Best Espresso Cups: Reviews of Demitasse Cup and Saucer Sets For Espresso Serving

by Jeanette Kierstead

Espresso cups are typically small, ranging in volume between 1 and 6 fluid ounces (30-180 ml). This is due to the strength of espresso, which packs an average of one-third the caffeine present in a comparable amount of drip coffee. However, even though it is served in a small cup, the espresso will be of similar or even stronger strength due to its extraction from 7-9 grams of coffee. This is because the same amount of water must pass through more coffee in espresso brewing vs. drip brews.

Are you a huge fan of espresso? If so, then you will most likely be familiar with demitasse espresso cups and saucers. If not, you are welcome to peruse our guide for the 3 best sets available now for espresso serving. But first, you may be wondering - what is a demitasse cup, exactly? You've definitely seen them, but maybe not known them by their fancier name.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Demitasse Cup and Saucer Sets for Espresso Serving

What Is A Demitasse Cup?

What Is A Demitasse Cup?
What Is A Demitasse Cup?

Ok, So…What Is A Demitasse Cup?

The term "demitasse" literally means "half cup" in French. Typically, this small, thick-walled serving vessel is commonly used to serve either espresso or Turkish coffee. The capacity of your average demitasse is approximately 60-90 ml (2-3 oz.).

Also Read: Tammy’s Coffee Grinder Love

Most often, demitasse espresso cups are made of ceramics or porcelain, and, like the Harold Import set pictured on the right, they come with a set of saucers or a chrome demitasse rack.

Top 5 Best Best Espresso Cup Reviews in 2022

Delonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses - Link

De'Longhi DeLonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses, Set of 2, Regular, Clear
De'Longhi DeLonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses, Set of 2, Regular, Clear

These glasses are double walled, so they are ideal for serving piping hot beverages without the risk of burning your hands. They have a capacity of 8 ounces each so perfect for espresso, but also suitable for serving other warm drinks including cappuccino and latte macchiato.

The glasses are dishwasher safe so extremely easy to clean. They are also stain resistant, so you don't need to worry about staining if you accidentally leave your drink unattended for a minute.

De'Longhi DeLonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses, Set of 2, Regular, Clear can be bought with confidence because it comes with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a stylish, modern design that is sleek and will compliment any décor.

These glasses would make an ideal gift or addition to any kitchen. They are perfect for espresso lovers who often entertain guests.

Sweese 401.003 Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers - Link

Sweese 401.003 Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers - 2 Ounce - Set of 6, Cool Assorted Colors
Sweese 401.003 Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers - 2 Ounce - Set of 6, Cool Assorted Colors

Breathtakingly beautiful - high quality espresso cups with saucers. This six-cup set of espresso mugs and saucer looks so pretty and bold and the color is so cool and perfect for any occasion or party, especially on a cold winter day.

The set of six cups consists of two dark gray, two green, one white and one bright red.

These espresso cups have a capacity of 2 ounces, so that they are perfect for iced coffee or iced tea as well as espresso. Or you can serve your favorite drink in them as well as desserts.

The design of the espresso cup is exquisite and stylish with a fine white edge on the top rim. The saucer has a nice strawberry design on it which adds to the overall beauty of the set.

This gorgeous set is perfect for any occasion, party or dinner table. It can serve as an elegant decoration too!

Francois et Mimi

Francois et Mimi Set of 4 High-fire Pure White Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer
Francois et Mimi Set of 4 High-fire Pure White Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer


First off, these are so frickin' cute! This set of 4 espresso cups are 2.5" high and 4.5" across. Their capacity is about 90ml, and 120 ml to the brim of the cup. These cups are a little larger than you'd normally expect from your average demitasse espresso cup, but that's OK by us! Fans of this cup and saucer set are very passionate about them, as are we!

As a result, you can use them for drinking other beverages besides espresso. You could use them for a regular cup of coffee or steeped tea, for example. This makes the cups more versatile than standard demitasse espresso cups, but no less adorable!

