Best Espresso Cups to Buy

An espresso cup, also known as a demitasse, is a small cup used to hold or serve an espresso. It’s usually about 2-3 oz, approximately half a size of a full cup of coffee. The cup is typically made with ceramic and is paired with a saucer, but it can also be manufactured with other materials like metal and glass.

The espresso cup was invented by an Italian inventor named Luigi Tazzini; thus, the Italian word for espresso cup is “tazzina,” as it was named after him. However, the French word, “demitasse” is more commonly known than tazzina.

What kind of glasses for espresso?

There are three types of espresso cups you can use; ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. The material used for the cup affects the taste of coffee, so you should take note of this when choosing an espresso cup. Ceramics can retain heat, have no effect on flavor, and are microwave-friendly. Glass cups can also keep heat as long as they’re double-walled and, just like ceramic, do not affect the coffee flavor and are microwave-safe. Lastly, a stainless steel cup can have good heat retention if it is double-walled. It’s also the most durable of the three, but it’s not microwave-safe, and the cheap ones may affect the coffee’s flavor.

What else can you use espresso cups for?

With a little bit of creativity, you can use espresso cups for other purposes, such as a plant’s vase, a glass hot for alcohol, a shot glass to hold an appetizer, or a measuring cup (remember, a demitasse holds 2 1/2 to 3 ounces of liquid).

Best espresso cups to buy

We’ve listed the best espresso cups that you can buy.

#1 JoyJolt Stoiva Double Wall ($24.95)

This espresso cup was made by JoyJolt, a family-owned business company that has manufactured shot glasses since 2014. It’s an insulated 5-oz espresso glass, double wall, microwave and oven safe (up to 350°F/180°C), and dishwasher safe.

These cups are sturdy and stackable, so you can quickly put them away in your cupboard without taking up a lot of space. They also fit nicely under espresso machines. You may use the cups for hot or cold beverages.

#2 Brew To a Tea (BTaT) espresso cups ($24.85)

This espresso cup is manufactured by Brew To a Tea (BTat), an online shop specializing in porcelain cups and saucer sets. The cups are made with double-walled, borosilicate glass. It’s scratch-free and dishwasher and microwave safe.

The glass looks thin, yet it retains heat very well. It’s perfect for enjoying espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos.

#3 Bobber Shot Stainless Steel ($29.99)

Sold by Bobber, makers of vacuum-insulated drinkware, this cup is double-walled, heat-resistant, rust-free, and non-toxic. You don’t need to worry about rusting because it’s made with 18/8 high-grade stainless steel and is BPA-free. It also makes for a perfect gift, especially for your adventure-loving friends or loved ones.

#4 KIVY espresso cups ($39.90)

This Italian-style espresso cup is made by KIVY, an interior-design brand from Germany. It’s made of thick-walled stoneware and can hold 3 oz. of coffee. It’s available in four color glazes: blue, green, stone gray, and white.

If you prefer a beautiful, classic design, this KIVY espresso cup is perfect. It’s well-crafted and solid, and because it’s stoneware, you can be sure that your coffee will stay hot longer.

#5 tombert espresso cup ($18)

This demitasse is manufactured by Timber, an online store specializing in storage cases and binders. The cup can hold 5.5 oz. of liquid and is made of stainless steel. It’s double-walled, non-toxic, and BPA-free.

If you want something durable, get this steel demitasse. It’s double-walled and insulated, so it doesn’t burn to the touch when you add hot liquid. Likewise, it doesn’t get condensation from a cold beverage.

#6 Real Deal Steel Little Sipper ($39.99)

This demitasse is produced by Reel Deal Steel, a family-owned shop that sells tumblers, coffee mugs, and barware. This cup is made with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, BPA-free, double-wall insulated, and shatterproof. It’s available in four colors: black, blue, gray, and white.

This is a cute espresso cup with a nice matte finish. It’s sturdy, so if you want something that will not easily break and last a long time, this is a good choice. Perfect to use at home or for traveling.

