Coffee and Tea Cups

Coffee and tea cups are one of the highest-turnover items in a café’s daily inventory – they are used hundreds of times a day and require regular replacement. Professional HoReCa cups differ from household versions with thicker walls, more durable glaze and resistance to repeated dishwasher cycles.

Coffee cups by beverage type

Espresso cups – 60–100 mL, classic porcelain with thick walls for heat retention. Cappuccino cups – 150–200 mL with a wide opening, ideal for latte art decoration. Americano and filter coffee cups – 200–350 mL, larger capacity requires a stable and weighted base. Lungo cups – 80–150 mL, medium size for a longer espresso shot. Flat white cups – 150–175 mL, capacity between espresso and cappuccino. Double-walled glass cups – heat retention without a handle, visually appealing. Replacing a coffee machine does not require changing cups if volume compatibility is observed. BHS offers cups for all types of coffee beverages, from compact espresso to larger coffee drinks.

Tea cups and capacities

Tea cups are usually larger – 200–350 mL – with a wider opening for aroma release. Classic porcelain with a saucer is the standard for elegant serving in restaurants and tea rooms. Jumbo cups and mugs – 300–600 mL – for a café’s informal style. Cast iron teapot-style cups – retro design with low heat loss. Glass cups designed for tea allow the brewing process to be observed. Tea and coffee pots and cups form a set for a complete tea service area.

Materials and HoReCa requirements

Porcelain – more durable, bright whiteness, glaze retains colour and is not damaged by coffee pigments over time. Bone china – more elegant, translucent porcelain, suitable for fine dining cafés. Glass – visually appealing, visible layers – designed for premium latte art presentation. Double-walled glass – maintains temperature, cools the handle. Ceramic – heavier, more artistic, suitable for boutique cafés. All HoReCa cup materials must comply with food safety standards and dishwasher processing.

HoReCa usage scenarios

Specialty café with a strong coffee concept – specific cups for each espresso beverage type, glass cups for latte art, elegant cup design as part of brand identity. Hotel breakfast area – a large set in a single porcelain series that matches the rest of the tableware. Restaurant coffee area – classic porcelain espresso cups with a saucer to match the menu’s aesthetics. Dining hall with a coffee corner – durable, simple porcelain cups suitable for intensive use. BHS helps choose the optimal cup set for each HoReCa format and coffee concept style.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity espresso cups should be chosen for a café? For traditional Italian espresso – 60–80 mL. For ristretto – 40–60 mL. If the server also uses espresso-based beverages for americano, it is more convenient to have a 100 mL cup that can be used for all. BHS consultants help select a cup set tailored to the menu.

Are glass cups dishwasher-safe? Double-walled glass cups made of borosilicate glass are suitable for dishwasher programmes. Regular thin-walled glass cups are more fragile – gentler programmes should be used. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.