Espresso cups are a great way to express your creativity and individuality. They can be used for any occasion, and they can be customized to fit your needs.
Demitasse is the French word for ‘half-cup’, which explains their size. Serving an espresso shot in a suitably sized cup helps improve taste, retain heat, and also looks a little bit fancier. You can also buy cups for doppio espressos or double shots.
There is a fine science behind the perfect espresso cup, so we have searched the internet to find you the best espresso cups around and reviewed them so you know why they’ve made the cut.
The Best Espresso Cups
Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Espresso Cup & Saucer Set
Specs:
- Capacity: 110ml
- Material: Porcelain
- Style: Modern
Main features
- This mixed Espresso Cup & Saucer Set comes in four sophisticated colorways
- Hand-dipped glaze technique with hand applied clay impress
- Made from durable chip-resistant porcelain
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Overview
A very famous name when it comes to china and kitchenware. These Royal Doulton cups don’t come with the price tag you would expect, however.
They are made from porcelain and given a satin dipped glaze to finish off the look and smoothness. Each mug is a slightly different hue of a neutral tone, so you have a set which perfectly matches each other yet offers something different.
They’re all dishwasher and microwave safe for an easy life and also come with matching saucers for when you are feeling extra fancy. There is an entire coffee studio set by Royal Doulton too, in case you want other matching products.
Very sturdy and a design that won’t go out of date, these are the best espresso cups that will be with you for years to come. A nice large-enough handle finishes them off.
Pros
- Feels strong
- Matches without all being the same
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Nothing – they deserve the top place
Le Creuset Stoneware Set of 4 Mugs
Specs:
- Capacity: 100ml
- Material: Stoneware
- Style: Modern
Main features
- Nearly-nonstick glazed interior easily releases foods for quick cleanup
- Safe for freezer, microwave, oven, broiler and dishwasher
- Dense stoneware blocks moisture absorption to prevent cracking, crazing and rippling
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Overview
An incredibly popular brand when it comes to kitchenware which you can trust. These mugs are not only available to buy as single products which is great if you want a particular number, but they are also available in a huge range of colours in case you are picky, making them the best for colour choice.
It features the iconic Le Creuset branding, which is fabulous if you’ll be casually leaving them out on the kitchen counter for all your guests to see. The chip-resistant enamel will also ensure they remain intact and looking their best, even with hundreds of uses.
Strong stoneware is able to withstand temperatures up to 260°C, which they’ll likely never have to cope with but is good to know for when you’re preheating them. A ten-year guarantee will give you further peace of mind.
You get a ‘care and use’ booklet, and they are a good size for fitting under the majority of machines. They’re also easy to handwash and are microwave, oven and freezer safe (although they’re not much good in there but good to know anyway).
Pros
- Colour options
- 10-year guarantee
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Pricey if you will be buying a few
Portmeirion Sophie Conran White Teacup and Saucer
Specs:
- Material: Porcelain
- Style: Modern
- Capacity 8 Fluid Ounces
Main features
- 8 Ounce Capacity
- Highest Quality Porcelain Body
- Dishwasher and Microwave Safe
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Overview
A saucer which is slightly curved to keep spills contained and biscuits safe. A nice large handle which anyone should be able to grip safely. These cups are rather wonderful.
They’re made from porcelain, so if you’re after something outstanding and genteel then you have come to the right place. A neutral design, they will look timeless in any kitchen for years to come, and they’re surprisingly pretty solid.
Their fineness doesn’t make them hard to look after, though. They’re still dishwasher and microwave safe, and oven safe too (you never know, we suppose). They come presented in a nice little gift box, so can be kept for best or given to the coffee lover in your life.
Pros
- Lovely modern yet classic design
- Good handle and saucers
- Oven Safe to 400 degrees
Cons
- Only good for single shots
Paxanpax Stackable Set of 6 Espresso Ceramic Mugs
Specs:
- Material: Ceramic
- Colour: Multiple
- Capacity: 60 Millilitres
Main features
- Comes complete with space saving chromed stand
- Bright attractive design, supplied with a red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple cup.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe design with a capacity of 60ml for each mug.
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Overview
This set of 6 espresso coffee ceramic mugs, with their sleek and contemporary design, will be the perfect addition to any kitchen. The mugs are stackable, so they can be neatly arranged in any cabinet or cupboard. They also come with a stand that keeps all six mugs standing up straight and looking great.
The mugs come in a variety of colors. Mug is made from high quality ceramic that won’t chip or break easily. These mugs are dishwasher safe and microwave safe so they’re easy to clean!
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Sturdiness
- Giftable
Cons
- Tad small
Bodum PAVINA Double Walled Thermo Glasses
Specs:
- Capacity: 80ml
- Material: Borosilicate glass
- Color Transparent
Main features
- Limited edition bonus pack – pay for 4 glasses and get 6
- Mouth-blown, lab-quality borosilicate-glass construction; durable and heat-resistant
- 2-Layer design creates dramatic optical illusion and prevents sweating and condensation
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Overview
Six espresso cups is a nice number to always have one spare, or ensure you can entertain properly. These are a bestseller in the Drinkware Set category, and it is easy to see why.
