Reviewing Our Favorite Large Coffee Mugs: So You Get Your Daily Dose of Caffeine

Even though all these products were carefully reviewed, researched upon, and constitute our top picks of 2023, there are a few decisions that you may have to make on your own; choosing a material that best suits you, or the ideal size for your needs. On top of that, you may have to weigh in an unseeable factor or two before you dive in on the purchasing part right away. Don’t worry though; we have created this nice buying guide that will assist you in this rather tedious process.

Buying a Large Coffee Mug – What You Need To Look For

Temperature retention

An important aspect you need to consider before making a cup purchase is temperature retention. Your ideal coffee mug will be a bad conductor of heat and this is essential for two main reasons.

Firstly, if your coffee tumbler transfers all the heat, your beverage will not remain hot for long and that will kill your mood. Secondly, a mug that conducts all the heat will have a hot surface that is not only uncomfortable to handle but can also burn your hand.

Cost

Mugs are generally on the lower end of the price spectrum so your aim should never be to buy the cheapest mug. Consider factors like material, quality, composition, weight, and fluid capacity to judge the value of the cup and buy something that truly reflects the price of the mug.

Material

With an array of coffee cup materials (glass, plastic, metal, ceramic etc) out there, it all boils down to your preference. If you are always on the go, an insulated coffee tumbler will be easier to carry and still keep your coffee hot.

For someone who frequently has office colleagues over, glass or ceramic cups would be ideal for serving beverages. Below you will find comprehensive pros and cons on each material type for you to make an educated choice.

Size

Size again depends on your everyday drinking pattern. If your body cannot function without at least 3 cups of coffee a day, we would recommend you to go for large-sized mugs rather than small-sized cups so that you do not constantly need to rush for a refill.

Types of Coffee Mugs

Ceramic

Ceramic mugs are the most common type of mugs found in households. They are extremely temperature resistant and are microwave safe. Their most outstanding quality is their ability to let go of strong scents and taste so that they do not transfer in other beverages poured. Owing to their smooth surface, ceramic cups are easier to clean in quick swipes.

However, ceramic has a tendency to crack or shatter easily so they require careful handling. Also, beverages do not stay hot/cold for longer in these mugs as compared to a few other counterparts.

Metal

Since metal is highly durable, metal mugs are ideal for traveling as well as outdoor use. They are adaptable and lightweight. Their shatter-proof feature makes them safe to use if you’ve got kids in the house. The classic material contributes to the artisanal vibe of these cups. Owing to their sleek exterior, they are easy to handle.

However, one of the biggest setbacks of metal mugs is their incompatibility with microwaves. You will not be able to reheat your hot beverage when drinking out of a metal cup. Another significant downside is the ability of a metal to quickly conduct temperature. Be careful especially when having a hot liquid, you can easily burn yourself. Your hot beverage can also go cold quickly in a metal mug.

Insulated

This type of mug is by far the handiest. Most of them fit into car holders which is not the case with other types of mugs. They are ideal for both hot and cold coffee and the tight-fitting sealing prevents heat/coolness from dissipating out, ensuring that your drink retains its temperature for longer. The seal also eliminates the possibility of your liquid splashing so it is best for an on-the-go coffee experience.

The only downside of an insulated coffee tumbler is that it requires a thorough clean or else you will notice a buildup across the surface.

Glass

Glass mugs can be your most elegant pick out of all the other types. They provide crystal clear visibility and an upgraded drinking experience. Glass is also famous for not retaining taste and smell and is easier to clean.
With great non-conductive properties, glass mugs will keep your beverage hot/cold for a long time as well as keep your hands safe from burns.

What makes glass cups impractical is their fragile nature which reduces their life considerably.

Plastic

Just as glass mugs, plastic mugs also offer you a clear view of your beverage and have non-conductive properties which does not only make them easier to handle but helps keep your coffee hot.

Plastic cups are a cheaper and more practical investment especially if you have kids in the house. You can carry them anywhere you wish!

However, these cups tend to hold on to both taste and smell so you will only be able to use a particular mug for a specific drink. They also retain coffee and tea stains which eventually tint the cup surface. Other than that, we would recommend you to check whether the plastic mugs you are purchasing are microwave safe, or else your mugs will change shape over time.