How to Choose the Right Coffee Mug or Cup

Choosing the right mug can make all the difference to your daily brew. Whether it's a quick morning espresso, a generous hot chocolate, or even a hearty mug of soup, the size, shape and material of your mug all play a part in how you enjoy your favourite hot drinks.

At Cooks Professional, our mug collection includes 100ml espresso cups, 240ml coffee mugs, 350ml mugs, 350ml rounded mugs and generous 490ml mugs. Available in a range of colours and finishes, our stoneware mugs combine everyday practicality with a distinctive graduated glaze, while our double-walled stainless steel espresso cups offer a modern alternative for coffee lovers.

Perfect for refreshing your kitchen cupboards, looking for matching mug sets or choosing a thoughtful gift, this guide will help you find the right mug for every occasion.

What size mug do I need?

The best mug size depends on what you like to drink, how much you usually serve and whether you prefer a smaller coffee or a more generous cup.

Understanding the different coffee mug sizes

100ml espresso cups: Small cups for strong coffee
For those who enjoy a short, strong coffee, our 100ml stoneware espresso cups are a compact addition to any coffee station. Designed for espresso, these small ceramic coffee cups provide enough room for a single or double shot, depending on your preferred serving size. Their compact design also makes them ideal for serving an after-dinner coffee without reaching for a full-sized mug. 
Made from high-quality stoneware, they feature a classic ringed foot, comfortable rounded handle and graduated glaze with a cream interior. Available in sets of four, they can be coordinated with matching mugs and other pieces from our collections.

90ml stainless steel espresso cups: A modern alternative
Our double-walled stainless steel espresso cups are designed for coffee lovers who prefer a sleek, contemporary finish. Unlike traditional stoneware espresso cups, these metal espresso cups feature double-wall insulation, helping to keep your coffee hot while the outside stays comfortable to hold.
Made from high-grade stainless steel, they are rust-resistant, dishwasher safe and designed for regular use. Each cup holds up to 90ml, making them suitable for espresso, macchiatos and smaller coffee servings.

240ml midi mugs: Ideal for everyday coffee
A 240ml coffee mug offers a convenient middle ground between a small espresso cup and a traditional full-sized mug. Our midi mugs are well suited to flat whites, cappuccinos and everyday, shorter coffees. Their compact proportions make them comfortable to hold, without taking up unnecessary space in your kitchen cupboards.
Made from durable ceramic stoneware, each mug features a rounded handle, ringed base and graduated glaze. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe, making them a practical choice for daily use.

350ml stoneware mugs: The everyday all-rounder
For many households, a 350ml mug is an ideal size for everyday hot drinks. It offers enough capacity for a generous cup of tea, a barista style coffee or a comforting hot chocolate, without feeling oversized. Our classic 350ml stoneware mugs feature a traditional shape with a ringed foot and rounded handle. They're designed for regular use, whether that's your first coffee of the morning or an evening brew.
Made from high-quality stoneware, they're dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe, as well as oven safe up to 120°C. Featuring a wider rim for latte art lovers and cafe quality coffee.

350ml rounded mugs (V2): A fuller shape for a comfortable grip
For those who prefer a softer, more rounded mug, our 350ml V2 stoneware mugs offer the same generous capacity in a different silhouette. Their bellied shape curves gently towards a slightly narrower opening, making them particularly comfortable to cup in both hands. A generous handle provides an easy grip, while the graduated glaze and cream interior gives them the same distinctive finish as the rest of the collection.
The difference between our two 350ml mugs is primarily their shape rather than their capacity. Both are suitable for everyday tea, coffee and hot chocolate, so choosing between them comes down to your preferred style and how the mug feels in your hand.

490ml large mugs: For soups and extra-generous hot drinks
Sometimes a standard coffee mug simply isn't big enough. Our 490ml mugs offer extra capacity for larger servings of tea, coffee and hot chocolate. They're also a practical choice for serving warming soups, particularly during the colder months.
For hot chocolate lovers, a larger mug leaves plenty of room for whipped cream, marshmallows and other toppings. The generous capacity also makes these mugs useful for anyone who prefers a longer drink without having to refill their cup as often.

Stoneware or Stainless Steel

Why choose stoneware mugs?
Stoneware is a type of ceramic fired at high temperatures, producing a dense, durable material suitable for everyday tableware. Unlike lightweight alternatives, stoneware mugs have a reassuringly solid feel. Their glazed surfaces are easy to clean, while their range of colours and finishes makes them a popular choice for coordinating kitchenware. The reactive glaze finish produces imperfections in the stoneware, meaning no two mugs are the exact same, giving them an authentic, handmade feel. Our Cooks Professional stoneware mugs are designed for regular use, with some ranges offering dishwasher, microwave and freezer compatibility, as well as oven safety up to 120°C (check model).

