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Top 9 Best Travel Mugs
- Bodum 11068-01 Vacuum (Editor’s choice)
- Contigo West Loop Autoseal Thermal (Luxury Choice)
- Artlive Insulated & Reusable Thermal Stainless Steel (Best Value)
- 720°DGREE BPA-Free Thermo Cup (Best environmentally friendly)
- Emsa N2012200 Waves Grande (Best dishwasher safe)
- Contigo Byron Snapseal (Best one-handed)
- Thermos Stainless King (Best Insulated)
- Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Cups (Best Coffee Cup)
- HAUSHOF Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Flask (Best Leak-proof)
Travel mugs are a great addition to any trip, as they keep your beverage hot during the winter and also cold when the summer returns. They are also great for the environment as they are reusable, and they even keep your coffee hot or cold for longer compared to a disposable takeaway cup.
Travel mugs also make great gifts to friends and family, and you can even customise some to suit your style or for special occasions. From stainless steel travel mugs to customised options, you can get any style of mug you want.
Getting the best travel mug can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora available on the market. To help you find the one for you, we have reviewed some of the best travel mugs available and also offered some advice on which factors to consider when buying a coffee cup.
How we Compared Travel Mugs
To find the right travel mugs we considered multiple factors, including:
- Durability
- Material
- Insulation
- Lid design
- Capacity and size
- Temperature retention
- Leak-proof and spill-proof
Our editorial team carefully researched and selected products that would suit a wide range of needs to take your kitchen experience to the next level. We set out this list after assessing customer reviews and evaluating pros and cons in line with the above comparison points.
Find more about our behind-the-scenes process here.
Travel Mug Reviews
Bodum 11068-01 Vacuum (Editor’s choice)
Sleek and stylish are terms that best describe the Bodum travel mug. This travel mug is excellent at temperature retention with stainless steel construction and a vacuum insulated body. Additionally, it boasts a leak-proof silicone lid so that you need not worry about any leaks.
This travel cup also has a non-slip silicone sleeve for comfortable handling. Furthermore, the sip hole has a cover to prevent spillages when you are out and about. When done using your travel mug, you can throw it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Last but not least, this model is available in various colours so that you can choose the one that suits you best.
Pros:
- Keeps drinks hot for hours
- Doubles as an on the go coffee maker
- Dishwasher friendly
- The silicone base provides additional stability
- The sip hole cover helps prevent spillages
Cons:
- It may not be entirely leak-proof
- The coffee grids may escape if the mug is tipped over
- Some users may find its design to be bulky
Contigo West Loop Autoseal Thermal (Luxury Choice)
For those who are looking for a luxurious option coupled with a stylish design and portability, consider the Contigo West Loop Autoseal Thermal Mug.
This superb stainless steel travel mug has a modern matte silver appearance. It can be opened with one hand and automatically closes when you’re done drinking. It has a capacity of 473ml, making it an ideal choice for the office or the gym.
The mug features a Thermalock double-wall vacuum insulation technology and stainless steel construction.
Not only is this a durable choice, but it will also keep your drinks hot or cold. To be precise, the mug can keep drinks hot for more than 5 hours while cold drinks stay cold for 12 plus hours.
What’s even more appealing about this reusable coffee cup is the auto seal technology, saving you from accidental spills. Additionally, it also comes with a lid-lock that prevents the Auto seal button from opening accidentally.
Pros:
- Anti-spill lid and auto-lock
- It can be locked and unlocked with one hand
- Sweatproof exterior
- Available in different colour options
- Great for tea and coffee
Cons:
- The plastic lid may be prone to breakage
- The vacuum flask body may not be dishwasher friendly
- Its coating may peel off after several washes
Artlive Insulated & Reusable Thermal Stainless Steel (Best Value)
Stylish and practical are the terms that best describe the Artlive Travel Mug. Its appealing coating and compact design fit comfortably in your palm and all standard car cup holders. With an optimised capacity of 380ml, this reusable cup ensures you can enjoy your cold or hot drinks in style.
The double-wall technology on this travel mug also ensures beverages stay hot or iced for three to six hours. And its high-quality stainless steel double construction makes it durable and reusable.
The mug’s lid is leak-proof, and thanks to the air vent built into the mouthpiece, you can drink your beverage with it smoothly flowing out of the mug. Furthermore, the cup’s bottom has a rubber base for enhanced stability. The Artlive Travel mug is environmentally friendly, safe, reusable and easy to clean.
