Stainless Steel Espresso Cup and Tray

Espresso in a thin ceramic cup loses its heat in about ninety seconds. Double-walled steel holds it far longer, and — because the outer wall never gets hot — the cup can be picked up straight away without a handle-first shuffle. This set pairs one such cup with a matching tray in the same brushed finish.

Both pieces are food-grade stainless steel with a vacuum gap between the inner and outer walls of the cup. The inner wall is polished so nothing clings to it and the coffee tastes of coffee rather than of metal; the outer is brushed, which hides fingerprints in a way polished steel never does. The tray has a shallow recessed well that stops the cup sliding and catches any drips from the portafilter.

It suits a single or double espresso, a cortado, or a small serving of tea. The steel is unbreakable, which makes it a sensible choice for an office desk, a caravan or a garden table where ceramic would not last. Hand wash and dry immediately; do not microwave, and avoid abrasive pads on the brushed surface. The tray is also the right size for a cup and a small biscuit or a square of chocolate, which is most of what a morning coffee break actually requires.

• Double-walled food-grade stainless steel
• Insulated: keeps coffee hot, outer wall stays cool
• Polished interior, brushed exterior
• Matching tray with recessed anti-slip well
• Unbreakable — suits desks, travel and outdoors
• Hand wash; not microwave safe