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My Picks For Best Coffee Mugs Are For Coffee Lovers Only

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The best coffee mugs make a big difference in how you enjoy your coffee. 

Two retro white mugs places on the plates

Savor your perfect pour-over brew from precision-crafted glassware. Enjoy your joe on the go with an insulated travel mug. Or pour decorative latte art in a specialty cup just for espresso-drinks.

This guide features seven of my favorite coffee mugs this year, with something for every style of coffee lover. Keep reading to learn why I love these mugs and which one is the right choice for you.

The Expert’s 7 Best Mugs For Coffee In 2024

ImageProductDetails
BEST OVERALL
BEST OVERALL
KeepCup Reusable Cups
KeepCup Reusable Cups
  • 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz sizes
  • Glass
  • Only those with silicone bands are dishwasher-safe
BEST SMART MUG
BEST SMART MUG
Ember Mug 2
Ember Mug 2
  • 10 oz, 14 oz sizes
  • Ceramic-coated stainless steel
  • Not dishwasher-safe
BEST TRAVEL COFFEE MUG
BEST TRAVEL COFFEE MUG
Contigo West Loop Travel Mug
Contigo West Loop Travel Mug
  • 16 oz, 20 oz, 24 oz sizes
  • Vacuum-insulated stainless steel
  • Not dishwasher-safe
BEST GLASS COFFEE MUG
BEST GLASS COFFEE MUG
Kruve Excite & Inspire
Kruve Excite & Inspire
  • 5 oz size
  • Double-wall borosilicate glass
  • Dishwasher-safe
BEST FOR CAMPING
BEST FOR CAMPING
Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Mug
Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Mug
  • 16 oz, 20 oz sizes
  • Vacuum-insulated stainless steel
  • Dishwasher-safe
BEST FOR ESPRESSO DRINKS
BEST FOR ESPRESSO DRINKS
Fellow Monty Milk Art Cups
Fellow Monty Milk Art Cups
  • 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 6.5 oz, 11 oz sizes
  • Double-wall ceramic
  • Dishwasher-safe
BUDGET PICK
BUDGET PICK
Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs
Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs
  • 3 oz, 7 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz sizes
  • Glazed stoneware
  • Dishwasher-safe

This list has options for everyone, whether you’re looking for the best travel mug, the perfect cup for your cappuccino, or a smart mug to keep your coffee hot for hours. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want one of each!

Best Overall

2. KeepCup Reusable Cups

  • Available sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz

  • Material: Glass
  • Dishwasher-safe: Only those with silicone bands
  • Lid included: Yes
KeepCup Reusable Cups

The KeepCup is envisioned as a replacement for the paper and styrofoam to-go cups currently filling our landfills (1).

The individual action of using a KeepCup is a signal of the wider process and values change people are seeking in the community.

It’s doing its job beautifully, mimicking the classic to-go cup design but improving it in every way – not just environmental friendliness.

KeepCups are made from single-wall tempered glass. They retain heat much better than standard paper takeaway cups, though not as well as double-wall insulated or ceramic mugs. Likewise, the lid isn’t 100% leak-proof like the Contigo, but the stopper makes a spill less likely than those flimsy plastic to-go lids. Each is equipped with a heat-resistant cork or silicone band.

Designed to be barista-friendly, the KeepCup comes in four sizes matched to standard coffee shop sizes, from 6 to 16 ounces. Unfortunately, you’re out of luck if you prefer the oversized Starbucks Venti and Trenta. Every size is designed to fit most espresso machines, so this mug is also ideal for Americanos or lattes.

In keeping with its environmental ethos, the KeepCup is modular. You can replace damaged parts individually without buying a whole new mug.

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly alternative to takeaway cups
  • Modular design with colorful options
  • Durable tempered glass

Cons

  • No sizes above 16 ounces
  • Coffee cools quickly

Best Smart Mug

Ember Mug 2

I admit that I scoffed when the Ember Mug was first released. Who would pay over $100 for a coffee mug? Then I tried it. Sure, no one needs an app-enabled self-heating mug, but it is a wonderful treat. I highly recommend the Ember as a gift for any coffee lover!

The Ember Mug 2 offers a few upgrades from the original, most notably the improved battery life. It keeps your coffee hot for about 80 to 90 minutes – or all day if it’s resting on its charging coaster.

