The 10 Best Espresso Cups
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in May of 2018. If you like to start your day with something a little stronger than a cup of regular coffee, you'll probably need a good set of espresso cups. We've rounded up the best options made from a variety of materials, like glass and stainless steel, and ranked them by price, aesthetics, and durability. We've even found a few double-walled models that can help keep your beverage warm for longer. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. JoyJolt Savor
2. Gibson Expressions 13-Piece Set
3. Bruntmor BR3773
Editor's Notes
May 20, 2020:
Anyone who enjoys espresso knows how important it is to serve them in a cup specially made for this potent beverage. Not only would it look strange served in a large mug, but it would also create a larger surface area, resulting in the drink getting colder quicker. It was with this in mind that we decided to remove the TeamFar Stainless Steel. With a six-ounce capacity, they just seemed better suited to a cappuccino than an espresso. It is for that same reason we also eliminated the Anchor & Mill Double Walled. Ideally, an espresso cup should be between two and four ounces, depending if you prefer to drink a single shot, or choose to enjoy a double or a lungo.
Though we removed most larger models, we did still leave the KeepCup Brew Glass, despite it having an eight-ounce capacity. There aren't too many travel espresso cups out there, and almost all of them will be larger than a traditional one, so we felt it could still make a smart choice for anyone who likes to take their morning or evening pick me up on the go. Plus, it looks pretty nice and its well-sealing lid should help trap the heat long enough that it stays warm until you finish drinking it.
While on the topic of retaining heat, if this is a major concern, you should opt for one of the double-walled models on this list, which include the JoyJolt Savor, Real Deal Steel Double Wall, and Kitchables Thermo. Of these, the JoyJolt Savor offers the most traditional look, while the Real Deal Steel Double Wall is ideal for anyone who plans on taking their portable espresso maker along when camping, since they are essentially unbreakable.
Whether you are limited in cabinet space or simply prefer to make your espresso cups a decorative feature of your kitchen, the Gibson Expressions 13-Piece Set will serve well, thanks to the included steel rack. Speaking of decorative options, the Villeroy & Boch New Wave are certainly eye-catching and would be perfect in a fancy coffee shop, or for entertaining guests at a home dinner party.
Special Honors
L'Objet Lapis Part of a collection that includes matching dinnerware, the L'Objet Lapis are would make a great addition to any home that entertains often. They feature decorative handles, 24-karat gold accents, and have a beautiful deep azure color that is an ode to the night skies of the Mediterranean. They are hand painted and made from Limoges porcelain. l-objet.com
La Rochere Troquet Inspired by the classic French bistro espresso cups, but with a modern twist, the La Rochere Troquet may make it feel like you are sipping a a coffee at a posh Paris cafe. Each one has a slightly different design, though they all boast a curved silhouette and soft lines. They offer a 3.4-ounce capacity and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. larochere-na.com
4. KeepCup Brew Glass
5. Villeroy & Boch New Wave
6. Sweese 401.002
7. Real Deal Steel Double Wall
8. Bormioli Rocco Ypsilon
9. Zenco Living Double
10. Kitchables Thermo
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.