#7 Gibson Home Expressions Espresso Cup ($32.91)

From Gibson Homewares, a producer of tabletop and housewares products from the USA. It’s made with porcelain, so it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

If you want an espresso cup with a fun, contemporary design, this may pass to your liking. It can hold 3 oz of liquid, and since it’s made of ceramic, it’s safe to heat in the microwave oven.

#8 JIEMEI HOME Porcelain Espresso Cup ($38.99)

This espresso cup is made by a company with over 35 years of ceramic production history, Jiemei Home. It’s made of ceramic and can hold 4 ounces of liquid. The cup can be used for espresso and other drinks, like a cappuccino. It’s dishwasher and microwave oven safe. It’s available in two color glazes: reactive glaze blue and green calyx.

A set of these cups is stackable, so it saves up space. It fits under an espresso machine, yet it can also be used for cappuccinos and lattes.

#9 ComSaf Espresso Cup ($22.99)

This espresso cup is made by ComSaf, an online shop that sells food jars, mason jars, candy bowls, and drinking cups. It’s light and can hold 2.7 oz of liquid. It’s double-thermally insulated and made with heat-resistant borosilicate glass.

This cup is the perfect size for a double espresso. It looks nice and chic and is insulated, so it’s not hot to the touch yet retains the warmth of the drink.

#10 Cottage Store Handmade Espresso Cup ($32.95)

This espresso cup is made by City to Cottage, a British ceramic store. This polka-dotted ceramic cup can hold 2 ounces of liquid and comes in red and white colors. It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

This is the perfect choice if you want a tiny espresso cup that looks pretty and has that vintage feel to it. And because it’s cute, it will look lovely in your kitchen. They also make for a good gift.

#11 KOOV Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cup ($25.99)

This beautiful porcelain espresso cup is sold by KOOV, a ceramic shop. It can hold 2.5 oz of coffee. It has a smooth glaze, is lead-free, non-toxic, and can withstand high temperatures.

A set of these espresso cups comes with a metal stand so that you can stack the cups for easy storage. It has a lovely classic design, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.

#12 No Name No Seal Espresso Cup ($14.99)

This tiny ceramic demitasse is available in 4 color variations: blue, green, red, and yellow. It can carry 2.7 oz of liquid, is microwave-safe, and is lead-free.

If you’re looking for a cute demitasse with a gorgeous design, look no more. These tiny cups won’t take up too much space and are easy to clean. However, it’s not insulated, so be careful when holding them after pouring a hot drink.

#13 Alisveristime Turkish Greek Arabic Espresso Cup in Gold ($93.90)

This luxurious espresso cup is made by Alisveristime, an online shop specializing in intricate-looking trays, tea sets, and coffee cups. It has a capacity of 3.38 oz, and the cup is made of porcelain.

If you’re all about glamor, this Alisveristime cup will suit your taste. It’s posh and beautiful, with an ornate design that sets it apart from regular demitasses. It will surely be a showstopper at parties.

#14 De’Longhi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses ($24.99)

This set of espresso shot glasses is made by De’Longhi, the world-renown Italian espresso machine manufacturer. It’s made with insulated, double-wall glass, with a 2 oz capacity, is BPA-safe, and is dishwasher safe.

If you’re getting an espresso cup, why not buy from a well-known brand in the industry? It’s well-made, non-toxic, and durable and can keep your coffee at the right temperature.

#15 Easyworkz Stainless Steel Espresso Cup ($16.99)

Easyworkz, a young company that produces kitchenware and coffee set products, sells this espresso cup. It can hold 2.5 oz of liquid and is available in black and silver. The cup is made with stainless steel and is double-walled, stackable, and unbreakable.

This is great if you’re looking for that perfect lungo-sized cup. However, it’s not heat resistant and thus may be hot to the touch when carrying warm liquid.

#16 Dewstone Espresso Cup ($18.91)

This espresso cup is made by Dewstone, an online kitchenware shop from Australia. It’s made with borosilicate glass and can carry 5.4 oz. of liquid. It comes with an espresso paddle and is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It fits all Nespresso machines, including the Essenza Mini and Nespresso Pixie.

This is a good choice if you’re looking for a no-nonsense glass espresso cup. It’s lightweight and easy to wash, and it has excellent insulation, so it won’t be hot to the touch.

