Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

What’s the Best Coffee Cup to Keep Coffee Hot

What’s the best mug to keep coffee hot? Ever been in this situation? You sit down in your car or office with your coffee cup, anxiously anticipating the first sip of a steaming hot morning beverage, only to find yourself drinking a room-temperature memory of what a hot drink should be.

Here is my top choice, which won’t break like the double-walled glass mugs.

If you’re anything like me and prefer to avoid lukewarm coffee, I recommend getting yourself a coffee cup that’ll keep your coffee nice and hot.

As any hot coffee drinker knows, there are two ways in which you can enjoy your coffee. The first is at home, in the office, or anywhere with a table on which you can put your mug. On-the-go is your second option. Lukewarm coffee is unacceptable in both instances. Here’s what features define the best standard and travel coffee mugs that will keep your cup of joe piping hot.

Best Coffee Cup to Keep Coffee HotWhy We Like It
1. Avito Stainless Steel 14 Oz Double Walled Insulated Coffee Mugs with Lids set of two are shatter-proof and spill-resistant
2. Jecobi Double-Wall Insulated Coffee Mugs set of two double-walled glass mugs prevent condensation and are freezer- and oven-safe
3. Bodum Bistro Double-Walled Transparent 15 Ounce Coffee Mug double-walled glass mug is microwave- and dishwasher-safe
4. Zhumutang Double-wall 16-ounce Borosilicate glass mug with cap durable borosilicate glass is durable and lightweight
5. Eco Vessel Double Barrel Insulated Beer / Coffee Mug stainless steel mug is largest in volume on this list
6. Ezprogear 30-Ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler large capacity tumbler includes lids, two types of straws, and removable handle
7. Gemstone Double Wall 16-ounce Travel Tumbler double-walled tumbler comes in six great colors
8. Ello Fulton Ceramic Travel Mug beautiful ceramic mug with wood handle is BPA-, PVC-, and lead-free
9. Ello Mesa 14 ounce Double Wall BPA Free Ceramic Tumbler with Lid elegant and simple ceramic tumbler is free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and cadmium
10. Contigo Snapseal Byron Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid double-walled stainless steel mug has pivoting lid for easy cleaning
11. Simple Modern Scout Coffee Mug Tumbler 18 Ounce with Lid double-walled stainless steel tumbler comes in 28 amazing colors
12. Thermos Stainless Steel King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle stainless steel bottle is guaranteed to keep beverages warm (or cold!) for 24 hours

What makes a great standard coffee mug?

If you’ve ever browsed any souvenir shop in a theme park, you know very well how common coffee cups are. You get them as gifts from family members (Nice to meet you, #1 Dad!), as corporate swag, and as raffle prizes. These kinds of cups pop up all over grocery stores and big box stores around the holidays, and most of them should only be trusted as decorative pieces.

On that note, if you don’t want to go to extraordinary measures or the expense of buying an insulated mug, there are a couple of things you might consider. Both glass and ceramic are decent insulating materials. If you have either a narrow glass or ceramic cup, or a cup that is cone-shaped (with a body that is MUCH wider than the mouth of the cup), this will go a long way toward keeping your coffee hot. You can also preheat the cup. As your coffee is brewing, fill your mug with the hottest tap water you can and let it sit to preheat. This trick also works well with thermos bottles, both for hot and cold applications – obviously, you fill it with ice water if you want to keep cold beverages cold.

Coffee mugs can be made out of various materials. The most popular materials are glass, ceramic, pottery, stainless steel, and plastic. The first four materials are impervious to the volatile oils found in coffee, and they will wash clean – if they stain, use a little baking soda on a sponge and your cup will look like new. I am always leery of plastic. Even if it is BPA free, that doesn’t mean that it won’t hold food odors or stains, so I usually steer clear of plastic.

Handles

For a standard cup of joe, you’re going to want a cup with a handle. When you want to enjoy a soothing, hot cup of coffee, a paper cup with a cardboard sleeve just isn’t going to cut it. For a truly exquisite coffee drinking experience, select a cup that feels comfortable in your hands.
Try to find a double-walled cup, as this can keep you from burning your hands if you accidentally forget to reach for the handle and instead wind up touching the cup itself. The two walls will also prevent heat from escaping as quickly as it does with a single-walled coffee cup.

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Insulation

Although it’s a bit difficult to keep coffee at its optimal scorching temperature without a lid, choosing a cup with insulation is sure to offset the short amount of time it takes for hot coffee to become coffee that could almost qualify as iced. For a truly useful cup that’ll keep your coffee at the temperature that you want, you’re going to want one with insulation to keep the heat in.

