If you drink coffee (or any other hot drink) on a daily basis then you need a coffee mug that’s up to the challenge. Those precious moments clutching that mug in your hands as you slowly wake up adds up over the weeks and it’s only when you look back you realize how much of your life is devoted to your morning coffee ritual.
If your coffee cup is uncomfortable to hold, is not the correct size, or just doesn’t look good then it has to go. You need a mug that sparks joy and inspiration in the morning and one that’s so comfortable it becomes an extension of your arm.
There are so many different designs and styles of coffee mugs out there, it can seem impossible to choose one. To help you out of this dilemma we have a condensed list of the ten finest coffee mugs. Whatever your needs are, there’s a mug here for you so have a browse and get ready to find a coffee cup that exceeds all your expectations!
Top Ten Best Coffee Mugs
- 1. Top Choice – Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
- 2. Runner Up – Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug
- 3. Best Travel Mug – Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
- 4. Best Ceramic Mug – Bosmarlin Large Ceramic Coffee Mug
- 5. Best Espresso Cups – LE TAUCI Espresso Cups with Saucers
- 6. Best Coffee Tumbler – YETI Rambler Mug
- 7. Best Set of Coffee Mugs – VICRAYS Coffee Mug Set
- 8. Best for Iced Coffee – Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs
- 9. Most Durable – Le Creuset Stoneware Mug
- 10. Most Ornate – Gezzeny Vintage Coffee Mugs
1. Top Choice – Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Brand: Ember
Capacity: 14 Oz
Material: Enamel Coating
Insulation: Electric Heat Retention
The top pick when it comes to the best mug for your cup of coffee is the Ember smart mug. It feels like a real mug thanks to the enamel coating and is very satisfying to hold and drink coffee out of but it can do more than simply hold your coffee.
This mug has Bluetooth controls that allow you to control the temperature. It can heat the contents to 120-145F and has a battery life of 80 minutes so you have plenty of time to enjoy your hot beverage. If you pair the mug with its charging coaster then it can go on keeping your coffee hot all day.
It automatically turns on when you add hot liquid to the cup and it has an auto sleep function so it doesn’t waste any battery when not in use. It has a special app that’s compatible with android and IOS so you can control the temperature of the mug using this.
It’s safe to handwash but is not dishwasher safe and it goes without saying that it is not microwave-safe either due to the electronic components. It’s important to dry the mug thoroughly after washing as moisture can damage the charging plate.
2. Runner Up – Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug
Brand: Bodum
Capacity: 10 Oz
Material: Borosilicate Glass
Insulation: Double Wall Insulated
The runner-up is Bodum with the best glass coffee mug for hot or cold drinks. The mug is made from borosilicate glass which is non-porous so this helps avoid stains and odors. The glass makes them a great option for brewing lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos as you can really appreciate the layering in the drinks.
The mugs have a double-layered wall which helps insulate your hot coffee to keep it hotter for longer. It also helps if you enjoy iced coffee on a hot day as the insulation will also keep your drink cool.
Although this is the 10 Oz mug, Bodum also has a 15 Oz option as well as a 5 Oz one that’s ideal for espresso. This option comes as a 2-piece set so you get two coffee cups and these are both dishwasher and microwave safe. A great option for all types of coffee drinkers.
3. Best Travel Mug – Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
Brand: Contigo
Capacity: 20 Oz
Material: Stainless Steel
Insulation: Thermalock Vacuum Insulation
Up next we have the best travel coffee mug, the Contigo Autoseal. This insulated, stainless steel mug is spillproof and leakproof so you can carry it in your bag without worrying. It utilizes thermalock vacuum insulation which is advanced, vacuum-sealed insulation that can keep coffee hot for up to 7 hours. It can also keep cold drinks cool for up to 18 hours so is a good option no matter how you take your morning coffee.
An insulated mug is a great option if you like to brew large volumes of coffee and enjoy it throughout the morning. It’s made of stainless steel which is hygienic and easy to clean and the lid flips open with the press of a button so you can sip your coffee one-handed. It’s designed to fit most car cup holders so it can join you on the morning commute and it comes in a range of different colors to suit your mood.
This travel mug is the best option for anyone who leads a very busy lifestyle and is ideal to take to coffee shops to save using disposable cups.
4. Best Ceramic Mug – Bosmarlin Large Ceramic Coffee Mug
Brand: Bosmarlin
Capacity: 21 Oz
Material: Ceramic
Insulation: None
If you’re a fan of hot coffee then you’ll know that not every ceramic mug is created equally. To start with, the material used for this mug is lead-free, cadmium free, and completely safe to use. It’s made from high-quality ceramic that feels nice to hold and is designed to be durable. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe so is suitable for all needs.
