11 Best Coffee Mugs In 2021: Reviews & Buyers Guide

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Best Coffee Mugs
KRUVE EQ Glassware. Scientifically designed to amplify or soften certain flavor notes.

Do you want to make your daily coffee experience more exciting? Why not get a new coffee mug for a change?

Finding the best coffee mugs is easy, and you’re already in the right place. We scoured for the best coffee mugs, and we’ve done reviews that will help narrow down your choices.

But there’s more! In the latter part of this article, we have buyers guide to help you decide which coffee mug will most likely match your preferences.

Furthermore, we have a FAQ section to give you more ideas about the best coffee mugs. So, read on while enjoying that delicious cup of coffee with you.


11 Best Coffee Mugs

Sweese 601.114 Porcelain Mugs, Set of 4

Sweese 601.114 Porcelain Mugs, Set of 4

Key Features

  • 16 oz coffee mug set
  • Pro-grade porcelain
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Microwave-safe
  • Oven-safe
  • Freezer-safe

Imagine yourself curled up on a couch on a cold morning. Wouldn’t it be nice to drink a piping hot coffee in a black ceramic mug with white inner walls?

You could be holding that 16-oz Sweese 601.114 porcelain mug that will surely bring more delight to your coffee time. So what will you get with this Sweese coffee mug?

The mug is sold in packs of four, which gives you a bit more savings than buying them in singles. Each mug is made of commercial-grade porcelain that ensures durability.

Cleaning is easy as it’s safe to use in a dishwasher. You can also use it in a microwave oven, and if you may also put it in a freezer without worrying about breaking it.

Pros:

  • Durable ceramic construction
  • Handle gives enough room for your fingers
  • Versatile mug
  • Easy cleanup
  • Save money on bulk purchase
  • Simple but elegant
  • Perfect for gifting

Cons:

  • Might not last very long if used frequently in a dishwasher

 

Final Verdict

The simple but elegant design is one of the selling points of the Sweese 601.114, and it’s ideal for the budget-conscious coffee drinker.


Dragon Glassware Coffee Mugs, Set of 4

Dragon Glassware Coffee Mugs, Set of 4

Key Features

  • 16 oz coffee mug set
  • Glassware
  • Double-wall insulation
  • Microwavable
  • Refrigerator and freezer-safe
  • Sold in a set of 4

The crystal clear glassware will look elegant on any table setting, and so the Dragon glass coffee mug. This 16-oz coffee mug has the perfect size that will fit under most home brewing stations.

It has double-wall insulation that will help keep your coffee hot or cold longer. This glassware is made from high-quality glass that makes it safe to use in microwaves, refrigerator, and freezer.

This glass coffee mug is sold in sets of four, so you get a some savings.

Pros:

  • Elegant European design
  • Keeps coffee hot
  • Cleans easily
  • Comes in a beautiful gift package
  • Matches most home brewing stations
  • Save money on set purchase

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher-safe

 

Final Verdict

The Dragon glassware coffee mug is ideal for coffee drinkers who love the elegance of the crystal-clear transparency of glass. The double-wall insulation is another feature worth considering.


New Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

New Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Key Features

  • 10 oz and 14 oz size
  • Ceramic-coated stainless steel construction
  • 120F to 145F temperature control
  • Pairs with the Ember App using a smartphone
  • Charging coaster
  • 1.5 hours of battery life
  • Automatic sleep

It’s a pleasurable experience when you drink hot coffee up to the last sip. However, cold weather is a significant factor that affects how long your coffee stays hot.

But with the Ember Temperature control coffee mug, you can expect to have an always hot coffee up to the last drop. This smart mug keeps your coffee hot at your preferred temperature setting.

Choose a preset from 120F to 145F using your smartphone. The mug will keep your coffee at a constant temperature for 1.5 hours (80 min for 14 oz coffee mug), which is long enough to finish your coffee.

To save on battery, the mug has a sensor that automatically shuts off when it detects no liquid inside. It also automatically turns on when it senses movement.

Pros:

  • Keeps coffee hot at your desired temperature
  • Safe to handwash without damaging the internal electronic parts
  • Control with a smartphone
  • Long battery life
  • Keeps coffee hot all-day with the charging plate
  • Elegant design

Cons:

  • Expensive

 

Final Verdict

The Ember temperature control coffee mug is ideal for the techie coffee drinkers and those who want their coffee hot until the last drop.


