The perfect journey espresso mug ought to have wonderful insulation, a spill-proof lid, and a cushty grip.
An important journey mug is a should for any espresso drinker on the go. There’s nothing worse than brewing an ideal cup solely to spill it through the morning commute or discover it’s gone chilly earlier than your first sip.
I’ve tried and examined dozens of journey mugs for my espresso, and these are my high picks.
The 8 Finest Journey Mugs Of 2024
Right here’s an outline of my favourite journey mugs this 12 months, from heavy-duty fashions that mimic thermoses to barista-friendly takeaway cups.
Overwhelmed by choices? I’ve included a useful information under with some suggestions that can assist you discover the very best journey mug to your wants. For those who desire to savor your morning brew at house, take a look at my picks for the very best espresso mugs.
The Zojirushi insulated journey mug is an efficient all-rounder that may fulfill probably the most discerning customers. I take advantage of mine for every part. It’s equally at house within the cup holder of my automobile, tossed in my backpack, or strapped to my bike.
The Zojirushi is my high choose due to how properly it combines usability with warmth retention – two issues that don’t at all times go hand in hand.
The double-wall vacuum insulation and lockable leak-proof lid maintain my espresso toasty heat proper from morning brewing to mid-afternoon break, whereas the flip-top lid makes it operable with one hand.
Let’s discuss extra about that superior lid. It consists of two elements that may be simply dissembled for deep cleansing. Once you flip the lid to drink, there’s a small opening, excellent for cautious sipping and preserving warmth inside. However for those who unscrew the lid, you’re left with a large opening for simple cleansing and including ice cubes, making this my choose as the very best journey mug for iced espresso too. I’ve loved chilly espresso a full 24 hours after brewing!
The Zojirushi mug is on the market in three sizes and a wide range of enjoyable colours (1). I significantly admire the 12-ounce choice, as many competitor manufacturers don’t provide something that small. Its sturdy construct is backed by a 5-year guarantee.
Execs
- Wonderful warmth insulation
- May be operated one-handed
- Massive opening for including ice
Cons
- Skinny design rattles in some cupholders
- Not dishwasher secure
I took this Stanley One-Hand Mug after I went tenting final June. The Stanley model closely markets within the out of doors area, so this appeared like an applicable take a look at for his or her best-selling journey mug. General, I used to be impressed with its high quality and sturdiness, incomes it a spot on this listing (2).
The Stanley Basic Set off-Motion Journey Mug resembles the bigger Stanley Basic thermoses. Whereas it may possibly’t fairly match its huge brothers for warmth retention, it’s way more sensible for backcountry journey.
It’s straightforward to function one-handed, so I may drink on the go with out dropping tempo. And its stainless-steel construct is surprisingly light-weight, so I by no means felt burdened on lengthy hikes. The leakproof lid means no messy spills, even when it jostled round in my pack.
Most significantly, the Stanley espresso journey mug stored my drink sizzling all day – actually. I brewed a cup within the morning, drove to the trailhead, hiked in and arrange camp, after which loved a still-warm cup about 9 hours later. I discovered it actually helped to preheat the mug with boiling water to maximise warmth retention.
It’s a fantastic choice for those who don’t really feel like packing in a camp range however nonetheless wish to finish the day with a sizzling drink. A comfy tea or sizzling chocolate can be equally fantastic.
Execs
- Retains espresso piping sizzling all day
- Leak-proof lid will be operated one-handed
- Tremendous sturdy with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not probably the most trendy mug
- Bigger variations are too tall for some espresso makers
I’m a giant fan of my Hydro Flask water bottle, so it comes as no shock that their fundamental espresso tumbler is simply as well-made and pleasing to make use of. There may be nothing fancy right here, only a purposeful insulated mug from a fantastic model at an inexpensive value.
The Hydro Flask Espresso Tumbler is an ideal choice for automobile commuters. It is available in 4 sizes, from a modest 12 ounces to a behemoth 28 ounces of espresso for these people who want a half pot to get transferring, and all 4 are formed to suit most automobile cup holders.
The lid is cosy however not totally leakproof, which is one more reason I desire it for the automobile. It gained’t make a multitude for those who hit a rogue pothole, however don’t toss it in your bag except you need coffee-scented every part.
For those who’re in search of a Hydro Flask for a extra rough-and-tumble journey, pair any of their extensive mouth bottles with the watertight flex sip lid.
You lose warmth slightly sooner than with the thermos-style mugs on this listing, however you continue to have loads of insulation to get you thru the morning commute after which some. In our assessments, it stored espresso heat for about 4 hours, whereas chilly drinks stayed chilly so long as 10 hours when full of ice.
The Hydro Flask is available in an enormous assortment of colours, so it’s a good way to specific your fashion. The outside powder coating is tremendous sturdy. I’ve been working my bottle via the dishwasher for years with no scratch.