These can be a bit fragile for a clumsy guy like me, BUT the Jacobi at Amazon will keep your coffee HOT. PRO TIP: PREHEAT the mug with hot water while the coffee is brewing and your coffee will be hotter longer.

Set Of 2 Mugs, Strong Double Walled Insulated drinking glasses with handle, 10 oz Glass Coffee Cups Dishwasher. Microwave, freezer with NO RISK. Jecobi.

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Durability

When you’re looking for the perfect mug to keep your coffee hot all day, be sure to consider the durability of your cup. If it’s made of a high-quality material like stainless steel, chances are it will be much harder to smash into pieces, leaving behind an unsightly mess—and a very sad coffee cup owner. A coffee cup that can withstand the torment of regular (or heavy) wear and tear is sure to be a coffee cup you won’t have to replace at the end of the season.

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Easy Cleaning

Most people are likely to prefer a coffee cup made of dishwasher-safe material. Likewise, a coffee cup with a wide opening is going to be easier to clean than one with a lid or complicated mechanisms. If cleaning your coffee cup with ease is high on your list of preferred specifications, choose a model that’s durable and wide enough to be cleaned thoroughly by hand or in the dishwasher.

Taking that coffee to go? Here’s the best-insulated cup to keep it hot.

Some Good Mugs

There are lots of good mugs to use for coffee when you aren’t traveling, and I’ll show you a selection of them here. The fact of the matter is, though, that if you really take your time with your cup of coffee, a lid is a key factor in keeping it hot for longer. If this is the case, you may want to go non-traditional and use a travel mug all the time.

The Avito Stainless Steel 14 Oz Double Walled Insulated Coffee Mugs with Lids

Stainless Steel Coffee Mugs with Lids - 14 Oz Double Walled Insulated Coffee Beer Mugs - Set of 2 - Mint - Best Value - BPA Free Healthy Choice - Shatterproof and Spill Resistant - By Avito

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  • BPA free tight-fitting lids
  • Shatterproof
  • Spill Resistant
  • 14-ounce capacity
  • Made of food grade, brushed 18/8 stainless steel
  • Double-walled design provides a vacuum seal which keeps hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold. The outer wall stays cool to the touch and will not sweat when holding an ice cold drink.

These mugs by Avito look good and feel good, both in your hands and on your lips. The manufacturer recommends hand washing only, as dishwashers can be tough on stainless steel. Although the lids are tight fitting and spill resistant, I wouldn’t take this mug on the road. For home or office use only.


Bodum Bistro Double-Walled Transparent 15 Ounce Coffee Mug

Bodum Bistro Coffee Mug, 10 Ounce (2-Pack), Clear

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  • Borosilicate glass
  • Double-walled design helps keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold
  • Sturdy glass handle
  • Microwave safe
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • This mug comes in various sizes and shapes

Although this mug is made of glass, it is not as delicate as you think. Of course, if you drop it, it will shatter, unlike stainless steel which will merely dent. These mugs are beautiful, with a sleek modern design. They are hand blown glass, and the price clearly reflects that! There are other less expensive glass models on the market, but Bodum is the gold standard.


Goodae Double-wall 16-ounce Borosilicate glass mug with cap

Glass Coffee & Tea Cup Mug with Wooden Lid, Double Wall Borosilicate Glass Latte Espresso Mug with Insulated Handle, Dishwasher Safe, 250ml/8.5oz

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  • Lead-free borosilicate glass
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Double-walled insulation
  • Cap to keep your beverage hot

This is another gorgeous glass coffee mug with double-walled insulation for the premium heat retention and an included lid to keeping your beverage warmer for even longer. The glasses are light in weight and more durable than one might think when they first get their hands on it.

Borosilicate glass is a very durable glass made of silica and boron trioxide. If you aren’t a chemist you likely have no idea what this means, no biggie though, all you need to know is this type of glass is not subject to stress fractures from heat.

If there were one issue I can see people having with this mug, it would be the lid. The lid is solely for keeping your drink warm, there is no opening for drinking. For most, this will not be an issue, but something that should be known.


