My favorite 3 Turkish Coffee Sets: The Ultimate Gift for Coffee Enthusiasts
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Turkish coffee sets are a thoughtful gift and a great way to elevate your own brewing experience. If you’re looking to find one from the comfort of your own home, you’ve come to the right place!
As a Turkish coffee enthusiast, I have explored various places here in Turkey—the heartland of this rich, aromatic coffee tradition.
Through this article, I will bridge the gap by sharing insights from my firsthand experiences, helping you discover the ideal coffee set to bring a piece of Turkish magic into your home.
If you’re a coffee aficionado eager to delve deeper into authentic coffee brewing techniques, you’re in for a treat. I think grabbing a set here is the best option but if you can’t come yet or you just couldn’t fit it in your suitcase, then these are the next best options.
And remember, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll benefit from free shipping!
My favorite Set
Karaca Collection
⭐️Rating 4.4 | ⌚️ Style: Modern
I love this chic set for entertaining friends over a Turkish-style breakfast or a long-awaited catch-up. Plus Karaca is a staple in my home in Turkey.
A Little History
Turkish coffee has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century when it was introduced to the Ottoman Empire by traders from Yemen.
Its unique preparation and strong, aromatic flavor quickly gained popularity among the elite and royal courts. The coffee beans are ground to a fine powder and brewed in a special pot called a cezve over low heat.
Over time, Turkish coffee has become an integral part of social life, often enjoyed with friends and family, and was/is even used in rituals like matchmaking, where a woman’s coffee could reveal her personality traits.
Turkish coffee was even recognized for its cultural significance and added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2013. This really highlights its legacy as both a drink and a social tradition.
Things to Consider
When it comes to Turkish coffee sets, there are several features to consider. Of course, this is quite subjective but these will help you figure out what is important to you.
Material
While all Turkish coffee cups are ceramic or porcelain, you will also see a brass casing with the Ottoman style. The Ottoman style has both the porcelain inner cup as well as this intricately carved brass shell.
As for the material of the cezve, it will typically be brass or copper because of its heat conductivity. That being said the copper cezve is the most traditional if that is what you are going for.
Design
The design of the set is also a consideration.
Traditional sets are ornate, with intricately engraved patterns. These are often used for decorative purposes instead of daily use. Typically they come with more pieces and are a full set.
Modern versions, on the other hand, typically offer clean, sleek lines. They will be simpler and often only include the cups and saucers.
Number of settings
The number of settings is a key consideration. You’ll need to figure out how many people you’ll typically serve at one time. Typically, they come in groupings of 2 or 6 but sometimes you can find other options.
Pro tip: These are much smaller cups than typical mugs. They are 80 ml or between 2 – 3 oz. They can also be used as an espresso cup and saucer set.
Service Set Accessories
Several sets come with additional accessories like a serving tray, extra cups, or the cezve. If you already have these items, you obviously won’t need them but it is something to pay attention to when buying.
Care Instructions
Finally, each Turkish coffee set can have different care instructions depending on the materials used. Some sets are dishwasher safe, while others are more delicate and require hand washing.
Pro tip: Even if it says dishwasher safe but has a painted design, handwashing it will ensure a longer life.
Knowing the care instructions can help ensure your set maintains its quality and appearance over time.
No matter what, the choice boils down to your personal preferences and needs. Each of these aspects contributes to not only the aesthetic appeal but the functionality of the collection as well.
How to Make Turkish Coffee
If you have never made it before or if you need a refresher, here is a great video to help you on your adventure!
Copper Turkish Coffee Pot – Aka Cezve
Most sets you will look at will only come with the cups and saucers. So if you also need a cezve, there are two different types.
Classic Copper Coffee Pot
The classic copper Turkish coffee pot, known as a cezve, embodies centuries of tradition and cultural significance.
These pots are not just tools for brewing coffee but also pieces of art that showcase the craftsmanship of Turkish artisans with their intricate designs and durable materials.
The copper construction allows for even heat distribution, which is really important for achieving the perfect balance in Turkish coffee.
The long handle and spout allow for precise pouring, and the ornate exterior embodies the rich heritage and ritualistic aspects of Turkish coffee prep, making it a fun memento in many households.
Electric Coffee Pot
On the other hand, the electric Turkish coffee maker is a modern method, simplifying the brewing process and making it accessible to a broader audience.
Electric models often come equipped with features like adjustable brewing settings and timers, allowing for consistency in flavor. They also eliminate the need for an open flame, providing a safer alternative or an option where a gas stove isn’t available.
However, some argue that the electric versions may lack the charm and cultural connection associated with the classic copper pot. Maybe, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Choosing between the two depends on your personal preferences and needs. So have fun and figure out which one is best for you!
Pro tip: Make sure you get the right plug if you purchase in Turkey or you won’t be able to use it back home.
Handmade Traditional Ottoman Style
This traditional Ottoman Turkish Coffee kit is a beautiful, handcrafted coffee cup set that transports you directly to the heart of Turkey.
It has a silver-colored finish and intricate engraved detailing making it a statement piece in and of itself.
While this is not the standard way to serve Turkish coffee in Istanbul, it is very traditional and is a fun gift.