At 21 ounces it’s a very large mug so can be used for all coffee brewing methods. It is designed with a unique glaze so each individual mug is a little bit different. This makes it a great option if you love unique items and it also makes a great gift.
The mug is designed with an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable and satisfying to hold. Bosmarlin has a whole range of different coffee mugs so if you love this one then check out their store on Amazon. The only downside with this option is you won’t be satisfied with a single cup so may as well get a pair!
5. Best Espresso Cups – LE TAUCI Espresso Cups with Saucers
Brand: Le Tauci
Capacity: 3 Oz
Material: Ceramic
Insulation: None
The best espresso cup set by Le Tauci has been selected thanks to its beautiful design as well as its comfort for the user. It’s made from grade A porcelain and a non-toxic ceramic glaze to create these beautiful coffee cups. All this makes the cups stain resistant and dishwasher safe so clean-up is a breeze.
The rounded design is ideal for espresso enjoyment as it maximizes aromas and the thick walls of the cups help insulate the coffee. These mugs fit well under most kinds of espresso machines at only 1.8 inches tall or 2 inches if you add on the saucer as well.
It comes in a rich, patterned blue design or white if you prefer a cleaner look and the ergonomic design makes this cup easy and comfortable to hold. The only issue I could find is that, as with most ceramic mugs, they are prone to breaking if dropped or tapped against something.
This option comes as a set of 4 cups and saucers so that makes it really good value for money.
Coffee Mug Buyers Guide
Consider Your Coffee Maker
The first thing to consider when choosing the best coffee mug for daily use is what kind of coffee you enjoy best. If you’re a fan of larger volumes of coffee brewed in a drip machine or using a french press then a large capacity mug is needed. If you’re using a single-serve coffee maker like a Keurig then you need to make sure your mug fits comfortably under the coffee outlet. For espresso, you need a cup that’s low-walled to fit under the group head.
What Material is Best For You
Coffee mugs come in all sorts of materials and the best option for you really depends on your needs. A ceramic mug is comfortable to hold, easy to clean, and comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. A glass coffee mug is great for specialty coffee as you can really appreciate the layering of the espresso and steamed milk. If you’re always sipping coffee on the go then a shatter-proof, stainless steel travel mug or tumbler is ideal.
Capacity
The size of the mug you choose for your coffee has to match up to your needs. Although an enormous mug is ideal for some, even if you enjoy drinking a lot of coffee, if you’re not a fast drinker then the contents of your mug may be cold before you’ve finished them. Sometimes a smaller mug is better so you can top it up throughout the morning.
Microwave/Dishwasher Safe
If you’re known to forget about your coffee only to find it has gone cold in your cup then a microwave-safe mug is a must. No matter how long you leave your coffee, just pop it in the microwave and enjoy it piping hot again.
A mug that can tolerate the dishwasher makes cleaning up fast and easy once you’ve finished your coffee. Be wary of steel mugs with a dipped coating as these can end up peeling if cleaned in this way.
Insulation
An insulated mug is another way of preserving the heat if you like to take your time enjoying your morning java. These kinds of mugs work best if they have a sealed lid to really retain the heat and pre-heating them with hot water is another great way to get the most out of them. Another benefit of insulation is that it also works well to keep iced drinks cool and stop the ice from melting too fast on a hot summer day.
F.A.Q.s
What coffee mug is best?
Our top choice for coffee mugs is the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug. It keeps your coffee hot electronically and is battery-powered so you can take it all around the house with you. It has the look and feel of a regular mug so is super satisfying to drink from.
What type of coffee mug holds heat the best?
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug is double wall insulated with advanced thermalock vacuum sealed technology. With the lid fixed in place, this mug can keep your coffee piping hot for 5-7 hours and can keep drinks ice cold for up to 14 hours.
Are ceramic or porcelain mugs better?
Ceramic mugs can be made to hold larger quantities and are thicker, more sturdy, and more durable. They are also cheaper to manufacture. Porcelain mugs are delicate, thin, and fragile and usually only available in white. They need to be handled gently and hand-washed every time. Ceramic is best for daily use but porcelain is a great option for a dainty tea set or for guests.
What is the best coffee mug for iced coffee?
An insulated mug with a handle is ideal to enjoy our iced coffee. The Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug or the Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs by Cukoo Coffee is ideal as the insulation keeps your coffee cool and the glass walls allow you to see that lovely swirly pattern as you add milk or coffee over ice.
