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Olympia Kiln
In Stock
Kiln Espresso Cup | Reactive Glaze Coffee Cup | 85ml Capacity | Olympia HC388
£19.92
/ exc vat
£23.90/ inc vat
- Reactive Glaze Finish
- Hand-Painted Rim
- 85ml Capacity
- Vitrified Porcelain Body
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Product Overview
Here’s a fantastic way to add a dash of rustic, artisan charm to your coffee service. The Olympia HC388 Kiln Espresso Cup isn't just another piece of crockery; it’s a statement. With its unique reactive glaze finish, every single cup has its own distinct character, ensuring that the presentation of your espresso is as carefully crafted as the brew itself. It's the perfect vessel for showcasing high-quality coffee beans and skilled barista work.
Designed for professional environments that value aesthetics and durability, this cup is a brilliant choice for artisan coffee shops, boutique hotels, and restaurants aiming to create a memorable customer experience. Made from tough vitrified porcelain and finished with a hand-painted rim, it combines a handcrafted feel with the resilience needed to withstand the hustle and bustle of a busy service. The 85ml capacity is spot-on for serving a perfect single or double espresso shot.
If you're looking to move beyond standard white ware and give your customers something special, this is it. This cafe espresso cup from Olympia not only enhances the visual appeal of your drinks but also feels wonderfully substantial in the hand, reinforcing the premium quality of your offering. Elevate every single shot with a cup that feels as special as the coffee it holds and watch your customers take notice.
Key Features and Benefits
- Reactive Glaze Finish: Gives each cup a completely unique, handcrafted look.
- Hand-Painted Rim: Adds a premium, artisan touch to your coffee service.
- 85ml Capacity: Perfectly sized for a traditional single or double espresso.
- Vitrified Porcelain Body: Makes it tough enough for constant commercial use.
- Meets BS4034 Standard: Certified for hotelware, ensuring chip resistance and durability.
- Microwave Safe: Allows for quick heating of milk or drinks if needed.
- Unique Flecked Finish: Helps to hide minor marks and looks simply stunning.
- Box Quantity of 6: Ideal for stocking up or starting a complete new set.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Olympia Kiln
- SKU: HC388
- Capacity: 85ml / 3oz
- Dimensions: 56(H) x 62(W) mm
- Material: Porcelain
- Colour: Grey
- Finish: Reactive Glaze
- Box Quantity: 6
- Weight (Box): 0.84kg
- Compliance: BS4034 Vitrified Hotelware Standard
- Special Feature: Microwave Safe
- Compatible Saucers: HC389, GP239, GP345, GP361, GP477
Expert Review and Insights
The trend for rustic, authentic tableware is stronger than ever, and the Kiln range nails it. This cup moves away from clinical uniformity and embraces individuality. It has a lovely, tactile quality that enhances the sensory experience of drinking coffee, making it feel more like a small daily ritual than a simple caffeine hit. It's a smart choice for any business wanting to stand out.
Emily Hart – Tableware Expert View Profile →
- Aesthetic Appeal: The reactive glaze makes every cup one-of-a-kind, delighting customers.
- Size Specificity: Its 85ml size is purely for espresso; not for longer drinks.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Kettle, a bustling independent café in Bristol's Clifton Village, wanted to upgrade their generic white cups to something with more character to match their locally roasted coffee. They chose the Olympia Kiln range to elevate their presentation.
"Our customers notice the little things. These cups get so many compliments and make our espressos look incredible. They feel substantial and premium, which is exactly the vibe we're going for. They've been a brilliant addition."
Leo Finch – Owner, The Copper Kettle
Following the switch, the café noticed a significant increase in social media tags from customers photographing their coffee, boosting their online presence organically.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Unbox your cups carefully and give them a quick once-over to check for any damage from transit.
- Run them through a full cycle in a commercial dishwasher to ensure they are pristine for their first use.
- Pair with a compatible Olympia Kiln 115mm saucer (like the HC389) for a complete, professional look.
- When stacking, avoid creating tall, unstable towers to minimise the risk of accidental knocks and falls.
Keeping It Going
- These cups are fully vitrified and designed for the rigours of a commercial dishwasher.
- To ensure a long life, avoid extreme temperature changes (like pouring boiling water into a freezing cup).
- The tough glaze is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and machine detergents.
- As with all crockery, it’s good practice to periodically check for any chips or fine cracks to maintain a perfect service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these cups dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, absolutely. They are made from vitrified porcelain and are designed to withstand the rigours of commercial dishwashing.
Q: What does 'reactive glaze' actually mean?
A: It’s a special glazing process where minerals react to the heat in the kiln, creating a unique, mottled pattern on each cup. This ensures no two are exactly alike.
Q: Can I use the Olympia HC388 kiln espresso cup in a microwave?
A: Yes, these cups are perfectly suitable for microwave use, which is handy for baristas.
Q: What is the exact capacity?
A: The capacity is 85ml (which is 3oz), the industry-standard size for a single or double shot of espresso.
Q: Are they sold individually or in a set?
A: These barista espresso cups 85ml are supplied in a box of 6, which is ideal for professional use and ensures a consistent set.
Q: What are they made of?
A: They are crafted from high-quality, vitrified porcelain, known for its excellent durability and heat retention.
Q: Will they stain easily from strong coffee?
A: The glaze provides a strong, non-porous protective layer. With regular washing, staining is not an issue, and the flecked finish helps hide minor marks.
Q: Do these cups come with saucers?
A: Saucers are sold separately to allow for mixing and matching. These cups are designed to fit any Olympia Kiln 115mm saucer, such as model HC389.
The Olympia Kiln Promise: Lasting Style & Strength
Choosing Olympia Kiln tableware is about more than just its good looks; it's a long-term investment in quality that pays for itself. In a busy commercial setting, crockery takes a real beating. That's where the vitrification process comes in. It strengthens the porcelain, making it non-porous and incredibly resilient to the chips, cracks, and daily impacts that would quickly ruin lesser-quality items. This superior durability means fewer replacements, lower long-term costs, and a consistently professional look for your tables. The unique reactive glaze isn't just a fleeting trend; it’s a mark of distinction that communicates a commitment to quality and detail to your customers. Olympia Kiln delivers tableware that is truly built for business—blending artisan beauty with workhorse reliability.
Explore more from Olympia KilnMore Than Just a Colour: The Magic of a Reactive Glaze
Ever wondered what makes each reactive glaze espresso cup 85ml totally unique? It's not just a fancy paint job. A reactive glaze contains special minerals that, when fired in the kiln at high temperatures, react and fuse in unpredictable ways. Think of it like a firework display on a tiny scale, creating swirls, flecks, and subtle colour shifts right on the surface of the porcelain.
This process means that, unlike a standard block-colour cup, no two pieces are ever identical. Each one has its own 'fingerprint'. This is what gives the Olympia Kiln range its authentic, earthy feel and turns a simple coffee cup into a small piece of art. It’s an easy way to give your service a genuinely handcrafted and memorable touch that customers can see and feel.
Who Should Buy This?
- Artisan Coffee Shops: Perfect for serving premium single-origin espressos with a presentation that matches the quality.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: An elegant way to finish a meal, serving after-dinner espressos or macchiatos.
- Boutique Hotels: Ideal for in-room coffee makers or breakfast service, adding a touch of luxury.
- High-End Bistros: Complements a rustic or modern-rustic décor, enhancing the overall dining atmosphere.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
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Don't wait to impress your customers. Add the Kiln Espresso Cup | Reactive Glaze Coffee Cup | 85ml Capacity | Olympia HC388 to your basket today for a truly memorable coffee experience.