Best Coffee Mugs for Your Hot Beverages

Ceramic coffee mugs are the most common and affordable coffee mug. The best ceramic coffee mugs keep water and other liquids hotter for longer, without imparting any aftertaste or picking up stains from the beverage. When you pour coffee or another beverage into a ceramic mug, which is heat resistant, the interior seals in heat to keep the beverage warm, while the outside remains cool to the touch.

Ceramic material is more fragile than glass and plastic. It must be used and washed gently. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottom of the mug to determine if it is microwave safe and dishwasher safe.

Glass coffee mugs are a stylish way to enjoy hot beverages at home. Although materials vary, most glass is a mix of sand, soda ash and limestone that gets heated to a very high temperature and then blown or poured into a mold. Glass hardens as it cools, creating a brittle material.

Many glass coffee mugs are clear or transparent with a tint. With these mugs, you can easily see how much remains in your or your guest’s mug, so you know when it’s time to refill. Glass mugs with thick walls hold in heat well, but they can shatter, crack or chip if dropped or bumped. Glass mugs don't travel well.

Tip: Double-walled glass coffee mugs feature two sets of walls to retain heat. Hot beverages may stay warmer for longer in one of these mugs.

Like ceramic drinkware, stoneware coffee mugs are a type of pottery. However, stoneware gets fired at a higher temperature than ceramics. As a result, stoneware is usually thicker and more resistant to breakage.

Stoneware gets its name from the fact that its texture resembles stone. This gives stoneware mugs a more rustic look than ceramic or glass.

Although stoneware is less likely to become damaged than ceramic mugs and glass mugs, they can still break, so handle them carefully.

If you want to enjoy a hot beverage on the go, stainless steel travel mugs can be a good option. These mugs usually have lids to reduce the risk of spills.

Many stainless steel mugs are double-walled, meaning an extra layer of metal is inside. When you keep the lid on, a stainless steel coffee mug may be able to keep a beverage hot for several hours or even a full day.

Unlike ceramic, glass and stoneware mugs, stainless steel vessels won’t shatter or chip. However, they could become dented if you drop them from a high place.

Tip: Consider tumbler-style stainless steel travel mugs to take hot beverages on car trips or on your morning commute. They don’t have handles and usually feature tapered shapes to fit in standard cup holders.

Plastic travel mugs are another option for on-the-go sipping. Like stainless steel options, these travel mugs feature lids and often have double walls to hold drinks at temperature. The difference is that plastic mugs are acrylic, polypropylene or another type of plastic rather than metal.

Because plastics are generally inexpensive to produce, travel mugs made of the material are often sold at low prices. They come in a wide range of colors and designs for added fun. Generally, plastic is more durable than glass, ceramic or stoneware, but some types may crack due to a fall or hard bump.

A standard serving of coffee is 8 to 10 ounces. If you tend to drink more than one cup, an oversize coffee mug may be right for you. With their larger size, oversized mugs may hold 20 ounces of liquid or more, cutting down on the need for refills. However, you’ll need more cabinet space to store them.

Manufacturers produce oversize mugs out of glass, ceramic and stoneware. Travel versions with lids are also available and can be made of plastic or stainless steel.

If you want to build your barista skills, add some cappuccino coffee mugs to your collection. Usually made out of ceramic or stoneware, these mugs are extra wide. The shape provides more room to pile on foam and steamed milk when making espresso beverages.

Cappuccino mugs aren’t just for espresso drinks either. They can also work as oversize mugs for coffee, hot tea and other favorites.

Tip: Serving hot cocoa in cappuccino mugs makes it easy to top things off with whipped cream and marshmallows.

Seniors and people with mobility issues may find it hard to grip the handle on more conventional coffee mugs. That’s why some manufacturers offer comfort-grip handle mugs. The handles on these mugs have a unique shape or texture that makes them easier to hold.

Mugs with comfort handles come in a variety of materials, including ceramic and glass. Some plastic and stainless steel travel mugs also have easy-to-grip handles.

Microwave-safe coffee mugs can make it easier to enjoy your favorite hot beverages. Ceramic, glass, stoneware and plastic mugs that go in the microwave allow you to quickly heat up water for tea, instant coffee and cocoa. You can also pop a full microwave-safe mug into the microwave to reheat lukewarm coffee.

Tip: Avoid putting stainless steel mugs and other metal mugs into microwaves.

Dishwasher-safe coffee mugs speed up cleanup because they can hold up to the effects of dishwashers. As a result, you don’t need to worry about washing them by hand.

Many traditional mugs are safe to wash in the dishwasher. With travel mugs, you may be able to use the dishwasher to clean the entire mug or just the body or lid.

Check the bottom of the mug to find out if it’s microwave-safe and/or dishwasher-safe. Some dishwasher-safe mugs need to go on the top rack of the dishwasher for best results.