What Is the Best Size Lobster to Buy? A Simple Guide

Choosing lobster for the first time can raise a surprisingly difficult question: what size lobster should you actually buy?

Is a bigger lobster always better? How much do you need for one person? And should you choose several medium-sized lobsters or one particularly large lobster?

At Tenby Lobster Co., our standard live Welsh lobsters average approximately 800g each, making them a generous choice for a special meal.

Here's how to choose the right lobster for your table.

What Size Lobster Is Best to Eat?

There's no single perfect size because it depends on how you're serving it.

For a whole lobster served as the centrepiece of a meal, an approximately 800g lobster provides a substantial individual serving.

Remember that the stated weight is the weight of the whole lobster, including the shell. You won't get 800g of lobster meat from an 800g whole lobster.

If you're serving several courses or sharing lobster alongside other seafood and dishes, you may require less per person.

Our How Much Lobster Do You Need Per Person? guide goes into portion planning in more detail.

Is a Bigger Lobster Better?

Not necessarily.

A bigger lobster certainly creates an impressive centrepiece, but size alone doesn't determine whether you'll enjoy your meal.

Standard-sized lobsters are particularly convenient when you're serving one whole lobster to each guest because everyone receives their own tail and claws.

A larger lobster can work brilliantly when you're creating a sharing meal or want something particularly impressive for the centre of the table.

How Much Does a Tenby Lobster Co. Lobster Weigh?

Our standard lobsters average approximately 800g each.

Because lobster is a natural product rather than a manufactured item, exact individual weights can vary.

We also source larger lobsters over 1.2kg, subject to availability.

If you require a particular quantity or are planning a large event, you can contact Tenby Lobster Co. to discuss your requirements.

Is an 800g Lobster Enough for One Person?

For many people, an approximately 800g whole lobster makes a generous main course, particularly when served with accompaniments.

You could serve it with new potatoes, seasonal vegetables, salad, fresh bread and lemon.

For more inspiration, see What to Serve with Lobster: The Best Side Dishes & Pairings.

Appetite and menu style vary, however, so consider what else you're serving rather than relying on weight alone.

What Size Lobster Should I Buy for Two People?

For a lobster dinner for two, serving one whole lobster each makes the meal simple and impressive.

Our The Coastal Duo contains two live Welsh lobsters, making it an ideal option for couples, anniversaries, date nights and special dinners for two.

Add some simple sides and a bottle of wine or Champagne and you have the foundations of a memorable meal at home.

Our What Wine Goes with Lobster? guide can help with the drinks.

How Many Lobsters Do I Need for Three People?

If you'd like to serve a whole lobster to each guest, three people would naturally require three lobsters.

Our The Tenby Signature contains three live lobsters, with an approximate combined lobster weight of 2.4kg based on our average sizes.

It's well suited to smaller family meals and intimate celebrations.

What About Four People?

For four guests, The Pembrokeshire Luxe contains four live lobsters, approximately 3.2kg combined based on average weights.

That allows you to serve a whole lobster to each person without having to divide the main event between guests.

What Size Lobster Order Do I Need for a Dinner Party?

For larger gatherings, think about the style of meal you're creating.

If lobster is the main attraction, serving one whole lobster per person creates an impressive presentation and makes portioning straightforward.

Our The Pembrokeshire Grand contains six live lobsters and is designed with larger gatherings and dinner parties in mind.

For more planning advice, read How to Plan the Perfect Lobster Dinner Party.

Should I Buy One Large Lobster or Several Smaller Lobsters?

That depends on the experience you want to create.

Several individual lobsters work particularly well when each guest will receive their own whole lobster.

One or more larger lobsters can be useful when you're creating a sharing platter, extracting the meat for recipes or looking for a dramatic centrepiece.

If you're interested in large lobsters over 1.2kg, availability can vary, so it's worth contacting us before planning your meal around a specific size.

Does Lobster Size Affect Cooking Time?

Yes.

Larger lobsters generally require longer cooking than smaller lobsters, which is why you shouldn't use one fixed cooking time for every lobster regardless of weight.

If you're preparing whole lobster for the first time, read How to Cook a Whole Lobster at Home before you begin.

If you're serving several lobsters, try to cook similarly sized lobsters together so their cooking requirements are more consistent.

How Much Lobster Should I Order for Christmas?

Christmas meals can be slightly different because lobster is often served alongside other dishes.

Some people serve a whole lobster per guest, while others incorporate lobster into a larger seafood spread.

Lobster also makes a particularly luxurious alternative to a traditional Christmas meal.

For ideas, see Lobster for Christmas Dinner: A Luxury Christmas Alternative.

Choosing Your Tenby Lobster Box

We've made the choice straightforward by offering boxes based around different numbers of lobsters:

The Coastal Duo — 2 live lobsters, approximately 1.6kg combined.

The Tenby Signature — 3 live lobsters, approximately 2.4kg combined.

The Pembrokeshire Luxe — 4 live lobsters, approximately 3.2kg combined.

The Pembrokeshire Grand — 6 live lobsters for larger celebrations and dinner parties.

For additional guidance, read How to Choose the Right Lobster Box for Your Occasion.

Buy Live Welsh Lobster Online

Once you've decided how many lobsters you need, you can browse our live Welsh lobster collection and select the box that suits your occasion.

Our lobster is sourced from the Pembrokeshire coast and available for live Welsh lobster delivery across mainland UK.

From an intimate dinner for two to a larger celebration, choosing the right amount means everyone gets to enjoy the experience.

Live • Local • Exceptional.