8 Best Espresso Cups in 2025: Top Picks for Every Coffee Lover

Have you been using the wrong espresso cup all along?

For years, I never thought twice about my espresso cups. As long as I had something small enough to hold a shot of espresso, I was good to go.

I’d grab any random little cup from my kitchen cabinet—didn’t matter if it was thick, thin, ceramic, or glass.

But then, one day at my local coffee shop, I noticed something. My espresso tasted different. The crema lasted longer, the cup felt just right in my hand, and the temperature stayed perfect until my last sip.

That’s when it hit me: espresso cups actually matter. The right cup doesn’t just look good, it affects heat retention, crema preservation, and even how your espresso tastes.

Suddenly, my random kitchen cups weren’t cutting it anymore. I started testing different materials, sizes, and designs, and the difference was real. If you’ve never thought much about your espresso cups, don’t worry. I was right there with you. But this guide will save you the trial and error.

I’ve tested and rounded up the best espresso cups based on heat retention, durability, and design so you can upgrade your coffee experience instantly. So, let’s find the perfect cup for you!

Found the perfect espresso cup? Now pair it with the best home espresso machine for café-quality coffee! Check out our top picks here.

What to Look for in an Espresso Cup?

Choosing the right espresso cup isn’t just about aesthetics. But it directly affects your coffee’s temperature, taste, and crema.

The wrong cup can lead to an espresso that cools too quickly or loses that beautiful, golden crema before you even take a sip. So before you get a new collection, here are a few things to consider:

1 – Size Matters

Espresso cups aren’t just tiny for looks. Instead they’re designed to hold the perfect amount of liquid without compromising crema. A standard espresso shot is 1 ounce (30ml), while a double shot (doppio) is 2 ounces (60ml).

Ideally, your cup should closely match your shot size to keep the crema intact and prevent heat loss.

If you enjoy lungos or Americanos, a slightly larger cup (like 3-4 ounces) works well. However, too much space can cause espresso to cool down faster and weaken the flavors.

For traditional espresso lovers, Acme Demitasse Cups & Saucers are a great choice because they hold heat well and come in the perfect 2.5-ounce size.

2 – Material Options

Different materials impact how your espresso tastes and retains heat. For instance:

• Ceramic – The classic choice. Retains heat well and feels sturdy in hand. Cups like Sweese Porcelain Espresso Cups are affordable yet stylish for everyday use.
• Glass – Visually appealing, allowing you to see the rich crema, but loses heat faster than ceramic. Bodum Pavina Double-Walled Glasses help solve this with insulated walls.
• Stainless Steel – Modern, lightweight, and ultra-durable, making it a great travel option. It retains heat surprisingly well, but some find the metal affects taste slightly.
• Porcelain – Similar to ceramic but more delicate and lightweight. Often used in high-end cafés because of its smooth finish and excellent insulation.

3 – Heat Retention & Comfort

Espresso cools down fast, so heat retention is key. You should get double-walled cups like JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Espresso Mugs. This helps maintain temperature longer while keeping the outside cool to the touch.

Lastly, comfort is another thing to consider. Some people prefer handleless cups for a sleek, modern feel

The 8 Best Espresso Cups, Based on Our Tests

After testing a variety of espresso cups for heat retention, durability, and overall design, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 best options for every type of coffee lover.

Key Features
Material: High-quality borosilicate glass known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock.​
Capacity: Each glass holds approximately 2 ounces, ideal for a standard espresso shot.​
Dishwasher Safe: Convenient for easy cleaning, though hand washing is recommended to prolong their lifespan.​

Crafted from borosilicate glass, these cups boast a double-wall design that keeps your espresso hot and ensures the exterior remains cool to the touch. It’s a neat feature for anyone who enjoys slowly savoring their coffee.

These glasses enhance the espresso’s visual appeal with the crema beautifully visible through the clear glass. But also improve the overall drinking experience by keeping the coffee at the ideal temperature.

However, their delicate nature means they’re not the best choice for clumsy hands or busy households with kids.

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Key Features
Material: High-quality ceramic with a hidden parabolic slope for better latte art.​
Design: Sleek, stackable design with a weighted bottom for added stability.​
Capacity Options: Available in various sizes, including demitasse (3 oz), cortado (4.5 oz), cappuccino (6.5 oz), and latte (11 oz).​
Aesthetics: Comes in matte white and matte black finishes, adding a modern touch to your coffee experience.

These cups are made from high-quality ceramic. It also features a hidden parabolic slope that naturally guides the crema to the top, making it easier to pour intricate designs.

The double-wall construction keeps your espresso hotter for longer and ensures the exterior remains cool to the touch. This helps you prevent any unintended burns. ​

The cup’s design truly does assist in achieving that perfect latte art pour, making each cup feel like a work of art. However, the absence of a handle took some getting used to, and the necessity for hand washing requires a bit more care.

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Key Features
Material: High-quality, thick-walled ceramic for enhanced durability and heat retention.​
Capacity: Approximately 70ml, ideal for a standard espresso shot.
Design: Classic aesthetic with a smooth interior gradient, making them stackable and easy to store.​
Compatibility: Matches all small 11cm saucers, allowing for mix and match customization.

I remember visiting a specialty café and being served an espresso in an Acme Demitasse Cup & Saucer. The experience was so memorable that I decided to bring that café-quality feel into my own home.