Execs
- 4 sizes, all designed to suit automobile cupholders
- Nicely-engineered and sturdy
- Physique and the lid are each dishwasher secure
Cons
- Lid will not be leak-proof
- Solely retains espresso heat for about 4 hours
The KeepCup is exclusive on this listing as the one glass journey mug and the one non-insulated mug. It’s not designed to maintain your drink sizzling for hours or survive an off-road journey. Moderately, these glass cups had been created as an environmentally pleasant various to the ever present paper, plastic, and styrofoam to-go cups (3).
KeepCup customers divert thousands and thousands of disposable cups from landfill day by day, and thru their actions encourage others to do the identical.
The goal demographic is individuals who recurrently get their caffeine repair from a café. It’s a barista normal espresso cup designed to suit below the group head of most industrial espresso machines, and its 4 sizes correspond with conventional espresso store cups – x-small (6 oz), small (8 oz), medium (12 oz), and huge (16 oz).
The KeepCup is created from sturdy tempered glass, a splash-proof BPA-free plastic lid, and a heat-proof cork or silicone grip. The only layer of glass gained’t maintain your espresso sizzling for hours, although it’s a step up from a paper takeaway cup. Mine stays heat for about half-hour, relying on the temperature outdoors.
Essentially the most enjoyable factor about KeepCups is that for those who purchase instantly from the corporate, you possibly can create your personal customized espresso journey mug. The design is completely modular, and you’ll select from dozens of enjoyable colours for the lid, stopper, and band. That very same modular design signifies that for those who lose or break part of your cup, you possibly can substitute it with out shopping for a brand-new one.
Execs
- Environmentally pleasant various to takeaway cups
- Sized to fulfill barista wants
- Customizable, colourful modular design
Cons
- Poorest warmth insulation
- No bigger sizes
I take a look at and overview many espresso mugs for this job. Many are wonderful and a few are horrible, however hardly ever does a mug actually shock me. The Yeti Rambler has the primary magnet-operated lid I’ve ever encountered, and that alone was sufficient to make me sit up and take discover.
Yeti wants no introduction within the insulated gear area. The model is famend for unbelievable coolers, thermoses, and mugs.
This Yeti espresso journey mug is available in a number of styles and sizes – to not point out about 20 totally different colours – however I’m significantly a fan of the wide-mouthed 14-ounce mug.
It’s a sensible measurement and weight for journey, and after I’m out tenting, it simply doubles as an insulated bowl for oatmeal or ramen noodles.
The deal with is nice for sustaining a cushty grip, particularly with my smaller fingers. However an missed profit is {that a} mug with a deal with is straightforward to clip to the skin of my climbing pack with a carabiner. Simply remember the fact that makes it unsuited to most cup holders. You may desire the Yeti Rambler Journey Tumbler for those who’re a automobile commuter.
The patented MagSlider lid could be very efficient at stopping spills, however it’s not 100% leakproof, so don’t stow it in your pack if it’s filled with espresso. That lack of seal limits the insulation effectivity of this mug slightly, however I nonetheless get about 5 hours of sizzling espresso from mine.
Execs
- Straightforward-to-operate MagSlider lid
- Deal with is snug and sensible
- Yeti gear is top of the range and sturdy
Cons
- Mid-range warmth retention
- Doesn’t match most automobile cup holders
The Fellow Carter is a mug with a cult following amongst espresso nerds, and having examined it myself, I perceive why. Its excessive price ticket gained’t enchantment to all customers, however for those who take espresso severely and spend good cash on specialty beans, this mug was designed with you in thoughts.
Most journey mugs prioritize insulation and sturdiness. Whereas these are worthwhile objectives, this focus signifies that espresso high quality and an pleasing consuming expertise are sometimes missed. Not so at Fellow.
The Carter Transfer Mug has a ceramic inside to keep away from any off flavors from steel or plastic because it ages. And so they tapered the double-wall design in the direction of the lip to make consuming extra snug.
That doesn’t imply they missed every part else. This mug doesn’t leak and retains espresso sizzling the longest of any mug I examined, supplied you don’t open it. If stored sealed, your espresso will nonetheless be heat 12 hours later. However as a result of it’s worthwhile to fully take away the highest of the mug to drink, your espresso will cool a lot sooner for those who’re always sipping.
Fellow addressed this grievance by designing new lids, which you may have the choice to purchase individually. The slide-lock lid is absolutely leakproof however will be operated one-handed for consuming. This modular design is changing into more and more standard, and I adore it. It expands the flexibility of your mug with out forcing you to purchase multiple.
Fellow gear is reliably lovely, and the Carter Transfer Mug isn’t any exception. It’s accessible in a wide range of pretty matte colours, and you’ll even customise it with a bespoke private engraving. Its slim body matches properly in most cup holders.