Pros:
- It comes with a high-quality BPA-free lid
- The lid is both leak and splash-proof
- Easy to clean
- Rubber sole for extra stability
- Double-wall insulation
Cons:
- It may not be leak-proof
- The lid may pop off at times
- It might not retain heat for very long periods
720°DGREE BPA-Free Thermo Cup ( Best environmentally friendly)
The 720 DGREE Travel mug leads the way when it comes to style, portability, and choosing an environmentally friendly alternative. Thanks to its ability to keep beverages at the desired temperature for up to five hours, it is the ideal coffee mug for everyday use.
Furthermore, its 360° drinking opening and one-handed operation make it simple to use. It also has an eye-catching design, plus it is a better option compared to a reusable coffee cup.
Apart from comfortably drinking from any side, the travel mug is also leak-proof and lightweight, making it useful when you are on the go or when you are in the car.
Its construction features 100% BPA-free stainless steel and silicon, making it a safe option for you and the environment. Its sturdy stainless steel construction also helps in extending its life span.
This coffee travel mug uses vacuum insulated stainless steel technology to keep your beverage hot or ice-cold all day long. The vacuum double wall design is then coated with a unique extra copper layer, which helps extend the desired temperature of your drink even further.
Additionally, it has a wide mouth for effortless refilling, while the detachable lid allows for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- BPA-free material
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning
- Compact and lightweight
- The one-click lid makes it ideal for one-hand operation
- Double-wall insulation
Cons:
- This travel mug may be too tall for some car cup holders
- Some users may find it hard to tell when the mug lid is open or closed
- The lid might be prone to breakage
Emsa N2012200 Waves Grande (Best dishwasher safe)
Are you looking for a travel mug that can be easily cleaned and can simply be thrown inside the dishwasher once you are done with it? If yes, then the Emsa N2012200 Waves Grande Travel Mug is a solid option. This dishwasher-safe coffee travel mug is designed to store the piping hot coffee you need to kick start your morning with.
This coffee cup, which has a vacuum insulated stainless steel construction and an airtight silicone seal, can store your drinks at a constant temperature for several hours. It keeps a hot drink hot for up to six hours, while iced drinks remain cold for up to 12 hours.
Furthermore, it has a cool to touch exterior, thanks to the outer BPA-free plastic, which is optimised for an enhanced grip.
What’s more, you can drink your coffee from any side of this travel mug, thanks to its comfortable cup technology that comes with a 360-degree opening. Its one-click open lid and quick press closure button also make it ideal for one-hand operation.
Pros:
- Excellent temperature retention
- Dishwasher friendly
- It opens at the press of a button
- It’s comfortable to hold thanks to its silicone cuff
Cons:
- The travel mug may leak
- Its silicone cuff may fall off after sometime
Contigo Byron Snapseal (Best one-handed)
Whether you like ice-cold refreshing drinks or love hot coffee when the winter months roll around, you can now take control over your drink’s temperature with this Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug. With this mug, you only require one hand to enjoy your drink at your preferred temperature.
The mug uses the latest vacuum flask insulation technology known as the Thermo lock to keep your drink piping hot or ice-cold for hours (up to 6 hours hot and up to 12 hours cold).
When you need to take a sip, a snap seal button allows you to easily open and close your drink. Again, it features a reservoir on the lid that allows hot drinks to cool for a moment.
The Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug boasts a seal proof design that helps keep liquids in the travel cup, and the lid is also made of BPA-free plastic.
In addition, it also has an easy to clean design, so you don’t need to disassemble any part of this travel mug. But it may not be dishwasher safe, so handwashing it is highly recommended.
Pros:
- It has a thermal lock vacuum insulation system
- This travel mug is compatible with most car cup holders
- It boasts of a durable, high-quality design
- Easy to clean
- It uses Contigo’s snap and seal technology to avoid spillage
Cons:
- The rubber seal on the lid may fall off
- It may leak after sometime
- The exterior coating may start to peel off after several washes
Thermos Stainless King (Best Insulated)
You cannot go wrong with the Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug for those looking for the best-insulated travel mug. Like all Thermos brand insulated products, this travel mug provides an innovative and portable option that promotes a healthy lifestyle and safety.
This product uses the innovative thermos vacuum insulation technology that creates an airless space between the double walls, eliminating heat loss. This ensures your cold remains so for up to nine hours. At the same time, your hot drink remains cold for up to five hours.
Another great addition is that this travel cup does not get hot when holding piping hot tea or get sweaty when the drink is ice cold. This is thanks to the magical insulation and helps retain the drink’s hot or cold temperature. What’s more, it features a drink lock sealing silicone lid making it the ideal companion for your morning commute and park adventures.
