8 Best Coffee Mugs To Improve Your Morning

Investing in the best coffee mugs is the easiest way to create a delightful cup of Joe. Here are my favorite models that you can buy on Amazon. Check them out.

best coffee mugs
Best coffee mug is much more than a brewing container

Waking up to a delightful cup of coffee has become a desirable morning routine for many people. Some of us are intrigued by the exquisite art of pulling a perfect espresso shot, while some find joy in their daily French press brew. For me, this ritual simply begins with the right coffee mug.

The best coffee mug is much more than a brewing container. It will be a game-changer if you need a portable and leak-free tumbler when you set out on a road trip or when you need a heat-resistant mug that keeps your drink hot for hours.

I have used plenty of coffee mugs over the years. With that in mind, I have come up with the best products to pick from. You might also be interested in our list of the best coffee mug warmers.

What To Look For In The Best Coffee Mugs

Material

Choosing the right material comes down to your coffee-drinking habits. A ceramic mug is excellent for retaining heat and is microwave-safe as long as it does not have any metallic detailing. A stainless steel mug is more durable and lightweight.

The downside to metal mugs is that they need an outer layer of heat-resistant material, so you don’t burn your hands. Meanwhile, ceramic mugs break easily if you accidentally drop them.

If you’re looking for something aesthetic for your latte art, a glass mug will come in handy. However, it’s better to settle with a double-walled glass mug as it retains heat better.

Size

The smallest mug size I recommend is ten ounces for home use and 16 ounces for travel mugs. Theoretically, smaller mugs usually keep the heat better than larger ones.

However, as long as you have a press-fit lid that traps the temperature and aroma inside, you’re good to go. This feature is especially important for travel mugs.

Cleaning And Maintenance

How do you usually wash your mugs? Do you like hand washing, or do you like to pop everything in a dishwasher?

Some mugs demand extra care, such as bathing in hot soapy water for at least ten minutes. Some products require you to remove the lid from the body for cleaning. The lid can go in the dishwasher, but the body is not dishwasher-safe.

I have to admit that I’m a clumsy person who often smashes and drops things on the floor. Therefore, I have to be extra careful when dealing with ceramic and stoneware mugs. Check out our explainer on are coffee cups oven safe.

How To Pick The Best Coffee Mugs

Choose your mug based on your coffee habits. Are you looking for one that allows your latte art to shine, or are you willing to pay more for a portable and durable unit that doesn’t spill your drink when you drive on a bumpy road?

Once you’ve settled on what you want, move on to the price range. Make sure to read reviews and compare different models of the same price range to see which one has more advanced features without being too expensive.

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug

This Contigo Autoseal tumbler-style mug is one of the best travel coffee mugs for people on the go. Even if you don’t commute that much and only need a well-built container to keep your drink hot for hours, this model still works wonders. You can use it as a water bottle as well.

Contigo has developed 15 different colors with two sizes available, a small 16-ounce and a large mug that holds 20 ounces. There’s something for everyone.

What sets this product apart from other models is the auto seal technology. It keeps the lid closed at all times unless you press and hold its button to unlock it. That means you don’t have to worry about it tipping over and causing spills.

Another highlight is temperature control; this thoughtful function is rarely found in other average models. It keeps your hot drinks warm for up to seven hours. It maintains the temperature of cold drinks for up to 15 hours.

Speaking of the downsides, I wish the mug came with a handle since the actual body is too big for some people. The lid, given its unique structure, is complicated to clean, too. You need to submerge the lid completely in hot soapy water for at least ten minutes if you hand wash it. You might be interested in our round-up of the best tasting coffee brands for morning people.

 

Pros

  • Practical lid design that prevents spills
  • The well-built interior retains temperature for hours
  • Quality construction stands the test of time

Cons

  • The lid is difficult to clean
  • No handle for smaller hands to hold it with ease
  • The paint on the colored versions chips easily
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03/06/2024 05:50 pm GMT

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Vacuum insulated mugs in the left hand. Drink coffee in the winter.
Zojirushi mug is extremely lightweight and portable to travel

The Zojirushi mug is available in eight different colors. One of the most observable features is the flip-up lid, which comes in handy to prevent spills and keep the coffee clean. Since the lid is attached to one side of the mouthpiece, it allows hand-free movement since you don’t have to hold it all the time.

Other than that, you can choose from two available sizes ranging from 12 to 16 ounces. The mug is extremely lightweight and portable to travel with you on a camping trip or to the office.

