The Complete Guide to Moka Pot Sizes

By Evelina •  Updated: 03/12/23 •  10 min read

The Short Answer:

There are five different Moka Pot-sizes. The traditional 1 cup size, 3 cup, 6 cup, 9 cup, and 12. A larger Moka Pot will obviously produce more coffee than a smaller one. But the most common choice among coffee lovers is usually the 3 cup size Moka Pot.

Moka pots are a type of stovetop espresso maker. They work by brewing coffee under pressure from steam that builds up in the pot, after being heated on a stove.

There are many different sizes to choose from and they differ based on how much coffee you want to make at once.

This post will cover each size of the Moka pot and what it is best for! Interested? Keep reading below!

1. The 1 Cup Size Moka Pot

Moka Pot Sizes - 1 cup Moka Pot

This is the traditional Moka pot. It’s small, but ideal for a single serving. If you’re looking to drink your coffee on the go or just have an extra-small cup of coffee in the morning time, this is the perfect choice for you!

All that’s needed is 3 minutes on the stove and you’ve got 1 cup of your favorite coffee.

This Moka Pot is easy to clean too! It saves a lot of time ensuring there isn’t any extra residue or sticky mess. This makes it ideal for anyone who doesn’t have much time in the morning!

Fun Fact: This is what you’ll find in most coffee shops nowadays. It’s a lot more time-efficient for them to make a Moka pot than using an espresso machine, and they don’t need a larger size! This Moka pot is made of aluminum or stainless steel and it is very lightweight.

2. The 3 Cup Size Moka Pot

moka pot sizes - 3 cup Moka Pot

This is a classic size among coffee drinkers. It’s the Moka pot most people are familiar with.

It’s worth noting that while this is the most common size, it’s still pretty small! This makes it great for a single person. If you need more coffee than 3 cups at once, though, you’ll have to look into the next two sizes!

The 3 cup is perfect for a single serving or 2 servings of coffee. The larger capacity also makes it perfect to use at dinner parties, as well as when your friends come over.

Not only that, but it’s also quite affordable! It is made almost entirely of stainless steel or aluminum so that it will last you a long time!

Read Also: Moka Pot Brewing Guide

3. The 6 Cup Size Moka Pot

stovetop coffee maker - 6 cup moka pot

This is the most common size for the bigger family. It’s perfect for an extra-large serving of coffee.

The 6-cup Moka Pot is made up of mostly stainless steel. This makes it long-lasting and extremely durable. It will also retain heat well, ensuring that your coffee stays warm until you’re finished.

The only downside it has is that it’s harder to clean than the smaller Moka pots, and you will need a bigger amount of coffee beans to make a full batch.

4. The 9 Cup Size Moka Pot

moka pot coffee with a 9 cup moka pot

This is for anyone that wants an even more impressive number of cups! The 9-cup size creates around 5 large coffee servings or 8 medium-sized ones. This is a fantastic option if you want to make coffee for a bigger family.

It is strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. It won’t break down easily and will allow you to brew a lot of coffee over time!

One downside is that it’s harder to clean than its smaller counterparts. It’s also a bit harder to find than the 1, 3, and 6 cup sizes, and you will need to wait longer for the hot water to boil. But if you’re looking for one, you can definitely find it!

Read Also: Moka Pot History

5. The 12 Cup Size Moka Pot

iconic 12 cup stovetop espresso maker

This is like the ultimate coffee pot! It has a lot of cups for anyone that wants to use it for large gatherings and/or big reunions!

The amount of cups it makes is astounding. You’ll have a lot of coffee to drink, no matter how many people you’re serving!

It can retain heat really well. It will keep your coffee hot until everyone is finished with it so that you can share the love with friends and family.

The only downside is that extra cups mean more waiting, and maybe your Moka pot will taste sour! It takes a bit longer to brew. So if you don’t have much time, this isn’t the best coffee pot for you.

Moka Pot Cups To Mugs

moka pot sizes - cups to mugs

Moka Pot cup sizes are different from that of a regular coffee mug. Mugs are bigger and hold more coffee than a cup.

Most people use a mug for their morning coffee, so when you brew coffee with the Moka Pot you will need to remember that a cup is around 115ml.

