Did you know that the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. displays espresso cups and saucers? They belong there. Demitasse cups (the original name) have been around for centuries and you can thank the French for giving this 2- to 3-ounce cup the name, translated as half-cup.
Lots of societies have adopted this cup size to accommodate strong brews that pack on the caffeine. From Turkish espresso to Spanish and Italian versions, these sips of coffee are beloved by true coffee drinkers around the world – but no bracing coffee beverage belongs in anything other than a proper espresso cup.
Glass espresso cups: a good choice for espresso purists
There’s an official cup and saucer size that’s acknowledged by china and dinnerware manufacturers around the world: a majority of these entities agree that the official espresso cup size measures between 2- and 2.5-inches tall. Does that mean every demitasse cup comes in this size? Surprisingly, the answer is no–which is why you will encounter larger vessels when you peruse our reviews below.
Not all espresso cups come with saucers either, but if the cup you choose has one, a typical measurement is between 4- and 4.5-inches. Originally manufactured of porcelain, pottery and ceramics, when glass demitasse cups appeared on store shelves, it was love at first sight. Here’s why:
- Glass espresso cups offer a transparent view of a favorite brew.
- Glass—especially double-walled glass—retains heat more efficiently than other materials.
- Clean-up is easy because most products are dishwasher friendly.
- Sip from a glass demitasse cup and the flavor of your brew won’t be compromised.
- Glass espresso cups look more elegant than pottery.
Are there reasons to avoid buying glass espresso cups? Only if you are very clumsy! Even double-walled glass demitasse cups can meet unfortunate ends if you drop them, just as other glass plates and cups do. That said, these are no fragile vessels. Double-walled glass is known for its strength, so expect years of use and pleasure.
Do shape, size and style matter?
Mais oui! If you’re going to drink like a proper continental sophisticate, you’ll want to go all the way when you select the glass espresso cups and saucers destined to reside in your kitchen cabinets. There are 6 features to consider before making your buying decision:
- Size really does matter and the aforementioned 2- to 2.5-cup size is there for a reason. Use a bigger cup and your drink could cool down faster.
- Don’t apologize for being finicky when choosing the shape of your espresso cups. One passionate espresso drinker insists on “a shape that hugs the espresso,” so a tapered, rounded bottom gives you access to every drop.
- Rims matter. It’s true what they say about the way thick, rounded rims allow you to caress your cup with your lips as you sip. The thinner the cup and lip, the faster espresso loses heat.
- What’s your color? Yes, some espresso cup and saucer sets are fabricated of colored glass, but there’s something about sipping a strong brew out of a blue demitasse cup that’s wrong. Clear espresso cups rule!
- Handle or no handle? No judgments here, but even if an elegantly-shaped glass espresso cup is museum-worthy, there’s something about the security of a handle that makes this feature a popular pick.
- Where can you find glass espresso cups? Everywhere. From Walmart and Target to upscale department stores, you have many choices. Too busy to comparison shop? This list may save you time and money!
Glass espresso cups and saucer 8 Mini-Reviews
JoyJolt Javaah Double-Walled Espresso Glasses; Set of 2
Expect your guests to be impressed by your taste when they see you serve espresso in these sophisticated, handle-free cups designed to be used without saucers. Consumers rave about the styling and double-wall construction. These JoyJolt espresso glasses appear pricey, but they’re not. These beautifully crafted glasses deliver an authentic taste and they’re extremely easy to care for. Check price and details.
DeLonghi Double-Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses; Set of 2
If you just checked out the aforementioned JoyJolt espresso glasses, you may do a double-take because this pair of DeLonghi handle- and saucer-free espresso glasses are similar. Even the price competes, so if you’re brand loyal to either, making your buying decision should be easy. Dishwasher safe and advertised as a condensation-free vessel, you can be sure your espresso will stay hot thanks to thermo construction. Check price and details.