Why choose stainless steel espresso cups?
Stainless steel is a durable, rust-resistant material particularly suited to modern coffee accessories. Our double-walled espresso cups feature two layers of stainless steel, creating an insulating space that helps reduce heat transfer to the outer surface. This makes them a practical choice for enjoying freshly brewed espresso, especially if you prefer a handle-free, contemporary cup. The mugs are hardwearing and won't chip, making them a great choice for on-the-move, morning coffees. 

How does mug shape affect your drinking experience?

Mug size is important, but the shape can be just as influential when choosing your ideal cup. A traditional straight-sided mug provides a familiar, practical design that works for most hot drinks. Rounded or bellied mugs, on the other hand, can feel more comfortable to cradle in your hands, particularly when enjoying a warming drink. 
The width of the opening also plays a role. Wider mug openings make latte art far easier, providing a larger canvas to draw more complex designs like swans or rosettas. Narrower openings, on the other hand, expose less surface area to the air, which can help reduce heat loss and keep drinks warmer for longer under cooler conditions.
Our Cooks Professional 350ml mug range offers both classic and rounded designs, allowing you to choose a shape that suits your personal preference without compromising on capacity.

Choosing the right mug for your favourite drink

Different drinks are traditionally served in different cup sizes, although the ideal serving ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Serving sizes can vary between coffee shops and personal preferences.

Matching mug sets: Colour, style and practicality

A matching set of mugs can bring a coordinated look to your kitchen, whether displayed on open shelving or stored neatly in a cupboard. Our Cooks Professional stoneware mug collection is available in up to 11 colours, featuring a graduated glaze that deepens towards the base and a contrasting cream interior. Choose a set of four mugs in the same colour for a coordinated finish, or a mixed-colour set of six for a more colourful collection.

The wider collection also includes matching Cast Iron Cookware, Egg Cups and Salt and Pepper Mills, making it easy to build and curate a consistent look across your kitchen. With options ranging from small espresso cups to larger everyday mugs, you can choose different sizes while keeping a complementary style.

How to care for your stoneware mugs

Looking after your mugs correctly can help preserve their appearance and keep them ready for daily use. Our 240ml and 350ml stoneware mugs are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe, and oven safe up to 120°C. Our 100ml stoneware espresso cups are dishwasher and microwave safe.

For the best results, avoid sudden temperature changes, such as moving a mug directly from the freezer into a hot oven or pouring boiling water into a frozen cup. Rapid temperature changes can cause thermal shock, potentially damaging ceramic stoneware. Although our stainless steel espresso cups are dishwasher safe, they should never be placed in the microwave. Always check the individual product's care instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best size mug for coffee?
A 240ml mug is a good choice for flat whites, cappuccinos and shorter coffees, while a 350ml mug is better suited to larger lattes and everyday milky coffees. For espresso, a 90–100ml cup provides a more appropriate serving size.

Is a 350ml mug a standard size?
A 350ml mug is a common size for everyday tea and coffee. It's large enough for a generous serving while remaining comfortable to hold, making it a versatile choice for most households.

What is the difference between ceramic and stoneware mugs?
Ceramic is a broad category of materials that includes stoneware, porcelain and earthenware. Stoneware is a dense, durable type of ceramic commonly used for mugs and everyday tableware. All Cooks Professional ceramic mug ranges described in this guide are made from stoneware.

Are stoneware mugs microwave and dishwasher safe?
Many stoneware mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe, including our Cooks Professional 100ml, 240ml and 350ml ranges. However, compatibility depends on the individual mug and its glaze, so always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

What is the best mug for hot chocolate?
A 350ml mug is ideal for a traditional serving of hot chocolate, while a larger 490ml mug provides extra room for whipped cream, marshmallows and other toppings.


Find your perfect mug with Cooks Professional
Whether you're looking for a compact espresso cup, a 240ml coffee mug or a generous 490ml mug for hot chocolate and soup, choosing the right size and material can make everyday drinks that little bit more enjoyable.
Explore the Cooks Professional Mug Collection to find stoneware mugs in a range of colours and shapes, alongside modern stainless steel espresso cups. From your morning coffee to your evening brew, there's a mug for every moment.