Cups and Mugs for Coffee, Tea and Other Drinks

Buy cups and mugs online for coffee and tea

Cups and mugs are used for coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate and other hot or cold drinks. Their capacity, shape, wall thickness and handle design help determine which drinks they suit. At Discountershop, you can compare coffee mugs, coffee cups, tea mugs, cappuccino cups and glass drinkware by material, size and intended use.

A small coffee cup can suit espresso or a short coffee. A larger mug is generally more practical for lungo, filter coffee or tea. When you need several matching pieces, check whether the product is sold individually, as a coffee mug set or as a complete cup set.

Before ordering, compare:

• capacity in millilitres;
• height and diameter;
• material;
• thickness of the drinking rim;
• size and shape of the handle;
• pack quantity;
• dishwasher and microwave suitability;
• use with hot and cold drinks;
• whether saucers or lids are included.

Which cup or mug suits your drink?

The right shape depends on the drink, portion size and how you prefer to hold the cup. The Cups & Mugs category can include:

• Coffee cups: for espresso, regular coffee, lungo and smaller servings.
• Coffee mugs: for larger servings of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
• Cappuccino cups: with enough room for coffee, milk and milk foam.
• Tea mugs: generally larger and suited to slower drinking.
• Cup-and-saucer sets: for serving coffee or tea with a matching saucer.
• Handleless coffee cups: designed to be held around the body of the cup.
• Tea glasses with handles: allow the colour of the tea to remain visible.
• Coffee Cups To Go: reusable cups for carrying drinks, often supplied with a lid.

Use Cups, Mugs, and Coffee Cups To Go as internal links to their respective child categories.

Coffee mugs with handles

Coffee mugs with handles reduce direct contact between the hand and the warm wall of the mug. Handle shape and size vary considerably. A wide handle may fit several fingers, while a smaller handle takes up less cupboard space.

When comparing coffee mugs with handles, check:

• how many fingers fit through the handle;
• the space between the handle and mug wall;
• whether the edges feel rounded;
• the weight of the mug when filled;
• how securely the handle joins the mug;
• whether the base stands flat and stable.

A coffee mug set with handles can be practical for a household, office, waiting area, workplace kitchen or home coffee bar. Always confirm how many mugs are included in the displayed price.

Coffee mugs and cups without handles

A handleless coffee cup usually has a straight or slightly tapered shape and is held with one or both hands. It may be suitable for coffee, tea, lungo and other drinks.

Handleless ceramic cups often take up less width than mugs with handles. They may therefore fit more easily beside one another in a cupboard. Some designs can also be stacked, but only when the shape is intended for safe stacking.

A handleless ceramic coffee cup is not automatically insulated or double-walled. Check whether the outside remains comfortable to hold when the cup contains a hot drink.

Ceramic and earthenware mugs

Ceramic is a broad term covering fired materials such as earthenware and porcelain. Ceramic coffee mugs are available in different wall thicknesses, glazes, shapes and capacities.

Earthenware mugs often have thicker walls and a noticeable weight. An earthenware mug with a handle may be used for coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soup when its capacity and product specifications suit the intended use.

When comparing ceramic and earthenware cups, consider:

• the finish of the glaze;
• natural variations in the surface;
• cracks, chips or damaged rims;
• dishwasher suitability;
• microwave suitability;
• sensitivity to sudden temperature changes.

A white ceramic mug can be combined with many other tableware pieces. Coffee and tea marks may, however, become visible more quickly on pale interiors.

Microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe mugs

Only place a mug in a microwave when the product information clearly confirms that it is microwave-safe. Metallic rims, metal-containing decoration and some glazes must not be used in a microwave.

Dishwasher suitability also varies between products. Pay particular attention to:

• printed designs;
• coloured or metallic rims;
• hand-painted finishes;
• double-wall constructions;
• glued components;
• delicate cup-and-saucer sets.

The claim dishwasher and microwave safe should only be used when both properties have been confirmed by the manufacturer.

