HARIO Espresso Glass Cups: SGS-80 and SGS-140 Specs

If you’ve ever tried photographing a shot of espresso only to realize your demitasse is either too small or marked with distracting volume lines, you’re not alone. Specialty coffee enthusiasts often seek clean, neutral vessels that let the espresso’s crema and color shine—without visual clutter. Choosing the right glass cup makes a difference in presentation, perception, and even temperature stability during those critical first sips.

HARIO’s SGS series includes two key espresso glassware options: the 80ml SGS-80 and the 140ml SGS-140, both crafted from single-piece borosilicate glass and sold individually without volume markings. These are designed for clean espresso service, ideal under bright shop lights or in your home setup.

What Is the HARIO SGS Series?

The HARIO SGS (short for “Standard Glass Set”) is a line of borosilicate espresso cups produced by HARIO, a Japanese brand known for heat-resistant laboratory-grade glassware adapted for specialty coffee use. The SGS lineup includes two common espresso-specific sizes: 80ml and 140ml. Both feature seamless construction and are sold as single items—no sets, no extras, just the cup.

Product Specifications: SGS-80 vs SGS-140

HARIO offers these two espresso glass options under the shared SGS model code:

• SGS-80: 80 milliliters capacity, no volume markings, clear borosilicate glass, single cup per package
• SGS-140: 140 milliliters capacity, no volume markings, clear borosilicate glass, single cup per package

Both variants are designed without any engraved or printed volume indicators, allowing baristas and home users to present espresso shots with a clean aesthetic. The lack of markings also helps maintain a minimalist look, preferred in professional settings and photography.

Why Choose Borosilicate Glass for Espresso?

Borosilicate glass is the material of choice for specialty coffee glassware due to its thermal shock resistance and clarity. Unlike standard soda-lime glass, borosilicate can withstand sudden temperature changes—meaning you can pour a just-pulled 93°C espresso shot into the cup without risking cracks. Its transparency also showcases the espresso’s crema, color gradient, and surface texture, all crucial factors in evaluating extraction quality. HARIO’s use of this material ensures durability alongside visual appeal.

Design Details: Minimalist and Functional

Both the SGS-80 and SGS-140 are formed from a single piece of molded borosilicate glass. There are no handles, no insulating layers, and deliberately no volume engravings. This minimalist design serves multiple purposes: it keeps the focus on the espresso, avoids visual distraction in latte art presentations, and maintains a consistent mouthfeel across different cup sizes. The absence of a base lip or handle also contributes to a classic, old-school Italian-style presentation—something many specialty baristas aim to replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the HARIO SGS cups microwave or dishwasher safe?

HARIO does not explicitly state microwave or dishwasher safety for the SGS series, but as borosilicate glass, they can generally withstand mild dishwasher cycles and short bursts in the microwave. However, to preserve longevity and avoid thermal shock, hand washing with warm water and mild detergent is recommended—especially when dealing with hot espresso.

What’s the difference between the SGS-80 and SGS-140?

The SGS-80 holds 80 milliliters and the SGS-140 holds 140 milliliters. Both are made from the same borosilicate glass, have no volume markings, and are sold individually. The choice depends on whether you prefer a smaller traditional espresso serving (80ml) or a slightly larger cup that can accommodate a double shot with room for crema (140ml).

Do these cups come with saucers or in sets?

No. Each SGS cup (whether 80ml or 140ml) is sold as a single item, with no matching saucer or additional cups included. They are packaged individually for straightforward use or gifting.

Is the lack of volume markings a drawback?

Not for most specialty coffee applications. The absence of markings is intentional, allowing for a clean visual presentation of the espresso. Baristas who need precise measurement typically use separate scales rather than relying on cup markings.

Can I use the SGS-140 for other coffee drinks besides espresso?

Yes. While designed around espresso volume, the 140ml SGS cup is also suitable for serving small ristrettos, macchiatos, or even minimalist americanos. The 80ml SGS-80 is better suited to straight espresso or very small milk drinks.

Recommended FrontStreet Single Origins for Espresso

For espresso brewing in your HARIO SGS cup, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — a bright, juicy Ethiopian single origin with notes of blueberry, jasmine, and citrus that shines as a single-origin espresso. Alternatively, the Kenya Little Tomato offers bold acidity with flavors of tomato leaf, blackcurrant, and winey depth, perfect for showcasing clarity in the cup. Both beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.