7 Best Espresso Cups for the Ultimate Coffee Mug Experience

Do you love the rich taste of espresso but hate how it burns your hands? As coffee becomes more popular than ever, people are looking for the best way to enjoy their cup of joe.

The answer? The best espresso cups: the fancy name is “Demitasse” (aka half cup)!

Some people may be content with whichever tiny cup they have on hand right now, but for many devoted coffee lovers, sipping espresso is a ritual. And those coffee junkies need a stylish and functional go-to cup.

We’ve rounded up the best of the best along with a buying guide, so you can find the perfect one for you. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your espresso in style.

Our Favorite Espresso Cup (Editor’s Choice) – Bormioli Rocco Verdi Espresso Cup

Let’s announce our winner straight away, shall we?

We love this made-in-Spain Bormioli Rocco Verdi Espresso Cup because it is a very cute and durable set that is perfectly sized for a single or double shot of espresso served.

The double-wall tempered glass ensures resistance to thermal shock, breakage, chipping, and dishwasher wear, and the elegant design with the feel of a European cafe is perfect for a delicious espresso experience.

Additionally, the handle is made of stainless steel and comes off for easy cleaning. Moreover, the coffee cup is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for all kinds of experiments!

The clear borosilicate glass is ideal for the presentation of multi-layered hot drinks. To be honest, you won’t find a better one on this budget!

How Should You Choose Espresso Cups?

When it comes to finding the best espresso cups, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Espresso Cups Best Material

Choosing the right material is the single most important thing when buying Espresso cups.

First, you want to make sure the insulation is good. The cup should be made from a material that will retain heat well. This is important because you want the espresso to stay hot while you drink it.

Espresso-based drinks tend to lose temperature quickly because of the lower brewing temperature and the limited amount of coffee.

Another thing you need to consider regarding material is the sturdiness and flexibility of use.

It’s wise to invest in a material that won’t break easily, is dishwasher safe, and can be used in the microwave. Also, it should be lead and BPA-free.

Here are some common materials used to make Espresso cups. Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks –

1. Stoneware Glasses

Stoneware isn’t the most common material in Espresso cups.

Though they’re long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and able to sustain temperature well, they’re more costly than the other alternative; the luxury option in some cases.

However, if you have got the money, you can bid on them for exceptional quality and longevity.

2. Ceramic Cups

Ceramic material makes the more traditional espresso cup that has long been appreciated by baristas. They don’t leak any unpleasant taste into your beverage. And they retain the heat longer.

Besides these benefits, ceramic cups are often less costly since they don’t need double walls because baked clays are thermally insulating.

However, it’s better to use them only in the household since they are naturally more delicate than steel.

A porcelain or ceramic cup set like the Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Espresso Set will be your best bet if none of those double-walled alternatives amazes you.

3. Borosilicate Glass

Glass has almost similar properties as ceramic, except it’s more fragile.

There is only one thing you need to make sure of while buying glass cups is that they should be double-walled cups since glass isn’t a fantastic insulator like ceramic.

The best thing about glass Espresso or latte cups is that you can actually see your Espresso while drinking it.

They display crema, one of the signs of a successful espresso shot and it is unquestionably lovely to look at.

4. Stainless Steel espresso cups

Finally, stainless steel is the most durable when it comes to espresso cup material, making it a fantastic option for travel or if you’re clumsy

The problem with steel is they’re efficient heat conductors and not so excellent at retaining the heat of a newly poured espresso shot.

For the same reason, they’re perfect for cooking pots and pans.

Like glass, choose a double-walled construction to help retain the heat longer. Otherwise, you’ll wind up with burned fingertips and iced coffee.

Cups constructed of this material are all dishwasher-safe!

Just be aware of the cheap stainless-steel cups because they give your beverage a metallic taste.

Choose the material that is best for your routine based on the sort of home barista you are!

5. The No-Nos

There are a few materials that are an absolute “nope”:

• Cheap metallic cups
• Melamine cups
• Plastic cups
• Paper cups

Any substance of polystyrene will make the coffee taste awful and plasticky. Also, Styrofoam in plastic materials may cause cancer and other horrific health issues.

Quantity

This is important if you tend to share your drink with other family members or friends and if you tend to misplace or damage kitchen equipment often.

Depending on how many you need to serve or clean up for, a set of four like the Dragon Glassware Espresso Cups might sometimes be enough.

You could need more at other times, and it might be helpful to have backups.

Size

A typical espresso cup weighs between 2 to 3 ounces (60 ml to 90 ml).

To find your ideal size, first, you need to find out what kind of espresso drinks you consume the most.

• Small demitasse cups of 2 to 4 ounces will be best if you just need to use the cup for espresso. They can carry single or double shots without affecting the crema or the espresso’s overall quality.
• If you often drink drip coffee or espresso beverages like cappuccinos, begin shopping for a 5-to-5.5-ounce cup and go higher.  
• You could need a bigger mug of 11 to 15 ounces if you often take a big latte.

Some coffee drinkers just buy bigger cups, thinking that they’ll accommodate all types of drinks.

The problem with big cups is that the additional materials will cause the Espresso to cool down more quickly.  

Another thing to consider about size is whether the cup is compatible with your Espresso maker.

You need to measure the distance between the spout and the drip tray.

If your automated home espresso machine has an adjustable spout, be sure you are aware of the maximum clearance that the machine can provide before choosing a cup.

Think About Extras

Do you need saucers with your cup? Do you need a handle or a set of spoons?

Saucers are practical (stop the coffee from spilling) and aesthetically pleasing for an espresso lover.

You may require a handle with bigger cups because your cup could become warm. It’s never fun to have your fingers burned.

For espresso drinkers who like sugar cubes or cream in their drink, espresso spoons can be great to break up the crema and gently stir.