Large tea mugs

Large tea mugs hold more liquid and reduce the need for frequent refilling. They can also be used for herbal tea, hot chocolate and other larger drink servings.

Compare large tea mugs by:

• capacity in millilitres;
• weight when filled;
• handle size;
• width of the opening;
• space for a tea infuser;
• base stability;
• the space required in a cupboard or dishwasher.

A wide mug may lose heat differently from a tall, narrow mug. Material and wall thickness also affect how quickly a drink cools.

Cappuccino cups and coffee cups

Cappuccino cups are generally larger than espresso cups so there is room for coffee, milk and foam. A ceramic mug can also be used for cappuccino, although it may hold considerably more than a traditional cappuccino cup.

A small coffee cup is better suited to espresso or a short coffee. Lungo usually requires a slightly larger cup.

Compare the stated capacity with the drink you prepare:

• espresso;
• double espresso;
• lungo;
• cappuccino;
• flat white;
• filter coffee.

Drink volume differs between machines and personal settings. Measure the amount dispensed by your coffee machine when you are unsure which cup size is required.

Cups and saucers

A coffee cup with a saucer gives you space for a teaspoon, sugar packet or small biscuit. The saucer can also catch minor drips.

Cups and saucers may be sold as individual combinations or complete sets. Check whether the package contains:

• one cup with one saucer;
• two complete cup-and-saucer combinations;
• four complete combinations;
• a set of six cups and saucers;
• cups without matching saucers.

A white porcelain cup and saucer can be used for coffee, cappuccino or tea depending on its capacity. A product described as a luxury cup-and-saucer set should still be assessed by its dimensions, material, stability and care requirements.

Tea glasses with handles

Tea glasses keep the colour of the drink visible. A tea glass with a handle may be easier to hold than a handleless glass when the contents are warm.

Not every drinking glass is made for boiling water. Standard water glasses may crack when exposed to a sudden temperature difference. Confirm that the glass is approved for hot drinks before use.

When comparing tea glasses, check:

• heat resistance;
• glass thickness;
• capacity;
• handle shape;
• base stability;
• whether a saucer is included;
• dishwasher suitability.

Glass tea mugs are available in different shapes and capacities. The right choice depends on serving size, drink temperature and how the glass is held.

Coffee glasses

Coffee glasses are often used for drinks where visible layers are part of the presentation, including latte macchiato, iced coffee and coffee with milk. Some have handles, while others use tall or double-wall designs.

Check whether the coffee glass is suitable for:

• hot coffee;
• cold coffee;
• temperature changes;
• use beneath a coffee machine;
• cleaning in a dishwasher.

A tall coffee glass must fit beneath the coffee outlet. Measure the available height between the drip tray and the outlet before ordering.

Does a ceramic mug keep coffee warm?

A ceramic mug can slow heat loss to some extent, but it is not automatically designed to keep drinks hot for a long period. Wall thickness, capacity, opening width and room temperature all affect cooling.

Features that may help retain heat include:

• a narrower drinking opening;
• a lid;
• double-wall construction;
• an insulated travel cup;
• preheating the mug with warm water.

Avoid stating that a standard ceramic mug is “perfect for keeping hot drinks warm” unless the product has confirmed insulating properties. For carrying drinks, a suitably insulated reusable coffee cup is generally more appropriate.

Cups and mugs for cafés, businesses and home coffee bars

For cafés, workplaces or home coffee bars, several matching cups may be useful. Consider how frequently the drinkware will be used and how it will be washed.

Compare:

• number of pieces included;
• capacity of each cup or mug;
• stackability;
• dishwasher suitability;
• availability of matching replacements;
• compatibility with the coffee machine;
• grip and filled weight;
• cupboard and serving-tray space.

For intensive professional use, confirm that the product specifications identify the drinkware as suitable for commercial or hospitality settings.

Individual mugs or complete cup sets

An individual mug is useful when you need one replacement or want to combine several colours and shapes. A coffee mug set or complete cup set is more practical when several matching pieces are required.