If you’re wondering if this stainless steel travel mug retains heat, the heat retention is impressive. I tried it with different hot drinks like coffee, green tea, as well as hot chocolate, and they remained hot even after five hours with the lid closed. It goes the same way for cold drinks like iced coffee.

Pros

  • The heat retention is excellent
  • Durable and sanitary stainless steel interior
  • Lightweight and easy to transport

Cons

  • The rubber component falls off the lid easily when hand washing and causes leaks
  • No handle
  • The rim of the mug can be too small for some people to sip on comfortably
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03/07/2024 03:50 pm GMT

Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug

All you need from a quality glass mug is excellent durability and thoughtful design. That’s exactly what I love about this Bodum Bistro coffee mug.

Mouth-blown by artisans using borosilicate glass, these Bodum Bistro mugs come in a set of two. Each of them has a double wall that covers a silicone vent at the base to prolong its shelf life and prevent burns when the coffee is boiling hot.

This model is mostly made for home use and office use. Compared to many other glass coffee mugs, this Bodum Bistro mug is way thicker and more durable, even if you accidentally bang it on the side of the sink. They don’t break easily but still require extra care, so follow the instructions carefully.

Pros

  • The double wall prevents the heat from being transferred to your hands when you hold it
  • Durable glass
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Microwave-safe

Cons

  • Limited capacity
  • Each individual unit is mouth-blown and can’t guarantee the exact same size
  • Some products have cracks between the walls that allow water to come through
Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug
$32.00 ($16.00 / Count)
  • Made of mouth-blown borosilicate glass known for its insulating qualities.
  • Double walled to keep drinks cold or hot for longer. Eat resistant glass
  • Dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 350°F.
  • 10 oz. Capacity.
  • Set of 2 mugs.
  • Shatter Proof: No


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03/07/2024 01:15 am GMT

YETI Rambler Travel Tumbler With Stronghold Lid

Yeti is all the rage right now. The brand is world-renowned for its ultra-durable outdoor products and portable gear, and it goes the same way for drinkware.

I know one of the most common pain points for travelers is finding a durable travel mug that can handle bumpy roads and actually fit the size of their car cup holders.

This Yeti Rambler travel mug comes with a stronghold leak-proof lid. What I like most about the lid design is the twist-on, twist-off function supported by dual-slider magnet technology. Now you can fill your cup to the brim and let it sit nicely in the car without worrying about the drink spilling when you make a quick turn or cross a pothole.

If you look at the handle, you’ll be pleased to see it’s a 360-degree welded style rather than a slip-on. I had terrible experiences with slip-on handles before, as they are very likely to come off if you stumble or drop them on the ground. The welded handle provides a firm grip if you want to take a sip with one hand and drive with the other hand.

Pros

  • The stainless steel body resists dents and cracks
  • The double-walled interior keeps your coffee hot to the last drop
  • The thin and flat handle allows a comfortable and firm grip

Cons

  • Unlatching and sliding the lid to open requires more effort
  • The handle can be too small for large hands
  • The lid hole is hard to drink from without spilling
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03/08/2024 03:15 am GMT

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug With Protective Silicone Sleeve

This W&P Porter mug is not only cute but also lightweight and portable, making my morning coffee during rush hour a lot more enjoyable. The exceptionally-constructed body screams quality. The soft matte silicone exterior envelops the ceramic coat inside; all is capped with a BPA-free press-fit lid.

Unlike the YETI Rambler Travel Tumbler I mentioned above, the lid of this W&P Porter is extremely easy to take off. Press it down gently, and you’re guaranteed no leaks at all.

One of the most noticeable disadvantages is the product’s heat resistance. It’s not made to hold the temperature that long, and chances are your coffee will cool down in about two hours. Therefore, if you’re looking for a handy mug to keep your drink warm on a very long-hour trip, it’s better not to settle with this Porter mug.

Pros

  • This mug is microwave-safe
  • Aesthetic appearance
  • The lid prevents spills perfectly without it being complicated to open

Cons

  • No insulation to retain heat longer
  • The exterior is too hot to hold when the mug is filled with boiling hot liquid
  • The mug easily absorbs the smell of detergent
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03/08/2024 03:30 am GMT

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

An Ember mug is one of the best ways to keep coffee hot. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it’s worth every penny.

First, its modern and timeless design has me in awe. The sturdy body sits nicely on the desk and will not tip over easily.

