Bialetti Moka Express

The Icon of Italian Coffee Culture

You can't talk about Italian coffee without mentioning the Bialetti Moka Express. Found in over 90% of Italian homes, this legendary stovetop coffee maker carries nearly a century of heritage, and its patented safety valve and octagonal aluminium base remain unchanged since it first defined how Italy makes coffee at home.

Rich, Full-Bodied Espresso-Style Coffee

The octagonal base distributes heat evenly for a richer, more consistent brew than instant or filter coffee can offer. Simply add water, fill the funnel with ground coffee, and place it on the heat — the Moka Express does the rest, producing a thick, full-bodied espresso-style coffee with intense flavour. It's also the perfect base for milkier drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Choosing Your Size

Bialetti's cup sizes are based on the traditional 2oz (60ml) taza, not a standard UK mug. For a single mug-sized brew, a 3 or 4 cup Moka Express is ideal; the 6 cup is the best-seller for making two mugs at once.

Dimensions

Country of origin: Italy. Material: aluminium body, stainless steel filter, silicone and plastic components. Widths quoted are for the base without handle.

1 Cup: 13.5cm (H) x 7cm (W), 0.23kg, approx. 60ml serving.
2 Cup: 14.5cm (H) x 8cm (W), 0.32kg, approx. 90ml serving.
3 Cup: 16cm (H) x 9cm (W), 0.39kg, 130ml serving.
4 Cup: 18cm (H) x 9.5cm (W), 0.54kg, approx. 185ml serving.
6 Cup: 21.5cm (H) x 10.5cm (W), 0.65kg, approx. 250ml serving.
9 Cup: 24.5cm (H) x 11.5cm (W), 0.93kg, approx. 410ml serving.
12 Cup: 28.5cm (H) x 13.5cm (W), 1.2kg, approx. 595ml serving.
18 Cup: 32cm (H) x 13.5cm (W), 1.3kg, approx. 800ml serving.

How To Use

Fill the lower chamber with water to just below the safety valve, or to the max fill line where fitted. Fill the funnel with ground coffee without tamping it down, then screw the top and bottom together and place on a gas or electric hob. As soon as it starts to gurgle, your coffee is ready. Always brew a full pot for your chosen size — don't half-fill a 6 cup expecting 3 cups' worth.

Care Instructions

Clean with warm water and a 3:1 water-to-vinegar solution rather than detergent, then rinse thoroughly with plain water and dry all parts completely before storing. Never put it in the dishwasher. Don't let the flame extend beyond the sides of the pot when heating, and let the base cool before cleaning. Move the knob at the centre of the safety valve weekly to prevent limescale build-up. Use only genuine Bialetti spare parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coffee grind should I use?
A consistent fine-to-medium grind — finer than a cafetiere grind but not as fine as espresso. A stovetop-specific ground coffee such as Bialetti's Perfetto Moka is ideal, or grind fresh whole beans to the same consistency.

Can I use the Moka Express on an induction hob?
No — its aluminium body and octagonal base aren't induction-compatible. Use a Bialetti induction-friendly stovetop coffee maker, or an induction adapter plate to keep using this one.

Is the Moka Express still made in Italy?
Yes — it's made in Coccaglio, near Bergamo, where Bialetti continues to invest in craftsmanship and production quality.

Can I buy replacement parts?
Yes — gaskets, filters and handles are all available separately. We recommend replacing the gasket and filter roughly every 12 months, more or less often depending on use.

How much water should I use?
Fill to just below the safety valve or to the max fill line where fitted, and always brew the full amount for your pot's size rather than a partial fill.

An Italian Classic, Made to Last

With proper care, a Bialetti Moka Express can last for decades, making it one of the most enduring and reliable ways to bring genuine Italian coffee culture into your kitchen.