Inomata Japanese Microwavable Coffee Mug

Inomata Japanese Microwavable Coffee Mug

Key Features

  • 12 oz coffee mug
  • Hard plastic construction
  • Microwavable
  • BPA-free
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Shatter-resistant

Plastic mugs are not so popular with many coffee drinkers, especially to those who are health-conscious. But this Inomata Japanese-made coffee mug is BPA-free.

The mug holds about 12 oz of coffee, which might be a little small for the average coffee drinker. The rigid plastic construction makes this mug sturdy and shatter-resistant.

Therefore, you don’t have to worry about breaking it, and it’s also excellent for kids to drink hot chocolate. The mug can be used in a microwave and dishwasher without worrying that it will melt.

It’s also lightweight, which is perfect for older people who have hand arthritis.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Cleans easily
  • Stackable design
  • Great for the outdoors

Cons:

  • Might be too small for most coffee drinkers

 

Final Verdict

The Inomata coffee mug is not only great for daily use, but it’s also ideal for travel, camping, and other outdoor activities.


Hydro Flask Coffee Mug

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug

Key Features

  • 12 oz coffee mug
  • 18/8 food-grade stainless steel
  • TempShield insulation
  • Comes with an insulated lid
  • Splash-proof lid
  • BPA-free

Want to keep your coffee hot longer? The TempShield insulation of the Hydro Flask mug will keep your coffee hot with proper usage and will prevent sweating.

The supplied insulated lid will not allow the heat to escape keeping your hot coffee longer. The lid is also splash-proof, but take note that it’s not leak-proof.

The 18/8 food-grade stainless steel guarantees durability and health-safety.

Pros:

  • Durable construction
  • Keeps coffee hot longer
  • Sleek design
  • Backed with a limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Limited capacity

 

Final Verdict

The Hydro Flask insulated coffee mug is perfect for the office or home use. It’s ideal for coffee drinkers who love to sip slowly.


Contigo Snapseal Byron Stainless Steel Coffee Mug

Contigo Snapseal Byron Stainless Steel Coffee Mug

Key Features

  • 16 oz coffee mug
  • Double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel
  • Leak-proof SnapSeal lid
  • Dishwasher-safe lid
  • BPA-free

The 16-oz Contigo SnapSeal stainless steel coffee mug is an excellent travel mug. It has a SnapSeal lid that will prevent coffee from leaking.

The double-wall vacuum insulation will keep your coffee hot for 7 hours and 20 hours for cold beverages. The stainless steel container has a paint coating that is not suitable for dishwasher, but the lid is dishwasher-safe.

The size of the mug fits under most single-serve coffee makers. It’s also slim enough to fit car cup holders.

Pros:

  • Quite large capacity
  • Efficient temperature preservation
  • Perfect for single-serve coffee makers
  • Fits car cup holders
  • Cleaning is easy
  • Affordable
  • Backed with a lifetime guarantee
  • Easy one-hand drinking

Cons:

  • Rubber ring may loosen up, fall off, and gets misplaced.

 

Final Verdict

The Contigo SnapSeal Byron insulated coffee mug is best for coffee drinkers who love to travel.


Yeti Rambler Stainless Steel Coffee Mug, 14 oz

Yeti Rambler Stainless Steel Coffee Mug, 14 oz

Key Features

  • 14 oz coffee mug
  • Double-wall vacuum insulation stainless steel
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • BPA-free
  • Shatter-resistant lid
  • Triple Grip handle
  • Duracoat color coating
  • No-sweat design

The Yeti Rambler is one of the top-selling coffee mugs. It has a sleek design and has an efficient temperature preservation feature.

The mug can keep coffee hot for more than an hour with its lid securely placed. The cover is not leak-proof, but it’s splash-proof.

The Duracoat color coating is scratch-free and won’t peel off that easily. The handle provides enough room for your mitts.

Pros:

  • Flawless design
  • Sturdy construction
  • Handle’s big enough for large hands
  • Keeps coffee hot
  • Backed with 5 years warranty

Cons:

  • Might be a little heavy to some users

 

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a mug that will last for years, and that you can use for travel, home, and the office, the Yeti could be considered a top pick.


