So you’ve decided to purchase a Moka Pot. Congratulations! They are a great way to make coffee that is rich and flavorful. But with so many sizes and variations available, which one do you choose? Fear not, for I am here to guide you. Just follow my simple guide, and you’ll enjoy café-quality coffee in no time!
One of the first specialty coffee brewing devices I purchased after getting into the hobby was a Bialetti Moka Pot. I thought it would be a great way to make some better coffee without breaking the bank. Not only are they not that inexpensive, but they’re also incredibly simple to use once you get used to them.
But the first question anybody needs to answer is what Moka pot size do you need? Do you want a small, travel-sized one? Or do you need something a little bigger that can make enough coffee for a few people? Let’s find out what size is right for you!
What is a Moka Pot?
The humble Moka Pot is a device that uses pressure to extract coffee from ground coffee beans. It does this by heating water in the bottom chamber of the pot, which forces it up through a funnel-shaped screen and into the upper chamber, which contains the ground coffee.
Invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, the iconic stovetop espresso maker has become a classic piece of Italian kitchen equipment and can be found in almost every coffee lover’s home.
Most common versions are heated on the stovetop, but electric ones are also available. Durable and easy to clean, a Moka Pot is a great way to make café-quality coffee without spending a lot of money.
Check out our Moka pot buying guide to find your perfect pot.
How does a Moka pot work?
As I mentioned before, a Moka Pot uses pressure to extract coffee from ground coffee beans. It does this by heating water in the bottom chamber of the pot, which forces it up through a funnel-shaped screen and into the middle section, which contains the ground coffee in a filter basket.
The heated water causes the pressure to build up in the pot, which forces the coffee up through the second funnel-shaped section and into the top chamber, where it slowly streams out and is collected.
Unlike a drip coffee maker or coffee percolator, a Moka Pot doesn’t use a paper filter, so the final product contains some of the oils and sediments from the coffee grounds. This gives the coffee a richer flavor and a slightly thicker body than drip coffee.
Check out our Moka pot brewing guide to learn how to make the perfect pot!
Do Moka pots make espresso?
Moka pots do not make what is considered true espresso. Espresso is made by forcing very hot water (195-205 degrees Fahrenheit) through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a thick, rich beverage with high caffeine content and velvety crema.
Moka pots make very strong espresso-like coffee, a slightly less concentrated drink with lower caffeine content. However, some people believe that Moka pot coffee has a fuller flavor and a more decadent aroma than espresso. Or course, using the best espresso beans will give you a more traditional flavor as well.
Choose the right size Moka pot for your needs
When it comes to choosing the right Moka pot size, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider how many cups of coffee you want to make. If you’re only making one or two cups, a small Moka pot will suffice. However, if you’re looking to make a larger batch of coffee, then you’ll need to choose a larger pot. Secondly, think about the size of your stovetop. If you have a small stove, you’ll need to choose a smaller pot to fit comfortably on the burner. Finally, take into account your personal preferences. If you plan to drink multiple cups of strong coffee, then you may want to choose a larger pot.
How big is a cup in a Moka pot?
A standard cup in a Moka pot is about 2 ounces (or a traditional espresso shot size). This makes sense because the Moka pot is known for making stovetop espresso, a strong, concentrated coffee. If you want a weaker cup of coffee, then you can dilute it with some hot water and create an Americano. Or drink it straight from an espresso cup as it is traditionally served.
Small Moka Pots are great for coffee lovers on the go
They’re small, lightweight, and easy to pack with you on your travels or to a campsite. If you only need to make a single or double serving of coffee, then a small pot is the way to go.
A small Moka pot will only be able to make a few cups of coffee at a time, so if you’re looking to make more than that, you’ll need to go with a larger size.
Mid-sized Moka Pots are perfect for a couple of people
If you’re looking for something that can make more than a single cup of coffee but isn’t as large as a commercial-sized pot, then a mid-sized Moka Pot is perfect for you. They can typically make anywhere from 4 to 8 cups of coffee at a time, making them the ideal size for a small group of people.
Just like with the small pots, if you have a larger stovetop, you’ll need to choose a pot that is the appropriate size.
Large Moka Pots are great for making coffee for a group of people
If you’re looking to make coffee for a large group of people, you’ll need to go with a large Moka Pot. These pots can typically make anywhere from 8 to 12 cups of coffee, making them perfect for gatherings or parties.
Just like with the other sizes, if you have a smaller stovetop, you’ll need to choose a pot that is the appropriate size.
Things to keep in mind when choosing Moka pot sizes
As I mentioned earlier, the Moka pot cup is about 2 ounces, so if you’re looking to make a standard cup of coffee, then you’ll need about 7 grams of ground coffee per cup.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a Moka pot size is to make sure that it’s the right fit for your needs. Most Moka pots only allow you to make the specified amount of coffee at a time, so it’s important to choose the best pot for your particular situation.
You can’t put fewer coffee grounds in a large Moka pot and make less coffee. Because the system is designed to use pressure to brew, the amount of coffee required for a specific pot size is fixed. So, if you want to make a half pot of coffee, you’ll need to use a smaller Moka pot.
How often will you be using the Moka pot?
Another thing to consider is how often you’ll be using the Moka pot. If you only need to make coffee once in a while, then a small or mid-sized pot will be fine. However, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, you may want to invest in a large pot to make more coffee at once.
Do you want a portable or a static Moka pot coffee maker?
Finally, you’ll need to decide if you want a portable or a static Moka pot. Portable Moka coffee pots are typically smaller in size and are made out of lightweight materials, making them easy to take with you on the go. Static Moka Pots are larger and heavier, but they don’t have to be moved around once they’re in place.
Can you use an electric stove with a Moka pot?
Most Moka pots are also compatible with electric stoves, so if you’re not sure if your stove is compatible, be sure to check the product description before making a purchase.
The exception is induction electric stovetops. Induction stoves require a pot made out of a magnetic material, like stainless steel to work properly. Cast iron pots, which most Moka pots are made out of, are not compatible with induction stoves. You can buy a Moka coffee pot made of stainless steel, but they tend to be a bit more expensive.
There are also special induction plates that you can buy to make your regular Moka pot compatible with induction stovetops.
Can I make lattes with a Moka pot?
Of course! Moka pots make a strong espresso-like coffee that is perfect for lattes. All you need is a little bit of milk and some foam, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious latte.
I use my Bialetti Moka express all the time to make cappuccinos, cortados, and even macchiatos. There’s no limit to the types of coffee drinks that you can make with a Moka pot.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Moka pot size is important, but it’s not difficult. Just keep the things I mentioned in mind, and you’ll be able to find the perfect pot for your needs.
Of course, you can always buy multiple sizes if you’re unsure which one is right for you. I have a medium and large pot, and I use them both depending on how much coffee I need.
Moka pots are a great way to make coffee for a group of people, and they’re also very affordable. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make strong, delicious coffee for many people, a Moka pot is the way to go. Happy brewing!
