The 9 Best Coffee Mugs According to Our Editors

Jan 29, 2024

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.

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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 a carefully calculated espresso 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 takes a great deal of digging to find the right fit. Above all, a coffee mug should be comfortable for the user. It should hold the right amount of coffee and be easy to grasp. We researched and tested a variety of coffee mugs by using them regularly. Our editors considered different materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, stoneware, and glass, and evaluated each option for weight, durability, and ease of cleaning. In addition, coffee mugs with different features like insulation and self–heating smart mugs, were also considered.

To help you narrow down your choices, here are the best coffee mugs currently on the market.

Crate & Barrel

This lightweight mug is classic and functional and looks great on any table.

Since it isn't insulated, the mug may not be ideal for slow sippers or busy individuals who don't want to microwave their mug multiple times every morning.

From hot coffee to mug cakes and everything in between, Crate & Barrel's Hue mug looks great and does it all. The 4-inch diameter is wide enough to house plenty of marshmallows on hot cocoa or foam on a latte, and it won't topple over easily if you bump it on the table. The hand-glazed porcelain is lightweight, fairly stackable (our editor has a set stacked in twos in their cabinet), and the handle is a good size for large and small hands. Neither boiling water for tea nor piping hot black coffee raise the temperature of the handle.

With four tonal color options, it's easy to mix and match a full set that looks great on a table or visible shelving. These mugs are good to go in the dishwasher, the microwave, and the oven up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The price also makes it easy to justify owning several, and the hand-crafted construction has natural variations that strike a happy medium between natural and modern style. If you're interested in a full matching collection, there are also trendy low bowls and plates to match in the Hue line.

Price at time of publish: $19

Amazon

It's the most durable and best insulated mug you'll find that also travels well in cupholders.

The higher price makes it a bigger investment, and some coffee drinkers might not love the stainless steel interior.

The best insulated mug, the best stainless steel mug, and the best camping mug are one and the same: the Yeti Rambler. 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.

I've used the 20-ounce version, and it's the right balance of volume and being slim enough to grip. 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 standard 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). Both mugs come in several color options, so it's as good for getting one yourself as it is for gifting.

Price at time of publish: $42

Amazon

The sleek design is comfortable to hold, easy to clean, and the lid keeps coffee warmer longer than classic mugs.

It doesn't have a handle and isn't as durable as stainless steel.

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 mug for three years, and the cup looks as it did on the day I got it (the light blue has not stained or cracked). I opt for it over classic handled mugs and insulated tumblers almost every time. For someone who is prone to spills, the lid is a great extra assurance and keeps my coffee hot for longer. The Porter series has great bundles (like the mug, the wine tumbler, and water bottle) that make great gifts, too.

Price at time of publish: $30

Miir

The leak-free, double-insulated design makes it easy to toss in a bag while on the go.

Hand-washing is recommended, so anyone who prefers fuss-free cleanup might prefer a different mug.

The Miir is a favorite for coffee drinkers who are always on the move. It's a perfect fit for cup holders, and the top is wide enough to be ice cube-compatible for iced drink enthusiasts. The key feature is the ultra-leakproof top, made of BPA-free materials, as well as the double-walled insulation that will keep hot coffee at the right temperature for hours.

The angled lid makes it easier to sip without tilting your head back while you're walking or driving, and the leakproof design means you can toss it in your bag or backpack without fear of spills. The mug comes in several colors and it comes in three sizes from 12 ounces up to 20 ounces. It does require hand washing, so if you're planning on using it daily be sure to factor that in.

Price at time of publish: $28

Amazon

Fast drinkers will love the large volume for coffee but also for soups, cereals, and mug cakes.

The extra-large handle and size might be ungainly for small hands, and it takes up more cabinet space.

For large servings of coffee, we like Sweese's 19-ounce cup. The full set is inexpensive and easily stacks in the cupboard or on the counter. The lead-free, chip-resistant porcelain is freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. The porcelain material makes it slightly lighter than stoneware and allows for a smoother and more delicate finish. The mugs come in six different colors but all have white interiors, making it easier to see if they're clean. For a big, sturdy mug on a budget, Sweese is the right move.

Price at time of publish: $33 for 6

Amazon

It's easy to wash, super durable, and also comes in many classic colors.

Not ideal for travel and won't keep drinks warm for very long.

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 comes in several of the classic Le Creuset hues. Coffee drinkers should be wary of the versions with extra art detailing or brand collaborations, since those are not microwave nor dishwasher-safe.

Price at time of publish: $24

Amazon

It keeps coffee or tea at the optimal temperature and has an app to make the heat even more precise.

The mug is not dishwasher or microwave-safe, and it does need to be charged regularly.

Tech fanatics will likely enjoy the Ember mug. The cup is able to keep drinks hot and even heat cold ones, when needed. The element is all 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 worked out I could use the charger as a coaster at my desk, the mug is perfect, and I'd still recommend it as a gift to any coffee or tea drinker.

Price at time of publish: $150

Amazon

This easy-to-hold mug comes in sizes fit for classic coffee drinks, with a lid that makes sipping easier.

Glass isn't quite as insulated as other materials, and there is the risk of dropping it.

If you're someone who is particular about vessel sizes for cappuccinos and lattes, this is the option for you. Joco's borosilicate glass can handle piping hot liquids and thermal shock, and it comes in several different sizes, from a 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 two years, and it hasn't stained or deteriorated after many microwaves and runs through the dishwasher.

Price at time of publish: $19

East Fork

Unique and stylish, it's also hardy enough for the dishwasher.

The volume is closer to 10 ounces, and it's a significant investment for a mug that stays at home.

Those truly in-the-know for the stoneware game 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 both 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."

Price at time of publish: $40

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. Metal mugs are the most durable but can be harder to handle if they don't have a heat-resistant handle or some sort of sleeve, and they’re not microwave-safe if your beverage needs a fast reheat. And bare metal can impart off-flavors. Ceramic mugs do a good job of retaining heat and tend to be comfortable in the hand. They can chip or crack if mishandled, but most are both dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Glass will give you the cleanest taste of any coffee mug, but they can be delicate and easily chip or break, so often not ideal for everyday use. Plastic composites are nearly indestructible but will do the poorest job of retaining heat, and many are not microwave-safe.

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."