Le Creuset Stoneware Mug

Le Creuset Stoneware Mug

Key Features

  • 12 floz coffee mug
  • Stoneware
  • Non-porous enamel finish
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Oven-safe
  • Microwavable
  • Freezer-safe

The Le Creuset mug is advertised as 14 oz in Amazon, but it’s a 12 floz coffee mug. It’s made of stoneware with a non-porous enamel finish.

The finish is almost non-stick, so you won’t worry about stains being left behind your mug. Cleaning is easy as it’s safe to use in a dishwasher.

If you need to reheat your beverage, you can put it in an oven or microwave. It’s also freezer-safe, so if you have left-over ice cream, you can just put it in the freezer, and finish it later.

Pros:

  • Durable stoneware
  • Versatile mug
  • Classic design
  • Resists odor and stains

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Might be too small for some coffee drinkers

 

Final Verdict

If you’d love to add a French accent to your tableware, the Le Creuset coffee mug would be an excellent addition to your drinkware collection.


Cortunex Heat Changing Coffee Mug, 11 oz

Cortunex Heat Changing Coffee Mug, 11 oz

Key Features

  • 11 oz coffee mug
  • Heat sensitive color changing
  • Ceramic
  • 2-side printing
  • Hand wash only

According to Cortunex, this is the mug that will make you laugh. Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up in the morning and to enjoy your hot coffee while smiling at this funny heat sensitive color changing mug?

It’s a fun way to start your day. This funny mug changes color when a hot beverage is poured into it.

The Cortunex coffee mug is a bit small that holds 11 oz of beverage but it can put on a big smile on your face. It has both sides printed, so you can see how the mug changes whether you’re a lefty or a righty.

Pros:

  • You can easily tell when your drink is not hot enough
  • Brings fun everytime you drink your morning coffee
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Fun design

Cons:

  • Limited capacity
  • Color is not as bright as advertised

 

Final Verdict

This Cortunex mug would work as most ordinary mugs, but it’s the entertaining color changing feature that would make you pick this funny coffee mug.


Thermos Stainless Steel King Coffee Mug, 20 oz

Thermos Stainless Steel King Coffee Mug, 20 oz

Key Features

  • 20 oz coffee mug
  • Thermos vacuum insulation technology
  • Stainless steel
  • Leak-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Sweat-proof
  • Built-in tea hook
  • Compatible with single-serve home brewing stations

The Thermos Stainless Steel King is a 20-oz travel mug that’s perfect for carrying on the way to the office or outdoor activities. It has a leak-proof lid that keeps the beverage inside, so you won’t have to worry about putting it inside your pack.

It’s also perfect for infusing tea with its built-in tea hook placed at its lid. Its height is perfect to fit in most single-serve home brewing stations.

The Thermos vacuum insulation technology guarantees to keep your beverage hot or cold for longer. It also keeps moisture from coming out of the outside walls, protecting your hands from scalding and frostnips.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Ergonomic design
  • Fits car cup holders
  • Ideal for home brewing stations
  • Cleaning is easy
  • Keeps coffee hot effectively

Cons:

  • Paint may peel off easily if used improperly

 

Final Verdict

The Thermos Stainless Steel King works well for the on-the-go coffee lovers.


Serami Super Large Coffee Mug, 28 oz

Serami Super Large Coffee Mug, 28 oz

Key Features

  • 28 oz mug
  • High-quality Ceramic
  • Microwavable
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Large handle
  • Sold in sets of 2

Are you the type who loves to binge on coffee? The Serami Super Large coffee mug holds about 28 oz of coffee, perfect for coffee bingers.

The high-quality ceramic is chip resistant. It’s safe to use in microwave ovens and is dishwasher-safe, so cleaning is effortless.

The large handle provides enough room for your mitts, which makes it easier to hold. The white glossy ceramic finish will look elegant on your coffee table.

Pros:

  • Extra-large capacity
  • Elegant white ceramic finish
  • Easy to wash and clean
  • Save on purchasing in sets of two

Cons:

  • Might be too large for some coffee drinkers

 

Final Verdict

If you love to binge on coffee, the Serami 28 oz coffee mug is the way to do it.


