Your favorite cups (demitasse), if you could choose only one set.....

[Fr. John]

which would it be?

I currently have the ubiquitous brown and white ones but I always feel they are a tad on the thick side.

Function first if you please.

[another_jim]

The Bodum doublewalled glass ones are ideal if you pull pretty shots; and especially if you make macchiattos. Their only drawback is that they hold about 2.75 ounces, so ristretto shots tend to get lost in them.

[Fr. John]

I've been looking at these, both the small and the so called 9oz version for lattes.

First, they look pretty nice.

However, I have seen too many different reports about their actual volume. The Bodum site puts the small at 2oz, but pretty much everything over at CG says 3.5oz. Again, Bodum puts the larger at 9oz. while I have seen everything from 6.5oz. to 7oz over at CG.

What's accurate?

[HB]

My favorite utilitarian demitasse is the thick walled Nuovo Points. Lately I'm liking the illy cups more and more, despite their obvious commercialization. Among the few collectables I own, the Schwung 1999's are my preferred:


(in particular the gray and dark blue one)

Speaking of illy collectables, I'm reminded of the one that seduced Abe:


The golden cup from A Visit to Illy Gallery in New York

You know what's really unbelieveable about this cup, besides the price? Look closely at what appears to be a gold dot on the front of the cup. No, it's not a dot... it's a hole. Apparently the left-handed artist believed that ristrettos are the only way to drink espresso (or they're really fond of expensive dribble cups ).

[another_jim]

I've been looking at these, both the small and the so called 9oz version for lattes.

First, they look pretty nice.

However, I have seen too many different reports about their actual volume. The Bodum site puts the small at 2oz, but pretty much everything over at CG says 3.5oz. Again, Bodum puts the larger at 9oz. while I have seen everything from 6.5oz. to 7oz over at CG.

What's accurate?

The problem is that there are several versions, with the later ones being smaller. I have the double walled version from last year (earlier ones are single walled and hold more). I rechecked the volume, and filled to the brim, they weigh in at 1/3 cup, or 2 2/3 ounces.

[wmfamily]

I like the Espresso Monkey cups that Sweet Marias sells. Basic cups with a good size and a very nice saucer that is very easy to hold. Of course the monkey is very cool too. Other than those I like a set of Lavazza Slow Food cups I picked up in Germany last year. Rather heavy but very cool looking.

John

[cannonfodder]

I've been looking at these, both the small and the so called 9oz version for lattes.

First, they look pretty nice.

However, I have seen too many different reports about their actual volume. The Bodum site puts the small at 2oz, but pretty much everything over at CG says 3.5oz. Again, Bodum puts the larger at 9oz. while I have seen everything from 6.5oz. to 7oz over at CG.

What's accurate?

I have a set of the double walled, got some of the first sets WLL received. I have the first 3 sizes. Per my digital scale they measured 2 7/8, 8 7/8, and 12 1/4 fl.oz. I like them but find myself wishing they had a small handle.

I am still searching for the perfect cup.

[Worldman]

I really like the ubiquitous and utilitarian Nuova Point 3oz. brown with white interior demi cups. They just feel right though this is pretty silly since one usually gulps an espresso within seconds.

I got them from Espresso Parts and while I have broken a couple (2 out of 12) of the cappuccino cups, the espresso cups seem so thick that it is hard to imagine them ever breaking.

Len

[Jacob]

I love my 2oz cups



These were not new 35 years ago

[Fr. John]

Those are quite nice looking!

[KarlSchneider]

which would it be?

I currently have the ubiquitous brown and white ones but I always feel they are a tad on the thick side.

Function first if you please.

Fr. John,

I have 13 different espresso cups I use on a daily basis -- including 2 different shapes of those brown and white -- and four different Illy cups -- and 3 from Lavazza and four single types. I would hate to give up any. Unless you are operating a commercial business I see no reason to have a set. Get as few as you can of each and trade the extras for more variety. I find each type matches different coffees and different moods.

KS

[Fr. John]

Karl,

Point well taken. I was thinking in terms of serving several people, but there is no reason all cups need match. Nice idea.

[Ron_L]

In terms of appearance, my favorite is my Illy Pen Test set, followed by a cup and saucer set I bought in Barcelona that have designs from the architect Antoni Gaudi. But, the one that I use most is the Bodum double-walled glass. I only have one left, however... I keep breaking them!

[HB]

But, the one that I use most is the Bodum double-walled glass. I only have one left, however... I keep breaking them!

I just got a pair this week. It's all Dave's fault:



The looks were just too good. I obviously knew they were glass, but I was still surprised how thin and light they are. The look of "suspended" liquid is neat. As glass espresso-ware goes, I find them more visually appealing than the illy nudes, and a lot less expensive.

Note: Lino commented that he bought a set awhile back too. Beware of a pinhole where the glass blower's tube was removed on the bottom. He immersed the shotglass while washing it and now has water trapped inside producing a "fishbowl" effect!

[doleeo]

My favorite demitasse at the time, is probably my Sweet Marias monkey cup, I'm also a big fan of my intelligentsia black cat cups.

[cannonfodder]

I just got a pair this week. It's all Dave's fault:

They are remarkably light and thin, but surprisingly durable. I have dropped them into the sink and had them bounce, but a fall to the floor is terminal.


They are a bit slick when wet due to the makeup of the special glass. I hold them with my little finger under the base to prevent slippage.

[Marshall]

which would it be?

I currently have the ubiquitous brown and white ones but I always feel they are a tad on the thick side.

Function first if you please.

I've put away my Illy Nudes since I was given a pair of Bodum Pavinas (the double-walled cups). In the home, where you are not going to keep your cups in boiling water like some Italian bars, they are the only cups that will properly preserve heat. But, I would not buy them for your church. They are too fragile.

[bobcraige]

Last Thursday, I ordered a pair of Bodum Pavina cups and they just arrived. It was interesting to me that just after I ordered them, everybody mentioned them in this thread making me even more eager to try them. I just used them for the first time and they are really nice. They are inexpensive and available enough that even if you do break them, it would not be terrible to replace them.

[Gatewood]

I bought two some time ago. Loved them. Broke one. (the portafilter fell on it in the dish drain) Bought four more, and put two away against future breakages. I don't plan to do without them any more.

[peacecup]

Long and lean 2.5 oz, from my favorite roasters, aboard the PV:

PC