Best Espresso Cups

Espresso Cups Buying Guide

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:30:26 +0000

Buying your next espresso coffee cups can be quite an adventure with all of the choices in the market today. If you take a few minutes to figure out what want in your ideal espresso cups and how much you are willing to spend, you should be able to guide yourself to a wise purchase.

Espresso Cup

The first thing to do is to determine your priorities for your espresso cup purchase. What is most important to you? The most common factors to consider are:

- Porcelain sets of 6 run $20 to $50 (and a lot more)
- Stainless steel run about $15 for a cup and saucer
- Glass $7 for singles, $12 to $20 for sets of 2
- Porcelain
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Single cup
- Cup and Saucer pair
- Set of cups & saucers (from 2 to 6)
- These run the gamut. Choose you style, choose your artist
- It is beyond the scope of this article to guide you on the collectability of espresso cups. Start with ebay to get a feel for the market and work your way in slowly if you are doing this as an investment.

Price range

Type of material

Quantity of matching cups in a set

Art Pattern

Collectability

Once you know what you are looking for and what your priorities are it is time to do a little research. You want to find a store that you trust and a price that you think is right. It is often hard to get a good sense of an art pattern or of the overall quality of a cup without seeing and holding it in person. The ergonomics of a cup can be a big turn on or turn off factor for you so trying before you buy is always a good idea.

Some of the more common brands of espresso cups include:

Bailetti
Bodum
Francis! Francis!
Illy Schwung
Saeco
Segafredo
Teaposy
Tognana
WMF
And many more

If you are giving espresso cups as a gift then you might way to pay attention to the boxes that the sets come in. The designer art sets often come with very elegant packaging.

Here is to finding your perfect espresso cup and many wonderful small moments of escape with it!

Common spelling variation: Expresso Cups

Espresso Cups Overview

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:24:48 +0000

Espresso Cups are a fantastic combination of artistry and function. Espresso coffee cups are also called Demitasse cups and there is a lot of science behind making a perfect espresso cup.

Espresso coffee cups generally range in size from 2-3 ounces and if you load up your espresso with extra goodies you may want to go with slightly larger size cups.

There are a variety of materials used to make espresso cups, but they are traditionally made from porcelain. You can also find espresso coffee cups made from glass and stainless steel.

Function – Besides containing the espresso, the number 1 job of an espresso cup is to make sure that the espresso stays warm until you are done drinking it. Pre-heat your espresso cup prior to use by giving it a bath in hot water. This will help keep your espresso warm for a longer period of time. For porcelain cups, the thicker the porcelain is the more heat it will retain. Glass espresso cups have a double walled design to insulate your espresso and keep it warm longer. You will also find Stainless steel cups that are thermally insulated with double wall construction.

Aesthetics- Let’s not kid ourselves. A good looking espresso cup adds to the pleasure of the entire espresso drinking experience. Some folks are all about the material, some about the functional design (those double walled glass cups look cool!) and some get excited about the art. Ever since Illy started making designer cups in 1992 they have had a strong following. There is even a strong collectors market for designer espresso cups. When a particular pattern is retired from production, they almost automatically become more valuable.

There is another term that you should be familiar with when looking for espresso cups and that is “bar set”. The bat sets are the cups and saucers that are typically used in restaurants. They are often must sturdier in design, but a notch lower on the quality side of things. A bar set could be exactly what you are looking for due to the construction and price range.

There is a lot to consider when purchasing your next espresso cup set. Make sure the cups perform well, find cups that excite you due to their artistic qualities and make sure they are within a price range you can afford.

Happy espresso drinking!

Espresso Glasses – Espresso Shot Glasses

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:10:28 +0000

As cool as some of the designer art patterns are, simple clear espresso glasses are still my favorite type of espresso cups. I love the fact that you can see the interior construction of the double walled glass. I also enjoy the fact that the double walled espresso shot glasses are just about the best type of espresso cups at heat retention.