#17 Kitchenexus Stainless Steel Espresso Cup ($24.99)

This stainless steel espresso cup was created by Kitchenexus, a kitchen product company that meets the ETL standard. This sleek-looking cup can hold 5 ounces of cold or hot liquid. It has seamless rolled edges and a groove design on the sides for easy grip. It uses double-walled vacuum insulation technology and is made with premium 304 stainless steel.

This is the best espresso cup if you want something durable with a simple yet cool design. It keeps the temperature of the hot or cold liquid constant for a long time. It’s been specially designed to sit comfortably in your hands, so you can enjoy your favorite drink.

#18 Evaryl Pouring Espresso Cup ($19.95)

Evaryl sells coffee essentials, and one of its products is this double-wall glass espresso cup. It can take 2.7 oz of liquid and is small enough to fit any espresso machine.

Get this cup if you want to quickly transfer espresso to another cup because it’s designed with a spout. This is perfect for making your favorite coffee drinks.

#19 Zenco Living Espresso Cup ($18.96)

This espresso cup is made by Zenco Living, an online shop specializing in home products. The material is borosilicate glass, so it can withstand sudden changes in temperature. The cup can hold up to 4 oz of liquid, is scratch resistant, and is easy to hold.

Looking for an espresso cup that goes well with your double shot? This cup is a good option. It’s durable despite being light.

#20 Sweese 405.001 Espresso Cup ($33.99)

From Sweese, an online shop for kitchenware, this espresso cup is made of porcelain and can hold 4 oz of liquid. It’s available in white, blue, and multicolor sets and is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.

This is a beautiful, perfect-sized cup ideal for daily use. It’s stackable, so it saves space, and if you get a set, it comes with a metal stand. It’s durable and will last a long time.

#21 LE TAUCI Espresso Cup ($23.99)

This demitasse cup is made with ceramic and has a nice, glossy glaze. It’s available in ceylon blue and white colors. It has a wider mouth, is lead-free, BPA-free, easy to clean, and is stackable. It can hold 3 oz of liquid.

This is a good choice if you prefer thick and heavy coffee cups. It’s small and perfectly fits under your espresso machine or Nespresso machine.

#22 thatsArte.com Rafaellesco Espresso Cup ($65)

This charming espresso cup is manufactured by thatsarte.com, an Italian company that specializes in handcrafted tableware and kitchen knives. The cup measures 2.3 x 2.1 inches and has a capacity of 2.0 oz. It’s suitable for a microwave, fridge, and dishwasher.

This beautifully crafted, artistic espresso cup will brighten your kitchen and make your daily coffee routine much more enjoyable. It looks classy and elegant, designed to impress.

#23 IMUSA USA Blue Espresso Cup ($16.54)

This cute espresso cup comes with a saucer and is manufactured by IMUSA USA, a kitchenware company that started in Colombia in 1934. It’s made with stoneware, can carry 3 oz of drinks, and is microwave safe.

This two-toned espresso cup will look nice in your kitchen. It’s a lovely set to enjoy your daily coffee with.

#24 B Cnmviku Measuring Espresso Cup ($15.99)

This espresso measuring cup is made by BCnmviku, a glassware shop. It has a capacity of 2.5 oz and is made with thick borosilicate glass. It’s heat-resistant and microwave-safe.

It has double spots and measuring prints on the side, so this is a good cup to buy for creating your favorite coffee. It can fit double-shot espresso.

What is the difference between demitasse and espresso cups?

Demitasse and espresso cups are the same. The word is French for “half cup.” A demitasse is about 2-3 oz (60-90 ml). Demitasse cups are small as they’re used to serve espresso.

What is a Ristretto cup?

Ristretto is a “short shot,” or about 1.01 oz (30 ml from a double basket) of strong, undiluted espresso. The word means “shortened” or “narrow” in Italian. It’s made with the same coffee ground as a lungo (double shot), but with a finer grind and half as much water. The steeping time is shortened to produce a more delicate, less bitter flavor. Straight ristrettos are usually poured into a demitasse and taken as they are; thus, they have a bolder and fuller flavor.