Single Wall or Ripple Wall Coffee Cups: Which Should a Cafe Choose?
When you buy paper coffee cups for a cafe, kiosk or coffee van, the first choice is the wall: single or ripple. Both hold a hot drink. They differ in how the cup feels in the hand, how many come in a case and what else you need to stock. Here is how they compare, using the cups we sell.
Single wall cups
A single wall cup is one layer of paperboard with a thin PE lining inside to hold the liquid. Our 12oz white single wall cup holds 12 oz (340 ml), has a rolled rim and comes in a case of 1000. It is the workhorse of many coffee counters. Because it is a single layer, the outside warms up with a hot drink, so many cafes add a sleeve.
Ripple wall cups
A ripple wall cup has a fluted paper layer wrapped around the cup. The ripples trap air, which keeps the outside comfortable to hold with a fresh hot drink. That means no sleeve to add at the counter and one less item to stock. We stock two sizes in black with a white rim and base: the 12oz black ripple cup and the 8oz black ripple cup, each in a case of 500. The inside is lined to hold liquid.
Side by side
- Feel: ripple is more comfortable to hold with a hot drink; single wall warms up.
- Look: the black ripple cup looks smart on the counter; the white single wall is plain and suits any menu or brand.
- Sleeve: single wall often needs a sleeve; ripple is made so that you do not need one.
- Case size: single wall comes in 1000, ripple in 500.
- Branding: the cups can be custom printed with your logo. See bespoke printing.
Which cup for which drink?
The 8oz size suits flat whites, cortados, small cappuccinos, teas and children's hot chocolates. The 12oz size suits regular lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, teas and hot chocolates. For espresso and tasters, the 4oz white espresso cup in our coffee cups, lids and sleeves range is the right size.
Do not forget the lid
Lids match the cup size. The 12oz cups take 90 mm lids, such as the white lid for 12 and 16oz cups. The 8oz cups take 80 mm lids, such as the white lid for 6 and 8oz cups. Lids are sold separately, so add them to the same order. The coffee cup sizes and lids guide shows how it all lines up.
When a sleeve is the better answer
If you want one plain cup for every drink, single wall plus a brown sleeve lets you give a sleeve only to customers who want one. If speed at the counter and a darker look matter more, ripple saves that step. See our sleeves guide.
Ordering and delivery
There is no minimum order. The price is shown excluding VAT under the product. Free UK next-day delivery: orders placed by 4pm Monday to Friday leave the same day with Evri, fully tracked, next-day where Evri offers it to your address, otherwise standard, usually 2 to 5 days. See delivery information.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ripple wall cup?
A paper cup with a fluted outer layer that traps air, so the outside is more comfortable to hold with a fresh hot drink.
Do ripple cups need a sleeve?
No. The ripple wall is there so that you do not need to add a sleeve at the counter.
Which lid fits a 12oz cup?
The 12oz cups take 90 mm lids. Our white lid for 12 and 16oz cups is made for them. Lids are sold separately.
Can I get my logo on the cups?
Yes, the cups can be custom printed. Ask us about bespoke printing.
How many cups are in a case?
12oz white single wall: 1000. Black ripple cups, 8oz and 12oz: 500.