The coffee drinking experience will not be complete without a mug. No matter what brewing method you choose or what type of roast you prefer, it will always end with pouring your favorite drink into your choice of mug. The kind of mug you use matters, and its features can affect the way you drink your coffee. We scoured every store and brand and found 5 of the best mugs that any coffee lover should have. Whether you’re looking for a travel-friendly item or a classic ceramic one, these mugs are absolute must-haves.
01) Le Creuset Stoneware Mug
1 used from $24.99
If you want a mug that looks gorgeous and can last a lifetime, the Le Creuset Stoneware Mug is what you’re looking for. Stonewares are sturdier than ceramic, and they can handle higher temperatures than most mugs. This means you can safely use these mugs in the microwave and the dishwasher. Le Creuset coats every mug in enamel that effectively resists scratches and stains, so you can expect not to see any nasty coffee stain rings that ruin the mug’s appearance. These are individually cast and hand-inspected by French artisans, ensuring the craftsmanship of every mug. A sophisticated choice, if you ask us!
02) Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug
The Contigo 16 oz. West Loop 2.0 AutoSeal Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug is made for the modern movers, shakers, commuters, travelers, and urban explorers in all of us. Press a button to drink and release to seal after every sip.
Do you love traveling? Then you’ll need a leak and spill-proof mug that won’t make any mess in your bag wherever you go! The Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug has a special lock that keeps the lid intact and prevents any unwanted spills whether you’re in the car or on a plane ride. Hot drinks stay hot for up to 7 hours while cold beverages stay cold for 18 hours thanks to its amazing Thermalock vacuum insulation, which makes it a great traveling companion. Compatibility isn’t an issue as well, since this travel mug fits most car cup holders and single-serve brewers.
03) Ello Jane Ceramic Mug
Coffee and ceramic mugs have always been a pair, except you can only use the latter at home since they aren’t built to be lugged around. But not anymore! Combining the rustic charm of ceramic mugs and the convenience of travel mugs, the Ello Jane Ceramic Mug has a friction-fit slide lid for easy drinking and spill-proof protection. It also has a silicone boot to protect tabletops and prevent your mug from slipping. Unlike other mugs, these are dishwasher and microwave safe, including the lid and silicone boot. For its price, you’re paying for both functionality and aesthetics, which is too good of a deal to pass up on!
04) Wein Large Ceramic Mug
Nothing beats a classic white mug! The Wein Large Ceramic Mug can hold 10 oz of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or just about any drink that you want to have. White mugs are often victims of coffee stain rings, but this one has a protective layer of smooth glaze to preserve its spotless look. It’s also made of durable ceramic material and can withstand high temperatures, making it safe to use in the microwave and the dishwasher. It’s a great gift idea to anyone who loves drinking coffee but if you’re feeling a bit artistic, you can easily personalize this mug with paint or even a sharpie!
05) YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
People swear by anything that YETI makes, and it’s easy to understand why. Their products are highly durable and are made to last. Their prices might be a bit higher than most, but you’re assured that the quality is nothing but the best. A great example of this is the YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Tumbler. It has a double-wall insulation to keep your drink warm or cold for hours, and an almost impenetrable exterior that resists any physical damage despite years of use. For an airtight seal, the lid uses magnets to keep your drink on lock and prevent any leaks or spills. Definitely a great deal!
An alternative to coffee mugs is disposable coffee cups which you can use to carry your coffee with you and keep it warm short-term in the mornings for as long as you need to finish it. These are also a good solution for having your coffee on the go.
If you’re always on the move and traveling, you should consider pairing your transportable coffee mug with a small coffee maker, such as a camping coffee maker to take with you on your adventures.