Design icons of the 1960s stand for a time when design clarity, quality and suitability for everyday use went hand in hand. Their minimalist design language still has a timeless effect today because they were created with the aim of creating things that would last a long time and stand the test of time. It was in this spirit that the first stainless steel espresso cups were created in Italy in the mid-1960s. They were made in Piedmont - on the northern shore of Lake Orta, in a region known for its excellence in metalworking. With companies such as Alessi, Lagostina and other manufacturers, the town of Omegna developed into the center of Italian household design. From the very beginning, the manufacturers there relied on stainless steel as a material for high-quality coffee accessories, thus establishing a new generation of modern, durable espresso cups.

The temperature of a drink has a significant influence on our sensory perception. The taste receptors in the mouth react in a particularly differentiated way to body temperature. If a drink is significantly hotter or cooler, the perception shifts: aromas fade into the background, the taste seems flatter and less nuanced. For coffee - whether filter coffee, cappuccino or espresso - to develop its full flavor profile, it should remain at its ideal drinking temperature in the cup for as long as possible. Aromatic depth, fruity acidity or natural sweetness can only be revealed if the drink does not cool down too quickly. This is precisely the strength of the double-walled stainless steel construction. The space between the two cup walls acts as insulation, as the air enclosed there conducts heat poorly and thus slows down the loss of temperature to the outside. The result: espresso, cappuccino and co. cool down much more slowly and remain pleasantly warm to drink for longer without losing quality. At the same time, the outside of the cup remains at a moderate temperature, there is no risk of burning, on the contrary, the cup is comfortable to hold. Above all, however, because the espresso retains its temperature for longer, the aroma-giving components evaporate more slowly, allowing the full-bodied character of a good espresso to be enjoyed sip after sip.

Our manufacturer is also at home where Italian design history is written in terms of household goods: in Omegna in Piedmont. Since the 1950s, it has specialized in metal goods for professional catering needs - with technical precision and a keen understanding of the demands of table setting and everyday life in the (dish) kitchen. This experience flows directly into the double-walled stainless steel espresso cups. Unlike many insulating drinking vessels, they can be cleaned in the dishwasher without hesitation. The temperature-induced expansion of stainless steel, which often leads to weak points in thermos flasks and insulated mugs, has been taken into account right from the start: When cold, a fine gap separates the two walls, which closes on contact with hot coffee or water. This keeps the material and shape permanently intact. Without compromising on the timeless design, these cups therefore meet the high demands of the catering industry with ease. What's more, their robustness makes them ideal companions far beyond professional use: for outdoor activities and travel.