Espresso Shot Glasses

One of my favorite brands of espresso shot glasses is Bodum. Common Bodum models include the Pavina Espresso Cup at 2 ounces, the Canteen at 3 ounces and the Assam, another 3 ounce model. Bodum makes a big deal out of the glass they use and for good reason. They use Borosilicate glass which is a strong heat resistant glass that weighs less that regular glass. It is basically the same as scientific lab glass. Because it is resistant to temperature swings, it keep warm drinks warm longer and even cool drinks cool longer than regular glass. Their espresso glasses are also hand blown so there is some variation from glass to glass. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. As with most espresso cups, pre-heating is a good idea prior to brewing your espresso.

Espresso shot glasses are relatively inexpensive with many espresso glasses ranging in the $12-$15 range. The Bodum Canteen model can be found online for a set of 2 at $15 and the Pavina model runs $12 for a set of 2.

Luigi Bormioli makes slightly larger espresso glasses at 4 ounces. A set of 4 of them can be found for just over $20 online. Luigi Bormioli also makes larger Latte and Cappuccino glasses in the same double wall construction method in 10, 13, 12 and 16 ounce sizes.

I hope you enjoy using espresso shot glasses as much as I do!

How To Buy Espresso Coffee Beans

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:58:51 +0000

When you are looking for the best espresso coffee beans to make a great tasting cup of coffee there are a lot of choices you are presented with. Coffee is one of those drinks that a lot of people cannot live without. It is used to help get some people’s day started off right and it is drunk throughout the day to energize others. There are a lot of reasons that people like and drink coffee, but making the best espresso starts with having the right beans. There are a few things that you will want to decide on in order to choose the best beans to use.

One thing that you will want to do when you are trying to choose a good espresso coffee bean is look at the place where it came from. Some of the best coffee beans come from Columbia. There are large coffee plantations in that country that produce some of the best beans in the world. There are other countries in which you will be able to find some good beans as well, but Columbia is one of the best to purchase them from.

When you want to find the best espresso coffee beans you want to look for some that say gourmet. All of the best beans state that they are gourmet and these are the ones that you will be able to use to make a great cup of coffee. Whether you are looking for a rich bold flavor of you just want to have a cup that does not taste bitter while you are drinking it these are the ones that you want to buy.

Although many people look for a difference in espresso beans vs coffee beans there is no difference. The difference is in the way that the drinks are brewed. Espresso is brewed under pressure and coffee is brewed through a drip process with no pressure. There are bags of beans that say they are espresso beans and there are bags that say they are coffee beans, but there is no difference except for the type of beans that is listed on the bag. Some might be 100% Columbian and some might be French roast, but the beans are all the same.

Another type that you will find available is Italian espresso coffee beans which will present you with a different flavor than any of the others. You will notice that this type of beans tends to be very oily and black in color, but the flavor that you will get from them is amazing. If you do not like Columbian or French roasted coffee then try Italian and see if it is the taste that you are looking for.

In the end, the best coffee beans for espresso really depend on the flavor of espresso that you like to drink best. You will be able to find a wide variety of flavors and different roasts available to choose from. When you are trying to figure out which ones to buy the easiest thing to do is visit a coffee shop and order a cup of espresso where you can tell which type of beans are used and see if you like it. Once you find a flavor of beans that you like get online and order them. You will be able to find some great espresso coffee beans by using these tips.

Which Espresso Pods Are Best To Use

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:04:00 +0000

If you have recently purchased an espresso machine that allows you to make espresso by the cup then you are going to need some espresso pods to use along with it. These pods contain enough coffee for one cup of espresso inside of them. That means if you have twenty pods you will be able to make twenty cups of coffee. If you are someone who drinks coffee a lot then you will want to make sure that you have plenty of them on hand so that you do not run out. There are a few things to think about when you are trying to decide which ones are the best for you to use.

One thing that you want to do when you are trying to choose an espresso pod is look for the name brand that you are used to drinking. There are several major coffee brands that manufacture these pods so that you will not have to switch brands. This is a huge advantage to have when you are used to drinking one certain brand because you are already used to the flavor.

