Bialetti Moka Express 1-Cup - £25

Last updated: 21 April 2026

About the Bialetti Moka 1-cup

The Bialetti Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, designed by Alfonso Bialetti in Italy in 1933 and reportedly inspired by the boiler-based washing machines his wife used. The distinctive octagonal aluminium shape has remained virtually unchanged for over 90 years and is held in the permanent design collections of the MoMA in New York and the Triennale di Milano. The 1-cup version is the smallest in the range, producing a single 60ml (2oz) serving, which is roughly one espresso cup.

Bialetti is still manufactured in Italy. The 1-cup Moka Express suits solo coffee drinkers who want a single strong cup in the morning rather than a full pot.

Key features

• Polished aluminium body, made in Italy
• Single 60ml (2oz) espresso-cup capacity
• Patented safety valve, inspectable and easy to clean
• Suitable for gas and electric hobs
• Compatible with induction hobs only with a separate Bialetti induction plate adapter
• Brew time around 4 to 5 minutes
• Hand-wash only, not dishwasher safe

How the Moka pot works

The Moka pot brews coffee using steam pressure. Cold water fills the bottom chamber up to the safety valve, a funnel filter holds ground coffee in the middle, and the top chamber collects the brew. When placed on a hob, the heated water rises as steam pressure pushes it through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber, where the finished brew collects. The process takes around 4 to 5 minutes and produces a coffee stronger than filter but slightly weaker than a true espresso-machine shot. Bialetti themselves recommend avoiding detergent when cleaning, so the natural patina builds up inside over time and subtly shapes the flavour of future brews.

Pricing

The Bialetti Moka Express 1-cup retails around £25 on Amazon UK at the time of writing. Prices vary, so check the listing before buying. Bialetti is also sold through John Lewis and other major UK retailers.

See on Amazon UK

Who it's suitable for

The 1-cup Moka Express suits solo coffee drinkers who want a strong single cup in the morning. It's compact enough to take travelling or camping where a gas stove is available, and it makes a common gift for design-object enthusiasts. The full Bialetti range goes up to 18-cup versions, so if the person you're buying for regularly shares coffee with a partner or household, sizing up to the 3-cup or 6-cup is often a better fit.

Frequently asked questions

How much coffee does the 1-cup Bialetti make?

The 1-cup Moka Express makes a single 60ml (2oz) serving. This is one espresso-sized cup rather than a standard UK mug. If the person you're buying for prefers a larger mug of coffee, the 3-cup (130ml) version is a better fit.

Does the Bialetti Moka work on induction hobs?

The standard aluminium Moka Express does not work directly on induction hobs. It requires a Bialetti induction adapter plate, which is sold separately. Alternatively, Bialetti offers stainless steel versions (such as the New Venus and Moka Induction) that are induction-compatible out of the box.

Is the Moka pot the same as espresso?

Not technically. A Moka pot brews at 1 to 2 bar of pressure, whereas true espresso machines operate at around 9 bar. The resulting coffee is stronger than a drip brew but slightly less concentrated than espresso, with a smoother crema.

Can you put a Bialetti in the dishwasher?

No. Bialetti specifically recommend hand-washing the Moka Express with water only, not detergent. Dishwasher cycles damage the aluminium and affect the taste of future brews. Letting a light patina build up inside the pot is part of the ritual and actually improves flavour over time.

How long does a Bialetti Moka Express last?

With proper care (hand-wash only, periodic gasket replacement), a Bialetti Moka Express lasts for decades. Replacement gaskets and filter plates are sold separately and extend the lifespan significantly.

See on Amazon UK

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