Pros:
- Excellent vacuum insulation
- The drink lock sealing helps prevent spill
- It comes with an inbuilt tea hook for tea bags
- The mug is sweatproof
- It has a convenient handle
Cons:
- It may be difficult to open when hot
- Some of its plastic pieces may be fragile
- Cleaning it may be a difficult task
Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Cups (Best Coffee Cup)
The Insulated Stainless-Steel Coffee Cups are the ideal companion when you are far from home for a camping trip, hiking or hunting. It comes as a set of two mugs, both of which have a 414 ml capacity.
These travel cups are shatter-proof, featuring tough metal construction, making them suitable for kids and clumsy hands when on outdoor adventures. Their extra interior insulation ensures that the mugs remain cool to touch on the outside – even if you have hot water within.
In addition, these coffee cups come with spill-resistant silicone lids and wide handles that help enhance portability and comfortable handling. Also, the Insulated Stainless-Steel Coffee Cups are dishwasher safe, but we recommend that you wash them by hand when you can.
Pros:
- It’s shatter-proof thanks to its stainless-steel construction
- Easy to clean since they are dishwasher friendly
- It has a spill-resistant lid
- They are good at temperature retention
- They have a durable stainless steel interior
Cons:
- The lid may not be entirely spill-resistant
- It may not be well insulated
- This travel mug may not fit in all car cup-holders
HAUSHOF Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Flask (Best Leak-proof)
If finding the best leak-proof travel mug is your top priority, then the HAUSHOF Travel Tumbler may be a good option for you to consider. It has an innovative water bottle design with a leak-proof flip lid that ensures easy one-handed drinking or pouring. What’s more, even when you invert or shake it, it does not leak.
The tumbler features a double-walled stainless steel design that keeps your drinks hot or cold. The vacuum-sealed area is dipped in copper to further enhance its temperature retention capabilities, keeping your drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours. Its large capacity of 700ml satisfies your daily needs making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor usage.
What most people love about this mug is the high-grade 18/8 stainless steel which is corrosion-resistant, doesn’t absorbs odours or flavours, thus not subtly changing the taste of your favourite drink but rather helping the flavours be retained. It also has a wide mouth that allows for easy filling and washing.
Pros:
- Triple-wall vacuum insulation
- The lid is leak-proof
- Works well for both indoor and outdoor activities
- It boasts of an ergonomic grip handle
- It fits in most car cup holders
Cons:
- The handle may break quite easily
- Its colour option may not be ideal for some people
- It might not suit left-handed users
What to Look For in a Travel Mug
With the wide variety of travel mug options on the market, shopping for one may not be easy since different mugs tend to come in all sizes and with varying features.
To help you in your decision-making process, we have listed some features we think are important and which you should consider when shopping for the best travel mugs.
Durability
Unlike disposable takeaway cups, travel mugs are prefered for their reusability and their durability. Hence when shopping for one, we recommend choosing one that has the ability to withstand the test of time while also maintaining an optimum performance, i.e. retaining its heat.
Always consider the type of beverage that you will be consuming most. Whether it’s hot or cold, check the maximum temperature each cup can hold in both conditions as the best travel mugs keep in the heat as well as they keep it out.
Material
Although stainless steel is the most common material for travel mugs, other materials include plastic, ceramic, glass, bamboo, and silicone. While the construction affects aesthetics, it also defines other important factors such as heat retention, durability and price.
Plastic is the cheapest, but it is prone to retaining odours and flavours, as well as staining. If you are looking for longevity and heat retention ability, stainless steel is the best option.
Cleaning
When shopping for a travel mug, always check if it’s dishwasher friendly or hand wash only. Especially if you’re going to be using it a lot, you may want to make sure that it’s easy to clean and doesn’t retain any odours. Furthermore, settling for one that doesn’t require you to disassemble it completely when you need to clean it will make your life that little bit easier.
Insulation
The type of insulation your travel mug has is the key to temperature retention for both hot and cold drinks. Whether you settle for a to-go mug that is made of glass, stainless steel or bamboo, always ensure it has a layer of insulation.
Additionally, the insulation layer on a travel cup also ensures that your cup is able to maintain a cool to touch exterior. With that being said, always consider shopping for a to-go mug that features multi or double-wall insulation and for comfortable carrying, you may want to have a mug that features a silicone strap for greater comfort and grip.
Lid Design
Whether you are taking coffee, water, juice, tea, or even wine, every sip should be smooth and easy. There are several options for lid design, such as lids that flip, twist, or slid open, have a push-button or have a straw so that you don’t have to tilt your head back when drinking. Each lid has its drawbacks and benefits, but it is important to get a durable option that is spill-resistant.