If you cannot find the espresso coffee pods for the brand that you are used to then you will want to find a brand that you will enjoy drinking. One way to find a new brand is ask your friends if they happen to have the same type of machine you have. If so then ask them what brand pods they use in their machine. Also ask them if it would be alright for you to try the brand that they drink so that you can get a feel for the one you want to start drinking. If you do not have any friends with these machines then you might check online to find out what others are saying about the different brands that are available. This is a great way to choose the one that you want to try.

There are different pod espresso machines available so you will want to make sure that when you are ready to buy a certain brand of espresso you are purchasing the pods that will work with your machine. In most cases this will not be a problem but it is always best to double check. Also, there are some machines that will come with different options for the pods that you can buy. One might allow you to be able to make a cup of espresso and then add flavors to it right from the machine. There are also pods that are already flavored that you can buy.

When you are deciding on the pods you are going to purchase you might want to check to see if you have an ESE machine. There are some ESE espresso pods that are only made for that type of machine and will not be compatible with NESPRESSO machines or others that you will find. There is no need to worry about the flavors that are available with this machine though. There are plenty to choose from, and if you cannot decide then you might purchase the variety pack and try them all until you find one you like.

There are a lot of different types of espresso you will be able to find for you espresso pod machine. However, without knowing which type of espresso you like the best it would be hard to make a recommendation. The best thing to do if you do not know which one you are going to choose is try the variety pack. You are sure to find the best flavor of espresso that you can enjoy drinking one cup at a time.

Tips For Buying a Cast Iron Teapot

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:59:35 +0000

There are a lot of ways that you can use a cast iron teapot around your home and other locations. Some people choose to use them as decorations while others choose to use them whenever they want to fix themselves and others some hot tea. This type of teapot comes in a variety of different looks and styles that you will be interested in knowing about. If you are interested in using one around your home there are some tips that you will want to know about that will help you to be able to purchase the right one.

If you are planning to use cast iron teapots for decoration in your home then there are a few things that you will want to consider. Since you will not be worried about the functionality of the teapot you will only want to look at the design that is available. There are a lot of different colors that you can choose from, so you will have no trouble trying to find one that will fit in with your current color scheme. There are also different looks to choose from such as ones that have a flat appearance and ones that have a round appearance. These are the main things that you will want to decide on if you are going to use them to decorate with.

If you are going to use them to sip tea out of there are some other things that you will want to think about. You will be able to find several different styles available such as a Japanese cast iron teapot that will give you a very unique look. These teapots come in both a flat and round style that is very simple to use. You will find a handle going across the top that will make it easy for you to pick up and pour the tea through the spout located at the end. Also, when you go to put the tea in the pot you will find a lid that resembles one that you would find on a canister which is easy to take off and put on.

When you are trying to find a cast iron teapot set it is important that you get everything that you are going to need. Most people only think about the teapot and forget about all of the other things that will be needed in order to enjoy the tea. You want to make sure that there is a tray which you can use to carry everything on and serve tea to your guests. Also, the cups and saucers that you are going to use are important. There are a few different styles that you will be able to find available, so make sure to decide on the style that you are going to use.

Another thing that is important is a cast iron teapot warmer that you can use to keep the tea warm until you are finished drinking it. These warmers are relatively inexpensive and are great to have so that you will not have to leave an eye on the stove on the whole time you are drinking tea. You will be able to keep your tea warm for hours at a time when you have a teapot warmer to use.

By using these tips when you are buying a cast iron teapot you are sure to find the one that will give you everything you need. Whether you are going to use the teapot for decoration or for drinking tea make sure to think about all of these factors to choose the one that will work out best.

Different Types of Tea Sets To Use at Your Next Tea Party

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:43:20 +0000

If you like to get together with a few friends and have tea from time to time then there are some different tea sets that you will be interested in. Having a great set of cups and saucers is something that will make a great impression on the friends that you are gathering with. Whether you are getting together as a book club or just getting together to catch up on each other’s lives you will want to choose a set that will let everyone know you have great taste. There are a few things that you will want to look for when you are trying to choose the set that will work out the best for your needs.