I still remember the first time I saw this set. I was on vacation in Izmir about four months after I moved to Istanbul. I was absolutely captivated by its uniqueness.
If you’re looking for a unique gift, this is a great option.
Pros
- Can also be used as decorations
- Highest-quality porcelain
- Everything you need to make Turkish Coffee is included
- Handmade in Turkey
cons
- Must handwash to ensure the longevity of the product
- Of course, since they’re for Turkish coffee, the cups are quite small
Authentic Porcelain Turkish Coffee cups – Set for 2
If you stop into a kahvehane (Turkish coffee shop) you will probably see this style of coffee cup used.
This style, with the red and blue tulips, is quite classicly Turkish. You can read all about tulips and what they mean to Turks here but suffice it to say they are a cultural staple.
If you look at the reviews and think negatively, I’d like to say a couple things:
- One person complained that these were too tiny. These are for Turkish coffee so they are much smaller than typical cups. If you’re looking for a regular-size cup with a Turkish style, this is not the product for you.
- Whenever you ship fragile items, of course, they have the potential to break. The thing I love about Amazon is that you can return it typically without any issue if it is broken. So just return it and get a non-broken piece.
Pros
- Dishwasher Safe*
- High-quality porcelain
- Set for 2 – Cup and Saucer set
- Made in Turkey
cons
- Shipping fragile items always has the potential to break
- Paint can come off in dishwasher
There is no Turkish pot incl.
* Even though it says these are dishwasher safe, I recommend you handwash them to ensure the longevity of the paint on the cups.
Modern Turkish Coffee Collection by Karaca – Set of 6
The Modern Turkish set by Karaca offers a seamless blend of traditional Turkish style with a contemporary edge. Its simplistic style and delicate, gold-lined edge bring the perfect balance of function and aesthetic to the experience.
Karaca is one of my favorite brands in Turkey. I have used their pots and pans as well as other kitchen essentials for years. They have good quality products that are also beautiful.
Pros
- Known for its quality
- High-quality porcelain
- Set for 6 – Cups and Saucers
- Made in Turkey
cons
- Must handwash
- Gold edging can come off in dishwasher
- The cezve is not included
Frequently asked questions
What is a Turkish Coffee Set?
It is a collection of tools and utensils specifically designed to prepare and serve Turkish coffee. It typically includes a cezve (a small pot with a long handle), coffee cups, and a serving tray. Some sets might have additional elements, such as a sugar bowl, a coffee grinder, and presentation items like tongs and decorative cloths.
What makes Turkish Coffee Sets unique?
The uniqueness of Turkish collections lies in their inherent association with the traditional Turkish coffee brewing method. The cezve, designed for making a unique foam, and the small cups for serving the potent brew, are key in capturing the authentic experience. Many sets also stand out for ornate embellishments and detailed craftsmanship, reflecting rich Turkish culture and aesthetics.
How do I choose the best Turkish Coffee Set?
Choosing the best set depends on multiple factors like quality, style, materials used, and completeness of the set. Ideally, you want a set with a high-quality cezve made from copper or brass for optimal heat conduction. The cups should be thick and durable, and the whole set should meet your design preferences, whether you prefer modern, traditional, minimalist, or ornate styles.
Can I use a Turkish Coffee Set for other types of coffee?
Yes. It is often also used for espresso, middle-eastern coffees, or Greek coffee.
Final thoughts on buying a Set
I hope you found a style that fits your needs for serving Turkish Coffee in your home. One thing I am now thinking too is that if you’re planning to serve this, then you might need some actual coffee.
It is a different texture from other types of coffee. The coffee is ground to a powder. In a pinch, you can grind your own coffee beans even smaller than normal but the finer, the better.
Mehmet Efendi is the most well-known brand in Turkey and is also my favorite. I drink their decaf and Columbian (for French press) regularly.
While it is tempting as Americans to buy the bigger package because it is a better price, I recommend getting the smaller one so it is fresher when you actually drink it.
The perfect set can completely make your coffee-drinking experience. Choose wisely, and enjoy the unique taste right from the comfort of your home.
Read more:
- Learn about Turkey’s National Dish as well and perhaps enjoy it at home
- Make meze (Turkish appetizers) at home
- Thinking about visiting? Here are some reasons you should
- What time is it in Istanbul right now?
- What kind of outlets do they have in Turkey?
Turkey Vacation Basics
When I plan a trip these are the websites I use. I hope they help you plan your next adventure as well!
FLIGHTS: I am a huge fan of Skyscanner and WayAway.
VISAS: You can use the free e-visa portal here but for a few extra dollars you can use iVisa and someone else will handle any issues that may come up.
E-SIM: When I traveled to SE Asia I discovered e-sims and I’m never going back. Airalo has been easy and cheap!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I use TravelInsurance.com for my trips abroad.
CAR RENTAL: I have loved working with Discover Cars when I rent cars in country.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: I have used these transfers many times and they are always great. If you’d like more options, I also recommend GetTransfers.com as they allow you to compare companies.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: You can browse GetYourGuide’s website to find just the tour you’re looking for!