Lids of travel cups should not spill. When considering your purchase, always keep the anti-spilling tech in mind.
Additionally, always check the functionality of the lid. Is it splash and spill-proof? Does it pose a challenge when screwing it on and off? Such questions should always be considered since travel mugs with one-handed operated lids are more efficient and convenient to use.
Capacity and Size
Travel mugs are available in different sizes and capacities. And when shopping for one, you need to consider your personal preference and your drinking habits. Since the main point of owning one is that you shouldn’t have to make a number of trips to the coffee machine or shop.
Always settle for one that perfectly holds a satisfying amount of liquid without being too bulky when you carry it around.
Furthermore, when shopping for travel mugs, always consider the size of your car cup holders, as different travel mugs sizes may not all fit your specific car cup holders.
Temperature Retention
Everyone hates the taste of lukewarm coffee on a cold day or the taste of lukewarm juice on a hot summer.
The best travel mugs thwart the interference of the surrounding temperature, ensuring your drink remains at your desired temperature. Vacuum insulated mugs made of stainless steel and with double insulation are the best when it comes to temperature retention.
Leak-Proof and Spill-Proof
Whether you prefer a simple or stylish travel mug, it’s important to ensure that you settle for one that does not spill or leak when in use. Leak-proof and spill-proof mugs come with different types of sealing that ensure its more leak-proof. This means that you won’t encounter spillages and experience coffee burns when using your travel mug.
Additional Features
Durability and functionality tend to be some of the key factors you may want to consider when shopping for a travel mug. However, having a to-go mug with bonus features is an added advantage. So, when shopping for a travel mug, you should also consider the bonus features that different mugs come with.
Such bonus features include a built-in tea hook that allows you to hang your favourite tea bag in your cup so that you can easily retrieve it without having to fish around.
In addition, some go mugs come with convenient handles that make it easier for you to enjoy your favourite drink without overheating your hands. Also, silicone sleeves on different cups come in handy since they help in reducing any uncomfortable experiences when using the cup.
How to Properly Clean a Travel Mug
Cleaning a travel mug doesn’t necessarily require any fancy cleaning product, as you will find that the combination of vinegar and baking soda always gets the job done. You need to simply add a generous amount of vinegar and baking soda inside the mug and let it sit for a while.
Let it fizz away as both the acid and alkaline react. Then using a clean piece of cloth, clean the inside of your mug until all the stains are removed. Rinse it with clean water and let it air dry.
When cleaning the lid of your travel mug, ensure you get your way around the anti-spillage lock since these detailed areas tend to be a great location for mould and dirt to build up.
Moreover, it is always advisable to always rinse your mug with water after use to ensure there is no build-up of nasty stains and odours. Also, always air dry both the mug and lid separately and ensure to wipe your mug with a dry clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Are All Travel Mugs Dishwasher Safe?
This normally depends on the type of travel mug you own. However, a number of reusable coffee cups and travel mugs are only safe on the top shelf of a dishwasher. Such travel mugs are made from bamboo, plastic and glass.
On the flip side, if you prefer having a to-go mug that has a decorated exterior or thermos lining, it’s important to note that these to-go cups are not dishwasher safe. Since the outside coating or the finish may come off with time.
What Is the Difference Between Reusable Coffee Cups and Travel Mugs?
The best travel mugs are designed to be more leak-proof and spill-proof than reusable cups. They are a more solid option, especially when travelling or if you prefer a hands-free commute. In addition, the best travel mugs have a leak or spill-proof seal that ensures no spillage is encountered while you’re in transit.
A reusable cup can be described as an upgraded version of a disposable takeaway cup. These cups are normally made with recycled plastic or bamboo, and they have a silicone lid.
A number of reusable cups have closable drinking spouts, but this doesn’t mean that they are fully spill-proof or leak-proof as they are only meant for transporting both cold and hot drinks for a short distance.
Furthermore, the capacity of a reusable cup tends to be around 350ml- this is the approximate size of a regular takeaway coffee. On the flip side, the capacity of travel mugs ranges between 350ml to 500ml.
Conclusion
Needless to say, a travel mug is a handy product to have around if you’re always on the move. And we hope that our travel mug reviews will help you settle for one that suits not only your style but your preference. But if we were to pick an overall winner, we would settle for our editors choice, the Bodum Travel Mug.
This to-go mug combines double-wall insulation and stainless steel construction that helps keep your cold beverages cold and hot ones hot. Additionally, it is dishwasher safe, and its rubber grip makes it comfortable and secure to hold. The grip comes in handy, especially when wearing gloves, as it won’t slip out of your hand.
Additional Resources
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.
