Coffee cups

The standard Italian size for an espresso is the 70 ml cup — small and thick, with flared walls. It is suitable for all short espresso-based drinks:

• Ristretto (~20–25 ml) — concentrated espresso, short extraction of 15–20 seconds
• Classic espresso (~30–35 ml) — extraction of 25–30 seconds, standard Italian size
• Espresso lungo (~40–50 ml) — long extraction of 35–40 seconds
• Macchiato — espresso + a dash of steamed milk

For milk-based drinks (cappuccino, latte macchiato, mocha), choose the 160 ml cup, which leaves room for steamed milk and foam.

Porcelain is the standard material for coffee cups in Italian tradition, for three main reasons:

• Heat retention — the thick porcelain walls maintain the coffee's temperature for 4–6 minutes, compared with 2–3 minutes in thin glass. Essential for the Italian practice of savouring coffee slowly.
• Flavour neutrality — porcelain is chemically neutral and imparts no unwanted flavours to the coffee. Some glass or plastic materials alter the aromas.
• Crema preservation — the flared interior of a porcelain cup preserves the crema (espresso's signature golden foam) for longer than a straight-sided glass.
• Professional durability — resistance to thermal shock and commercial dishwasher detergents, as standard in bars and restaurants.

Glass remains a suitable choice for visually appealing drinks (layered latte macchiato, iced coffee), but classic espresso is traditionally served in porcelain.

The two sizes serve different purposes:

• 70 ml espresso cup — height ~6 cm, rim diameter ~5,5 cm. For ristretto, espresso, espresso lungo and macchiato. A flared interior that preserves the crema and concentrates the aromas.
• 160 ml cappuccino cup — height ~7–8 cm, rim diameter ~8 cm. For cappuccino, latte macchiato and lungo. A wider shape with a flared rim to accommodate milk foam and allow for latte art.

For a complete set-up, having both sizes is ideal — the 70 ml for your daily espresso routine, and the 160 ml for morning cappuccinos or guests. The two complement each other perfectly in a home kitchen or office coffee corner.

Yes, our Lavazza porcelain cups are dishwasher-safe, including for intensive professional use (bars, restaurants and brasseries).

• Recommended programme — standard cycle at 55–65°C, using conventional detergents suitable for porcelain
• Avoid — prolonged ultra-high-temperature cycles (>75°C), which may slightly affect the printed logo over the very long term (but not the porcelain itself)
• Professional best practice — place cups upside down in the upper basket, with enough space to prevent pieces from knocking against each other during washing

To keep cups looking new at home, a quick rinse with lukewarm water immediately after use (before the coffee grounds dry) reduces the intensity of the dishwasher cycle required.

Lavazza signature cups offer several advantages over generic porcelain:

• Italian-standard sizes — 70 ml and 160 ml follow Italian espresso tradition. Many generic cups are larger (80–100 ml for espresso) and dilute the experience.
• Flared interior — designed to preserve Lavazza's signature crema. A detail that generic manufacturers do not take into account.
• Consistent presentation — if you already use Lavazza machines and capsules (A Modo Mio, Blue, Espresso Point), matching cups create a coordinated range that is appreciated in professional coffee service.
• Professional-grade durability — high-density porcelain, tested for intensive dishwasher use in bars and restaurants.

For corporate gifts or coffee gift sets, the Lavazza brand adds greater perceived value than generic cups.

Yes — in our current range, cups and saucers are sold separately. This has two advantages:

• Flexible ordering — you can buy just the cups if you already have saucers or trays, or vice versa to replace damaged pieces in a collection
• Savings — if you only serve coffee at home on a wooden or marble tray, saucers are optional, saving you money on each set.

For a complete traditional Italian coffee service (bar, hotel, restaurant), matching saucers are recommended: they prevent splashes if coffee is spilt, provide a place for the spoon and sugar, and enhance the perceived quality of the service.

We offer:

• 70 ml espresso cups × 12 + Matching saucers × 12
• 160 ml cappuccino cups × 6 + matching saucers × 6