Buyers Guide for Best Coffee Mugs

What type of coffee mug material should you choose?

The different materials used in creating a coffee cup will give you a unique drinking experience. And it will be an essential factor when deciding to buy a new coffee mug.

Hard Plastic

A hard plastic coffee mug is usually recyclable. It has excellent heat retention properties and is shatter-proof.

However, the downside is it tends to give off an unpleasant smell or taste, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

Glass

A glass coffee mug is also recyclable. It can also retain heat but not as good as a ceramic mug.

However, there are glass mugs that are designed with dual-wall for insulation. It doesn’t give off an unpleasant smell or taste like hard plastic.

Moreover, it also provides satisfaction sipping coffee in a crystal-clear glass mug.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel mugs are often made with double-wall vacuum insulation. They are mainly used as travel mugs, especially those with a leak-proof lid.

The main advantage of stainless steel is sturdiness that can last a lifetime. However, avoid those coated with color as it tends to peel-off in time.

Ceramic

A ceramic mug is not recyclable and is fragile, although it can withstand light bumps without chipping. It has natural insulation that keeps coffee hot longer.

It doesn’t leave any aftertaste or smell in your coffee.

So which material would you choose? It depends on how you intend to use your mug.

If it’s for home or office use, you’ll have a better coffee drinking experience with ceramic or glass. If it’s for travel and the outdoors, stainless steel and hard plastics are your best options.

 

Design

Coffee mugs come in various designs, and one would often consider overall aesthetics.

Size

Size is one factor to consider when buying a coffee mug. Each person has a preference when it comes to the amount of coffee to drink.

Below is a guide on coffee mug sizes.

Standard size – 8 to 10 oz is for regular consumption of coffee

More Serious Coffee Drinker  –  11 to 15 oz is for a relatively heavy coffee drinker

Travel Mug- 16 to 2o oz is perfect for traveling

Oversized mug – 20 to 25 oz is for coffee bingers

Shape

Mugs often come in a cylindrical shape, but there are some designed like cubes. There are also tall and short mugs.

Depending on your preference, you might consider firsthand which shape to purchase.

Color

Colors can change your mood or may enhance your coffee drinking experience. Drinking in a coffee mug bearing your favorite color would be more enjoyable.

Just keep in mind that colors may fade if you don’t use your mug according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re purchasing a stainless steel travel mug, avoid those with color as they tend to peel in time.

Smart Coffee Mug

A smart coffee mug has a built-in heating system. It keeps coffee hot at a constant temperature based on a user’s setting.

A battery or a charging plate powers it. If you’re a techie type of coffee drinker, you’d love this type of coffee mug.


FAQ for Best Coffee Mugs

What are the best coffee mugs?

We consider the ones we reviewed in this article as the best coffee mugs. But of course, people have unique fondness when deciding which coffee mug is the best.

We want to recommend mugs that are best for us.

For the coffee bingers, we love the Serami 28 oz super large coffee mugs sold in twos. For a leak-proof travel mug, we both love the Contigo and Thermos King.

 

Is porcelain or ceramic better for coffee mugs?

When we talk about coffee drinking experience, you can expect to have a better one with porcelain or ceramic coffee mugs. Ceramic retains heat better than glass, so coffee stays hot much longer.

What has the heat got to do with coffee taste?

Coffee changes its taste as it cools down. Therefore, keeping your coffee hot will allow you to enjoy it more.

 

Which type of cup keeps coffee the hottest for the longest?

Although ceramic mugs retain heat longer, insulated coffee mugs keep coffee the hottest for the most extended hours. Typically, stainless steel travel coffee mugs are designed with double-wall vacuum insulation.

The vacuum insulation means that there is no air in the spaces between the double-wall. It means that heat or cold will not be conducted outside the outer wall.

This feature will keep the mug cool to the touch even if there’s hot coffee inside. On the other hand, the cold beverages will not give off condensation due to the vacuum insulation.

This design traps the temperature of the beverage inside the container. However, the insulation works best when coupled with a leak-proof lid that helps trap the heat or cold.

The Contigo and the Thermos Stainless Steel King keep coffee hot for hours.

 

Happy caffeinating!

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