JoyJolt Savor Double-Walled Insulated Glass Espresso Mugs; Set of 2
Having debated the merits of large v. standard glass espresso cups and deciding that a traditional 2- to 2.5-inch cup won’t cut it, this JoyJolt espresso “mug” is a great alternative. It’s got a handle to help you balance your beverage and a clever silhouette: the chamber inside the mug is suspended, adding a futuristic vibe. Made of heat- and condensation-resistant borosilicate glass, these mugs come boxed for giving—so if you don’t like to super-size your morning brew, give this set to friends who do! Check price and details.
Sweese 4601 Espresso Double-Walled Mugs; Set of 2
If you love the look of an espresso vessel that’s suspended within outer glass, compare these Sweese double-wall espresso mugs to the JoyJolt design featured above. Stackable to save space, these mugs may look fragile, but they’re fashioned of strong, mouth-blown borosilicate glass and feature handles. Hand-washing is recommended, so take a pass if you only buy cups that are dishwasher safe. Serving up 5 ounces of espresso, this mug set is boxed and makes a super wedding shower gift for a lucky couple. Check price and details.
Mandydov Insulated Double-Walled Coffee Mugs; Set of 4 Cups and 4 Spoons
Fickle espresso drinkers who occasionally abandon their favorite brisk drink for a latte or cappuccino love this cup for myriad reasons. Priced affordably and packaged with 4 glass spoons, these see-through mugs hold 5 ounces of beverage within a double-walled exterior. Freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave safe, you can count on these cups to keep drinks hotter longer. Because they are hand crafted of borosilicate-glass, these cups are thinner, lighter and lead -free. Mandydov will replace items if they’re damaged due to “non-human factors.”
Stone & Mill Firenze Double-Walled Glass Espresso Cups; Set of 4
Did you notice the size of these double-walled glass espresso cups? They hold an impressive amount of liquid at 8.5 ounces, so you get your fill of macchiatos without having to return for refills. Classically designed and artfully boxed for gift-giving, if you like your espressos big and bold and won’t settle for a traditional 2- to 2.5 ounce pour, these insulated demitasse cups don’t look traditional, but you may not care once you see how easy they are to clean. Microwave-safe for warm ups, you get a 100-percent guarantee from the manufacturer on these oversize cups. Check price and details.
Tealyra Double-Walled Glasses and Saucer; Set of 4
If you like serving your espresso, coffee, tea or latte in a cup with a matching saucer, this Tealyra will appeal to you. Enjoy a sizeable helping of your favorite brew (8.5 ounces) and all 4 cups and saucers are crafted of double-wall glass, so beverages stay hotter longer. But perhaps you hadn’t planned to buy this many cups or you’re not a fan of saucers. You’re in luck. Tealyra sells these vessels in increments. You can purchase just 2 cups, opt for 4 cups or order all 8 pieces in concert. These ultra-clear cups are made of lead-free borosilicate-glass by a company that likes a splash of humor with its espresso: Tealyra warns: while your drink may appear to float in mid-air, “this does not work for humans. Please try not to stand inside your glass!” Check price and details.
Eparé Espresso Glass Demitasse Lid/Saucer; Set of 2
Eparé Espresso Glass Demitasse cups earn raves from shoppers looking for value and styling. Cups hold 4-ounces of coffee within double-wall vessels. Matching saucers made of chemistry-grade borosilicate glass serve as lids when they’re not situated beneath the cups. Light and thin, the manufacturer says that these glass cups withstand shock and scratches. Eparé also notes that they are break resistant, but warns against contact with metal. That said, these cups are microwave-, freezer-, oven- and dishwasher-friendly, so expect years of enjoyment if you pick this pair. Check price and details.
A brew that’s just for you
Having perused eight solid suggestions detailing hot-selling espresso cups and sets, you’ve got a decision to make and it may not be easy since all of these products are fabricated of light, sturdy glass engineered to keep beverages hot while you savor your favorite coffee strength and brand. If you’re like most espresso drinkers, size will matter, so start eliminating cups that don’t meet your beverage quota on the aforementioned list.
Extras, like saucers and spoons, make great touches if these accessories matter to you and, of course, gift boxing can tip your buying decision in one direction if you’re looking to make an impression without spending a fortune to do it. Whichever set you choose, you’re going to be delighted that you opted for glass over other mediums, because all of these designs are sleek and have that Euro vibe.