That said, we find that these demitasse espresso cups and saucers are actually a great size for espressos any time of day, whether you're making one for yourself, or serving them to guests.

These great cups by Francois et Mimi are slightly bigger than your average demitasse, but no less effective at keeping your espresso hot, due to being made from quality materials that don't allow the heat to escape and cool off your beverage prematurely.

Another key benefit of these cups is that they have a classy appearance. So it doesn't matter what time of year, or on what occasions you use them, you can rest assured that the cups will look great any old time, as you serve your favorite steeped tea or home brewed espresso in them.

Dishwasher Safe

The cups are dishwasher-safe which is definitely a plus. It prevents the need to hand-wash the espresso cups, which can certainly be a hassle if you're in a hurry or have come to the end of the hectic day, for example. On the other hand, you might find these cups just so cute, you'll want to scrub these cuties clean yourself!

Cute though they might be, they're also tough, in that you likely won't have any issues with the cups chipping or staining. That means that you can use the cups to serve tea or great home brewed espresso time and time again, without worrying about whether they'll hold up.

Besides that, these cups are also microwave friendly. That's another plus if you need to heat up a cup of espresso you made earlier that day. Waste not, want not, we always say!

These espresso cups are also lead-free, so you can have peace of mind that you can drink from it without worrying about being exposed to lead. This has become a bit of a concern among certain porcelain and ceramic products. You can read more about in this article right here.

Ideal For Parties

Since this Francois et Mimi set includes four cups and saucers, they're ideal for parties in your home, or when you have espresso-loving guests over. Also, the neutral white color (if you call white a color, that is) of cups and saucers, means that they'll match up nicely with practically any table settings you use with them. That's definitely a plus, since you won't have to fret over matching tableware with these cups so much. They go with everything! 🙂

Bene Casa 9 Piece Espresso Set With Iron Stand

Bene Casa - Ceramic 9 Piece Espresso Set Including Metal Stand - 4 Espresso Cups (3oz) and 4 Saucers - Stain Resistant Glaze
Bene Casa - Ceramic 9 Piece Espresso Set Including Metal Stand - 4 Espresso Cups (3oz) and 4 Saucers - Stain Resistant Glaze

This 9-piece set includes 4 cups, 4 saucers, and 1 iron stand. That's a pretty good deal to purchase for around $15. The cups are 3" tall, while the metal stand is 7 ¾ inches from your counter top to the top of the stand. Meanwhile, each cup has a capacity of 2.5 oz. The whole set has a shipping weight of 4.2 pounds, which is good and hefty, showing that you're getting something fairly substantial from Bene Casa.

There are many benefits of choosing this set of Demitasse espresso cups over other sets, ah where to begin? We absolutely love this demitasse espresso cup and saucer set - its a personal favorite of ours, and we think you'll see why!

Bold Statement

One of the main benefits we feel is the appearance of these cups. Whereas the Francois Et Mimi set is cute as a button, the Bene Casa set makes a bit more of a splash, what with its eye-catching "Espresso" lettering, fancy iron stand, and nice, wide saucers.

We feel that this set can really double as a casual, inviting, and friendly set of cups, but they also wouldn't be completely out of place serving business associates, as long as those business folk like to loosen their ties once in a while. So whether you want to keep it casual, or class it up a bit, we think that these cups can swing both ways.

Great Package Deal!

Another advantage here is that you receive all of the cups as a bundle, so with this set, you really get everything you need all at once, which saves you some money in that respect. No separate purchases to make here, and once you purchase this set, you can immediately throw a party and start serving friends and family, who will no doubt be impressed with your formidable home brewing abilities.

While we do, at times, love the simple, elegant white design offered by the Francois et Mimi set, sometimes you want to go with something that has a little bit more pizazz and flair, and these cups really fit the bill with respect to that!

