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The Best Espresso Cups (Demitasses of Dreams)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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So you’ve bought yourself a new espresso machine and you’re super keen to get brewing. That rich taste and wonderful aroma of rich, dark, espresso is calling but there’s something standing in your way.

If you’ve tried to brew espresso in a regular-sized mug then you’ll be all too familiar with the issues that arise. It’s tricky to get the mug to fit under the brewhead for a start and then you struggle to get the timing right for the brewing stage.

To really make the most out of a good coffee maker, you need an espresso cup that fits your machine, that suits your style and that looks at home in your kitchen. Every individual is different from the practical type to the artists and those who love a minimal look.

No matter what your style is, we have the espresso cup for you right here. We have one for every mood, a range of materials to suit every need, and a variety of sizes to suit your choice of brew. Starting with our top choice, we have Le Tauci with these gorgeous ceramic espresso cups and saucer set.

Top Five Espresso Shot Cups Reviewed

• 1. Top Choice – LE TAUCI Espresso Cups with Saucers
• 2. Runner Up – JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated Glasses
• 3. Most Practical – Folk Ceramics Leonard Ceramic Espresso Cups
• 4. Best Design – Italian Ceramic Espresso Cup & Saucer
• 5. Best Espresso Cup Set – Sweese Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cups

1. Top Choice – LE TAUCI Espresso Cups with Saucers

Our top choice today has been selected thanks to its beautiful design as well as its comfort for the user. Grade A porcelain and a non-toxic ceramic glaze create these beautiful coffee cups and this is stain resistant and dishwasher safe so clean up is a breeze.

The rounded design is ideal for espresso enjoyment as it maximizes aromas and the thick walls of the cups help insulate the coffee. These mugs fit well under most kinds of espresso machines at only 1.8 inches tall or 2 inches if you add on the saucer as well.

It comes in a rich, patterned blue design or white if you prefer a cleaner look and the ergonomic design makes this cup easy and comfortable to hold. The only issue I could find is that, as with most porcelain, they are prone to breaking if dropped or tapped against something.

This option comes as a set of 4 cups and saucers so that makes it really good value for money.

2. Runner Up – JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated Glasses

These glass espresso cups by JoyJolt are the perfect option if you love enjoying your coffee out of glassware. They are made of high-quality borosilicate glass so are stain-resistant and heatproof. They have double-wall glass layers that keep your coffee warm and allow you to see the layers of your espresso as well as how thick your crema is.

It’s a 5.4 ounces espresso cup so can easily hold a double shot, cafe lungo, or even a small latte or flat white. You get a set of two glass mugs in this pack and they are microwave and dishwasher safe.

The only downside with these coffee glasses is they are fairly lightweight so not as substantial to hold as the porcelain espresso cups. They will break if dropped, but the same can be said for most kitchen/dinnerware.

3. Most Practical – Folk Ceramics Leonard Double Walled Demitasse Pair of Ceramic Espresso Cups

If you’re looking for a mug set that can withstand daily use, is easy to clean, store away, and looks nice all at the same time then look no further. These little ceramic espresso coffee cups are the perfect size for a double espresso or a single shot and they are insulated so will keep the coffee nice and warm.

The insulation also acts to keep the cup cool to the touch so this means they don’t need a handle. The lack of a handle makes them more resemble shot glasses than teacups but it does mean that they can store away in a small space. They’re also stackable so even easier to tuck away.

The ceramic glaze is lead and BPA free so makes this a safe, non-toxic drinkware piece. It is listed as dishwasher safe but the manufacturer recommends handwashing for best results. You get a pair of cups in this set and at only 2inches tall they will fit well into most espresso machines.

4. Best Design – Italian Ceramic Espresso Cup & Saucer

This one is not so much a simple coffee cup and more a work of art. This mug is handmade and handpainted by an Italian artisan so it’s as authentic as it gets. The artist’s signature is handpainted on the base of the cup so you know you’re getting a genuine one.

The cup itself is comfortable to hold as the handle is well shaped for this. They come with matching saucers which makes them an extra special set. This cup wins out when it comes to the best design and most beautiful small espresso cup and saucer. The downside is, as, with all genuine works of art, this one doesn’t come cheap. It’s fairly expensive for an espresso cup but when you consider that you use it every day (maybe even a few times a day!) then it’s totally worth it.

5. Best Espresso Cup Set – Sweese Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cups

These espresso cups by Sweese are the best option if you’re looking for a set to fully stock your kitchen. They are made from the highest quality, lead-free porcelain and are dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe.

At less than 2 inches tall they will easily fit under any espresso machine and you get four in this set along with matching saucers so you can be a busy barista for all your friends. The cups and plates can all store away with ease on the stainless steel rack provided making this a great option for a minimal home.

They come in five color options to suit any individual and the handles are well designed so they are comfortable to hold. This set is well made, easy to keep clean and a pleasure to use. It’s the perfect choice for any home and won’t break the bank either.

Espresso Cup Buyers Guide

Material

The kind of mug you choose really depends on how you’re going to use it; with some materials being more appropriate for certain uses. Ceramic mugs retain the heat fairly well but you need to make sure it’s free of toxic materials like lead. They are also prone to breaking.