Eco Vessel Double Barrel Insulated Beer / Coffee Mug

EcoVessel Double Barrel Mug Insulated Travel Coffee Cup with Lid & Wide Grip Handle Stainless Steel Beer Stein, Travel Whiskey Glass, Country Travel Mug or a Moscow Mule Tumbler Cup

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  • Made of 18/8 stainless steel
  • Two-layered construction for insulation
  • Comes with a secure flip top lid
  • BPA free
  • Designed like a beer barrel (which will keep beer or a carbonated soft drink bubbly for longer)
  • Wide mouth design makes for easy cleaning

Equipped with an easy to open slider lid and a large comfortable handle, this beer barrel of a cup is the largest volume insulated coffee cup that I’ve reviewed.


Ezprogear 30-Ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler

Ezprogear 30 oz Stainless Steel Carnation Pink / Cherry Red Water Tumbler Vacuum Insulated with Straws and Handle (30 oz, Carnation/Cherry)

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  • Includes lids, 2 straws both straight and bendy, and a removable handle
  • Double walled vacuum insulation
  • Large 30-ounce capacity
  • 100% lifetime warranty

If you need a large container that keeps your beverage hot throughout the day the Ezprogear should be one of the top travel mugs on your list. It is a stainless steel mug so you should wash it by hand, otherwise, the matte finish will begin to become dull over time.


Gemstone Double Wall 16-ounce Travel Tumbler

Gemstone Double Wall 16oz. -Hot Cold- Acrylic Travel Tumbler - Clear

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  • Multiple colors available
  • Lid with straw
  • Double-wall construction
  • Works well with hot and iced beverages

With a simple and elegant design, the gemstone absolutely lives up to its name. You have the option to choose from colors like; blue, red, graphite, aqua, apple, and (my favorite) clear. The included straw is a definitely a useful addition to your iced coffee – probably wouldn’t recommend it for the hot stuff though.

This tumbler should be hand washed only, also do not place this in the microwave – this is the only downside I see with this coffee mug.


Ello Fulton Ceramic Travel Mug

Ello Fulton Ceramic Travel Mug with Slider Lid, 16 oz, Grey

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  • High-quality ceramic
  • Wooden handle
  • BPA, PVC, and lead-free

The Ello Fulton (really all the Ello coffee mugs) is a beautiful coffee mug with a unique design that you’ll surely be happy to carry around with you everywhere you go. Of course, the fact that it keeps your coffee hot for hours at a time is a desirable feature as well. Oh, and you have the option to choose from two different color options.

Unfortunately, the included lid doesn’t close so be sure not to let it tip over. It isn’t double-walled and you’ll notice the mug gets very hot when you put coffee in it. Also, it has a copper band on the handle, so don’t put it in the microwave.


Ello Ogden 14 ounce Double Wall BPA Free Ceramic Tumbler with Lid

Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug with Friction-Fit Lid, 16 oz, Grey

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  • All the comfort of your favorite coffee mug in an on-the-go travel mug
  • Spill-resistant slide lid lets you drink directly from the ceramic
  • Made from high-quality ceramic that keeps your beverage hotter for longer
  • Great for home, work or on the go
  • BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, and cadmium free

By far the prettiest of the double walled coffee cups, this one is included for those of you who really want a ceramic mug, rather than glass or stainless steel. Double wall ceramic mugs are pretty good at maintaining the temperature of your coffee, but they are not as efficient as glass or stainless steel.


What makes a good travel mug?

Commuting can be hard. If you’re looking for a surefire way to make it easier, pick a travel mug that can stick with you when you need it most. You’re also going to want a travel coffee cup that will keep your coffee hot for the duration of your commute and beyond.

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Size

Any good coffee cup will also be large enough to accommodate the hot, black ambrosia of the gods. Typically, a 20- or 30-ounce cup will be sufficient to keep you caffeinated during the day.

If you spend a lot of time commuting to work or school, you know how important it is to have a large travel mug that will keep your coffee hot. Cups that only keep coffee hot for half an hour or less aren’t going to cut it here. It isn’t fair to be forced to chug coffee just to enjoy it hot. To really savor your coffee ritual, you need a cup that’ll let you slowly sip at your own pace.

Once you’ve found a container large enough to sustain your caffeine addiction, it’s important that the cup fit in your cupholder. Nothing is worse than buying a coffee cup, only to realize that the base of the cup is a centimeter too thick to set down in the car.

When it’s time for iced coffee, check out this post on tumblers that keep drinks COLD.

Insulation

Although it’s not necessary to invest in a coffee cup that looks like it’s from the future, a few newer features may be able to transform your everyday cup of joe into something a little more modern. A thermos-style travel mug with insulated walls will undoubtedly keep your coffee hotter for longer than a regular travel mug. If retaining heat is important to you, opt for a double-walled thermos to keep your brew as hot as possible.

