Mugs & Cups

Which mug suits which coffee?

The right size depends on the drink: espresso calls for a small, thick-walled cup, coffee and cappuccino need more room, and tea can be generously sized.

These figures are a guide. A mug filled almost to the brim cools faster and is harder to carry, so leave a little room at the top.

Cup or mug: what's the difference?

A cup has a handle, is usually slimmer and is often used with a saucer; a mug is larger, more compact and stands happily on the table on its own.

Mugs suit everyday life and the desk, because they don't need a saucer and hold more. Cups feel more understated and are ideal for espresso or a coffee at a laid table. In this selection you'll find both, for example the Nova coffee mug, the Purist coffee mug and the Riviera coffee cups.

• Handle: A handle with room for at least two fingers sits securely in the hand.
• Rim: A slim rim feels lighter at the lips, while a thicker one feels sturdier.
• Base: A wide foot stops wobbling, especially on tall mugs.
• Stackability: Uniform mugs stack neatly and save space in the cupboard.

How do you put together your own coffee set?

A coffee set comes together when you combine cups and small plates from one collection, so that colour, glaze and shape match.

You don't have to buy everything at once. Start with the cups you like and add dessert plates or bowls in the same glaze later. You'll find ready-made combinations in the cup sets. For the coffee itself, take a look at the coffee cups.

Stoneware or porcelain: which is better for mugs?

A stoneware mug keeps heat for longer and feels soft to the touch, while porcelain is thinner-walled, brighter and has a clearer ring; both work well for everyday use.

Earthenware is denser than terracotta and often carries warm, reactive glazes. Stoneware is fired at a higher temperature and is very robust, often with a matt finish. Porcelain looks classic and refined. If you drink tea, you might appreciate the warmth of earthenware; for espresso, a thin porcelain cup. You'll find more shapes in the tea cups and the espresso cups.

How do you care for ceramic mugs properly?

The best way to care for ceramic mugs is with warm water and a mild washing-up liquid, or in the dishwasher; just avoid sudden temperature shocks and hard knocks.

Don't run hot mugs straight under cold water. Tea stains usually come off with a little bicarbonate of soda and warm water. Small differences in the glaze are part of the craft and don't change for the worse with use. Any exceptions for the microwave are noted on the relevant product page.