What Size Bialetti for One Person? A Quick Guide for the Perfect Solo Brew
If you love rich, authentic stovetop coffee but only need a single cup each morning, you’re probably wondering: what size Bialetti for one person is best?
At Kayrin Coffees, we stock a wide range of Biatelli (also spelt Bialetti) stovetop coffee makers to suit every routine — whether you’re sipping solo or brewing for a crowd. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the ideal Bialetti Moka pot size for one person, explain how it works, and highlight the best Bialetti coffee makers available in South Africa.
Explore our full Bialetti range
How Moka Pots Work
The Biatelli moka pot is a classic Italian stovetop espresso maker that brews strong, aromatic coffee using steam pressure. As water in the bottom chamber heats up, it’s forced up through finely ground coffee and collects in the top chamber, producing a bold, espresso-like cup.
Whether you’re a purist or new to stovetop brewing, Bialetti coffee makers are a brilliant, eco-friendly way to enjoy café-quality coffee at home — without pods or expensive machines.
What Size Bialetti for One Person?
For solo coffee drinkers, size really does matter. Here’s a quick breakdown of Bialetti sizes and what they deliver:
| Bialetti Size | Approx. Yield | Perfect For |
| 1 Cup | 60 ml | Espresso-style single shot |
| 2 Cup | 90–100 ml | Double espresso or long black |
| 3 Cup | 130 ml | Fuller cup or slightly larger dose |
For most solo drinkers, we recommend:
Bialetti Moka Express 1 Cup – if you love a quick, concentrated espresso-style coffee.
Bialetti Moka Express 2 Cup – for a slightly longer brew or to enjoy an Americano-style coffee with hot water added.
Remember: Bialetti coffee makers are designed to be used full. So brewing a 3-cup pot with only enough coffee and water for 1 cup won’t deliver great results. Choose a size that matches your daily routine.
Best Single-Serve Bialetti Coffee Makers
At Kayrin Coffees, we stock a curated collection of Biatelli moka pots perfect for one.
Bialetti Moka Express 1 Cup
The smallest option, perfect for those who enjoy a short, strong shot of coffee with a smooth crema and bold body.
Bialetti Moka Express 2 Cup
Great if you want a bit more volume or like to stretch your coffee with water or milk. Compact and fast-heating.
Bialetti Venus
A sleek, stainless steel alternative compatible with induction stoves, available in smaller cup sizes.
All of these are authentic Bialetti South Africa models — no imitations, just original Italian craftsmanship.
How to Make Coffee with a Bialetti
No need for barista training — using your Bialetti moka pot is simple:
- Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve.
- Add ground coffee (medium-fine grind) to the filter basket. Don’t tamp it.
- Assemble the pot and place it over medium heat.
- Wait for the bubbling sound – once it stops, your coffee is ready!
- Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, stovetop brew.
Need stovetop-suitable coffee? Browse our ground coffee range for the perfect moka pot grind.
Choosing the Right Bialetti Parts and Accessories
To keep your Bialetti coffee maker running smoothly, you’ll want to replace the gasket and filter regularly — especially if you notice leaking or loss of pressure.
Check our Bialetti Gasket & Filter Sets to find the right fit. You can also refer to the Bialetti gasket size chart on each product page for easy reference.
Ready for the perfect Biatelli coffee?
So, what size Bialetti for one person? The answer: 1 or 2 cup models are your go-to choices. They’re compact, affordable, and brew just the right amount for your daily dose of delicious.
Whether you’re new to moka pots or upgrading your current setup, Kayrin Coffees has everything you need — from Bialetti coffee makers and parts to freshly roasted beans that shine in a stovetop brew. Shop the full Bialetti collection here