The battery in the coaster can last up to 1.5 hours at full charge. This function comes in handy for busy bees out there who are usually caught up in work meetings. Let it rest on your countertop, and come back with a nice warm drink anytime.

As a smart mug, this Ember mug lets you control the temperature and even has an app. One of the biggest downsides is that the app can crash every now and then.

Pros

  • The body is made with scratch-resistant ceramic coating
  • Easy to use simply by activating the one-touch button underneath the base
  • It remembers temperature settings

Cons

  • The Ember app malfunctions once in a while
  • The hefty price tag may hold you back in doubt
  • Metal utensils may leave marks on the bottom of the mug
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03/07/2024 02:54 pm GMT

Le Creuset Stoneware Mug

Are you looking for a retro kind of mug that not only keeps the drink hot but is also aesthetically pleasing? If so, this Le Creuset mug is a killer. It’s a good coffee mug for wrapping up as a present to a friend too.

Le Creuset Mug Stoneware available colors
Le Creuset mug has different colors to choose from

There are more than ten different colors to choose from. The well-built stoneware appears to be heavier and sturdier than most porcelainware I have at home. For that reason, this premium Le Creuset mug works like a charm for any hot beverage you’re making, thanks to the excellent heat distribution.

One of my favorite things about this mug is the enamel glaze that provides the exterior with a stunning ombre effect. It feels firm on the hand. Even if you accidentally drop it on the countertop or into the sink, the mug shows no signs of cracking at all, but I don’t recommend dropping it on the floor to test this theory.

One minor downside to it is the thermal shock that’s likely to happen if you suddenly pour a boiling hot drink into the mug when it’s cold or vice versa. I am the type of coffee drinker who likes to pop a drink into the microwave to reheat it right after taking it out of the fridge. For that reason, I always make sure I gradually warm it up so it won’t shatter.

Pros

  • The model has various colors to choose from
  • A sturdy stoneware that body stands the test of time
  • A virtually nonstick interior allows easy clean-up
  • It’s microwave-safe

Cons

  • The rim cannot prevent the liquid from spilling if you fill it all the way up
  • Limited capacity of only 14 ounces
  • Steep price tag
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03/08/2024 03:55 am GMT

De’Longhi Double-Walled Thermo Glass Latte

Pulling off perfect latte art has a lot more to do than just creating a gorgeous foam or buying a fancy coffee maker. If you’re looking for a barista-style latte or cappuccino to stun your loved ones, this double-wall glass from De’Longhi will guarantee an impressive beverage.

This mug set comes with two 7.5 oz cups to keep your coffee hot for a good while. Made of borosilicate glass, they are more durable than your average glass. I accidentally dropped them a few times on the sink and only noticed a few tiny scratches on the body.

On top of that, the well-constructed body doesn’t shatter that easily, so you can pour freshly brewed coffee into it right away. These De’Longhi glass mugs are completely dishwasher-safe too.

Considering both aesthetics and functionality, I highly recommend this model for personal use or to gift to a loved one. You might also find our explainer on where to buy disposable coffee cups helpful.

Pros

  • It keeps the coffee hot without scalding your hands
  • The shape makes it easy to hold
  • No hand washing is required

Cons

  • The base is smaller than the body, making it easier to tip over if you’re careless
  • Some newer products may have manufacturing faults
  • A bit too small for a double-shot espresso
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03/07/2024 07:50 pm GMT

Testing Criteria

I tested at least two models of each kind of mug to find the best one. I compared different materials such as metal, stoneware, ceramic, and glass to see which one lasts longer with time.

I then evaluated each unit by noting down how they performed in terms of weight, heat resistance, cleaning, and maintenance. I also considered any advanced features. Brand integrity and online reviews also contributed to my buying behavior in the first place.

Why You Can Trust Me

My mom has run a little coffee shop at home for nearly 30 years, and she’s pretty serious about everything coffee-related. We have tested a multitude of coffee mugs, both for home use and for our customers.

I created this curated list of the best coffee mugs so you don’t have to look them up yourself. You might also be interested in our round-up of the best latte cups.

Author

  • Oanh Nguyen

    Born and raised by a traditional mama-barista, Oanh is a typical Viet coffee aficionado who would spend her entire precious Sunday showing you how to categorize coffee beans just by the looks and smells. She enjoys writing about everything drinks-related while sipping her favorite rosebud tea. Find Oanh on LinkedIn.