Durable

Another key benefit of this set of demitasse espresso cups with saucers is that they're extremely durable. We have even done the unimaginable, which is to say, we dropped one - and luckily, it was fine! It didn't shatter into a million bits.

As a result of their thickness, you can rest assured that the cups will be able to withstand the rigors of being served, cleaned, and stored over and over again. That's a big advantage over other sets of espresso cups that are so thin that they're vulnerable to basic contact with objects. As in, you bump one of those thinner cups into something, and it breaks! 🙁

Insulated / Keeps Espresso Piping Hot

Another great benefit of the thicker cups like the Bene Casa set here, is that they're more effective at keeping your espresso hot, which we feel is a must when it comes to serving espresso. You'll notice that these cups are very deep and somewhat cavernous, which means that the heat stays locked in longer.

The rack part of the set is certainly a major perk. It helps to keep them organized, and provides an attractive display between uses. As an added bonus, since the rack is included in the set, there's no need to worry about purchasing a separate rack to pair with the cups and saucers.

Yet another key benefit of this demitasse cups and saucers set is that it contains a set. You can save a small fortune with the complete set instead of purchasing 9 individual pieces. This is certainly good if you're on a shoestring budget, but even if you are not, this demitasse cups and saucers set is a great value that's worth considering.

Finally, reviewers have mentioned that the Bene Casa company has an excellent shipping/return policy. So, in the unlikely event that there is shipping damage, Bene Casa will replace it without charge. This is certainly handy, and it's not usually offered by other companies selling these demitasse sets.

Harold Import Stackable Porcelain Set

HIC 9-Piece Stackable Espresso Coffee Set, Fine White Porcelain, 4 (4-Ounce) Cups with Matching Saucers and Metal Stand, Gift Boxed
HIC 9-Piece Stackable Espresso Coffee Set, Fine White Porcelain, 4 (4-Ounce) Cups with Matching Saucers and Metal Stand, Gift Boxed

This is an excellent 9-piece set of demitasse cups & saucers. It includes (4) 2 " high, 4-oz. cups and saucers, and 1 chrome rack. You can pick this set up for around $20, which we think is a great deal for a demitasse cups and saucers set of this caliber.

The attractive cups, saucers, and rack provide several benefits that will allow you to use them for many years to come.

One of the key benefits of this demitasse cups and saucers set, is that the cups are generously sized at 4 oz. Like the Francois et Mimi cups mentioned above, these Harold Import demitasse cups and saucers are larger than average, which usually is about 2-3 oz. The larger size makes the cups perfect for not only espresso, but also brewed coffees and steeped teas. The increased size means that the cups can pull double duty for both espresso and non-espresso beverages.

Stylish & Durable

The cups and saucers are also made of attractive white porcelain. This is an excellent material in terms of appearance and durability.

The cups and saucers are elegant, so you can use them for events, ranging from everyday use, to formal soirees. That's definitely a benefit over other less versatile demitasse sets.

Besides being attractive, the porcelain is also a cinch to clean, so you won't have to use much elbow grease to make them sparkle. And since white goes with everything, you can use these cups and saucers with any dinnerware set.

Beautiful Porcelain

The most obvious benefit of the durable porcelain, is that it will have a longer lifespan than other materials. However, besides that, this porcelain will also help retain the heat of the espresso or other beverage contained in the cup. That will help to make the user's espresso-drinking experience a much richer one. Who wants to have a cold espresso, right? You won't have that problem with these cups.

Speaking of durability, another key feature of the Harold Import demitasse set of espresso cups and saucers is that they're microwave-safe. So, regardless of your favorite espresso or non-espresso beverage, you can easily warm up the drink for a few seconds, and presto! - you'll be able to enjoy a piping-hot cup of your favorite brew.