More Coffee Cups Reviewed
6. Best Coffee Tumbler – YETI Rambler Mug
Brand: Yeti
Capacity: 14 Oz
Material: Stainless Steel
Insulation: Double Wall Insulation
For carrying hot drinks to work, on an afternoon stroll, or even just around the house, an insulated tumbler with splash proof lid is perfect. It’s not completely sealed like a travel mug so you can’t put it in a backpack but it does make prevent spills and splashes if you like to carry your coffee around. It has a magnetic cover for easy drinking and this helps maintain the temperature inside the mug.
The insulation means your coffee stays hot a lot longer compared to a ceramic mug and this also helps prevent condensation on the outside of the mug if it’s used for cold drinks. It’s finished with a tough, duracoat coating that is designed to last. Although this is dishwasher safe, handwashing always helps prolong the life of travel mugs.
7. Best Set of Coffee Mugs – VICRAYS Coffee Mug Set
Brand: Vicrays
Capacity: 12 Oz
Material: Porcelain
Insulation: None
Sometimes a single mug just isn’t enough and you need a set of mugs to satisfy more than one coffee lover in your home. These coffee mugs by Vicrays are made of high-grade porcelain, it’s lead-free and chip resistant so safe to use and durable.
They are designed in a really comfortable-to-hold shape with a nice-sized handle that can fit any hand. This makes them very satisfying to hold and adds enjoyment to your morning coffee ritual. They are microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer safe so suitable for any use you may have.
They are a roomy 12 ounces in size and the gloss coating helps resist stains, even with heavy use. There is a range of colors to choose from to suit any kitchen from plain white or black to grey, green, or blue to suit any home.
8. Best for Iced Coffee – Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs
Brand: Cuckoo Coffee
Capacity: 16 Oz
Material: Borosilicate Glass
Insulation: Double Wall Insulation
Iced coffee goes really well in a glass mug. It allows you to watch your coffee and milk combining in a beautiful swirling pattern. The double wall insulation keeps your coffee ice cold even on a hot summer’s day and there’s even a bamboo lid to help keep the heat out. This has a silicone seal to prevent splashes as you carry your mug outside to enjoy your morning coffee on your deck or patio.
It’s made from durable borosilicate glass and is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe but the bamboo lid is only for handwashing. It’s safe to use with hot drinks as well as iced coffee so it doesn’t matter if you prefer a piping hot americano, steamy latte, or chilly cold brew, this mug is perfect for you.
9. Most Durable – Le Creuset Stoneware Mug
Brand: Le Creuset
Capacity: 14 Oz
Material: Stoneware with Enamel Finish
Insulation: None
If you’re a keen chef then you’ll be familiar with the brand ‘Le Creuset’. Known for their high-quality stoneware they are a leading brand in kitchenware production. Their stoneware mugs are heavy and extremely durable making them a great choice for a busy home.
The enamel finish is chip resistant and also resists cracking. It’s not only dishwasher safe but also oven safe up to 500F so you can use it to bake mug cakes. The stoneware is designed to retain heat so even though it has no insulation it can keep your coffee hot long enough for you to enjoy it.
The handle is curved to fit comfortably in any hand which is really important if you’re using this cup every day. It comes in a huge range of colors to suit any home so you’re bound to find one that fits your style.
10. Most Ornate – Gezzeny Vintage Coffee Mugs
Brand: Gezzeny
Capacity: 14 Oz
Material: Glass
Insulation: None
Sometimes you just need something a bit extra in your home and this vintage coffee mug is just that. It’s so ornate and intricate in design it’s bound to cause a stir. It comes in a set of two mugs so you get one embossed with a sunflower pattern, one embossed with a raindrop design, and two dainty, gold-colored spoons to complete the set.
They have a comfortable curved handle so are ergonomic to use and are made of high-quality, lead-free glass that’s sturdy and scratch resistant. For added peace of mind, they come with a lifetime warranty but this does not cover them after use in a dishwasher or microwave.
Listed is the translucent glass option but Gezzeny also does a gold-rimmed one, a white one, a grey option, and a rainbow glass one if that’s more your style. They even have a clear, non-patterned insulated glass cup so there’s an option to suit every need.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning then you need the mug you serve it in to look good, feel comfortable, and you need it to fulfill any requirements you may have. Whether you need it well insulated and durable to withstand a busy commute, or you need it to be a thing of beauty to add enjoyment to your quiet time, there’s a coffee cup here to suit your needs.
I hope this review has been helpful in highlighting the amazing choices out there as well as matching you with the perfect coffee cup to last a lifetime. Happy brewing!
