Coffee and tea accessories for home, travel and the table

Buy coffee and tea accessories for every drink occasion

Suitable coffee and tea accessories help you prepare, serve, transport and store hot drinks. At Discountershop, you can find coffee cups, handleless mugs, tea glasses with handles, teapots, coffee-to-go cups, travel mugs, coffee grinders and small coffee and tea spoons. Compare the coffee and tea accessories by capacity, material, dimensions and intended use. Also review the cleaning instructions and any information about dishwashers, microwaves, heat and leak resistance.

Which coffee accessories suit your routine?

The accessories you need depend on the type of coffee you drink and where you prepare it. A compact ceramic cup may be sufficient for a small coffee. Anyone who prefers a larger drink with milk or several cups in succession may need a greater capacity. A properly closing travel mug is more practical than an open cup when you are on the move.

Coffee accessories can include:

• coffee cups and beakers;

• mugs with or without handles;

• a grinder for coffee beans;

• small spoons for coffee, sugar or honey;

• a travel mug or coffee-to-go cup;

• products for serving milk and sweeteners;

• containers for coffee beans or ground coffee.

When buying a coffee grinder, check which ingredients the manual permits you to grind. Not every grinder is suitable for nuts, spices or other hard products. Consider its power, capacity, controls and the cleaning requirements of removable parts.

Comparing coffee cups, mugs and beakers

A coffee cup is generally smaller than a mug and can suit espresso, lungo or a modest serving of filter coffee. A larger mug provides more room for tea, cappuccino, coffee with milk or another hot drink. A beaker without a handle is held around the outside, so check how its material transfers heat.

In the cups and mugs category, you can compare different sizes and designs. Consider:

• the capacity in millilitres;

• the diameter of the rim;

• whether the cup has a handle;

• the weight when the cup is full;

• the material and wall thickness;

• the dishwasher and microwave instructions;

• the number of cups or mugs in a set.

Check whether the cup is comfortable to hold and fits underneath your coffee machine. Its overall height may be as important as its capacity.

Tea glasses and teapots

Tea glasses allow you to see the colour of the tea. A handle means you do not need to hold the warm glass directly. Not every ordinary drinking glass is suitable for boiling water; use only glassware that the product specifications identify as suitable for hot drinks.

If you also want to compare other types of glasses, always check their intended use. A water or wine glass is not automatically heat-resistant.

A teapot is useful when preparing several cups of tea. Check:

• the capacity of the pot;

• how many cups you normally serve;

• the materials used for the pot, lid and handle;

• whether a filter is included;

• which types of tea suit the filter;

• the pouring spout and fit of the lid;

• the cleaning and drying instructions.

With a cast-iron teapot, confirm whether the model is intended only for steeping and serving tea or can also be placed on a heat source. Do not put it on a hob unless the manufacturer explicitly permits this.

Preparing and storing loose-leaf tea

Loose-leaf tea requires a filter or infuser with openings suited to the size of the leaves. Larger leaves need enough room to expand, so do not pack the filter completely. Follow the tea producer’s guidance concerning quantity, water temperature and steeping time.

Store loose tea in a closed container in a dry place away from direct light. Tea may absorb moisture and surrounding odours. Do not store it beside strongly scented spices, cleaning products or a humid heat source. Always use a dry spoon to remove tea from a tin or container.

If you want to coordinate your coffee and tea items with other tableware, you can combine cups, bowls, serving dishes and plates by colour, material or shape. The different pieces do not all need to come from exactly the same collection.

Taking coffee and tea with you

A travel mug or coffee-to-go cup makes a drink easier to carry. Before buying, check the capacity, height, closure and drinking opening. Any leak-resistant claim must be assessed according to the product specifications and usage instructions.

For safe use:

• confirm that the cup is suitable for hot drinks;

• do not fill it beyond the stated limit;

• close the lid according to the instructions;

• test the seal upright over a sink;

• transport the cup vertically when advised;

• drink carefully to prevent burns;

• clean the lid and sealing ring after use.

If you also take water with you, browse the water filters and drinking bottles category. Use only bottles and cups that the manufacturer identifies as suitable for hot drinks.

Small spoons for coffee, tea and sweeteners

A small coffee or tea spoon is useful for stirring sugar, milk or honey. A short spoon can also be used with small spice jars or dishes, provided its material and product information permit food contact.

Choose a spoon based on:

• its length in relation to the cup;

• the material;

• the width of the spoon bowl;

• the number of spoons in the set;

• whether it is intended for stirring, measuring or serving;

• the cleaning instructions.

