Tea Cup vs. Coffee Cup – What’s The Difference?

Tea time is one of the most traditional affairs observed in every household. It has its etiquette and rules, and specific decorum is established. On the other hand, having coffee doesn’t have the same rules and regulations and is considered a casual event.

The cups used to serve both of them are also different. A chocolate cup teacup or a coffee cup are all different from each other. Today in this article, we will cover all the differences between teacup and coffee cups and how they are used.

There are tons of differences between teacups and coffee cups. Their size, shape and even their handles are made different. Teacups are made so that they are light, graceful, and can cool down the liquid in them fast.

On the other hand, the primary thing that is kept in mind when making a coffee cup is it can be held easily, and the liquid inside it stays warm. Moreover, they tend to have a bigger handle and a more vertical side. Once you can understand the difference, you will pick the right cup for the right occasion.

Tea Cup

As the name suggests, the teacup is primarily designed for drinking hot tea. Most folks would drink tea in just about any cup; however, to enhance flavor temperature and to politely drink tea with all the rules and regulations kept in mind, teacups are used. Every available teacup is made for a specific reason.

The size of the handles to which material it is made from is made to serve a specific purpose. They are rarely sold by 1 piece, but rather they are available as a set. A traditional set that you will purchase will include one cup and saucer or a set of cups or saucers.

A complete tea set will come with a teapot small jug sugar bowl and a slop bowl. All of these things will have the same design and color. Teacups are manufactured using a ceramic material which is porcelain. A material called bone China also manufactures some high-quality teacups.

Bone China is also a ceramic material but has added bone ash and a shining finish, making it more durable and elegant. Some of these teacups are extremely valuable, especially if they are limited. Teacups come in different sizes, dependent on where they were manufactured.

In China, teacups that are made can hold about 30ml of tea. However, in other places, the teacups are comparatively bigger. They are designed with such a material that they cool down quickly to be easily drinkable.

This is why they have an open mouth while shallow, which cools down the temperature fast. Some recipes include teacup as a unit of measurement as well. Some teacups also do not have handles, while others are designed so the cup can be held skillfully between the thumb and two fingers.

This does not give it a good grip; that is why they are manufactured small. This makes teacup lighter and easier to be held in hand. Teacups manufactured in Asian countries typically do not come with handles. They are known as tea bowls. However, the most European version of teacup does come with handles.

Coffee Cup

As the name suggests, coffee cups are made for the reason to drink coffee. Coffee cups similar to teacups have various designs. Coffee cups are also specifically designed for drinking coffee. Coffee cups are also made from ceramic material.

They do look similar to teacups but are comparatively bigger. Having coffee is more of a casual event and is considered standard tableware. Moreover, coffee cups that are taken on adventures and trips are called travel mugs.

They are typically made of stainless steel and thermal protective material. Disposable coffee cups are also available that are typically used in restaurants or cafes. Disposable cups are made of paper or plastic polythene and can be disposed of after use. There are a variety of ways to make coffee, so different cups are used to serve it.

Cappuccinos Americanos lattes and mochas are served in big round cups that allow holding more milk foam and hot water in it. Mochas and lattes are also served in flat short, and wide cups so latte art can be displayed. Typically, cappuccino cups are comparatively smaller and rounder so that they can be easily held in one hand.

Typically cups that are used in America can hold up to 240ml of coffee. This is the standard cup that is normally used in America. However, as Americans love to have coffee, their cups are sometimes bigger. Coffee cups sizes vary as you travel to Asia or Europe. Moreover, unique names like “Grande” for the large cup are also given to coffee cups.

Coffee cups are not made to cool down the liquid inside fast; instead, coffee cups retain the heat. Folks love to have their coffee stay hot as long as it can. A standard coffee cup will be narrow and tall and have less exposed area to prevent heat from escaping. Handles of coffee cups are more prominent and easier to hold. They are also designed in such a way to allow a firm grip.

You can hold a coffee cup with 3 to 4 fingers and are made so they can be held for a long period. Handles are also dependent on what kind of coffee you are drinking, and likewise, stability and grip are offered. Coffee is not an elegant drink as tea, so not many etiquettes are expected to hold the cup.

So, What’s the Difference Between Coffee Cup and Tea Cup?

1. Coffee cups are designed to retain the heat from the coffee, while teacups are made to cool down tea inside it quickly.
2. Coffee cups have a vertical and narrow design, while teacups are smaller and have a wider mouth.
3. Teacups are usually purchased in a set, while coffee cups are available independently.
4. Coffee cups handles are designed to be held for a long period, while teacups handles are comparatively smaller and are held delicately.

Sources:

• Foodsguy
• Mariettesbackstories
• Beezzly