Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups – classic espresso maker/moka pot

Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups – the classic Italian moka pot

The Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups is the iconic Italian aluminum moka pot, based on the classic Moka Express design from 1933.

The distinctive octagonal shape, the black handle, and Bialetti's safety valve make the Moka Express easily recognizable.

The 4-cup model brews approximately 185 ml of concentrated moka pot coffee and is well-suited for you if you want a bit more coffee than from the smaller Moka Express models, without opting for a large pot.

Why choose the Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups

• The classic original Bialetti Moka Express
• Capacity of approx. 185 ml
• Made of aluminum
• Iconic octagonal design
• Ergonomic nylon handle
• Bialetti safety valve
• Suitable for gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops
• Can be used on induction when paired with Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm
• Brews without capsules and paper filters
• Made in Italy

See our full selection of espresso pots and moka pots.

How much coffee does the Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups make?

Bialetti indicates a capacity of approximately 185 ml of brewed coffee.

The designation 4 cups does not refer to four standard mugs of coffee. Bialetti uses small moka pot/espresso cups as a size reference.

Moka pot coffee is also more concentrated than regular drip coffee and is therefore typically served in smaller portions.

The 4-cup model is a good fit if you:

• want a medium-sized portion of moka pot coffee
• are brewing for one or two people
• want coffee for one or more milk-based drinks
• find that a 2- or 3-cup model is too small

Does the Moka Express brew real espresso?

Even though the Moka Express is often called an espresso pot, it does not brew traditional espresso like an espresso machine.

When the water is heated in the bottom container, pressure builds up, forcing the water through the ground coffee and into the top of the pot.

The result is an intense and concentrated moka pot coffee, but the brewing takes place at a lower pressure than classic espresso.

If you want help with dosing, grind size, and brewing technique, you can read our guide to coffee with a moka pot and espresso pot.

Can the Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups be used on induction?

Not directly.

The classic Moka Express is made of aluminum and is therefore not inherently compatible with induction stovetops.

If you have induction, you can use a Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm between the stovetop and the moka pot.

The induction plate is heated by the stove and transfers the heat to the aluminum pot.

If you want a moka pot that can be used directly on an induction stove without an adapter, you can see our selection of espresso pots and moka pots.

What grind size should be used?

A medium-fine grind is a good starting point for the Moka Express.

The coffee should be:

• finer than regular drip coffee
• coarser than traditional espresso
• gritty rather than powdery fine

Fill the filter basket loosely and evenly.

The coffee should not be tamped.

If the brewing process is very slow, or if the coffee becomes bitter, you can try a slightly coarser grind.

If the result seems thin, you can try a slightly finer grind.

A good coffee grinder makes it easier to find and repeat the grind size you prefer.

How to use the Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups

1. Fill the bottom container with water
Fill with water to just below the safety valve.

2. Insert the filter basket
Place the filter basket into the bottom container.

3. Add coffee
Fill the basket loosely with medium-fine ground coffee.

The coffee should not be pressed or tamped.

4. Screw the Moka Express together
Screw the upper and lower sections together securely.

Avoid using the handle as leverage when tightening or loosening the pot.

5. Place the moka pot on the stove
Use low to medium heat.

On gas, the flame must be kept under the base and must not go up along the sides.

If using induction, place the Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm between the stove and the Moka Express.

6. Remove the pot from the heat
When the coffee has moved up into the top container, remove the moka pot from the heat.

Avoid letting it boil or sputter unnecessarily long, as this can result in a harsher and more bitter taste.

Which coffee beans are suitable for the Moka Express?

You can use different roast levels.

Medium-roasted coffee beans are a good starting point if you want a balance between sweetness, body, and the character of the coffee.

If you prefer a more robust and classic flavor profile, you can try dark-roasted coffee beans.

Lighter roasts can also be used if you prefer more acidity and distinct fruity flavor notes.

Moka Express in aluminum

The classic Bialetti Moka Express is made of aluminum.

This is one of the differences between the Moka Express and, for example, the Bialetti Venus, which is made of stainless steel.

The aluminum version can be used directly on gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops, while induction requires a compatible adapter like the Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm.

Which size Moka Express should I choose?

Moka Express is available in several sizes, and the most important thing is to choose according to the amount of coffee you normally wish to brew.

2 cups: approx. 90 ml
3 cups: approx. 130 ml
4 cups: approx. 185 ml
6 cups: approx. 250 ml

The 4-cup model therefore sits in the middle between the small models and the larger 6-cup variant.

Cleaning the Bialetti Moka Express

Let the moka pot cool down after brewing.

Unscrew the parts, remove the coffee grounds, and wash the parts in warm water.

The Bialetti Moka Express must not be washed in the dishwasher.

Let the parts dry completely before reassembling the pot.

Also check the following regularly:

• the gasket
• the filter
• the safety valve
• the coffee outlet in the upper container

so old coffee residues do not accumulate.

Before first use

Before the Bialetti Moka Express is used for the first time, all parts should be washed in warm water.

Bialetti also recommends that the first three brews be discarded before the moka pot is used for coffee to be consumed.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Bialetti
Series: Moka Express
Size: 4 cups
Capacity: Approx. 185 ml of brewed coffee
Material: Aluminum
Height: Approx. 18 cm
Base width: Approx. 9.5 cm
Handle and knob: Nylon
Induction: Not directly – can be used with Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm
Gas: Yes
Electric stovetop: Yes
Ceramic stovetop: Yes
Safety valve: Yes
Dishwasher: No – hand washing recommended
Made in Italy: Yes

Frequently asked questions about the Bialetti Moka Express 4 cups

How many ml does the Moka Express 4 cups make?

Bialetti indicates approximately 185 ml of brewed coffee.

Is 4 cups the same as four standard mugs of coffee?

No. Bialetti uses small moka pot cups as a size reference.

Can the Moka Express 4 cups be used on induction?

Not directly. It can be used on induction together with the Bialetti Induction Plate 13 cm.

What grind size should I use?

A medium-fine grind is a good starting point.

Should the coffee be tamped?

No. The coffee is filled loosely and evenly into the filter basket without being pressed together.

Is the Moka Express made of stainless steel?

No. The classic Moka Express is made of aluminum.

Can the Moka Express go in the dishwasher?

No. Bialetti recommends hand washing in warm water.

How big is the Moka Express 4 cups?

It is approximately 18 cm tall, and the base measures approximately 9.5 cm at the widest point.

Does the Moka Express brew real espresso?

No. It brews concentrated moka pot coffee at a lower pressure than a traditional espresso machine.