Use a separate dry spoon for sugar, tea or coffee to limit moisture and residue in stored ingredients.

Serving food with coffee and tea

Coffee and tea are often accompanied by cake, biscuits, pastries or small snacks. Suitable baking supplies can help you prepare baked food before serving it. Always follow the temperature and care instructions for baking tins, utensils and other baking products.

Serve cake, pastries or biscuits on suitable plates. A smaller cake or dessert plate requires less room beside a cup than a large dinner plate. Keep hot drinks a safe distance from the table edge.

Arranging a coffee or tea table

Use table accessories such as coasters, placemats, napkins and tablecloths to protect the surface and define each place setting. Position hot pots and jugs on a trivet that can support their temperature and weight.

A practical arrangement can include:

• one cup, mug or tea glass per person;

• a small plate for cake or snacks;

• a spoon within easy reach;

• milk, sugar or honey in the centre;

• a teapot or coffee pot on a suitable trivet;

• napkins beside the plates;

• enough space to pour drinks safely.

Position handles and pouring spouts so that nobody can knock against them while passing the table.

Coffee and tea at brunch or with drinks

At brunch, you can combine hot drinks with water, juice or another beverage. Use suitable drinks and bar accessories when serving several types of drinks. Keep the coffee and tea area separate from cold bottles if table space is limited.

If you provide a separate outdoor smoking area for adult guests, place relevant smoking accessories there. Keep these products out of children’s reach and separate from coffee, tea, tableware and food.

Cleaning coffee and tea accessories

Rinse cups, glasses, spoons, filters and pots after use according to their product instructions. Coffee and tea can leave deposits over time. Use only cleaning methods suitable for the material.

Consider the following:

• let warm glass and ceramic items cool gradually;

• remove loose tea and coffee residue before washing;

• dismantle closable lids when the manual permits it;

• clean sealing rings and drinking openings carefully;

• dry cast iron immediately if required by its care instructions;

• avoid hard scouring pads on sensitive glazes;

• store accessories only when they are clean and dry.

Watch coffee and tea tips on our YouTube channel

Would you like to view product information, usage tips or practical examples? Visit the Discountershop YouTube channel. Watch the videos and then choose the coffee accessories, tea accessories and table products that suit your daily drink occasions.

Browse coffee and tea accessories online

Before ordering, compare the capacity, material, dimensions, number of components and usage instructions. Decide whether you intend to use the product at home, at work, at the table or while travelling. With sets, check exactly which components are included.

View all coffee and tea accessories

Frequently asked questions about coffee and tea accessories

Which coffee accessories do you need at home?

That depends on your preparation method. A cup or mug, spoon and storage container provide a basic starting point. Coffee beans may require a suitable grinder, while a closable travel mug is useful away from home.

Which accessories do you need for loose-leaf tea?

You generally need a tea filter, infuser or teapot with a filter. Select a filter with enough space for the leaves and openings suited to the fineness of the tea.

How large should a coffee cup be?

The preferred capacity depends on the drink. A small coffee requires less space than coffee with milk. Check the capacity in millilitres and confirm that the cup fits under your coffee machine’s spout.

Is a handleless cup safe for hot coffee?

That depends on the material, wall thickness and product instructions. The outside may become warm. Do not use hotter liquid or a greater volume than advised, and test carefully how warm the cup feels.

Can boiling water be poured into every tea glass?

No. Use only glasses that the product information identifies as suitable for hot drinks. Ordinary drinking glass can be damaged by heat or sudden temperature changes.

How do you use a cast-iron teapot?

Rinse and use the pot according to its manual. Check whether it is intended only for steeping and serving. Do not place it on a hob or open flame unless this is explicitly permitted, and dry it carefully after use.

What should you check when choosing a coffee-to-go cup?

Check its capacity, closure, drinking opening, height and cleaning method. Confirm that the cup is suitable for hot drinks and how the manufacturer advises transporting it. Test the closure before leaving.

How should coffee and loose-leaf tea be stored?

Keep them properly sealed in a dry place away from direct light. Protect them from heat, moisture and strongly scented products. Use a dry spoon and close the package immediately after use.

How can you remove coffee or tea deposits?

Use a cleaning method suited to the material of the cup, pot or glass. Follow the product instructions and avoid abrasive products that may damage a glaze or coating.

Can coffee and tea accessories be given as gifts?

Yes. Options include a cup set, tea glasses, small spoons, a teapot or a travel mug. Check the capacity, material and intended use to ensure that the gift suits the recipient’s preferred drink.