Finding the right coffee cups for your needs

Sometimes we can’t explain why we gravitate towards one mug or coffee cup over another, but the chances are it has something to do with how comfortable it is to hold and how it makes you feel when you take a sip.

All types of factors contribute to the way we make our selection from the types of material used to the shape and size of the design. Here are a few things to consider when searching for the right coffee cups.

Different materials available to choose from

• Ceramic. A popular choice, ceramic coffee mugs come in a wide array of designs or shapes from coupe to tulip so you can easily find a tea cup or mug set that reflects your personal style.

• Stoneware. Attractive with a matte or glossy handcrafted look, stoneware coffee cups are more chip resistant and durable. Go from a flat white to a silky latte or herbal tea.

• Stainless steel. Perfect as travel mugs or reusable coffee cups, stainless steel is unbreakable and holds heat really well so your brew stays warm.

• Double wall borosilicate glass. Suitable for both hot and cold beverages, a double wall glass like Salisbury & Co's Duo collection can be shaped into different designs such as a coffee tumbler or a highball iced latte cup.

• Bone china. Stronger than it might look, bone china feels luxurious and delicate, adding a more premium quality to Australian mug collections. Also often comes gift boxed, making it a great gift.

Features to consider when buying coffee mugs and tea cups

Asides from the overall design, here are a few features to consider when buying coffee and tea cups:

• Handle: Think about how you prefer to hold your mug and if the handle will be comfortable to grip safely.

• Capacity: A mug 400ml is considered fairly standard in size for a cup of tea or iced coffee. Prefer an espresso to a latte? Go for a smaller 60ml size.

• Insulation: Busy lifestyles will require a coffee cup with good insulation so it stays hotter or colder for longer. Opt for one with a spout too so you can sip as you walk.

• Dishwasher safe: Is it practical and easy to care for?

Best size coffee cups for popular types of coffee

• The latte cup: Large size with approximately 230ml capacity.

• The cappuccino cup: Medium size with approximately 140ml capacity.

• The espresso cup: Small size with approximately 114ml capacity or less.

Other accessories to consider

Add these dreamy accessories to your wishlist and regret nothing! Remember, a well stocked kitchen is a happy kitchen.

• Coffee machine. Helps you achieve barista quality coffee at home.

• Coffee makers. Choose from classic coffee presses to stovetop espresso makers.

• Infusers. Ideal for adding seasonal flavours, herbs and spices.

• Teapots. From stovetop kettles that whistle to the electric ones that don’t.

• Jugs. Great for making and serving batches of ice tea or coffee.

• Coasters. Don’t let the rich tannins stain your tabletops!

Brands we know and trust

With something for everyone, shop the best drinkware brands all under one roof. Here are just a few of the tea and coffee cup brands we know and trust:

• Royal Doulton: Classic, timeless and beautiful.

• Bodum: Contemporary and innovative designs.

At Kitchen Warehouse, we make shopping for kitchenware as easy and effortless as possible - and you’ll often see a few offers floating around in-store and online. Don’t forget, sign up to Our Family Table to get special discounts on RRP, recipes and more delivered to your inbox, plus be among the first to shop exclusive sales.

FAQs:

What is the best size for a coffee cup?
The best type of coffee cup is the one you fall in love with - but, failing that, it’s the one that best holds your favourite type of coffee. Size and capacity ensure you get the perfect ratio of coffee to milk so it’s worth looking into and investing in a few to keep you well stocked - especially if you love using a coffee machine to create every type of coffee under the sun.

What is the most popular type of coffee cup?
It’s a tie between ceramic coffee mugs and glass coffee cups! Ceramic mugs are easy, colourful and affordable and glass ones are beautiful and really look the part. They also don’t stain but you do have to be a bit more careful as you can feel the heat through it - unless you go for double wall glasses.

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