Working in a café presents its challenges, which is why investing in the right equipment and accessories is essential. It not only enhances the art of coffee-making but also elevates the customer experience.

This even trickles down to the cups that baristas use on a daily basis. The shape, size, design, and weight of drinking vessels can have a profound influence on workflow, comfort, and beverage preparation.

I spoke with Daniel Baer, founder and creative director of the British tableware brand Monoware, and his close collaborator, Ian McIntyre, a London-based ceramicist, to explore how good design and selecting the right cups can help baristas perform at their best.

You may also like our article on how different cup shapes affect the flavour of coffee.

The overlooked role of the cup in the coffee experience

Professional and home baristas are well-versed in even the most precise brewing variables, down to water quality and particle size distribution, for instance. However, the cup itself is a commonly neglected factor in the overall coffee experience.

In 2018, Brazilian neuroscientist Dr. Fabiana Carvalho conducted a study which suggested that cup shape influences not only our overall enjoyment of a particular coffee but also how we perceive sweetness and acidity. Her research builds on a similar study, which found that the weight, texture, and shape of coffee cups have a considerable impact on our sensory experiences.

Inevitably, this means that the cups used in cafés will influence the coffee-drinking experience, and therefore the consumer’s overall satisfaction. But while most businesses focus on providing exceptional customer service and high-quality coffee offerings to enhance the guest experience, the design of the cups used receives significantly less attention.

“In a coffee shop, every detail contributes to the atmosphere. Aesthetics shape not just the space but the ritual, influencing how consumers perceive and remember their drinks,” says Daniel Baer, founder of Monoware, which designs premium tableware, including specialty coffee cups, and works with coffee roasters like Origin Coffee and WatchHouse.

“A thoughtfully designed cup becomes part of the experience; it reflects the shop’s identity, complements the drink it holds, and often finds its way into photos, stories, and word-of-mouth,” he adds. “Good cup design invites a pause, a moment of pleasure – something memorable.”

This attention to detail can be what separates an outstanding coffee shop from a great one – and it’s a factor that customers will notice. Not only that, but staff will also appreciate the intentionality and consideration that went into selecting the cups, as this decision will impact their workflow, service speed, and even job satisfaction.

How cups impact the barista experience

A barista’s job role can be physically demanding; staff are constantly on their feet, moving in ways that can lead to repetitive strain injury (RSI). A Wilfred Laurier University study found that 68% of surveyed baristas reported shoulder pain, while 73% experienced lower back pain. In many cases, these injuries can be attributed to RSI, which is caused by performing the same movements repeatedly, such as tamping or placing portafilters in group heads.

To create a workspace that prioritises staff safety and wellbeing, café operators need to be mindful of the equipment they buy and where they position it. The design of espresso machines and grinders, for instance, has a profound impact on barista workflow, especially when they repeat many movements throughout the day. Similarly, the layout of equipment on the bar affects how baristas move through the space, so optimal placement helps improve workflow and speed of service.

Even the design, shape, and weight of cups influence baristas’ practices. To be considered ergonomic, cups must meet specific parameters for comfort and ease of use. According to a 2023 study, these include a handle located near the cup’s centre of gravity and one that is wide enough for more than one finger to grip comfortably. 

“Ergonomics is what makes a cup not just look good but feel right. From the curve of the handle to the thickness of the rim, every detail shapes how you hold it and sip from it,” says Ian McIntyre, a renowned ceramicist in East London. “A well-designed cup turns a simple act – like drinking your morning espresso or an afternoon latte – into something more comfortable, intuitive, and satisfying.”

For baristas, if a cup is cumbersome or uncomfortable to work with, it’s likely to impede tasks like pouring milk, disrupt workflow, or even cause repetitive strain injury over time. 

Monoware’s new Barista Collection was developed to support baristas in consistently crafting high-quality beverages. The cups are the result of over two years of close collaboration between Ian, leading UK baristas, and other industry professionals, guided by an attention to detail for both form and function.