Watch the image above to see the difference between a cup and a mug. It’s not much, but it’s enough to make you think twice!

Tips And Tricks When Choosing A Moka Pot Size

bialetti moka pot

Now that you know all about the different Moka pot sizes, it’s time to learn how to choose the perfect one for you!

Here are a few tips and tricks that will help:

1. Know How Much Coffee You Need.

Knowing how much coffee you need is the most important factor in deciding a Moka pot size. This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential to keep in mind!

If you only drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day, then a 3 cup (0.71 liters) Moka pot is probably the best choice for you. If you drink more than that, or if you have friends over often, then a 6 cup (1.42 liters) Moka pot might be a better option.

2. Consider The Size Of Your Stovetop.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your stovetop. If you have a small one, then a smaller Moka pot might be a better choice. Likewise, if you have a large stovetop, then a larger Moka pot might be better.

3. Heat Retention.

If you want your coffee to stay hot for a long time, then you should choose a Moka pot that has good heat retention. Stainless steel is a great material for this, as it retains heat well.

Related Read: Can You Use A Moka Pot on An Electric Stove? Full Guide!

4. Ease Of Use.

You also want to make sure that the Moka pot you select is easy to use. If it’s your first time using a Moka pot, then it might be a good idea to decide on one that is simple and straightforward.

5. Price.

bialetti moka pot sizes

Of course, price is always a factor when choosing anything. Moka pots range in price from around $20 to $100 which is way cheaper than a drip coffee maker. It’s important to find one that is within your budget, but also remember that the quality of the Moka pot will affect the taste of your coffee.

6. Style.

Lastly, you might want to consider the style of the Moka pot when making your decision. There are many designs and styles available on the market, so find one that you like the look of!

Read Also: Moka Pot Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

delicious coffee with moka pot

How do you know what size Moka Pot to get?

You need to think about how much coffee you and/or your family drinks. If you’re making coffee for just yourself, then a 1 or 3-cup size is perfect for you.

A 6-cup Moka Pot will be good enough for a medium-sized family or a group of people who just drink a lot of coffee, like students and friends that get together to study.

How much coffee is in a 6-cup Moka?

delicious coffee with moka pot

A 6 cup Moka Pot will make around 3 mugs of coffee, with each cup 115ml. This is great if you like to share your coffee with friends!

Does size of Moka pot matter?

When it comes to choosing a Moka pot, size does matter. The larger the pot, the more coffee it can brew. If you frequently entertain guests or need to make large batches of coffee, a larger Moka pot is a good option. Conversely, if you only make coffee for yourself or don’t drink much caffeine, a smaller pot might be all you need. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which size Moka pot is right for your needs.

How do I know what size Moka pot I have?

It can be tough to determine the size of a Moka pot without the proper measurements. Most pots are stamped with their size on the bottom, but if your pot doesn’t have any markings, you can use a kitchen scale to measure it. Fill the pot with water up to the bottom chamber and then weigh it. The weight of the water will give you an approximation of the pot’s size.

Which size Moka Pot is best for one person?

A 3-cup size Moka Pot is best for one person. The pot is small enough to make a single serving but large enough to make a good cup of coffee. The 3-cup size is also the most popular size, so it’s easy to find.

Last Thoughts

In conclusion, the size of your Moka pot is determined by what you need to make.

If you’re making coffee for one or two people and want a quick cup, go with a smaller-sized. For cooking for 4-6 servings at once, use a 9-cup model as this will yield enough mugs per person without wasting any coffee grounds.

Larger pots are great if you plan on bringing lots of guests often because they can brew up to 12 cups worth of beverages in just minutes!

Whatever type of Moka pot best suits your needs and tastes, we hope that our guide has helped illuminate some key points about these delightful little machines. Good luck brewing!

Evelina

Evelina’s passion for coffee could never been hidden. Having worked as a barista, she learned the true value of the coffee bean and its secrets. As she continued to evolve as a barista, so did her knowledge, techniques on making different coffee blends and most importantly how to operate every kind of gear when it comes to coffee. Having a degree in biomedicine and being a barista, allows her to provide our community with in-depth knowledge surrounding the topics of coffee.

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