These cups are crafted from thick-walled ceramic, giving them a sturdy feel and ensuring superior heat retention. This keeps your espresso at the perfect temperature for longer.

Furthermore, the combination of functionality and elegance these cups offer truly brings the café experience to your kitchen.

Key Features
Material: Hand-blown borosilicate glass, known for its resistance to thermal shock.
Capacity: 2.5 oz per cup, perfect for espresso or small coffee drinks.
Insulation: Double-wall design keeps drinks hot while keeping the exterior cool.
Maintenance: Dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended for longevity.

I’ll admit—I’m a sucker for aesthetic coffee gear, and the Bodum Pavina Double-Walled Espresso Cups are one of those things that just look amazing on a coffee bar.

They’re made from borosilicate glass. These cups are lightweight but surprisingly durable, and the double-wall design makes your espresso look like it’s floating.

I also enjoy the fact they keep your espresso hot without making the cup too hot to hold. If you’re a coffee lover who appreciates a beautifully designed cup, the Bodum Pavina is a solid choice.

It’s perfect for showing off that crema on top of your espresso, and it keeps your coffee at the right temp longer than a standard ceramic cup. Just handle it with a little extra care, and you’ll have a stylish and functional addition to your coffee setup!

Key Features
Material: Enamel-coated stoneware, designed for everyday durability.
Capacity: 3 oz per cup, perfect for single or double espresso shots.
Heat Retention: Thick-walled design keeps your espresso warmer for longer.
Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe, but also easy to hand wash.
Versatile: Safe for microwave, oven, and even the freezer (though I doubt you’ll need that for espresso).

If you love bold colors and rock-solid durability, Le Creuset Stoneware Espresso Cups are worth checking out. These cups are made from enamel-coated stoneware, which means they hold heat well, resist chips and scratches.

Also, they come in gorgeous and vibrant colors ranging from Caribbean blue, artichaut, cerise, indigo and more.

And these cups aren’t just pretty, they’re practical too. They’re oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe. For this reason, you don’t have to baby them like delicate porcelain cups.

Just keep in mind that they’re a little heavier than typical espresso cups, but hey, you can’t have it all. If you want espresso cups that last, these might be the perfect fit.

Key Features
Material: High-fired porcelain ensures durability and a smooth finish.​
Capacity: Each cup holds about 2.5 ounces, ideal for a standard espresso shot.​
Dimensions: Compact size with a diameter that comfortably accommodates a double shot.​
Included Accessories: Comes with matching saucers and a metal stacking stand for organized storage.

These cups, crafted from high-fired porcelain, immediately caught your eye. Not only are they available in a spectrum of vibrant colors, but their stackable design also promises to save some precious kitchen space.​

One of the first things I noticed was their sleek and modern aesthetic. The clean lines and glossy finish make them a lovely addition to your morning routine.

Plus, the fact that they come with matching saucers added a touch of elegance you wouldn’t expect at this price point.​

One little issue is they may not retain heat as effectively as some insulated cups. But as said, their aesthetic appeal and practicality make them a worthy addition to any espresso lover’s collection.

Key Features
Material: High-density ceramic known for its durability and heat retention properties.​
Design: Sleek, modern aesthetic with various color options, allowing users to personalize their coffee experience.​
Capacity: 80ml, ideal for a standard espresso shot.​
Durability: Chip-resistant and designed to withstand daily use in both home and café settings.​

These espresso cups come with a sleek and minimalist design. They’re made from high-density ceramic and renowned for their exceptional heat retention. This ensures each espresso shot remains at the right temperature from the first sip to the last. It’s no wonder they’re favored by baristas in World Barista Championships. ​

What I found surprising was the cup’s substantial weight and the thickness of its walls. This design keeps the espresso warm and provides a comforting heft that betters the drinking experience.

The ergonomic handle is thoughtfully designed, allowing for a comfortable grip, which is especially appreciated during those early morning caffeine rituals.

One of the standout aspects is its ability to maintain the espresso’s crema, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The cup’s interior curvature is designed to promote the formation and preservation of crema, making each sip a pleasant experience.​

Key Features
Made from high-quality, heat-resistant glass.​
Double-wall design for optimal insulation.​
5.4 oz capacity, ideal for espresso shots.​
Dishwasher and microwave safe for convenience.​

JoyJolt mugs come with a sleek and ultra-modern design. They’re made from high-quality glass; these mugs are not just about aesthetics; they’re designed to better your espresso experience.​

One of the standout features is the double-wall insulation. This design keeps your espresso hot while ensuring the exterior remains cool to the touch.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve burned my fingers on single-walled cups, so this was a game-changer for me.

Plus, the clear glass showcases the rich color and crema of the espresso, adding a visual delight to each sip.​

Final Thoughts – Which Espresso Cup is Right for You?

The best espresso cup comes down to your personal style and coffee routine. If you want café-quality espresso cups that baristas swear by, Loveramics Egg Cups or Acme Demitasse Cups are the way to go.

Prefer something sleek and modern? Bodum Pavina or De’Longhi Double-Walled Glasses add a contemporary touch while keeping your espresso hot.

For those on a budget, Sweese Porcelain Cups offer an affordable yet stylish option without compromising quality. Whatever your preference, the right espresso cup elevates your coffee ritual, keeping each sip as enjoyable as the first.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!