Space Saving

In terms of the set's space-saving stack-ability feature, the rack itself will allow you to save a ton of real estate on your counter top. They stack so neatly! You'll be amazed at how organized the set fits into the rack, instead of just hanging on hooks, if that isn't a look you favor.

One of the most talked about things with this set is the value that it provides. It's an excellent deal when you consider that it includes 9 pieces in total. Instead of buying each cup/saucer set separately, by purchasing the entire set (4 cups, 4 saucers, one rack), your savings are considerable.

Buying Guide for The Best Espresso Cup

Did you know that it takes an espresso machine 35 seconds to make a single shot of espresso and only thirty seconds for a steam wand to change the texture and temperature of whole milk? Taking your time with coffee is an important part of the coffee making process. The same goes for picking out cups- there are many different types available, but if you choose the wrong ones then your coffee will not be as enjoyable. Here is a quick guide to choosing espresso cups:

Material

Espresso cups come in four major materials: ceramic, porcelain, glass and paper. Of these four, porcelain and ceramic tend to be the most popular because they are able to retain heat for longer periods of time. Ceramic espresso cups are slightly heavier than porcelain, but both work well as long as you don't mind the weight (ex: not trying to carry them around in your purse). Porcelain and ceramic espresso cups also usually come with a larger handle that provides you with something comfortable to grip on to.

Size

This is probably the most important aspect of choosing espresso cups. The size of your cups directly affects how much coffee you will drink. If you choose an espresso cup that's too big, then it can be hard to fit enough espresso in there for a single serving. On the other hand, if your cup is too small then it won't allow room for milk foam/froth on top of the espresso (unless that's what you're going for). A traditional demitasse portion contains 1-1.5 fluid ounces of liquid (30-44 ml), which holds about 2 tablespoons (15 ml). Keep this in mind when choosing your cups!

Design

Espresso cups usually come with two different types of design: traditional and modern. Traditional cups tend to be closer in appearance to the original demitasse cups that were used in Europe hundreds of years ago (ex: Motta Cup). These have very little detail on them, but can sometimes attract fingerprints or smudges over time which decreases their look a bit. Modern espresso cups try to make up for this by using patterns like dots, stripes or polka-dots (ex: Illy Cafe). These cups are more stylish, but they do make it more difficult to clean the cup.

Value

Price often depends on design, material and size. If you want a traditional-style porcelain espresso cup then you should expect to spend $10-$15 for a set of six cups. Glass and paper espresso cups tend to be around the same price range, but they are often more expensive due to their material.

Other Options

There are also other options available if you don't want traditional ceramic or porcelain espresso cups. Some people will use shot glasses, drinking glass or rocks glasses as their espresso cups. You should take into account your own personal preference- if you don't mind adding a little bit of water to your drink to cool it down after it's been brewed, then a cup with a handle can be just fine. If you have any questions about choosing espresso cups, feel free to ask in the comments below.

The Best Espresso Cups Are Made With High-Quality Materials and Construction

If you ground espresso coffee in your home, you probably have a few favorites from which to choose. Maybe it's a favorite mug or small glass jar that you dip into the fresh ground beans every day before preparing your morning cup of Joe. Or perhaps it's a traditional stainless steel stovetop moka pot that has been brewing your coffee every day, for years. If you are an espresso aficionado, however, your desire to find the best espresso cups may be stronger than ever.

Any good home barista knows that when it comes to brewing fine coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, the right equipment is crucial. Just as important is using properly made espresso cups. When you consider how important it is for a mug to hold its contents safely, while also delivering the full flavor impact of an excellent coffee brew, using proper espresso cups becomes almost a necessity.

The Cups Must Be Able to Retain Heat So Your Espresso Stays Hot Longer

Being a coffee enthusiast, I love nothing better than a good conversation about the varieties and aspects of brewing methods, bean origin and roasting, and grinding and tamping techniques. But these conversations always come down to science - science that we use every time we make an espresso shot.

