Best espresso cups to buy in 2024 according to coffee experts

Whatever your personal kitchen style we've got the espresso cup to suit your needs. Whether you're after a colourful duo, luxury set or chic, simple addition to your mug collection, we've got you covered.

Looking for a coffee-based gift? Take a look at our best coffee mugs, best coffee gifts or celebrate a special occasion by mixing up one of our favourite smooth coffee cocktails. Looking to make the perfect espresso? Read our guide to the best espresso machines tried and tested by our coffee experts.

Best espresso cups to buy at a glance

• Best colourful espresso cup set: Tresillo Ombre espresso cups set, £39.50
• Best tactile espresso cup: John Lewis Leckford stoneware espresso cup, £4
• Best non-handled espresso cup set: H&M 4-pack cobalt blues espresso cups, £14.99
• Best glass espresso cup set: Bodum double walled espresso cups set, £15.95
• Best dinner party espresso cup set: Royal Doulton Coffee Studio porcelain espresso cup & saucer set, £55
• Best pottery espresso mug duo: Nkuku Mali ribbed espresso mug set, £25
• Best neutral espresso cup duo: Denby Studio grey espresso coffee cups, £30
• Best espresso mug: Le Creuset stoneware espresso cup, £14
• Best budget espresso cup: Nordic Nest Bitz espresso cup, £6
• Best luxury espresso cup set: Rick Stein Coves of Cornwall cup and saucer set, £58

Best espresso cups to buy 2024

Tresillo Ombre espresso cups set

• Available from Oliver Bonas, (£39.50)

Best colourful espresso cup set

This brightly coloured set of four espresso cups is sure to cheer up any sleepy morning or slow afternoon. The mugs are hand sprayed with the vibrant ombréd hues, and are made of stoneware which means they are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Available from:

Oliver Bonas, (£39.50)

John Lewis Leckford stoneware espresso cup

• Available from John Lewis & Partners (£4)

Best tactile espresso cup

Made from clay stoneware, this espresso cup is kiln-fired for durability and is both dishwasher and microwave safe. The pattern on this mug is minimalist and elegant, made by handcrafted embossed patterning to create an understated design inspired by the gills of mushrooms.

Available from:

John Lewis & Partners (£4)

H&M 4-pack cobalt blues espresso cups

• Available from H&M (£14.99)

Best non-handled espresso cup set

This set of four cups have a mottled cobalt blue colour that would work well in a modern kitchen. Made from stoneware, the cups have a reactive glaze that gives the colour a varied effect and means every cup is unique.

Available from:

H&M (£14.99)

Bodum double walled espresso cups set

• Available from Bodum (£15.95)

Best glass espresso cup set

If you're looking for cups to fit into a modern kitchen these double walled glass cups from Bodum could be a great option. Glass cups can also be great if you're dialling in a new espresso machine so you can see the colour of the drink and the thickness of the crema, but it's important to use a double walled cup as these have been especially tempered to be able to handle heat without shattering.

Available from:

Bodum (£15.95)

Royal Doulton Coffee Studio porcelain espresso cup & saucer, set of four

• Available from Selfridges (£55), John Lewis (£55)

Best dinner party espresso cup set

This smart set is an investment that is chic to bring out for serving coffee after dinner. Complete with saucers, the delicate porcelain set in muted neutral tones is actually still dishwasher and microwave safe.

Available from:
Selfridges (£55)
John Lewis (£55)

Nkuku Mali ribbed espresso mug set

• Available from Nkuku (£25)

Best simple espresso mug duo

If bright colours and patterns aren’t your style, try this simple pottery duo. Handmade in India (as part of a scheme to provide employment and training for people from disadvantaged backgrounds), rustic terracotta is dipped in a white glaze for pleasingly tactile mugs. Larger coffee mugs in the same design are also available.

Available from:
Nkuku (£25)

Denby Studio grey espresso coffee cups

• Available from Denby Studio (£30)

Best neutral espresso cup duo

Buying a present for an espresso lover? A pair of Denby Studio espresso coffee cups, handcrafted and expertly glazed by craftsman, would make for a thoughtful and practical gift.

Available from:
Denby Studio (£30)

Le Creuset stoneware espresso cup

Best espresso mug

Inject a pop of colour into your kitchen with a Le Creuset stoneware espresso mug, perfectly sized to hold just the right amount for an espresso. The vibrant cups, including deep blue, red and orange options, are made from heat-retaining stoneware that keeps coffee warm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every sip.

For great offers on Le Creuset, visit our Le Creuset deals round-up.

Nordic Nest Bitz espresso cup

• Available from Nordic Nest (£6)

Best budget espresso cup

A pair of these sophisticated matte stoneware mugs, with a minimalist design and traditional Nordic aesthetic, would make a great addition to any tablescape. Each cup is crafted by hand with a special glaze, making yours entirely unique.

Available from:
Nordic Nest (£6)

Rick Stein Cove of Cornwall espresso cup set

• Available from John Lewis & Partners (£58)

Best luxury espresso cup set

Rick Stein’s elegant espresso cups and saucers, inspired by the land and seascape of Cornish coves, will bring a touch of seaside charm to your collection. The calming designs were the winning entry in a competition Rick Stein launched to final-year art and design students at Falmouth University.

Available from:

John Lewis & Partners (£58)

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