Made from mouth-blown glass, they are surprisingly perfect in every way. This can be hard to get just right and there can sometimes be little discrepancies such as marks or uneven inner glass, but there is no such thing here.
They are 80ml, which is said to be the perfect maximum size of an espresso a will suit machines which are generous in their portions well. Double-walled for insulation, they’ll keep the caffeine warm while protecting your fingers when picking it up.
Pros
- Perfect look
- Plastic valve at base allows for changes in pressure
- Microwave Safe
Cons
- Plastic valve needs some monitoring so it doesn’t let in water when washing
De’Longhi Espresso Thermo Glasses
Specs:
- Brand De’Longhi
- Material Glass
- Capacity: 60ml
Main features
- Keeps drinks hot or cold
- Condensation free
- Dishwasher safe
- Capacity: 2 ounce /60 milliliter
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Overview
A selection of two glass demitasses, transparent so you can see the lovely colours and finish of your espresso and made from borosilicate glass so you won’t burn your hands when you lift them.
They are double-wall thermal glasses, so will retain the heat as they won’t let any escape out of the walls of the glass. Dishwasher safe, they make for an easy clean up after entertaining so you can put your feet up.
The shape tapers towards the base, which encourages the production of crema at the top. This can make them hard to pair with a saucer, but they are good for more informal use.
They’re able to hold 60ml, which is good for a single shot but you may need something larger for a doppio or if you’re a firm believer that espresso should be closer to the 80ml mark. Some users have said that their machine often causes the glass to overflow when left automatically, so check how much yours disperses first.
Pros
- Perfect for a single shot
- Easy to hold
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A little delicate
Copenhagen Design PANTONE Espresso Cup
Specs:
- Material: Ceramic
- Color: Yellow
- Capacity: 60ml
Main features
- It is dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Inspires to creativity and self-expression
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Overview
Another choice perfect for pops of colour. These feature the official Pantone logo and the colour code of the featured hue, so you can match your decor or simply pick your favourite.
Hand made from ceramic, it is strong and dishwasher safe, as well as being easy to wash by hand. At 120ml, they would hold enough for two espresso shots if you really need a morning pick-me-up.
The demitasse is part of the larger Pantone Living Collection, offering a host of products from other cup sizes and coffee accessories to pen holders and keyrings. Want everyone in the office to know your favourite colour is the light green shade better known as Pantone 578? They will soon enough.
Pros
- Perfect for a single shot
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Handle is big enough for a thin single finger
Eva Solo Espresso Cup
Specs:
- Material: Porcelain
- Color Carbon: Black
- Capacity: 80 Milliliters
Main features
- Espresso tumbler holds 80ml of coffee
- Porcelain tumbler available with silicone sheath in four color selections
- Dishwasher safe; remove silicone sheath before placing tumbler and sheath in dishwasher
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Overview
A black and white espresso cup will no doubt match your coffee machine better than any other colour. If you have a pod or espresso machine (the most popular range in the UK), then this set of demitasse are double winners.
They are simple and plain but this adds to their appeal. They’re made from porcelain with a silver grip cover, which is great if you want the traditional no-handle design but are worried about scalded fingertips.
Each holds 80ml too, which is the perfect size for an espresso without you getting measuring equipment out.
Pros
- Silicone wrap for safe holding
- Smaller base to encourage crema
- Durable
Cons
- May be too large in dimension for some machines
Sweese Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cups
Specs:
- Capacity: 80ml
- Material: Porcelain
- Brand: Sweese
Main features
- These stackable cups are a great space saver
- Microwave safe, dishwasher safe
- Chip-resistant
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Overview
Need a set of espresso cups but are running low on cupboard and bench space? Maybe you have splashed out on a large, imposing espresso or coffee machine and now need something which is a bit more subdued to drink out of.
These stackable cups are a great space saver. You still get a set of six saucers with them though, so just because you are scrimping on space doesn’t mean your scrimping on the experience.
The bright white colour will suit those who believe it is the only way to serve espresso to view the crema, but you can also buy ‘cold’ or ‘hot’ variations which add a bit more colour.
Professional grade porcelain is microwave safe, dishwasher safe and chip-resistant. To finish it off, they’re a great price for what you get and stamped with the Sweese logo on the base to you know they’re legitimate.
Pros
- Space savers
- Saucers included
- Microwave safe, dishwasher safe
Cons
- Stack could be a bit wobbly
Ravenhead Entertain Espresso Cup and Saucer
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Color: Transparent
- Capacity: 80 Milliliters
Main features
- Set of 2 8cl espresso cups with saucers from the Ravenhead Entertain collection
- Sleek, modern design and suitable for use with electric coffee-making machines
- Crafted from high-quality, strong, durable glass that is dishwasher safe
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Overview
Glass espresso demitasses don’t often come with saucers, so if you want glass and a saucer, this set of two will please you.