For the sake of consistency and accuracy, let's start with a simple truth: The perfect water temperature for extracting espresso is between 195° F (91° C) and 202° F (94° C). The slightly higher temperature gives more flavor, while the lower temperature gives more volume. Normal tap water is very inconsistent in its temperature, so if you are using tap water make sure to heat it until it's around 200 degrees or test your water with a cooking thermometer or your finger (see "How to Properly Heat Water for Espresso" below).

The second thing we need to know is the perfect extraction time. Unlike drip coffee, which has an extraction time of 5 - 7 minutes, espresso can be extracted in 20 - 35 seconds. Therefore, before you even begin grinding your beans and pulling your shot you need to make sure that the machine and grinder are finely tuned and that they are working in a synchronized fashion. If the machine is not hot enough or pulling the shot too quickly you will have an under-extracted, sour espresso with little crema (the light brown foam on top of an espresso). To make sure your machine is set up properly simply run a few cycles without coffee to warm everything up.

What's the temperature of your espresso after you pull it? If you don't have a thermometer on hand, insert a spoon under your portafilter and let the espresso drip onto it so you can feel how hot it is when it falls. You should be able to hold your finger under the stream for only 1 - 3 seconds. If it's too hot to hold under the drip, the cup is going to be hotter when you drink it and if it's not hot enough your espresso will taste dull and listless.

A good shot of espresso should be around 135 - 140° F (57 - 60 ° C). So where does all that heat go? It goes into the espresso cup, of course. Your espresso will be between 40 - 65° F (5 - 18° C) when it's pulled and somewhere between 105 - 115° F (41 - 46 ° C) by the time you drink it.

Espresso Cups vs Demitasse Cups

Some people believe that there is no difference between a demitasse cup and an espresso cup. A demitasse cup and espresso cup may appear to be the same size but this is not always the case. Also, some people believe that demitasse cups are used for espresso-based drinks while espresso cups are used for drinking straight espresso shots. This is not the case. Espresso and demitasse cups can be used interchangeably to serve either an espresso or straight shot of espresso.

Espresso cups typically hold four to six ounces of liquid. This is the recommended serving size for an espresso shot without milk or steamed milk. A demitasse cup typically holds two to three ounces of liquid, making it roughly half the volume of an espresso cup.

FAQs for The Reviewed Espresso Cups

What are the best espresso cups? What is the difference between demitasse cups and espresso cups?

Since its invention in late 19th century Italy, espresso has become one of the most popular drinks in the world. As espresso became more popular, so did accompanying coffee paraphernalia. Cafes began to serve their espressos in a variety of cups, ranging from small espresso glasses to larger demitasse cups. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two cups and help you choose your ideal espresso cup.

What is a demitasse cup?

A demitasse cup is any small sized coffee cup used for serving espresso-based drinks. The demitasse cups are typically smaller than espresso cups, but larger than espresso glasses.

What is an espresso cup?

Espresso cups are the traditional Italian coffee cups that houses a single serving of espresso. They are typically small, shallow ceramic or glass cups that hold four to six ounces of liquid. Espresso cups come in all shapes and sizes. They can be round, square, heart shaped and more.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of espresso cups?

Espresso cups typically hold four to six ounces of liquid. This provides drinkers with an espresso experience without being too strong or weak. Because the cups are relatively small, drinkers are able to enjoy their espressos almost immediately, as opposed to waiting for them to cool down in larger mugs. Meanwhile, the shorter height also allows heat to dissipate quickly so that your espresso does not stay too hot.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of demitasse cups?

Demitasse cups typically hold two to three ounces of liquid. This provides drinkers with a strong and intense espresso drink that can be consumed almost immediately as opposed to waiting for it to cool down in longer mugs. However, because they contain less liquid than espresso cups, the demitasse cups are harder to use with traditional espresso machines.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of espresso glasses?

