Best Espresso Cups: 3 Picks for Your Machine
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The best espresso cup for most people is the notNeutral LINO, a thick porcelain cup with a rounded interior that keeps a shot warm and suits latte art. Bodum Pavina double-wall glasses show off the crema and insulate well, and De'Longhi's double-wall espresso glasses are a sturdy, lower-cost alternative.
Key takeaways
- An espresso cup holds 2 to 3 oz; a cappuccino cup holds 5 to 6 oz.
- Thick porcelain holds heat best when preheated.
- Double-wall glass insulates well and lets you watch the shot.
- Picks are based on specifications and owner reports, not our own bench testing.
Our picks at a glance
| Our pick | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| notNeutral LINO Espresso Cup | Most espresso drinkers | Check price |
| Bodum Pavina Double Wall Espresso Glasses | Seeing the shot and keeping it warm | Check price |
| De'Longhi Double Wall Espresso Glasses | A sturdy, lower-cost glass option | Check price |
The cup changes how espresso tastes more than you might think. A thin, cold cup cools a one-ounce drink in seconds. The right cup keeps it warm, concentrates the aroma and fits under the spouts.
Our picks come from specifications and owner reports, not from our own bench testing. See how we research.
What to look for
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Match the drink; too large and the shot spreads thin and cools |
| Wall thickness | Thick porcelain holds heat when preheated |
| Interior shape | A rounded bowl helps crema form and milk pour |
| Height | Must clear your machine’s spouts, with a scale if you use one |
| Material | Porcelain for heat, double-wall glass for insulation and looks |
Cup sizes by drink
| Drink | Cup size |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 2 to 3 oz |
| Macchiato or cortado | 3 to 4.5 oz |
| Cappuccino or flat white | 5 to 6 oz |
| Latte | 8 to 12 oz |
See espresso drinks explained for how each is made.
notNeutral LINO: the cafe standard
The LINO range was designed with baristas and is used in many specialty cafes. The walls are thick, the interior is a smooth curve and the handle is comfortable. It comes in several sizes, so you can match espresso, cappuccino and latte cups.
Bodum Pavina: double-wall glass
Two layers of borosilicate glass with air between them. The drink stays warm, the outside stays cool and you can see the crema settle. The glass is thin, so treat it gently and avoid crowding it in the dishwasher.
De’Longhi Double Wall Glasses: simple and sturdy
De’Longhi sells its own double-wall glasses in espresso, cappuccino and latte sizes. They are plain, practical and sized to fit under the company’s machines.
Which one should you buy?
- Best all-round espresso cup: notNeutral LINO.
- Want to see the shot: Bodum Pavina.
- Lower cost, fits small machines: De’Longhi Double Wall Glasses.
Getting the most from your cups
- Preheat porcelain on the warming tray or with hot water.
- Measure spout clearance, including the height of a scale. See the best espresso scales.
- Brew into the cup you will drink from to keep the crema intact.
- Use a clear glass when dialing in. Watching the flow helps; see what a good espresso shot looks like.
Porcelain or glass?
Porcelain is traditional, durable and best for heat once warm. Glass insulates without preheating and looks good, and it breaks more easily. Many people keep both.
For the rest of the kit, see the espresso machine accessories guide.
Pros and cons of each pick
notNeutral LINO Espresso Cup
Best for: Most espresso drinkers
What it does well
- Thick porcelain holds heat
- Rounded interior helps crema and pouring
- Dishwasher safe
Where it falls short
- Costs more than basic cups
- Needs preheating
Bodum Pavina Double Wall Espresso Glasses
Best for: Seeing the shot and keeping it warm
What it does well
- Double wall insulates without preheating
- Clear glass shows crema and layers
- Light in the hand
Where it falls short
- Thin glass is fragile
- No handle
De'Longhi Double Wall Espresso Glasses
Best for: A sturdy, lower-cost glass option
What it does well
- Double wall keeps the outside cool
- Sized for a single or double shot
- Usually sold in pairs
Where it falls short
- Plain design
- Hand washing recommended by many owners
Frequently asked questions
What size cup is best for espresso?
A 2 to 3 oz cup, called a demitasse, suits a single or double shot. A double fills most of a 3 oz cup once the crema settles.
Should espresso cups be preheated?
Yes, for porcelain. A cold cup takes heat from a small drink quickly. Rest cups on the machine's warming tray or rinse them with hot water. Double-wall glass needs it less.
Will a normal mug fit under an espresso machine?
Often not. Many home machines have 3 to 4 inches of clearance under the spouts. Measure before buying tall cups, or brew into a small cup and pour.
This article is part of our guide: Espresso Machine Accessories: The Ones Worth Buying