Stove-top Espresso Maker Size Guide
Stove-top espresso makers are measured by cup size e.g. Bialetti Moka Express 3 Cup. However, this does not mean that this stove-top espresso maker will brew three full cups of espresso. Instead each cup measurement refers to one shot of espresso: typically between 28-43ml/1-1.5oz, approximately equivalent to half an espresso cup. So a '3 Cup' size stove-top espresso maker will make a triple shot which is enough to fill one and a half espresso cups.
| Size | Approx. capacity | No. of full espresso cups |
No. of persons ideal to use for* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Cup | 90ml/3oz | 1 | 1 |
| 3 Cup | 135ml/4.5oz | 1.5 | 1-2 |
| 4 Cup | 180ml/6oz | 2 | 2-3 |
| 6 Cup | 270ml/9oz | 3 | 3-4 |
| 9 Cup | 405ml/13.5oz | 4.5 | 4-6 |
| 10 Cup | 450ml/15oz | 5 | 5-8 |
| 12 Cup | 540ml/18oz | 6 | 6-10 |
*This is only a guide - If you're planning to add lots of milk, like for a cappuccino or latte, then you may find a 3 cup is enough for 3 people.
Stove-top espresso makers work optimally at full capacity. However, they can be used with less water and coffee, so you're not restricted to using it at full capacity all the time. We recommend, from a taste perspective, not using it at less than 2/3 capacity.