The range includes two types of cups optimised for both functionality and aesthetics. The Cafe Cup is a traditional-shaped cup with a handle designed to fit comfortably in baristas’ hands, while the Savour Cup is a minimalist, handle-less vessel designed for more mindful drinking. 

Both cups feature optimal internal curvature, enabling baristas to consistently pour crisp, symmetrical, high-contrast latte art – a hallmark of an excellent coffee shop.

Supporting baristas to perform at their best

Often considered the “face” of coffee shops, baristas help balance the art and science of making coffee. Their job is not only to consistently serve high-quality drinks but also to provide excellent customer service and hospitality to every person who walks through the door.

In addition to this, they must manage a variety of administrative and managerial tasks, including replenishing stock, implementing cleaning schedules, and performing general housekeeping duties.

As the responsibilities of today’s barista grow, it becomes increasingly important that they have the right equipment and tools to support them in their job roles. 

Both of Monoware’s new product lines consist of an Espresso Cup, a Flat White Cup, a Cappuccino Cup, and a Filter Cup, each offering the optimum size for its respective beverage. Daniel explains that this decision was intentional and designed to enhance both the barista’s and consumer’s experience.

“A well-sized vessel helps maintain temperature, preserves crema or milk texture, and supports pouring various latte art patterns,” he says. “It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, particularly in professional settings where consistency and presentation matter.” 

Heat retention and insulation, in particular, are crucial for the safety of both baristas and customers. Stoneware retains heat better than porcelain, for example, which is why Monoware selected it for the Barista Collection, allowing baristas to serve coffee at the desired temperature while protecting their hands from scalding cups.

“Stoneware holds heat well, which makes a difference when you’re trying to enjoy a coffee at the right temperature,” Ian tells me.

Indeed, temperature has a huge impact on the flavours and aromas we can perceive in coffee. Studies show that between 31-50°C, the highest number of flavours, mainly those associated with sweetness and acidity, can be detected. Sweetness is often most prominent around 44°C, for instance, while bitterness is least detectable at around 42°C. 

Ultimately, this means cups play an essential role in the sensory experiences that coffee shops provide. With the right materials that retain more heat for longer, baristas can serve drinks that highlight the full spectrum of coffee flavour and aroma.

Moreover, materials like stoneware are more durable than porcelain, for example. This means they are a better long-term investment for coffee shops, as they will need to replace cups less often.

Considering the finer details

Specialty coffee has adopted the phrase “it’s all in the details,” embracing a meticulous and thorough approach that recognises how subtle details can enhance the coffee brewing and drinking experiences.

This, of course, includes coffee cups. From handle configuration to rim thickness, curvature, and stackability, Monoware’s Barista Collection considers several key elements that impact how baristas interact with them.

“Each piece is crafted with precision, striking a balance between the practical demands of specialty coffee and the elegance of timeless design,” Daniel says. “The result is a durable, tactile, and thoughtfully refined collection that performs effortlessly in a professional setting yet feels equally at home on a domestic table.”

Even the slightest nuances will influence how baristas use cups. Curvature, for example, will affect the ability to pour precise latte art, while stackability will impact speed of service and workflow.

Visually and tactically, the Barista Collection’s matte-glazed stoneware offers a unique texture and optimal weight, allowing baristas to work efficiently and safely.

“The weight gives it a sense of warmth and durability, which people often associate with comfort and quality,” Ian says. “Compared to porcelain, which can feel more delicate and refined, stoneware feels more grounded.”

The matte glaze adds depth to the texture, making the drinker feel more connected to the material. Each type of cup comes in three earth tones – chalk, pebble and slate – and with matching saucers.

Equipment plays an integral role in supporting baristas to perform at their best, and cups are no exception. The shape, weight, size, and design of cups significantly influence workflow in several ways, aiding tasks such as pouring latte art, loading and unloading dishwashers, and serving customers.

Ultimately, this means coffee shops need to carefully consider which cups best suit their needs and match their brand aesthetic.

Enjoyed this? Then read our article on how drinking from a wine glass changes the flavour of coffee.

Photo credits: Monoware

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