The temperature can be set in the range of 120 – 145 F using the app, or it defaults to 135 F if you’d prefer not to use the app. The gentle heating is built into the mug body rather than focused at the bottom like a hot plate. So your coffee never develops a burnt flavor; every sip is equally delicious, from start to finish.

I think the Ember Mug really shines with frothy milk drinks like cappuccinos because keeping a cappuccino warm in a travel mug with a lid totally ruins the textural experience of the foam. I like using mine to enjoy a morning capp on my balcony on a crisp fall day, when the air temperature would cool it too fast.

Pros

  • Improved battery life up to 90 minutes
  • Keeps coffee hot without ever burning it
  • Turns off automatically when empty

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Must be hand-washed

Best Travel Coffee Mug

Contigo West Loop Travel Mug

My Contigo West Loop mug is my go-to anytime I leave the house with coffee. I used to have the Contigo Byron, but the West Loops blows it out of the water! 

My favorite feature is the auto-seal lid, which essentially makes it impossible to spill.

You press the button to drink, and as soon as you release it, the lid is fully leak-proof. Plus, you can lock it so there’s no chance of accidentally pressing the button if you toss the mug in your bag.

It’s easy to operate one-handed – I’ve used it while bike commuting – and comfortable to hold. In my experience, the double-wall stainless steel insulation keeps coffee hot for about 4 hours. Cold drinks stay cool far longer, up to 12 hours if you pack it full of ice.

This is the perfect mug if you want to express your style and personality. It’s available in about a dozen colors, and new options and limited-edition versions rotate regularly.

The West Loop comes in three sizes. While I prefer the smallest 16-ounce model, the bigger versions are some of the best large coffee mugs I’ve encountered – the perfect size if you like to brew a half-pot in the morning and take it to sip all day.

Pros

  • Impossible to spill
  • Easy to use one-handed
  • Durable and colorful steel build

Cons

  • Hand wash only
  • Too tall for most espresso machines

Best Glass Coffee Mug

4. Kruve Excite & Inspire

  • Available sizes: 5 oz

  • Material: Double-wall borosilicate glass
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
  • Lid included: No
Kruve Excite & Inspire

I don’t pull out my Kruve glassware for just any cup of joe. But these are the only cups I trust with a painstakingly prepared pour-over brewed with expensive specialty beans. 

These innovative Kruve glasses are a hands-on demonstration of how mug design impacts coffee flavor.

The Excite & Inspire set includes one each of the Excite and Inspire glasses. Alternatively, you can buy a matching pair of either, but I think the mixed pack is way more interesting. 

The different rims and surface areas affect the coffee’s oxidation rate and how aromatics are funneled to your nose, yielding two very different drinking experiences. It’s eye-opening to brew 10 ounces of coffee, pour half into each glass, and taste the difference.

Kruve glasses use a double-wall design that tapers to a single wall at the lip. I love this! It combines the comfortable drinking experience of a single-wall glass with the heat retention of double-wall insulation.

For espresso fans, the same concept is also available for small servings. Check out the 2.5-ounce Kruve Propel glasses. Or if you’re interested in seeing more variety, check our our review of the best glass coffee mugs.

Pros

  • Tapered double-wall to single-wall design
  • Two shapes offer two unique coffee experiences
  • Hand-wash only

Cons

  • Only available in a small 5-ounce size
  • Fairly delicate

Best for Camping

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Mug

I love my Contigo West Loop for daily commuting, but for more vigorous or long-duration travel, I always turn to the Stanley Classic stainless steel travel mug. Like all Stanley gear, it’s incredibly durable – even backed by a lifetime warranty!  – and its heat retention is second to none.

In my experience, if you preheat this mug with boiling water before adding coffee, it’ll keep your brew hot for up to 8 hours. Without preheating, it’s closer to 6 hours. Cold drinks will stay cold for a full day.

Like the West Loop, the trigger-action lid can be operated one-handed, perfect for drinking on the go. Despite its rugged build, it’s surprisingly lightweight, at just 0.8 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down on a hike.

I like that removing the lid leaves you with a wide-mouth tumbler. This often-overlooked feature makes it easy to add ice cubes for iced coffee – and easy to hand-wash if you’re out camping.

