The TIAMO Cupping Cups: Ceramic Bowls for Professional Coffee Tasting

If you’ve ever tried comparing two coffees side by side and ended up confused by inconsistent pours, uneven temperatures, or cups that just don’t feel right in your hand, you’re not alone. Professional cupping—the standardized method roasters and green buyers use to evaluate coffee—demands more than just a mug. It requires purpose-built ceramic bowls that support uniform extraction, steady heat retention, and repeatable measurements.

The TIAMO brand offers three dedicated cupping cup models: HG0787, HG0788, and HG0788BR, all made from high-quality ceramic. They come in two shapes—U-shaped and V-shaped—and in multiple color options including single-tone, dual-tone, and a bronze-accented version (HG0788BR). These are the cups used by specialty professionals for consistent, sensory-focused coffee evaluations.

What Are Cupping Cups and Why Do They Matter?

Cupping is the universal standard for evaluating green coffee quality, roast development, and flavor clarity. Unlike casual brewing methods, cupping uses specific ratios, temperatures, and tools to highlight the intrinsic traits of the coffee without interference. The shape, material, and volume of the cup directly affect how aroma develops, how evenly coffee cools, and how consistent the extraction is across samples.

Professional cupping bowls are designed to hold a precise dose—usually around 8.25 to 10 grams of coffee—with a standard water volume of 150 to 180 milliliters, brewed at 93°C. The wide, shallow bowl allows for optimal aroma release, while the ideal depth supports even heat dissipation and a stable brewing environment.

The TIAMO Cupping Cup Range: Shapes, Sizes, and Colors

TIAMO manufactures three specific cupping cup models tailored for specialty coffee evaluation:

• HG0787: U-shaped ceramic cupping bowl
• HG0788: U-shaped ceramic cupping bowl (alternative finish)
• HG0788BR: V-shaped ceramic cupping bowl with bronze rim accent

These cups are available in three aesthetic configurations:

• U-shaped, single color
• U-shaped, dual-tone color
• V-shaped, bronze-accented (HG0788BR)

All are crafted from high-fired ceramic, chosen for its thermal stability and neutral interaction with coffee aromas. The U-shape is traditional and widely used in SCA cupping protocols, while the V-shape offers a slightly different aroma dispersion dynamic and visual contrast during evaluation.

Why Specialty Roasters Trust Ceramic for Cupping

Ceramic is the preferred material for professional cupping because it strikes a balance between heat retention and release. Unlike glass, which can cool too quickly or show condensation that obscures visibility, ceramic maintains a stable temperature long enough for proper evaluation while allowing the coffee’s natural aromas to concentrate and evolve.

TIAMO’s ceramic cupping bowls are fired at high temperatures, ensuring durability and a non-reactive interior surface. This helps preserve the integrity of the coffee’s volatile compounds during the critical first minutes of cupping, when acidity, sweetness, and aroma are most expressive. The material also does not absorb odors or oils over time, maintaining a neutral profile across countless sessions.

The bowls’ consistent shape—whether U or V—ensures that each cup performs similarly under the same conditions, which is essential when comparing multiple coffees.

How to Use TIAMO Cupping Cups for Professional Evaluation

To get the most from TIAMO’s cupping bowls, follow the standard SCA cupping protocol:

• Dose: 8.25–10 grams of freshly roasted, medium-ground coffee per cup (ground to a similar size as sea salt)
• Water: 150–180 ml, heated to 93°C
• Bloom: Pour just enough hot water to saturate the grounds, wait 30–45 seconds
• Pour: Add remaining water in a steady spiral, filling to the standard level
• Break: After 4:00 minutes, break the crust with a spoon while sniffing deeply
• Sip: Taste at regular intervals, evaluating aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste

The U- and V-shaped bowls are designed to support this exact method, allowing for uniform saturation, easy spooning, and optimal aroma capture. Using identical cups ensures that differences in the coffee itself—not the vessel—are what you taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are TIAMO cupping cups SCA-approved?

While TIAMO cups are not officially certified by the SCA, they are designed to meet the specifications used in professional cupping protocols—including the standard U- and V-shaped profiles, appropriate volume, and ceramic construction. Many specialty roasters, including FrontStreet Coffee, use similar ceramic cupping bowls in their daily evaluations.

What’s the difference between U-shaped and V-shaped cupping cups?

U-shaped cups are the traditional choice and align closely with SCA recommendations. They allow for even aroma dispersal and easy access for breaking the crust. V-shaped cups offer a slightly different angle for aroma release and may provide contrast in how certain flavor notes present, but both are widely accepted in professional settings.

How many cups are in a set?

The article does not specify the number of cups per product code. Typically, TIAMO cupping cups are sold individually or in sets, but you should confirm exact quantities with the seller or check the product listing details.

What grind size should I use in TIAMO cupping cups?

For proper cupping, grind your coffee to a consistency similar to coarse sea salt. This matches the SCA-recommended grind size for balanced extraction during the 4-minute steep period. The exact grind setting may vary based on your grinder model.

Can I use TIAMO cups for brewing methods other than cupping?

TIAMO cupping cups are specifically designed for the coffee cupping process. Their size, shape, and material are optimized for evaluating brewed coffee, not for drip, espresso, or pour-over brewing. Using them for other methods is not recommended.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Cupping

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit qualities, and PWN Golden Mandheling for classic earthy and spicy profiles—all ideal for evaluating in TIAMO cupping cups. These single origins highlight the clarity and balance needed for professional cupping. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.