If you’re serious about improving your espresso at home, there’s one tool that often gets overlooked: the espresso shot glass.
This simple accessory does more than just look good on your counter—it provides critical feedback that can elevate your brewing precision and help you consistently nail your espresso shots.
What Is an Espresso Shot Glass?
An espresso shot glass is a small, heat-resistant glass typically marked with measurement lines in milliliters and/or ounces. It’s designed to fit under your espresso machine’s spouts and collect the extracted coffee.
Many shot glasses also have double spouts, making it easy to split a shot if needed.
Why It Matters
1. Precision in Measurement
Dialing in espresso is all about ratios and consistency. A shot glass allows you to visually monitor:
- Shot volume
- Timing
- Layer separation (crema, body, heart)
This feedback is invaluable when adjusting grind size, dose, or tamp pressure.
2. Consistent Results
Using a marked glass helps ensure you’re pulling the same volume every time. This builds consistency in flavor and reduces waste from poorly extracted shots.
3. Training Your Eye
Over time, a shot glass helps you develop an intuitive sense of volume, so you’ll know what a proper shot looks like—even without a scale.
Glass vs. Scale: Do You Need Both?
Yes—a shot glass and a scale serve different purposes.
- A scale tells you weight, which is critical for accurate brew ratios.
- A shot glass shows volume and flow, which tells you how your machine is behaving.
Used together, they create a complete picture of your extraction process.
Features to Look For
- Clear, durable glass (borosilicate preferred)
- Measurement markings that are easy to read
- Spouted lip for easy pouring
- Low height to fit under spouts
Some espresso enthusiasts even use dosing cups that double as shot glasses, combining form and function.
Final Thoughts
It may be small, but the espresso shot glass is a powerful diagnostic tool. If you’re aiming for more control and consistency in your espresso brewing, it’s absolutely worth adding to your setup.