Glass cups look really nice and you can see the espresso layers forming which is really useful when honing your barista skills. Insulated ones are better as single layers let the heat escape very quickly. Glass is extremely fragile and can break when exposed to high temperatures so that can make this option problematic.

Stainless steel, insulated mugs are best for longevity and durability but people find them not as pleasant to use as a ceramic mug. They can also end up looking a bit industrial as well if not designed properly.

Design

The design of your cups is actually really important especially if you plan to store them on display near your espresso machine. An attractive mug is a joy to use and can brighten up your day. They can also add aesthetic to your whole kitchen if placed on a mug rack or hooks.

Size

A single shot of espresso is 1 ounce or 25ml and a double shot is 2 ounces or 50ml. Your espresso cup should be a little over 2 ounces so that it can accommodate a double shot easily. If you are looking to use the cups for a cappuccino or latte then a 6-ounce mug will give you plenty of room.

Spoons, Saucers, Racks

It’s worth considering what you get in the set when you choose it. Some options come with saucers, teaspoons and/or cup racks included. These can be really beneficial for your setup depending on how you use your coffee machine as well as the design of your kitchen.

Dishwasher/Microwave Safe

Take extra care with your new espresso mugs as not all of these options are dishwasher safe. Even those that state they are can still end up suffering from wear if this is done too often. For best results handwash your cups using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.

Always check the mug is microwave, oven or freezer safe as well before exposing it to these conditions.

F.A.Q.s

What size should an espresso cup be?

An espresso cup should be a little over 2 ounces so around 2.5 ounces to hold a double shot of espresso.

What type of cup is most appropriate for an espresso?

The most appropriate cup is a design that suits your needs best. If you need it to be durable then choose stainless steel. If you want it to feel substantial then choose ceramic. If you like to see the layers of your espresso then choose glass.

Is espresso better in glass or ceramic?

Glass is better for practicing pulling espresso shots as it allows you to see the layers of the espresso forming as well as seeing how thick your crema is. Ceramic is better at holding the heat and comes in many attractive designs.

What is the most common espresso cup size?

The most common espresso cup size is 2-3 ounces so perfect for a double shot.

More Espresso Cup Best Sellers Reviewed

6. Double Wall Insulated Stainless Steel Espresso Cup

If you’re looking for an option that travels well then here are the espresso cups for you. These little guys are completely stainless steel so rustproof as well as shatterproof. They are really compact so can easily be carried in a backpack or handbag.

With four color options to choose from, there’s one for every mood. They are also double-wall insulated, so cool to touch and keep your coffee lovely and warm. The main downside with this option is that the colored coating is not dishwasher safe and will peel if exposed to this.

For best results hand wash in lukewarm water and wipe with a non-abrasive sponge. In this set, you get two 80ml cups so they work out good value for money and there’s also the option to get matching 170ml ones as well.

7. YHOSSEUN Espresso Cups with Saucers Set

If you enjoy your espresso when it’s been turned into an americano, latte or cappuccino then this is the set for you. These cappuccino cups hold 4 ounces of coffee so are a little larger than your average espresso shot glass.

They have been glazed with food-safe ceramic that’s free from lead and cadmium. It has a matte, textured finish which is lovely to look at and hold. There are also five color options to suit your home and they come with a storage rack to keep it neat and tidy.

The size of these mugs makes them a little small for brewing a large cup of coffee and some people find them a bit too small. They are perfect for a single shot cappuccino or a Caffe americano or even just a double shot espresso on its own.

8. Le Creuset Stoneware Espresso Mug

If you have any other Le Creuset stoneware in your kitchen then you’ll understand the superior quality of this brand. It just feels so substantial to hold and these items last so it’s worth the higher price tag.

Stain and chip-resistant this mug will outlast all the rest in your kitchen and it even comes with a 5-year warranty so it’s a zero-risk purchase. Another benefit of the thicker design of this one is that it works well to keep your coffee warm, especially if preheated first.

This mug is freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe so it can do the rounds of the kitchen without giving up on you. Le Creuset has a few different options for you to choose from so you can get one that matches your kitchenware and looks at home beside your coffeemaker.

9. Nespresso Set Glass Collection

If you’re looking for an option to pair with your Nespresso machine then this glass collection is designed for this. The cups are made from tempered glass and hold a double shot of espresso. These are dishwasher safe but the saucers are not. The saucers are finished with a stainless steel coating that will scratch and come away if put in the dishwasher.

You get two cups in this set and that does make it a little bit more pricey than our other options. The saucers are not microwave safe so take care if reheating coffee. The finish on these cups is really nice and they are a good option if you’re looking for a coffee glass that’s a little different.

10. De’Longhi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses

De’Longhi does a whole range of coffee glasses for espresso (2 ounces), cappuccino (6 ounces), and latte (7.5 ounces). These insulated glasses give you a lovely visual of your coffee brewing and the borosilicate glass avoids stains and discoloration.

They keep your coffee warm but absolutely need preheating before use for best results. The smooth outer edge is comfortable to hold and cool to touch.

The downside is, that they are made of glass so they are fragile. Preheat them gently to avoid heat causing a rapid expansion of the air in the insulated layer that can lead to cracks. Handle them carefully and they should last you well.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it for espresso cups. There are so many great options out there, there’s bound to be one that suits your home perfectly. Whether you prefer ceramic or glass, insulated or not, there’s a mug to fit your needs.