Espresso Cups Overview


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 Cups and Demitasse Cups Glossary


Here is a short glossary of terms commonly associated with espresso cups. I am sure that I am missing a few other important terms, but these are the core terms and should help you find what you are looking for. I could certainly go crazy and start adding an entry for all of the espresso based drinks out there, but I think I would go banana long before getting that list done! Enjoy…

    Bar Sets – Usually more rugged and durable construction with slightly less finishing details. Bar sets are often what you will be served with at your local restaurant.

    Cup tray – the tray where you place your espresso cup when you begin to brew

    Cup Warmer – the part of the espresso machine where you place the espresso cups to warm them prior to brewing the espresso.

    Demitasse – Another name for espresso cups. Typically 2-3 ounces in size.

    Demitasse Spoons – A demitasse or espresso spoon is smaller than a teaspoon.

    Designer Sets – These are the high quality porcelain cups that usually have a name brand designer’s artwork on them. Certain patterns have become very highly collectable.

    Dosage – The amount of coffee used to product an espresso

    Cappuccino Cup – These are very similar in style to espresso cups except that they are usually around 6 ounces in size.

    Espresso Cup Sets – The word sets refers to many groupings of espresso cup items. A set can refer to a cup and a saucer. Sets also refer to more than one pairs of cups and saucers. Sets can come in 2 pairs of cups and saucers up to 6 pairs of cups and saucers.

    Materials that espresso cups are made from

    • Glass Espresso Cups – a good choice in double walled construction that improves thermal properties

    • Porcelain Espresso Cups – the traditional material used to make espresso cups. The art or designer models have become very collectible.

    • Stainless Steel Espresso Cups – a good choice in double walled construction that improves thermal properties

    Pods – a self contained single serving of ground coffee. Often come in standard configuration called ECS (Easy Serve Espresso). Pods can also be found as “single serve coffee”.

    Thermal Insulated – Thermal Insulated is a term used to describe a cup that has been designed to aid in heat retention. The most common method of thermal insulating is the double walled designed used in glass and stainless steel espresso cups.