Execs
- Finest warmth retention, as much as 12 hours
- Ceramic lining and tapered lip prioritize espresso high quality
- Lovely design in varied colours
Cons
- Costly
- Espresso cools sooner for those who unscrew the lid to drink loads
If I’m being totally sincere, I’ve blended emotions about French press journey mugs. They’ve an inescapable design flaw. The bottom espresso and sizzling water keep in touch your entire time you’re consuming – versus the everyday 3 to five minutes for brewing espresso. Each espresso press mug finally produces over-extracted espresso.
Nevertheless, I admire their comfort. A French press mug is probably going the best and least messy strategy to brew on the go, so I positively wished to incorporate one on this listing. Whereas considerably expensive, the Espro P1 is by far the very best of any I attempted.
The twin micro-mesh filters and silicone seal across the plunger do an above-average job of avoiding over-extraction and the ensuing bitter espresso. You possibly can even add a paper filter between the 2 mesh filters for a cleaner cup.
The Espro P1 Espresso Journey Press can maintain your espresso sizzling for 4 to six hours, however I’d suggest having fun with your brew throughout the first 2 hours for probably the most scrumptious cups. It is a huge step up from cheaper French press mugs I’ve tried, which begin tasting bitter after about quarter-hour.
It’s additionally value mentioning the Espro’s smooth fashionable design, accessible in 4 finishes: brushed stainless-steel, matte white, matte black, and matte gray. It doesn’t have the cumbersome look of many espresso press journey mugs. In actual fact, you’d by no means guess it was a brewer simply by it.
Execs
- Two-in-one brewer and mug
- Higher than common filter design avoids bitter espresso
- Modern and engaging design, appropriate for automobile cupholders
Cons
- Solely accessible in a single comparatively small measurement
- Pretty costly
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop is the proper fundamental stainless-steel journey mug for espresso. It has a smooth design, reasonably priced price ticket, and leak-proof seal.
The insulation doesn’t fairly match extra premium choices just like the Zojirushi, however it retains my espresso heat for about 5 hours – loads of time to outlive rush-hour visitors and energy me via till my morning espresso break.
The perfect characteristic of this Contigo Espresso Journey Mug is the Autoseal lid, particularly for those who’re the klutzy kind vulnerable to spilling espresso in your keyboard (talking from expertise). It’s a must to press the button to drink; the default mode is closed. So there is no such thing as a strategy to unintentionally spill.
Plus, the button will be locked so it gained’t leak for those who unintentionally press it tossing it in a bag. It’s a intelligent system for such a bargain-priced cup!
The West Loop journey mug is sized to suit automobile cup holders, and the one-handed operation makes it an apparent selection for drivers. However with its sturdy metal construct and leakproof design, there’s actually nowhere this mug can’t go.
I solely want they might provide it in a smaller 12-ounce measurement. It at all times flusters the barista after I ask for a small espresso in a big mug.
Execs
- Nice worth for cash
- Lid design prevents surprising spills
- Straightforward to make use of one-handed
Cons
- Solely the lid is dishwasher-safe
- No measurement smaller than 16 ounces
How To Select The Finest Espresso Mug For Journey
espresso mug can actually brighten up your day. It’s a small luxurious to brew espresso simply the way in which you want and luxuriate in it on the go. It’s additionally much more reasonably priced than recurrently getting takeaway and significantly higher for the setting.
What’s the finest insulated journey mug? That is determined by precisely how you propose to make use of it. Listed here are an important issues to think about.
Insulation And Warmth Retention Are Essential
Good insulation is a key asset in a journey espresso mug for those who don’t plan to drink your espresso straight away. Many good journey espresso mugs use the identical working rules as espresso thermoses, counting on vacuum insulation (4).
A stainless-steel vacuum-insulated journey mug or tumbler has two partitions with a layer of vacuum between them. Since a vacuum doesn’t conduct warmth, there is no such thing as a path for the warmth to flee (or for chilly drinks to heat up). Mugs with this design are dearer however will maintain your drink sizzling for as much as 12 hours.
Not everybody wants extraordinarily excessive warmth retention. For those who simply desire a journey cup to get pleasure from cold and warm drinks on a brief commute, there’s no cause to spend money on an costly double-walled thermos for espresso.
Lids: Spill Proof Vs. Leak Proof
Let’s speak about lids. Each journey mug has a lid. I might argue that’s what distinguishes it from an ordinary espresso mug. However the kind of lid can differ, and the best fashion for you is determined by the place you wish to take your espresso.
A leak-proof lid is totally safe. You possibly can toss your mug in your backpack or flip it the wrong way up with out making a multitude. They’re nice for tenting and adventures as in addition they are likely to have longer-lasting warmth retention attributable to their higher seal.
