The best teacup and saucer sets are often reserved for special occasions: when friends come round for coffee or you're taking some time to relax. However, I think we should all be using them more often than that.
There's something special about sitting your cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in a saucer, especially with a cookie balanced at the side. It makes your drink feel like self care and it is one of many coffee bar essentials.
There's a great culture around teacups and saucers and there has been for years. They're collector's items and people aren't stopping with their latest and greatest designs.
I've used and researched the best on the market. From glass to stainless steel and porcelain, I have my favorites. They'll keep your drink warm, whilst being sturdy and easy to hold. It helps that they're gorgeous too.
Best teacup and saucer set 2024
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Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 5 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 4.5 inches
Set size: 2
Dishwasher safe: Yes
In a range of bright, classic colors, this set is sure to suit any kitchen. They're comfortable to hold, not too heavy, with a nice, flatter saucer. My coffee cools much slower in this, so I would recommend claiming this as your cappuccino cup.
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 6 oz
Dimensions: 2.24 x 5.67 inches
Set size: 2
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Simple and stylish, these German-designed sets offer a moden take on your everyday serveware. The 6 oz capacity is perfect for the average brew, and they're low enough to fit most coffee makers. These are wide, so I would mostly use them for tea.
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 8 oz
Dimensions: 4.3 x 6 inches
Set size: 6
Dishwasher safe: yes
If you're looking for space-saving options, these are an excellent choice. Stackable, sturdy, and easy to hold, their simple design makes them a kitchen essential. They're the perfect balance of style and functionality.
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 10 oz
Dimensions: 6.25 x 4.75 inches
Set size: 1
Dishwasher safe: yes
I've labelled these the best everyday teacups, but they're so much more than everyday. Crafted from delicate, sleek porcelain, these are beautifully contoured and easy hold. They don't get too hot either.
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 6 oz
Dimensions: 3.5 x 6.5 inches
Set size: 2
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Strong and stylish, this set adds some glamor to your drinks. The durable porcelain is quite thin, so it heats up a lot, but the handle is comfy to hold. You have to buy the coffee and tea cups in one set, so look elsewhere if you don't want both.
Material: Yes
Capacity: 7 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 5 inches
Set size: 4
Dishwasher safe: Yes
This beautiful set is more expensive than the everyday option, but if you're looking for fine earthenware, this is where to find it. They feel delicate, but most people who buy these own them for a long time.
Material: Borosilicate glass
Capacity: 9.4 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 5 inches
Set size: 1
Dishwasher safe: No
Modern and elegant, these clear cups and saucers are perfect for hot drinks. They're surprisingly heat resistant and delicate to touch, just make sure you clean them thoroughly because they show dirt.
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 10 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 3
Set size: 2
Dishwasher safe: No
These traditional, Japanese cups don't have handles because they're supposed to be held with both hands. They have tactile grooves and a generous 10 oz capacity. I love the bamboo coasters, too.
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 8 oz
Dimensions: 2.7 x 5.1 inches
Set size: 1
Dishwasher safe: No
Forgive me, because I'm indulging a little. You can buy some nice vintage teacups, but, if you're looking for something truly special, look no further. This is a breathtakingly stylish teacup and it's durable too.
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 6 oz
Dimensions: 4 x 8 inches
Set size: 1
Dishwasher safe: No
Don't be put off by stainless steel's conductive properties, these double-walled cups keep your coffee or tea warm for much longer than the average cup. They take more effort to keep fingerprint free, but they're a true style statement.
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 7 oz
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2 inches
Set size: 4
Dishwasher safe: No
In spite of their size, these stoneware cups have a considerable capacity. Similar to Yunomi cups, you need to use both hands to lift them, but they don't get too hot. The saucers are sold separately.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 8.5 oz
Dimensions: 8.75 x 8.5 x 6 inches
Set size: 4
Dishwasher safe: Yes
These glass teacups are incredibly insulating. They don't have the sturdiest sit on the saucer; they feel a little too small for the space, but they're easy to hold and the best insulating cups on the market.
FAQs
Should I buy teacups and saucers in sets?
I like to have a uniform set of teacups and saucers. They're easy to store, stack, and use, plus there's no competing over who has the best teacup. However, plenty of people like a more eclectic set, each teacup and saucer telling a story. There's no right or wrong choice.
What is the best mug for tea?
Porcelain and bone china make excellent teacups, because they are delicate, non-porous, and non-reactive. These can be fragile and don't always insulate as well as others, but they're the best.
What size should my teacup be?
Between 6 and 8 oz. It depends on how large you like your brews, but the average cup is around 7 oz.
What is the best mug for coffee?
Ceramic, porcelain, and glass are the best options, because they aren't as porous. Coffee oils can be strong and stubborn, so stay away from porous or unglazed ceramics.
Final Thoughts
It might seem like there's some sort of magic in your café coffee or cup of tea, but really, I think it's the teacup and saucer experience. Holding a sturdy and yet elegant mug can change the way you perceive your coffee. In a delicate, elegant, or well-insulated teacup, you'll enjoy your drink much more. Whether you're after some cozy fika time or you want to host a welcoming coffee morning, this is the place to start.
How We Test
Before we recommend any product, we like to test them ourselves. However, in the case of teacups and saucers, we couldn't. In absence of our physical tests, I have read hundreds of reviews, establishing an idea of what these teacups are like to use. I read reviews of people who had used these teacups for years, so you can rest assured: I know my stuff. If you're keen to find out more, we have a dedicated page for how we test all of our products.
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