Whether it's the commute, the school run or a day out, that's often when you need a good coffee most. Takeaway coffee is pricey and hit and miss, so why not brew your own and take it with you? The right travel mug makes that easy.
What makes a good coffee travel mug?
How long does it keep coffee hot?
Double-walled, vacuum-insulated steel mugs keep coffee hot for hours. Single-walled or plastic cups cool much faster. If you only need coffee for a short walk to work, you don't need the heaviest flask, but for long journeys or days outdoors insulation matters most.
Is it leak-proof?
Plenty of travel mugs are only "spill-resistant": fine in a cup holder, but not in a bag. If you want to throw it in your bag, choose one with a screw-top or locking lid that's sold as leak-proof.
Is it comfortable to hold and drink from?
If you'll be holding it for most of your journey, check the grip and the drinking spout. Some lids make coffee taste muted because you can't smell it as you drink; an open sip lid lets more of the aroma through.
Is it the right size?
Think about how much coffee you drink in one go. A 340ml (12oz) cup holds a standard large coffee. If you use it in coffee shops, height matters too: a cup that fits under the brew head of an espresso machine lets the barista make your coffee straight into it. Many tall flasks don't fit, so they have to make it in a jug and pour it over, and your drink loses heat on the way.
Is it easy to clean?
Coffee oils build up quickly and make fresh coffee taste stale. Choose a mug with a lid that comes apart, and check whether it's dishwasher safe. Stainless steel and glass stain less than plastic.
Will it last?
Steel and good-quality plastic stand up to knocks better than glass or bamboo. A cup that lasts years is cheaper, and better for the planet, than replacing a cheap one every few months.
Our pick: the Blue Coffee Box KeepCup
If you want one cup for the commute and the coffee shop, we sell the KeepCup reusable cup with the Blue Coffee Box logo on its band.
- Coffee shop friendly: at 340ml (12oz), it fits under coffee machine brew heads
- Light and virtually unbreakable, with a splashproof press-fit lid and a heat-resistant silicone band
- See-through, so you can see how much coffee is left
- Easy to clean: dishwasher safe on the top rack
- Fits standard car cup holders
It isn't vacuum-insulated, so it's made for coffee you'll drink on the way, not for keeping coffee hot all day. The lid is splashproof rather than leak-proof, so carry it upright rather than in your bag. According to KeepCup, after just 24 uses it has a lower impact than disposable cups.
Tips for better coffee on the go
- Warm the mug first with a splash of hot water, so your coffee stays hotter for longer.
- Brew it fresh just before you leave. A cafetière or AeroPress is quick; for summer, try cold brew.
- Clean it every day. A little bicarbonate of soda and warm water shifts coffee stains and smells.
For more ideas, see how to make better coffee at work.
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