Pros

  • Rugged and durable with a lifetime warranty
  • Can operate the lid one-handed
  • Coffee stays hot for up to 8 hours

Cons

  • Too tall for some coffee makers
  • Bulky, thermos-like appearance

While you’re here, check out our review of the Ember 2 mug.

Best For Espresso Drinks

6. Fellow Monty Milk Art Cups

  • Available sizes: 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 6.5 oz, 11 oz

  • Material: Double-wall ceramic
  • Dishwasher-safe: Yes
  • Lid included: No
Fellow Monty Milk Art Cups

Pouring latte art is hard, so I’ll take all the help I can get. Enter the Fellow Monty Milk Art Cups. The interior curvature is engineered to funnel milk under the crema, providing a perfect canvas for decorative designs.

The first thing you’ll notice about these mugs is their refined look, a hallmark of all Fellow gear. These trendy coffee mugs come in two color options: matte white with a copper base (my favorite) and matte black with a polished black base. The mugs are sold individually, but the base design makes them stackable if you opt for a set.

The Monty Cups come in four sizes, chosen specifically to correlate with the most popular espresso-based drinks – a 3-oz demitasse for espresso and macchiato, a 4.5-oz cortado cup, a 6.5-oz mug for cappuccino or flat white, and an 11-oz latte cup.

I really have nothing negative to say about these mugs, besides their relatively high price tag. If I had to find a quibble, it would be that I like my cappuccino cups to come with saucers to catch the inevitable foam overflow.

Pros

  • Interior engineered to improve latte art
  • Thick ceramic material holds heat well
  • Gorgeous aesthetics, stackable design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Cappuccino cups lack saucers

Budget Pick

7. Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs

  • Available sizes: 3 oz, 7 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz

  • Material: Glazed stoneware
  • Dishwasher-safe: No
  • Lid included: No
Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs

Le Creuset may be most famous for its colorful enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, but the iconic French brand has an extensive range of equally high-end dinnerware sets, all available in Le Creuset’s signature colors.

Sure, if you’re on a tight budget, you can buy a set of plain ceramic diner mugs for less money.  But this set from Le Creuset is the cheapest on our list, and I would argue it’s a worthwhile upgrade from basic white porcelain mugs. 

The most affordable option is to buy a set of six – I love the rainbow set – but even if you choose to mix and match individual cups, you’ll still get a great deal in the long run because the best stoneware coffee mugs are so durable. 

These stoneware cups have excellent resistance to thermal shock, and the tough enamel glaze doesn’t scratch or develop stains with heavy use. They aren’t dishwasher safe, but the non-stick glaze is super easy to clean. If I’m just drinking black coffee, I usually only rinse my mug in hot water.

Pros

  • Durable stoneware with tough enamel glaze
  • Beautiful color selection
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Hand wash only
  • Brand name ups the price a little

A Few Pieces Of Advice On Choosing The Best Cup For Coffee

My all-time favorite mug is a lovely ceramic piece made by a friend who took up pottery as a hobby, and I definitely encourage you to support local artisans in your area. For dedicated coffee drinkers like you and me, a coffee mug is more than just a piece of glassware. It’s an intimate part of a special morning ritual.

But different occasions warrant different mugs. Just because a mug is my favorite doesn’t make it the best coffee cup for a latte or my morning commute. So let’s talk about different types of coffee mugs and how to find the best one to meet your needs.

Do you drink coffee at home or on the go?

This is the most important question to ask yourself when choosing a coffee mug. For most of us, the answer is both, and it’s well worth having separate mugs for both purposes.

If you’re taking your coffee to go, your mug should at least have a spill-proof lid. If your version of to-go means tossing your coffee in a backpack and hitting a trail, then a leakproof seal is crucial. And if you plan to sip and savor that coffee all day, look for a stainless steel double-wall insulated mug, which will keep your coffee warm and survive any bumps and bangs while you’re out and about.

On the other hand, drinking coffee at home is more of a ritual. For the best coffee mug for home, prioritize something that pleases your eye, feels nice to hold, and is comfortable on your lip when drinking. 

What material is best for coffee mugs?