Made from durable glass, and with a chunky handle which is easy to hold (again, unlike a lot of other glass cups), they fit an espresso shot just perfectly. They look nice and modern, and they’re surprisingly strong.
We say that glass should always be double layered for thermos properties and to protect your fingers, but these ones aren’t. This is because of the handle, but you still have to be careful not to touch your knuckles on the glass.
For some, this could make them hard to hold comfortably. You also have to be careful not to chip anything. Having said this, they look lovely so will be good if this is your main priority.
Pros
- With saucer
- Chunky handle
- Made from durable glass
Cons
- May be hard to hold comfortably
Espresso Cup Buying Guide
Number Of Cups
Espresso cups are available in a number of set sizes, from one lone demitasse to a set of six or more. The most common variations are two and six, which is a good balance between not having too many or just having enough.
Saucers
Do the best espresso cups come with saucers? Not really. These can be good if you will be serving espresso to guests, or will want somewhere to rest the cup as you sip it slowly.
In cafes and coffee shops, the saucer will usually hold a spoon for stirring and a biscuit or sugar cube.
Material
The two most common materials for espresso cups are glass and ceramic/porcelain.
The latter is often the best, as it retains heat better, spreads the heat throughout the cup and is also easier to pre-warm so your coffee is being poured into the right temperature for better taste and longevity. Anything else can also cause the espresso to go flat quicker.
But there is no doubt that glass is eye-catching, allowing you to show off your espresso skills, hence what makes it so popular. It is also easier to match existing decor and coffee machines. Glass is good as long as it is double-walled, which will hold the heat a lot better and also protect your fingers when you lift to drink it. It will also save the glass from being cracked.
Steel mugs are also available, but they are the worst for insulation and can impart a metallic taste upon the coffee. On a positive note, they can be hardy and unbreakable but are generally not a popular choice.
Avoid paper, plastic and styrofoam cups, because not only are they disposable or not great for the environment, but their heat retention is poor and they can get too warm to hold. Cheap metal cups should also be avoided because they may be hard to clean and could rust or tarnish with the liquid and heat.
Shape
You want something which hugs the espresso, which doesn’t just encourage the production of crema but also keeps the drink warmer for longer.
Cups which taper at the bottom allow the crema to float to the top where there is more space. But rounded base cups give you an easy time when trying to get every last valuable swig out of the cup.
There are shapes out there which are a bit different, such as square, but these are not recommended because they add nothing to the espresso experience and if anything can damage the taste.
Rim
We will forgive you for not thinking about how thick your espresso cup is, but it can be important. The best espresso cups are usually thicker.
Thicker cups not only retain heat better but espresso experts say that a thicker, rounded rim allows their lips to sit more comfortably on the cup, which makes it easier to drink.
Colour
Down to personal preference mostly. You may want something which matches a current cutlery or dinner set, something which matches your decor or indeed simply looks good sat under your coffee machine.
But many coffee experts will say that the inside of your demitasse must be white. This boosts the look of the espresso, as you can really view the caramel crema when looking into the cup. White cups and mugs can also show the strength of the coffee better.
Handle
Some espresso cups have one, and others don’t. Given the size of the demitasse, the design of the handle can be hard.
Those which do have one can encourage the user to pick them up this way, but the shape and ease can be important. Anything too small to fit a finger through and it is fiddly. Anything too round and it can be hard to hold. If it is too thin, it can break easily or just feel flimsy, or easily be dropped.
This is why some just leave it off, but this means you have to ensure the material doesn’t get too hot to hold. Again, it can be down to personal choice. We will say that the larger the demitasse is, the more likely that a handle is needed.
Dimensions
Using an electric espresso coffee machine? Check that your chosen cup will fit into the space and on the platform to safely pour the drink into.
Just because two espresso cups are the same capacity doesn’t mean they’re the same height or width. As you will read below, a cup shouldn’t be too large in circumference…
FAQs
How Large Is An Espresso Cup?
An espresso should technically be around 1oz, which is just over 30ml. A double will be around 60ml or 2oz. You should ideally leave a bit of space at the top of the cup for easier drinking, so the cup should be able to hold more than you’re drinking.
An espresso cup can vary in capacity, but the ideal size is somewhere between 2oz and 3oz (90ml). The most popular sizes are 80ml and 100ml. Of course, if you drink a doppio espresso (double shot), opt for a cup which is 3.5-4oz large (103ml to 120ml).
Some machines can vary with the volume of coffee they put out. If you have a dedicated espresso machine it will probably be pretty bang-on, but multi-coffee machines can give you more. Check before you buy.
Why Are Espresso Cups So Small?
Simply because espresso is a small serve. Technically, there is nothing to stop you having an espresso in an ordinary mug. However, a smaller cup helps with the overall taste and serving.
An espresso should have a layer of crema on the top, too. If an espresso mug is too large, this crema will spread out more which in turn means it will disappear faster.
Larger cups also have more surface area which means the espresso will get colder quicker.