ECM stoneware espresso cups – a handmade set of 2 for espresso
The cup is heavier than you'd expect, the surface slightly irregular, and the warmth stays in your hand for a long time.
Stoneware behaves differently from thin porcelain. It absorbs heat and releases it slowly again, and that's exactly what changes what happens in the cup. An espresso weighing around 25 grams cools down within seconds in a thin-walled vessel. Yet temperature helps decide which compounds are released and how long they linger – a higher temperature brings more body to the fore, a lower one lets complexity and aroma come through more clearly. A thick-walled, preheated cup keeps this progression steadier, and the last sip tastes closer to the first.
Handmade, so every cup is different
These cups are made by hand from stoneware. That means no two are identical: the glaze runs differently, the wall thickness varies minimally, the rim has its own line. The ECM logo sits on the body discreetly and unobtrusively.
That something like this changes enjoyment isn't a claim, it's well researched: vessel, colour and material measurably shift perception before the first sip even arrives. The same extraction from the same grinder is experienced differently depending on what your hand feels and your eye sees. On top of that, taste and smell are inseparable – a large part of what we experience as aroma arises retronasally, when the compounds rise through the throat to the olfactory mucosa as you swallow. A wide, open rim guides this air differently from a narrow one.
As an ECM partner, we carry the accessories that belong with the machines. Whether stoneware suits you better than porcelain is a matter of taste and nothing else. Our opinion is one of many.
At a glance
| Material |
Stoneware, handmade |
| Capacity |
approx. 90 ml |
| Sold as |
2 pieces |
| Special feature |
Every cup is unique, glaze and pattern vary |
| Marking |
Subtle ECM logo |
| Care |
Hand wash, not dishwasher-safe |
| Item number |
09510 |
Who these cups are made for
For anyone who doesn't just drink espresso but also enjoys the moment before it. If you pick up the same cup every morning, you build up anticipation – and dopamine is released while anticipating, not only while enjoying. The ritual is part of the experience, not the wrapping around it.
And for anyone to whom uniformity matters less than character. If you're looking for a perfectly identical set, handmade stoneware may not be the right choice. Nobody needs these cups. You either want them – or you don't, and both are completely fine.
What goes well with it
Espresso is described by brew ratio, 1:2 as a starting point, never by time alone. For that, you need a scale. For anyone who wants an affordable, precise scale: the Normcore coffee scales. If you want an app, flow-rate display and Bluetooth, you'll find that at Acaia. No budget is merely a starting point – both paths lead to a good shot.
If your espresso is to become a cappuccino, it's worth taking a look at the milk jugs and pitchers. Affordable and good: the pitchers from Normcore; if you want more care put into shape and spout, you'll find it at Weber Workshops. The matching machines are in our ECM Collection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ECM stoneware espresso cup hold?
Around 90 ml. That's enough for a classic espresso and leaves enough room at the rim for the crema to hold.
How many cups are included?
The set consists of two cups. Saucers are not part of the unit.
Can I put the cups in the dishwasher?
No. ECM recommends washing by hand – that way the glaze and the handmade stoneware stay beautiful for much longer.
Do both cups look the same?
Not quite. Every cup is made by hand, so the glaze, colour gradient and look of the wall differ slightly. That's exactly what makes them special.
Do I need to preheat the cup?
You don't have to, but it's worth it. Stoneware retains heat well, and a preheated cup keeps the shot's temperature curve steadier, so the last sip stays closer to the first.
Can I see the product before buying?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there. If you order online: delivery to Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 2 to 4 working days.
From the roastery
A thick-walled cup plays into the hands of a dense bean. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight stay round and sweet in it for a long time, with chocolate and nut carrying through to the end. If you're after maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. And for the curious: Wild Peach is fruity and lively, a discovery on the side. That's our recommendation, one of many – any other bean works just as well.