Compared, a mug with a spill-proof or splash-proof lid needs to be stored upright. It closes to stop spills, however it isn’t watertight. These mugs are nice for automobile commuting or sipping at your desk.
One other consideration is how the lid operates. For those who plan to sip a piping sizzling beverage throughout your morning commute by automobile or bike, one thing you possibly can function one-handed is the very best wager. You don’t wish to be driving your automobile together with your knees whereas utilizing two fingers to unscrew your espresso mug!
How A lot Espresso Do You Drink?
It’s necessary to measurement your espresso mug to your wants. For those who wish to brew an entire pot of espresso to guzzle down earlier than midday, you’ll in all probability be annoyed with a tiny journey cup – even when it’s extra handy to hold. However, there’s no must lug round a giant, heavy, and costly thermos for those who like sipping extra modest quantities of espresso and tea.
Discover the best journey mug measurement that balances being snug to hold and assembly your caffeination wants.
Cleansing And Longevity
Journey mugs are comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with quite a lot of espresso gear, however you continue to need one thing that’s going to final. Once more, the way in which you propose to make use of your mug ought to dictate your selection.
Preserving your mug clear will lengthen its lifetime, so for those who’re not a fan of handwashing, go for a dishwasher-safe design. Personally, I desire a dishwasher-safe mug for consuming espresso with milk, when an intensive cleansing is extra essential. For black espresso, I’ll simply rinse my mug with sizzling water, then give it a extra thorough clear as soon as every week to keep away from espresso stains.
The sturdiness of your mug is essential for those who plan to make use of it for rougher journey – like backcountry adventures – or for those who’re simply clumsy. Decide for stainless-steel for those who want a mug that may take a beating. However, a glass, glass-lined, or ceramic-lined mug is completely superb for automobile commuting (5).
Ceramic consuming vessels are very talked-about…In addition they haven’t any affect on the flavour of the liquid inside, which makes them supreme for espresso.
Some folks desire to keep away from mugs with stainless-steel interiors as a result of they are going to finally degrade with publicity to espresso acids, giving their brew a noticeable metallic style. In my expertise, this takes a few years of use.
The Verdict
All the journey mugs included on this listing are strong choices, and it’s best to make your last selection based mostly in your private preferences and wishes. My choose for the best possible journey mug for espresso this 12 months is the Zojirushi Journey Mug. This all-arounder retains my drinks sizzling for a minimum of half a day, and I really like its one-handed operation, leak-proof design, and smooth fashion.
FAQs
What’s the distinction between a journey mug and a thermos?
The distinction between a journey mug and a thermos is {that a} thermos is at all times insulated and leakproof. It normally retains sizzling or chilly drinks on the proper temperature for longer than a journey mug. Nevertheless, there may be loads of crossover between the 2 classes. Lots of the finest espresso journey mugs are basically simply small thermoses for espresso or tea.
What’s the finest mug to maintain espresso sizzling?
The perfect mug to maintain drinks sizzling is one with double-wall vacuum insulation and a leak-proof screw-on lid (6). These designs forestall almost all warmth switch, which retains the warmth in your espresso from flowing into the environment. Of the mugs we examined, the Fellow Carter Transfer is the journey mug that retains drinks sizzling the longest. Alternatively, you should purchase a heated espresso journey mug just like the Ember Journey Mug, however I believe it presents poor worth for cash.
What’s the finest materials for a espresso mug?
The perfect materials for a espresso mug is determined by your preferences. Ceramic and glass are perfect for house use, with good thermal properties and no undesirable odors or tastes. Double-wall stainless-steel is your best option for journey mugs because of its wonderful insulation and sturdiness.
References
- Doorn, G., Dianne Wuillemin, & Charles Spence. (2014, November 25). Does the color of the mug affect the style of the espresso? Retrieved from https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-3-10
- ABC Information. (2023, November 20). Lady’s Stanley tumbler survived a automobile hearth – Now the corporate is giving her free cups and a brand new trip. Retrieved from https://abc7.com/stanley-cup-fire-tumblers-viral-tiktok-videos/14082972/
- Sprudge Workers. (2020, September 11). Seed To Cup Podcast: Abigail Forsyth of KeepCup. Retrieved from https://sprudge.com/seed-to-cup-podcast-abigail-forsyth-of-keepcup-169533.html
- Andal, J. (2019, January 09). How a Thermos Works – Physics of Warmth Switch. Retrieved from https://futurism.com/physics-thermos-heat-transfer
- Kanniah, JC. (2020, August 25). Do Completely different Supplies Have an effect on The Flavour Of Your Espresso? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/08/do-different-materials-affect-the-flavour-of-your-coffee/
- Does a double walled glass mug actually maintain the liquid heat? (2012, October 17). Retrieved from https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/27868/does-a-double-walled-glass-mug-really-keep-the-liquid-warm