One thing that you will want to look for in a tea set is the number of cups and saucers that are available. Depending on the crowd that is going to be gathering in your home or in the location that you are getting together in you will want to have enough cups and saucers for everyone. You will also want to make sure that you have dishes that you can put cream and sugar in for those who want it in their tea. Making sure that you have everything you are going to need is important if you want to make sure that everyone is included in your tea party.

There are a lot of people who choose a porcelain tea set for the one that they are going to use. This is one of the best choices to make because of all the great features it has. You will be able to find a lot of great designs painted on the porcelain that will create a look that you want to display. There are also different styles that you can choose from with porcelain that will fit in with the type of group that you are going to be gathering with.

Another type that people often choose is a silver tea set that has a very classy look. You will often find these sets with a silver tray, silver tea pot, and silver dishes for the creamer and sugar that you are going to be providing for your guests. That means all you will need to find next are the cups and saucers that you are going to be using.

A Japanese tea set is also a very popular one to use. This type of set has a very unique look that is unlike any other one that you will find. You will find a uniquely shaped tea pot and cups without handles. This means that your guests will have to hold the cups with two hands in order to sip the tea from them. If you are just getting together for a chat this will be great, but if you are going to be doing something with your hands while you chat it might not be as practical.

Finally, there is a China tea set that you can use which is one that everybody loves. The thing that stands out the most about this type of set is the beautiful way in which it is decorated. There is a variety of decorations that you will be able to choose from with the set that you are going to be purchasing. Some of the ones you will find include butterflies and flowers which will provide tranquility while you are sipping your tea. There are a lot of different tea sets which you will be able to find and use when you are trying to find the perfect one.

Buying a Commercial Coffee Grinder for Your Coffee Shop

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:35:53 +0000

There is a lot more to purchasing a commercial coffee grinder than a lot of people think. You have to know which name brand is best to use and which one will give you the most quality. This is one piece of equipment that you cannot afford to have broken down on you while you are busy. If the grinder messes up then you might run out of espresso to serve your customers and will have to close the doors to your shop until you can get a new one. It is very important to choose a good grinder that you can use in your coffee shop in order to keep those doors open.

One brand is a Bunn commercial coffee grinder that is used by a lot of coffee shops and restaurants everywhere. Bunn is known for its superior quality so you will not have to worry about it breaking down on you very easily. These types of grinders are made especially for commercial use so there is no need to wonder if you are buying one that is meant for home use or not. There are a few things to consider if this is the brand that you are thinking about using.

With this commercial coffee bean grinder there are a lot of features that are available to you. You will find one that has two bean hops that are available for storing the beans that you are going to grind. You will also be able to find one that has legs on it so that it sits on the counter a little easier. These are two features that you will want to make sure that you have. The two hops are great for busy shops that do not have the time to stop and refill the bean hop every few minutes. The legs underneath provide stability so that the grinder does not get overturned and get damaged. These are two features that a lot of people love.

When you are looking for a used commercial coffee grinder there are a few things that you will want to watch out for. Some people sell grinders because they are broken so you will want to inspect the one that you are considering purchasing very well before you put your money out there. Sometime coffee shop owners sell them because they are closing their doors for good and going out of business. With these grinders you do not have to worry about inspecting them as hard, but still make sure to inspect them to make sure that they are working just to be safe.

Another thing to look for when you are purchasing a commercial espresso coffee grinder is what types of commercial use it is intended for. There are some that are meant to be used for those businesses that have a medium volume of customers, and then there are others that are meant to function no matter what the volume is. If you own a coffee shop that is busy all the time then you might want to purchase one that is meant to do a high volume so that you do not have to worry about it breaking down on you.

