First, choose what you want to use the glass for
Do you like drinking a latte macchiato from a tall glass? Or do you prefer making iced coffee with milk and ice cubes? That requires different space than an espresso. Geert-Jan uses Barista Essentials tools during his workshops and helps you choose based on what you want to make. First, look at your drink and then at the capacity, shape, and height of the glass.
A glass for drinking out of and a glass for catching espresso do not do the same. In a serving glass, you want room for all the ingredients. You place a small shot glass or espresso pitcher under the filter holder. Then you pour the espresso into the larger glass. This is especially useful when your tall glass does not fit under the machine.
A tall glass for latte macchiato
The 350 ml latte macchiato glass is 14.5 cm tall and has a diameter of 71 mm. There is room for milk, espresso, and foam. Thanks to the clear, ribbed glass, you can see the layers. It is made of borosilicate glass and intended for hot and cold drinks.
The capacity of 350 ml is the total space in the glass. That does not mean you first put 350 ml of milk in it: the espresso and the foam also need to fit. Choose the quantities for the drink you want to make and leave enough room to pour without spilling.
Room for ice in your iced coffee
The 300 ml iced coffee glass is shorter and wider than the tall latte glass. You can serve hot and cold coffee drinks in it. When making iced coffee, also think about the space your ice cubes take up. If you have already filled the glass with milk and espresso, the ice may not always fit anymore.
The rounded bottom and ribs give this glass a different shape than the tall latte glass. Choose what you find comfortable to drink from and what fits the amount of coffee, milk, and ice you want to use. The glass alone does not determine the taste of your drink.
Does your glass fit under the filter holder?
Measure the height between the drip tray and the spout of your filter holder with a ruler or measuring tape. If you use a scale, that must also fit underneath. Check if the glass can stand firmly and if you can place and remove it without tipping it over. Just knowing which brand of machine you have is not enough for that.
Does the tall glass not fit? Then first catch the espresso in a small shot glass with a pouring spout or a 100 ml stainless steel espresso pitcher. Then pour it with the milk. Also check with those small accessories whether they fit under the machine together with your scale.
Shot glass or stainless steel pitcher?
With a glass shot glass, you can see the espresso and the crema layer. The measurement lines show the volume. If you want to know exactly how much espresso you have brewed, weigh it with a coffee scale. The crema layer also takes up space; therefore, a milliliter line does not tell you how many grams of espresso are in the glass.
The stainless steel pitcher has a capacity of 100 ml and a small pouring spout. You use it to catch espresso and pour it over. It is not a milk pitcher for frothing milk. For that, choose a milk frothing pitcher that fits your milk portion and steam wand.
Cleaning and choosing
The two large coffee glasses and the stainless steel pitcher are dishwasher-safe according to Barista Essentials. Preferably wash the shot glass by hand to keep it looking beautiful for as long as possible. Always follow the instructions for the individual product. Use a glass for hot and cold coffee as indicated; that does not make it unbreakable.
You do not need to buy a whole set. Choose a glass for your favorite drink. Only add a catching glass or pitcher when that makes brewing and pouring easier. At Barista Essentials, you can see the current availability and order the version you want.
