These will enhance your overall sipping experience, whether you enjoy your brew hot or cold.
Megan Soll is an Associate Editorial Director for Food & Wine Commerce. She joined Dotdash Meredith in 2015 and has over 11 years of experience writing and editing food, entertainment, and lifestyle content. Bathroom Accessories Set Luxury
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Most daily coffee drinkers have a very particular morning routine. Whether you're pouring the maximum volume of coffee as soon as possible or brewing with a carefully calculated espresso maker with premium grounds, the right coffee vessel is essential to complete the process. To take full advantage of whichever pour-over, carafe, or percolator you use, we recommend getting the right mug to complement (or even level up) your coffee-sipping style.
There are more options than ever for coffee enthusiasts, but it can take some digging to find the right fit. Above all, a coffee mug should be comfortable and hold the preferred amount of coffee or tea. We've researched and tested a variety of coffee mugs by using them regularly. We've considered several different materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, stoneware, and glass mugs, and evaluated each option for weight, durability, and ease of cleaning. Ultimately, coffee mugs are rarely one-size-fits-all, so these are some of the best options available right now, in every category.
For something sleek and perfect for both home and car travel, the Porter ceramic mug is a smart buy. It has a silicone sleeve to protect your hands without a cumbersome handle but is still dishwasher-safe. It will retain heat but won't absorb flavors and doesn't resort to stainless steel (good for those who dislike the metal with their morning brew). The company also offers personalization—another great feature for giving it as a gift.
I've used the Porter mugs for four years, and the cups look as they did on the day I got them (the light blue has not stained, cracked, or faded). I opt for it over classic handled mugs and insulated tumblers almost always. The lid is a great extra assurance for someone prone to spills and keeps my coffee hot for longer. Though there isn't a handle, I don't find that I miss it. The Porter series has great bundles (like the mug, the wine tumbler, and the water bottle) that make great gifts, too.
Material: Ceramic and silicone | Volume: 12 ounces (also 16 ounces) | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Le Creuset's reputation precedes it, and one of the brand's best-selling items is the stoneware mug. It's sturdier than almost any other ceramic or stoneware mug out there, and the density prevents cracking (even under the heat of a broiler; it's oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit). It won't stain or scratch from metal utensils, and it's nearly nonstick for easy cleanup. The mug has a generous capacity, retains heat, and feels great to hold.
The mug has signature ridges and the brand logo along the bottom and is available in several classic Le Creuset hues. Coffee drinkers should be wary of the versions with extra art detailing or brand collaborations since those are not microwave or dishwasher-safe.
Material: Stoneware | Volume: 14 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Kitchen gadget fanatics and slow coffee drinkers will likely enjoy the Ember mug. The cup is able to keep drinks hot and even heat cold ones when needed. The element is controlled with your smartphone to keep it at the exact temperature you prefer, with an app that includes presets for your favorite drinks. The charging coaster provides an hour of battery life, and the cup is safe to hand wash (and can be submerged up to 1 meter deep).
After receiving the Ember as a Christmas gift, I can definitely see the charm in having hot coffee the entire way through slowly sipping my classic brew. I can also see how forgetting to charge it makes for a rather expensive mug with no insulation and that hand-washing might not be ideal for every household. But once I used the charger as a coaster at my desk, the mug was perfect, and I'd still recommend it as a gift to any coffee or tea drinker.
Material: Stainless steel with ceramic coating | Volume: 10 ounces (also 14 ounces) | Dishwasher-safe: No| Microwave-safe: No
These fully-glazed and chip-resistant mugs from Made In have that classic cozy diner look with optional red, black, or blue rim finishes. True to the style, these mugs can handle the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven (hello, mug desserts!) They're also stain-resistant, so you can feel confident your black pour-over or espresso drinks won't harm the white finish after months of use.
Material: Vitrified china | Volume: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
The Yeti Rambler is famously unrivaled in insulation technology, and it's still one of the best durable and portable coffee vessels. Yeti products are famously "over-engineered" to hold temperatures for hours, and the brand's coffee mugs are more than up to that task. Unlike many other insulated mugs, Yeti's cup and lid are both dishwasher-safe, and the 20 and 30-ounce versions fit in standard cupholders.
I've used the 20-ounce version for years, and it's the right balance of volume and being slim enough to grip while on the go. The lid's slider prevents heat from escaping, and the handle is wide enough to hold while wearing gloves (great for campers and those in colder climates). While the old Rambler mug lids are not leakproof, the new Rambler with a "Stronghold" lid holds up against leaks (and the mug's higher handle placement fits standard cupholders). All mugs come in Yeti's signature color options, so it's as good for getting one yourself as it is for gifting.
Material: 18/8 stainless steel | Volume: 20 ounces (also 30 ounces) | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
Those truly in-the-know of stoneware pieces know about The Mug. Regularly on waitlists and continuously coming out with fresh pieces, East Fork Pottery created the quietly famous vessel with a rustic minimalism worthy of many dream kitchens. Something about this cup just feels comforting. East Fork's dinnerware is pretty and unique, with natural variations in every batch.
East Fork's signature neutral colors are handmade in their Asheville, NC factory with regional lead-free clays. There are natural variations in all pottery pieces, making each piece and set unique. The Mug comes in white eggshell, creamy panna cotta, earthy morel, deep orange amaro, dark blush rococo, and the darkest "black mountain."
Material: Stoneware | Volume: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Everyone has a loved one they know who is serious about drinking A LOT of tea at once. Think of this 20-ounce mug as its own teapot of sorts, complete with an infuser and a lid that acts as a tray once your leaves or tea bags have steeped to your liking. It's completely dishwasher safe, and the ceramic will keep things warm for a few hours (it's also microwave-safe without the infuser, in case). The XL handle will keep your fingers safe from hot temps and makes it easy for all hand sizes to enjoy.