Espresso glasses typically hold four to six ounces of liquid. This provides drinkers with an opportunity to enjoy their espressos immediately without having to drink it right away like in an espresso cup. Meanwhile, the taller height allows heat to dissipate slowly so that your espresso can cool down without losing its flavor.

Some demitasse cups comes with a metal holder and saucer. Are they reusable?

Yes, you can easily reuse them as long as you clean and dry them properly in between uses. However, it is not recommended to put them in a dishwasher.

Buy on Etsy, eBay, Walmart (quality guaranteed)

Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers and Metal Stand, Stackable Demitasse Cups - 2.5 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Houseables Espresso Cup, Spoon & Saucer Set, White, Stackable Demitasse Cups with Metal - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Espresso Mugs Set of 6 with Rack Marble Stackable Espresso Cups with Saucers and Metal - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Sweese 409.401 Porcelain Espresso Cups - 3.5 Ounce - Set of 4, White - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Aozita Espresso Cups and Saucers with Espresso Spoons, Stackable Espresso Mugs,12-piece - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Espresso Cups, 3.2 oz Small Demitasse Clear Glass Espresso Drinkware, Set Of Cups, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

BTaT- Small Espresso Cups, Demitasse Cups, Set of 6 (2.0 oz, 60 ml), Glass Coffee Mugs, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Aozita Espresso Cups and Saucers with Espresso Spoons, Stand Rack, 19-piece Porcelain - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Double Wall Espresso Cup Set of 4 - Insulated Expresso Coffee Cups Sets - Stackable - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

80ml Stainless Steel Espresso Cups Set - 2 Pack Double Wall 304 Stainless Steel Demitasse - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Folk Ceramics Leonard Double Wall Ceramic Espresso Cups | Set of 2, Nocturne Blue, 3 oz - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Cuisinox Porcelain Espresso Cups (Set of 4), White - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Sweese 408.101 Espresso Cups - 4 Ounce (Top to The Rim), Double-Wall Insulated Glasses - - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

DLux Espresso Coffee Cups 3oz, Double Wall, Clear Glass Set of 2 Glasses with Handles, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

80mL (2.7 Ounce) Stainless Steel Espresso Cups Double Wall Vacuum Insulated - Set Of 2 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

OVALWARE RJ3 Espresso Coffee Glass Cups 4oz/120ml (Set of 2) Double Walled Glass Cup w/ - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Small Stainless Steel Espresso Cups 2pcs Set, KITCHENEXUS 4oz Double Wall Insulated - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Easy Pour Espresso Cups Set of 4 - Clear Insulated 2.6oz Espresso Shot Glasses - Double - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

AVLA 6 Pack Espresso Cups with Saucers, 2.4 Ounce Coffee Cup Set Demitasse Cups for - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Luxury Porcelain Turkish Coffee Cups Set of 6 and Saucers 4 oz. Gold Espresso Serving - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Delonghi Double Walled Thermo Espresso Glasses - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Sweese 401.003 Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for Espresso Cup Buyers

It is fascinating to think about the history of objects and how they come to be in our lives. The espresso cup that I use every morning has a story, and I am grateful for it. While we may not always think about the backstory of everyday items, it's interesting to consider what makes them special. Whether it's an old mug from your childhood or a new purchase that brings joy each time you use it, take a moment to appreciate the things that make up your life. What item in your home has a special story?


About Jeanette Kierstead

Jeanette has been testing and reviewing kitchen appliances for over six years now, so she knows her stuff when it comes to finding the best ones. In her spare time, she loves nothing more than baking cakes and cookies – especially if she can do so with one of her favorite stand mixers! When she's not in the kitchen, Jeanette is usually looking after everything homes-related; from garden tools to smart home products.

Thoughts on "Best Espresso Cups: Reviews of Demitasse Cup and Saucer Sets For Espresso Serving"

null

Get FREE Coffee Gifts now. Or latest free grinders from our best collections.

Disable Ad block to get all the secrets. Once done, hit any button below