Our Review of the Best Espresso Cups

From classic ceramic to modern glass, there’s an espresso cup for everyone. Here are the best Espresso cups on Amazon, according to your preferred material choice.

Best Ceramic/Porcelain Espresso Cups

1. Best Value for Money – Gibson Home Sensations Stackable Espresso Saucer Set

The Gibson Home Sensations Stackable Espresso Saucer Set is a fun, stylish, and practical addition to your kitchen essentials.

The set includes six 2.4-ounce espresso cups, six 4.25” saucers, and one 11” metal stand, all of which are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

The porcelain material and matte glaze finish create a sleek, modern look, while the thick build makes the set incredibly durable.

What Is So Good About It

• This set is a great choice for those who are looking for a small, stylish, and affordable set of good espresso cups.
• These cups are solid and come with a metal rack for easy stacking and storage.
• The set is also available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect set to match your kitchen’s decor.
• Great value for the price; highly recommended.

Room for Improvement

• The cups are very small, which may not be useful to customers who drink a bit more.
• The ring in the saucer to hold the cup is too big, which makes the cup wobble and spill easily.

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2. Bigger Option – XUFENG Cappuccino Cups Set with Saucer

For folks who like to add steamed milk and froth to their Espresso and drink large, these 8-ounce cups are just perfect.

This XUFENG Cappuccino Cups Set with Saucer is a great way to enjoy your favorite cappuccino, latte, or espresso. The set includes 4 porcelain cups and saucers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

The cups are also oven and freezer safe. The cups are made of high-quality porcelain. The set is a great gift for any coffee lover.

Good Things About This

• The cups are thick, smooth, and well-made; has a heavyweight feeling
• The spoons are adorable, and the saucers are all the same
• They are a simple design but look great and feel good in the hand
• Perfect sizing for a coffee aficionado to use with lattes and specifically practicing latte art

What Could’ve Been Improved

• The handle holes could be bigger, not for fat finger people
• The saucers could be smaller
• The color is not as white as other white ceramic Espresso cups

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Best Stainless-Steel Espresso Cups

3. Single Option – OGGI Insulated Stainless Steel Espresso Cup

Oggi’s insulated 4-ounce espresso cups and saucers are the perfect size for the committed barista, with a beautiful mirror finish that exudes European chic.

The double-wall insulated construction reduces heat loss and heat transfer to your hand, keeping your espresso hot longer. The easy-to-grip handles with large openings aid comfort and reduce spills.

The demitasse cups come with elegant saucers including catching any drips. They’re easy to care for – just rinse with warm water after each use and dry.

Good Things About This

• Made with high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting
• It also has a good fit and finishes, making it more enjoyable to drink from
• They are easy to clean after use
• Also available in 6, 8, and 12 oz sizes

Things That Need to Improve

• The saucer doesn’t go with the cup
• The handle may fall off after some time
• Though it says 4 oz, it doesn’t fit double espresso shots (3-3.5 oz)
• The double wall isn’t as thick as some of the more expensive stainless-steel espresso cups

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4. Best Set – Whopper India Espresso Cup Mug Set

The WhopperIndia’s double wall espresso cups set is a great way to enjoy your favorite espresso while at home.

The set includes six silver demitasse cups that are made of high-quality stainless steel. They have a wide mouth that accommodates full-size ice cubes and makes cleaning easy.

The compact, lightweight design takes up minimal space and is a great addition to any kitchen.

What’s So Special About It

• These cute little espresso mugs are made from 100% food-grade stainless steel, making them durable and long-lasting
• Perfect capacity of 5 ounces – not too small cup, not too large
• They are perfect for small parties, serving tea or coffee in Indian style
• They are also great to keep your coffee hot

Things That Need Improvement

• The handle on the stainless steel cup may not be well-designed, and water or other substances may get caught in the gaps and cause contamination
• The company’s customer service response was not satisfactory

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Best Glass Espresso Cups

5. Champion – Dragon Glassware Double Wall Insulated Espresso Cups

Dragon Glassware’s espresso cup set is perfect for at-home brewing stations like Nespresso or Keurig espresso machines while holding up to 4 ounces.

They feature double-walled glass insulation to keep your drinks hot or cold longer than traditional glassware.

The cups are made of lead-free, high-quality borosilicate glass that is microwave, refrigerator, and freezer safe. They come with a lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty and ready-to-gift packaging.

Unique Characteristics

• The espresso cups have a sleek design and are made of good-quality glass materials
• The cups are extremely lightweight and have a smooth edge
• They come in 4 oz and 6 oz variants; so, you can choose accordingly
• They can accommodate an Espresso Lungo measure

Drawbacks

• The double-walled espresso glasses are top-heavy when empty and the bottom is slightly too narrow, causing it to easily tip over
• They will get stained in the dishwasher and printing may wash away soon, hence not dishwasher safe

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6. Runner-Up – De’Longhi Double-Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses

The DeLonghi espresso mugs are made from borosilicate glass and are clear in color. The sturdy material helps guard against breakage and is BPA-free.

They’re double-wall insulated to help keep liquid hot or ice cold and prevent condensation. The dishwasher-safe design allows quick and easy cleaning.

The double-walled glass comes in a set of two and has a capacity of 2 ounces without handles.

Why Should You Use It

• The glasses are available in different sizes (Cappuccino and Latte) to accommodate different drinks
• They’re double-walled, which keeps drinks warmer than single-wall glasses.
• The glasses have a sleek design and are easy to hold
• Superior choice compared to other expensive coffee cup brands

Things Yet to be Considered

• You may have to ‘supervise’ your coffee-making process if you want to avoid filling the glasses to the brim
• Glass is glass; it’s fragile and may break easily if you drop it from a distance
• You may be charged for returning broken glasses

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