Material: Ceramic | Volume: 20 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
In a world of viral insulated water bottles, Hydro Flask is always in the conversation, and the brand's line of coffee mugs is of equal measure. I've been smitten with the rubber "bark" edition of this mug, which feels great to hold and has a naturally nonslip base. The 18/8 stainless steel has no flavor transfer, and the double-wall insulation means I can avoid the microwave while I'm slowly sipping in the mornings or afternoons. It's also available in 6-ounce size for on-the-go espresso or coffee as well as an XL 24-ounce mug for volume maximalist and iced coffee lovers.
Material: Stainless Steel | Volume: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
This mug, however understated, makes a beautiful statement for your kitchen space and comes with a fitted saucer right on the bottom that can also double as a lid to keep your coffee or tea warm. The porcelain and clay piece is made by ceramicists at Hasami Porcelain and has a matte finish you won't find on run-of-the-mill mugs. The mug is stackable, and no two are exactly alike, making it a truly unique gift or everyday mug.
Material: Porcelain | Volume: 13 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
From the kitchen to the campfire, these lightweight and bright enamel mugs have our attention. Easy to toss into a backpack for your outdoor excursions as well as into the dishwasher for cleanup, these enamel-coated stainless steel cups are an easy and durable choice for outdoorsy folks and busy households.
Material: Porcelain Enamel on Steel Base | Volume: 12 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: No
If you're particular about vessel sizes for cappuccinos and lattes, this is the coffee mug for you. Joco's borosilicate glass can handle piping hot liquids and thermal shock, and it comes in several different sizes, from 4-ounce espresso cups to 16-ounce long coffee mugs. The measurements are barista-certified, which will delight your local coffee shop when you bring it in for a refill or your particular family member when you give it as a gift.
The Joco lid is an ergonomic design meant to make it easy to sip without tipping your head back, which is great while you're walking or driving. The cup and lid are easy to toss in the dishwasher, and the silicone sleeve makes it comfortable to hold while the coffee is hot. I've had a "terra cotta" pink once for four years, and it hasn't stained or deteriorated after many microwaves and runs through the dishwasher.
Material: Borosilicate glass | Volume: 12 ounces (also in 4, 8, or 16 ounces) | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
We love Haand's handmade porcelain mugs, perfect for gifting and for acquiring particular sizes for your espresso drink of choice. The feel of the handle on these mugs is sturdy and comfortable but doesn't sacrifice good looks for your glass cabinets or floating shelves. You'll find Haand pieces in 175 restaurants around the world since their sturdy construction holds up to regular use and professional grade dishwashers.
Opt for this low 10-ounce version or shop all mug styles from petite chemist cups to diner mugs and tapered cloudware designs.
Material: Porcelain | Volume: 10 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes
Coffee mugs come in all sorts of materials, from glass to ceramic to metal to plastic composites. Choosing the one that’s right for you depends on your coffee-drinking habits.
Size comes down to preference. While aficionados will suggest you will be better off drinking smaller cups of coffee more frequently for ideal flavor and temperature, that can be a fussy way to consume, especially if you are working and don’t want to take coffee break after coffee break to get your caffeine fix. Buy the smallest mug that effectively slakes your coffee thirst, since smaller mugs will retain heat better. Between eight to 16 ounces is usually a good size.
Look for mugs that are dishwasher safe whenever possible, as cleanup can’t get easier than that. If your mug does need to be hand-washed, do so with a soft cloth, hot water, and detergent. Dry completely before storing, either with a soft cloth or by sitting upside down to air dry on a drying rack. If your mug gets any off-aromas or stains, you can clean it with lemon juice or white vinegar.
“I'm not a scientist and I haven't done any experiments, but I'm not sure the material of a vessel makes much difference when it comes to keeping coffee hot under real-world circumstances,” says Jessica Easto, author of Craft Coffee: A Manual. “Some may say that ceramic is a better choice than, say, metal because ceramic is a poorer conductor of heat. That means it takes a longer time for heat to transfer from the coffee to the mug, to the air. But any open-top coffee mug is only going to keep coffee hot for so long – heat is escaping from the top, after all, in addition to the sides."
"If you want to keep coffee, or any liquid, hot for an extended period of time, it's best to use a vacuum-insulated mug or thermos. This is a vessel with two layers (or walls), one inside and one outside. In between is a layer of space, which even air has been sucked out of (that's what a vacuum is). Heat moves very slowly through air, and it moves even more slowly through this ‘vacuumed’ space because there are very few molecules in that space. Since heat transfer happens so slowly, your coffee stays hotter for longer,” she says.
When flavor matters, so will the material of your mug, according to Easto. “Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel are nonreactive, which means they don't transfer any off-flavors to whatever they are holding. These are the most common materials I see for mugs, so they should all keep your coffee tasting good. Compare this to paper to-go cups. Paper taste readily transfers into hot coffee. Once you taste it, you won't be able to untaste it. One more reason to bring your own mug to the cafe!” she says.
An average cup of coffee is between six to eight ounces.
Mugs that are taller and thinner tend to do a slightly better job of keeping coffee hot longer, as a wide mug gives the drink more surface area to release heat.
“Coffee oils build up over time, creating residue and staining. They are very difficult to remove. I recommend a product called Cafiza, which is what many professionals use to clean espresso machines. It's designed to break down coffee oils, which other cleaning products may not be able to do. You can clean coffee mugs, the carafe from your coffee machine, and manual coffee-making tools with it by making a soaking solution. Just make sure you rinse very, very well,” says Easto. “Note: Don't run this through a regular coffee machine, as coffee doesn't get inside the machine itself. Just soak the parts the coffee touches, like removable baskets, metal filters, and carafes.”
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