These are some of the things that you want to make sure to look for when you are purchasing a commercial grade coffee grinder. If you take the time to look for one with a good brand name and reputation you will be able to feel safe knowing that it will get the job done. Make sure that you inspect any used machine that you are purchasing, and that you get all of the features you need when you are buying one new. If you use these tips you will be able to own the best commercial coffee grinder for your coffee shop.

Espresso Cups Set For Fun And Style

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:19:38 +0000

Are you a big espresso drinker? An espresso cups set may be just the thing that is missing from the cabinets of your kitchen. If you are someone who has a lot of guests come to their home and you like to entertain your guests with treats and cups of espresso then you will need to find a cup set so that everyone who visits your home will have their own cup and will be able to enjoy their beverage better. There are a lot of options to choose from when you are looking at different espresso cup sets. You will want to have a few details in mind when you are trying to find the perfect one for your home.

One thing that you will want to have in mind when you are looking through different espresso cups sets is the color that you would like to have. A lot of people have their kitchens decorated in a certain color pattern that matches their style and personality, and the dishes that they use all match as well. You espresso cups should be no different. If you are one of those people then you will want to get cups that match the rest of the dishes that you use or that match the other appliances in your kitchen.

Another thing that you will want to have in mind is the material that you want for them to be made of. You will find most likely that an espresso cups set will be made of glass or porcelain, but you will be able to find cups that were made for sipping hot beverages out of that are made of plastic as well. The ones that you choose will be your personal preference, but you will want to make sure that you choose some that are made for holding hot beverages in order to make sure that nobody gets burned when they are drinking their espresso.

If you want to provide something fancy for the guests in your home then you may want to consider purchasing an espresso cup and saucer set. This way you will be able to gather in a sitting room and everyone will have a place where they can hold their beverage when they are not busy sipping on it. This will make guests feel important and elegant.

If you are someone who just wants to have cups that your guests will be able to enjoy their espresso in then you may consider getting cups with designs and decorations on them. There are a lot of unique espresso cups that you can find that your guests will both love and enjoy. By having the things in mind that you would like for your espresso cups set to feature you will be able to provide your guests and yourself with a more pleasurable cup of espresso. You will also be able to save a lot of money by knowing the specifics about the cups that you would like to purchase.

Expresso Cups For Your Home

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:14:33 +0000

Do you enjoy a nice cup of expresso? Expresso cups can make a huge difference when you are drinking coffee in your home. If you are someone who enjoys a sidewalk café that serves your favorite hot beverage in an expresso cup and saucer then you are going to love the feeling of having these types of cups in your own home. There are a few different things that you will want to consider when you are purchasing cups so that you will be able to enjoy expresso in the comfort of your own home.

One thing that you will want to consider about expresso coffee cups is the color that you would like to have. The traditional color that coffee shops use is white, but you will be able to find and expresso cup set in just the right color for your kitchen. You will want to take the color of your other dishes into consideration when you are trying to choose the right set. If you have a certain color of dishes then it will make the expresso cups blend in a lot better. Of course, you could choose to purchase a white set that will stand apart from your other dishes and will still give you the feeling that you are enjoying a hot beverage at a coffee shop.

Another thing that you may want to think about is type of expresso cups that you want to use. If you are someone who enjoys having a cup of expresso to take with you on the go then you will be happy to know that you will be able to find other types of cups besides glass expresso cups. You will find paper expresso cups that are made for enjoying your hot drinks on the go. If you are going to use paper cups then you will want to make sure that you get the right ones so that you will be able to get the enjoyment that you deserve to get from your hot drink.

Depending on how much expresso you like to drink you will want to get the right size cup. You will be able to find cups that are smaller for those who only like to have a small drink in the mornings, but you will also be able to find larger cups for those who like the long lasting taste of their expresso treat. You will also want to locate cups that are made for hot drinks so that you will not have to worry about burning yourself with the hot liquid that is contained inside.

There is no better thing in the world to some people then waking up in the morning and pouring a nice cup of expresso. Whether you have time to sit down and drink it out of a nice cup and saucer or you are one of those people who have to take your expresso with you on the go you will need to find some good expresso cups to drink it from.