The main consideration when selecting a mug material is heat retention, though depending on your needs, you may also want to factor in durability, aesthetics, price, and whether it is compatible with a dishwasher or microwave (2).

While I definitely don’t recommend microwaving your coffee, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider a microwave-safe mug for enjoying other hot beverages like tea or hot chocolate.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the popular mug materials:

  • The best ceramic coffee mugs, including porcelain and stoneware, are practical, affordable, and retain heat well. They are easy to find in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
  • Glass mugs have a nice visual appeal and let you see the drink within. Single-layer glass has relatively poor heat retention compared to ceramic, but double-walled glass mugs are excellent insulators. Glass mugs can be expensive and fragile.
  • Stainless steel is a popular material for travel mugs because it is virtually indestructible, though it can be pricey. All stainless steel mugs are double-wall vacuum insulated, which will keep a hot drink warm for hours.

Does coffee taste better in certain mugs?

Yes! Believe it or not, there are numerous ways a coffee mug impacts coffee flavor – or your perception of that flavor.

Most decent mugs won’t add any unwanted flavors to your cup of coffee. Glass and ceramic are totally inert. Some evidence suggests that the acids in coffee will eventually break down steel mugs, producing a safe but noticeable metallic taste. I have never experienced this, so I suspect it takes a lot of coffee over a long time. Plastic mugs are the worst culprits for adding nasty tastes to your brew, which is why I haven’t recommended any.

Material isn’t the only factor, however. The shape, color, and pattern of your mug also play a role, according to experts (3). Even funny coffee mugs with silly or uplifting slogans have been shown to influence our coffee-drinking experience.

The flavor receptors in our tongue are also fallible and easily influenced by forces beyond proof of taste.

A fascinating 2014 scientific study showed that the color contrast between coffee and mug can influence how you perceive flavor (4). Other studies have shown that we associate certain colors with flavor notes – coffee in a green mug seems more acidic, coffee in a pink mug tastes sweeter.

The Verdict

All of these mugs are great, and I regularly use each one in different contexts. But if you can only choose one, the Contigo West Loop stands out as a flexible and practical choice. Its comfortable design, vacuum insulation, and innovative Autoseal lid make it a perfect travel companion and an excellent all-rounder.

Contigo West Loop Travel Mug

FAQs

Porcelain and stoneware are both types of ceramics. Porcelain is a finer-grained material that is fired at a higher temperature, giving it a smoother texture. Bone china is a thinner and lighter version of porcelain. Stoneware is coarser, denser, and less expensive to manufacture than porcelain (5).

Some coffee mugs are microwave-safe, but it depends on the material and finishes. Mugs that contain any amount of metal, including smart mugs, must never be placed in the microwave. Ceramic or glass mugs are generally microwave-safe, but watch out for metallic paint or logos. The best option is to check that your mug is specifically marked as microwave-safe. Also, read some tips on reheating your coffee in the microwave.

The best mug to keep hot coffee hot for hours is any double-wall vacuum-insulated mug with a tight-fitting lid. Of the picks on this list, the Stanley mug kept my coffee hot for the longest. If you want to keep drinks hot for longer, consider upgrading from a mug to a thermos, some of which keep your coffee hot for 8 to 12 hours. Or invest in a heating mug like the Ember.

  1. Ridley, R. (2022, September 6). How KeepCup Became a Leader in the Reuse Revolution. Retrieved from https://acehub.org.au/news/how-keepcup-became-a-leader-in-the-reuse-revolution-2022
  2. Kanniah, JC. (2020, August 25). Do Different Materials Affect the Flavour of Your Coffee? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/08/do-different-materials-affect-the-flavour-of-your-coffee/
  3. Klausner, A. (2024, February 22). Your mug could impact the flavor of your coffee, experts claim — here’s why. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/02/22/lifestyle/your-mug-could-impact-the-flavor-of-your-coffee-experts-claim-heres-why/
  4. Van Doorn, G.H., Wuillemin, D., and Spence, C. (2014, November 25). Does the colour of the mug influence the taste of the coffee? Retrieved from https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-3-10#B17
  5. Revol. (2019, September 18). What are the differences between porcelain and stoneware? Retrieved from https://mamaisonrevol.revol1768.com/en/what-are-the-differences-between-porcelain-and-stoneware/#



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