Espresso cups are small, thick-walled cups, usually 2 to 4 ounces, meant for a single or double shot. Most come with matching saucers, and some add spoons or a metal stand. A cup that is too large turns a shot into a different drink, so size is the first thing to check.
The six sets below range from a pair of Italian-made porcelain cups to a six-cup set on a metal holder. Sizes, materials and included pieces come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these cups ourselves. Claims about heat retention and dishwasher use are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 to 3 ounces for a shot, 4 or more for a cortado |
| Material | Porcelain and stoneware differ in weight and finish |
| Extras | Spoons and stands change what you get in the box |
| Set size | Two, four or six cups |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Capacity and size | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALACASA set of 4 | 2.5 oz (75 ml) | Porcelain | Saucers and a silver metal stand; stackable; 4 and 8 oz sizes also sold |
| LUKA set of 6 | 4.4 oz; cup 2.5 in wide x 2 in high | Ceramic (porcelain) | Saucer 4.3 in; metal holder; striped pattern |
| homEdge set of 4 | 80 ml (2.67 oz) | Porcelain | Saucers and stainless steel spoons; thick wall per the maker |
| De’Longhi set of 2 | 3 oz; cup 3 in high; saucer 5 in | Porcelain | Italian design made by Tognana; microwave and dishwasher use per the maker |
| famiware set of 4 | 3 oz; cup 2.2 in wide x 2.3 in high | Stoneware | Saucer 4.7 in with a groove for the cup |
| Lareina set of 4 | 3 oz; cup 2.6 in wide x 2.3 in high | Ceramic, black | Saucer 4.7 in; spoons and metal stand in the title |
The 6 Best Espresso Cups
1. MALACASA Porcelain Espresso Cups, Set of 4
Four 2.5 ounce white porcelain cups with four saucers and a silver metal stand. The maker describes the cups as stackable and lists them as lead- and cadmium-free, with larger 4 and 8 ounce sizes also offered.
Suits: a tidy counter. Strengths: a stand and stackable cups. Weaknesses: no spoons are listed. Skip it if you want a larger cup.
2. LUKA Ceramic Espresso Cups With Saucers, Set of 6
Six white porcelain cups of 4.4 ounces with a striped pattern and a metal holder. Each cup is about 2.5 inches wide and 2 inches high, and each saucer is 4.3 inches wide.
Suits: serving guests. Strengths: six cups and a holder. Weaknesses: no spoons are listed. Skip it if you want a plain white cup.
3. homEdge Porcelain Espresso Shot Cup Set
Four 80 milliliter (2.67 ounce) porcelain cups with four saucers and four stainless steel spoons. The maker describes a thick wall that holds heat and says the pieces go in a dishwasher.
Suits: a complete small set. Strengths: spoons are included. Weaknesses: no stand. Skip it if you want one for storage.
4. De’Longhi DLSC308 Espresso Cup and Saucer, Set of 2
Two white porcelain 3 ounce cups with 5 inch saucers, designed by De’Longhi and made by Tognana in Italy. Each cup is 3 inches high, and the maker lists microwave and dishwasher use.
Suits: a pair of cups from a machine brand. Strengths: a tall, shaped cup. Weaknesses: only two cups. Skip it if you host more people.
View De’Longhi DLSC308 Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer, Set of 2, 70 ml on Amazon
5. famiware 3oz Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 4
Four 3 ounce stoneware cups, each 2.2 inches wide and 2.3 inches high, with 4.7 inch saucers that have a groove for the cup. The maker lists the stoneware as lead-free and cadmium-free.
Suits: a soft cappuccino white look. Strengths: grooved saucers and stoneware. Weaknesses: no stand. Skip it if you want porcelain.
View famiware 3oz Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 4, Cappuccino White on Amazon
6. Lareina 3-Ounce Espresso Cups, Set of 4, Black
Four black ceramic 3 ounce cups, each 2.6 inches wide and 2.3 inches high, with 4.7 inch saucers. The title lists spoons and a metal stand, though the detail list names only a spoon.
Suits: a dark coffee bar. Strengths: a stand and spoons in the title. Weaknesses: the contents are not fully clear. Skip it if you need exact contents.
Care and Setup
- Warm the cups with hot water before pulling a shot.
- Check the maker’s note before using a dishwasher or microwave.
- Stack saucers with care to avoid chips.
- Place a stand near the machine for easy reach.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a 4 ounce cup for a single shot.
- Assuming spoons or a stand come in the box.
- Stacking wet cups.
- Ignoring the cup height under your machine’s spout.
Espresso Cup FAQ
What size is an espresso cup?
Most here hold 2.5 to 3 ounces. The LUKA holds 4.4 ounces.
Do I need a stand?
No, but MALACASA, LUKA and Lareina include one for storage.
The Short Version
For a stand and stackable cups, the MALACASA. For six cups, the LUKA. For spoons in the box, the homEdge. For a pair from Italy, the De’Longhi. For stoneware, the famiware. For black cups, the Lareina.