Before ordering, check:

• how many cups are included;
• whether saucers are supplied;
• whether every piece has the same capacity;
• whether the set contains several sizes;
• whether replacements are available individually;
• whether the packaging is suitable for gifting.

When buying affordable coffee mugs, compare more than the price. Capacity, finish, care requirements and pack quantity also affect the value of the purchase.

Ordering cups and mugs online

When ordering online, you cannot feel the handle, weight or drinking rim before purchasing. Review the measurements and product specifications carefully.

Check at least:

• capacity;
• height and diameter;
• material;
• number of pieces;
• weight;
• handle dimensions;
• dishwasher suitability;
• microwave suitability;
• use with hot and cold drinks.

Compare cups and mugs at Discountershop by drink type, capacity, material and pack quantity. Order after checking that the selected cup or mug fits your coffee machine, cupboard space and daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cups & Mugs

What is the difference between a coffee cup and a coffee mug?

A coffee cup is usually smaller and is commonly used for espresso, regular coffee or cappuccino. A coffee mug generally has greater capacity and taller walls, making it more suitable for tea, filter coffee and larger servings. Always check the stated capacity because product names and sizes differ between manufacturers.

What capacity should a cappuccino cup have?

The required capacity depends on how much espresso, milk and foam you use. A cappuccino cup is generally larger than an espresso cup but smaller than many standard mugs. Check how much your coffee machine dispenses and choose a cup that leaves some space above the drink.

Is a mug with a handle safer for hot drinks?

A handle reduces direct contact with the warm mug wall, but it does not make the mug completely heat-safe. The handle itself may become warm, and hot drinks can still spill. Choose a handle that fits your hand and hold the mug steadily, particularly when the drink has just been prepared.

Why do some ceramic mugs become hot on the outside?

Ceramic transfers some heat from the drink to the outer wall. How warm the outside becomes depends on the wall thickness, construction and drink temperature. A single-wall handleless cup can therefore be less comfortable to hold than a mug with a handle or an insulated cup.

Can cups and saucers be placed separately in the dishwasher?

They can when both parts are dishwasher-safe. Position cups and saucers so they cannot move against one another during the cycle. Delicate rims and decorations may be damaged when pieces collide. Follow the care instructions and wash by hand when dishwasher suitability is unclear.

How many cups are included in a six-piece cup-and-saucer set?

The wording can vary. A set described as six place settings may contain six cups and six saucers, while a six-piece set might contain three cups and three saucers. Check the package contents rather than relying only on the number in the product title.

Are tea glasses suitable for boiling water?

Only when the manufacturer confirms that the glass is heat-resistant. Standard drinking glass can crack because of a sudden temperature change. Do not place a hot tea glass directly on a very cold or wet surface, and check the permitted temperature before pouring boiling water.

What is the benefit of a handleless coffee cup?

A handleless cup takes up less width and can be held with both hands. Some designs are also easier to stack. The outside may become warm when filled with a hot drink, so check whether the cup is double-walled or designed to remain comfortable to hold.

How can coffee and tea marks be prevented in ceramic mugs?

Rinse the mug soon after use so residue does not dry onto the surface. Clean it with warm water, washing-up liquid and a soft sponge or brush. Avoid abrasive products on printed or glazed finishes. For persistent marks, use only a method approved for the material.

How do I choose a mug that fits beneath a coffee machine?

Measure the free height between the drip tray and coffee outlet. Compare it with the full height of the mug. Also check the base diameter so the mug stands securely on the tray. Machines with adjustable outlets may offer different clearances depending on the selected position.

Can the same ceramic mug be used for both coffee and tea?

Yes, provided the size and shape suit both drinks. Strong coffee or tea residue may remain when the mug is not cleaned properly. A wide, larger mug is often practical for tea, while a smaller cup may suit coffee prepared directly by a machine.

What is the difference between a tea glass and a glass mug?

A tea glass may have a handle or be completely handleless, and it often has a slimmer drinking rim. A glass mug generally has a clearly defined handle and a shape similar to a ceramic mug. Both can be used for tea when the glass is approved for hot drinks.