Safety

Opting for a vacuum seal button that locks the spout open and closed will make your morning cup of coffee a little safer. As it reduces the chance of spilling the coffee everywhere, a reliable seal is a make-or-break feature for many. This means no more spilled coffee in your bag and all over your work papers. Or worse, on your corporate laptop.

Many low budget models are equipped with some sort of closing mechanism, and it can come in very handy for one-handed driving. Safety always comes first, but coffee should come right after that. All over your freshly pressed shirt clocks in second on the list of most awful places coffee could spill, right after the top spot—directly into your laptop’s keyboard.

I cannot stress this enough, but unless you have an actual, fully sealing vacuum bottle with you, do not under any circumstances use a travel cup that will not fit in your cup holder. In the event of a hard turn or an accident, a vacuum bottle will not cover you with scalding coffee. If you need that much joe to survive (and cannot drive without drinking it at the same time), use a small travel cup to get you to work, and a thermos bottle to keep you fortified during the day.

Easy Cleaning

Cleanliness is always important, and it is especially important when it concerns items you drink and eat from. Some mugs (typically the ones with extravagant lid designs) don’t clean as easily as others.

When all’s said and done, after you’ve enjoyed your hot cup of coffee throughout the day, it’s important that you can start fresh the next morning by having your cup primed and ready for another day of keeping your coffee piping hot. Try to select a cup that hits upon the recommended features, and is also dishwasher-safe. If you cannot find a cup that is adept at keeping your coffee hot while being dishwasher-safe, settling for easy-to-clean parts may be your second best option.

Undoubtedly, coffee makes the world go ‘round. Keep your coffee hot by owning a cup that guarantees a hot brew all day through.

Some good travel mugs and vacuum bottles

Contigo Snapseal Byron Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid

Contigo Steel Travel Mug, 24 oz, Stormy Weather

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  • 24 Oz capacity
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Newly designed lid pivots open for easy cleaning
  • Locking mechanism prevents the Snapseal button from accidentally being pushed open
  • Double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel keeps hot beverages hot for up to 5 hours and cold beverages cold for up to 12 hours
  • Lid is BPA free and dishwasher safe

Contigo is the gold standard in on the go drinking vessels. Generously sized, comfortable in your hand, efficient, and safe to use, this mug is my go-to when I’m on the road. You can even throw it into a briefcase or purse without fear of leakage (just make sure the locking mechanism is engaged). It comes in a myriad of colors and is a good deal. The manufacturer recommends hand washing the body, although the lid is dishwasher safe. The only con here is that if you aren’t careful when you take a sip of your coffee after an hour or two, you could burn your tongue!


Simple Modern Scout Coffee Mug Tumbler 18 Ounce with Lid

Simple Modern Coffee Mug Insulated Cup with Handle Scout Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler with Lid for Women, Men, 18oz Ombre: Sweet Taffy

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  • Double walled 18/8 Stainless steel construction
  • 18-ounce capacity
  • Powder coated with a colorful and rugged finish
  • Fits must normal car cup holders
  • Clear drinking lid

The powder coated exterior is great looking, and this tumbler comes in a myriad of colors. Simple modern boasts copper technology to better insulate your beverages, you’ll also have the ability to choose from a variety of sizes.


Thermos Stainless Steel King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle

THERMOS Stainless King SK2010 Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Bottle, 40 Ounce, Midnight Blue

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  • Patented vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold
  • Keeps liquids at the desired temperature for 24 hours, hot or cold
  • Stainless steel construction. Bottle stays cool to the touch and sweat proof
  • Lid doubles as insulated serving cup
  • Twist and pour functions let you pour without moving the stopper
  • Generous 40-ounce capacity

This is for the real coffee junkies out there, for whom 16 or 20 ounces of coffee isn’t nearly enough! Generously sized, this bottle from Amazon will keep you supplied all day. And it holds enough for you to share!


My top choice

There’s a ton of mugs to choose from, and these are just some of our favorites here at The Kitchen Professor. My personal top choice for the most outstanding coffee mug is the vacuum insulated Simple Modern Tumbler.

I love the versatility of this mug from Simple Modern, from the multitude of color options and the seven different size options to the mobility of the mug, everything about this coffee mug just works for me. I absolutely love it!!!

You can find my favorite coffee mug at Amazon

Sources

Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Connie M. and Brian B.