable, affordable and makes great coffee, it's no surprise that this is the most popular stovetop coffee maker still today.

5out of5

Pros

• Easy to find spare parts
• Iconic design
• Durable
• Makes consistent coffee

• Check price on Amazon*
• Find used on eBay*

* If you make a purchase through these affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

For those with induction stoves we also tested the Bialetti Moka Induction 6 cup with good results.

Bialetti Moka Induction Review

Our review of the Bialetti Moka Induction 6-cup model

What size moka pot for a big group?

For a large group, the 9 cup, 12 cup, and 18 cup are the sizes you should consider.

• The 9-cup provides three medium servings — which you can top up with a dash of milk.
• The 12 cup is great for 4 to 5 servings.
• The 18 cup one is huge and can serve for groups of over 5 people.

If you rarely need to serve large groups, a 6-cup moka pot or smaller is advised. Brewing in batches for infrequent large gatherings is better than compromising taste with a large pot for small servings, or wasting excess coffee.

If you regularly serve big groups we recommend the 12-cup.

The 18-cup moka pot is just a bit absurd — and it's harder to buy parts for.

How to tell what size moka pot you have?

Many moka pots look very similar except for their size. The easiest way to tell what size moka pot you have is to measure the volume of water you use to fill the lower chamber.

Measuring the volume of water

To measure the volume of water in your moka pot:

1. Fill the lower chamber up to the guide line.
2. Empty the water into a measuring jug.
3. Take note of how many millilitres (ml) the jug is filled to.
4. Compare the number of millilitres with the moka pot size charts above.
   

Measuring the height or diameter

If you don't have access to a measuring jug then the height and diameter of moka pots can help you determine which one you have.

Moka pot gasket size guide

It is strangely difficult to find information on the correct gasket sizes for moka pots. So we created a resource to help you find the right size:

Moka pot gasket size finder

Quickly and easily find the right sized gasket