The perfect journey espresso mug ought to have glorious insulation, a spill-proof lid, and a snug grip.
An amazing 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 Greatest 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 ideas that will help you discover one of the best journey mug in your wants. In case you choose to savor your morning brew at dwelling, take a look at my picks for one of the best espresso mugs.
The Zojirushi insulated journey mug is an effective all-rounder that can fulfill essentially the most discerning customers. I take advantage of mine for every part. It’s equally at dwelling 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 nicely it combines usability with warmth retention – two issues that don’t all the time go hand in hand.
The double-wall vacuum insulation and lockable leak-proof lid preserve 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 speak extra about that superior lid. It consists of two components that may be simply dissembled for deep cleansing. Once you flip the lid to drink, there’s a small opening, good for cautious sipping and protecting warmth inside. However in case you unscrew the lid, you’re left with a large opening for straightforward cleansing and including ice cubes, making this my choose as one of the best journey mug for iced espresso too. I’ve loved chilly espresso a full 24 hours after brewing!
The Zojirushi mug is accessible in three sizes and quite a lot of enjoyable colours (1). I notably recognize the 12-ounce choice, as many competitor manufacturers don’t provide something that small. Its sturdy construct is backed by a 5-year guarantee.
Professionals
- Glorious warmth insulation
- Could be operated one-handed
- Giant opening for including ice
Cons
- Skinny design rattles in some cupholders
- Not dishwasher protected
I took this Stanley One-Hand Mug after I went tenting final June. The Stanley model closely markets within the outside house, 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 record (2).
The Stanley Basic Set off-Motion Journey Mug resembles the bigger Stanley Basic thermoses. Whereas it could’t fairly match its large brothers for warmth retention, it’s much more sensible for backcountry journey.
It’s straightforward to function one-handed, so I might 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 an important choice in case you don’t really feel like packing in a camp range however nonetheless need to finish the day with a sizzling drink. A comfy tea or sizzling chocolate could be equally great.
Professionals
- Retains espresso piping sizzling all day
- Leak-proof lid could be operated one-handed
- Tremendous sturdy with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not essentially the most fashionable mug
- Bigger variations are too tall for some espresso makers
I’m an enormous fan of my Hydro Flask water bottle, so it comes as no shock that their primary espresso tumbler is simply as well-made and gratifying to make use of. There’s nothing fancy right here, only a purposeful insulated mug from an important model at an affordable 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 of us who want a half pot to get shifting, and all 4 are formed to suit most automobile cup holders.
The lid is comfortable however not solely leakproof, which is another excuse I choose it for the automobile. It received’t make a large number in case you hit a rogue pothole, however don’t toss it in your bag until you need coffee-scented every part.
In case you’re searching for 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 a bit of quicker than with the thermos-style mugs on this record, however you continue to have loads of insulation to get you thru the morning commute after which some. In our exams, it stored espresso heat for about 4 hours, whereas chilly drinks stayed chilly so long as 10 hours when filled with ice.
The Hydro Flask is available in an enormous assortment of colours, so it’s an effective way to precise your type. The outside powder coating is tremendous sturdy. I’ve been working my bottle by means of the dishwasher for years and not using a scratch.
Professionals
- 4 sizes, all designed to suit automobile cupholders
- Nicely-engineered and sturdy
- Physique and the lid are each dishwasher protected
Cons
- Lid shouldn’t be leak-proof
- Solely retains espresso heat for about 4 hours
The KeepCup is exclusive on this record 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. Quite, 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 daily, and thru their actions encourage others to do the identical.
The goal demographic is individuals who usually get their caffeine repair from a café. It’s a barista customary espresso cup designed to suit underneath 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 enormous (16 oz).
The KeepCup is made out of sturdy tempered glass, a splash-proof BPA-free plastic lid, and a heat-proof cork or silicone grip. The one layer of glass received’t preserve 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 in case you purchase straight from the corporate, you possibly can create your individual personalised espresso journey mug. The design is completely modular, and you may select from dozens of enjoyable colours for the lid, stopper, and band. That very same modular design implies that in case you lose or break part of your cup, you possibly can substitute it with out shopping for a brand-new one.
Professionals
- Environmentally pleasant various to takeaway cups
- Sized to satisfy barista wants
- Customizable, colourful modular design
Cons
- Poorest warmth insulation
- No bigger sizes
I take a look at and assessment many espresso mugs for this job. Many are glorious and a few are horrible, however not often does a mug really 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 house. 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 completely different colours – however I’m notably a fan of the wide-mouthed 14-ounce mug.
It’s a sensible dimension 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 snug grip, particularly with my smaller arms. However an ignored profit is {that a} mug with a deal with is simple to clip to the surface of my mountain climbing pack with a carabiner. Simply understand that makes it unsuited to most cup holders. You may choose the Yeti Rambler Journey Tumbler in case you’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 stuffed with espresso. That lack of seal limits the insulation effectivity of this mug a bit of, however I nonetheless get about 5 hours of sizzling espresso from mine.
Professionals
- Simple-to-operate MagSlider lid
- Deal with is comfy and sensible
- Yeti gear is top quality 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 received’t attraction to all customers, however in case you take espresso critically 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 targets, this focus implies that espresso high quality and an gratifying consuming expertise are sometimes ignored. 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. They usually tapered the double-wall design in the direction of the lip to make consuming extra comfy.
That doesn’t imply they ignored 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 you might want to fully take away the highest of the mug to drink, your espresso will cool a lot quicker in case you’re consistently 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 could be operated one-handed for consuming. This modular design is changing into more and more common, and I find it irresistible. It expands the flexibility of your mug with out forcing you to purchase a couple of.
Fellow gear is reliably stunning, and the Carter Transfer Mug is not any exception. It’s accessible in quite a lot of beautiful matte colours, and you may even customise it with a bespoke private engraving. Its slim body matches properly in most cup holders.
Professionals
- Greatest warmth retention, as much as 12 hours
- Ceramic lining and tapered lip prioritize espresso high quality
- Stunning design in varied colours
Cons
- Costly
- Espresso cools quicker in case you unscrew the lid to drink quite a bit
If I’m being solely trustworthy, I’ve blended emotions about French press journey mugs. They’ve an inescapable design flaw. The bottom espresso and sizzling water keep involved the complete time you’re consuming – versus the standard 3 to five minutes for brewing espresso. Each espresso press mug ultimately produces over-extracted espresso.
Nonetheless, I recognize their comfort. A French press mug is probably going the best and least messy strategy to brew on the go, so I undoubtedly needed to incorporate one on this record. Whereas considerably dear, the Espro P1 is by far one of the 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 preserve your espresso sizzling for 4 to six hours, however I’d suggest having fun with your brew inside the first 2 hours for essentially the most scrumptious cups. This can be a large 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 reality, you’d by no means guess it was a brewer simply by taking a look at it.
Professionals
- Two-in-one brewer and mug
- Higher than common filter design avoids bitter espresso
- Glossy and engaging design, appropriate for automobile cupholders
Cons
- Solely accessible in a single comparatively small dimension
- Pretty costly
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop is the right primary 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 by means of till my morning espresso break.
The perfect function of this Contigo Espresso Journey Mug is the Autoseal lid, particularly in case you’re the klutzy kind vulnerable to spilling espresso in your keyboard (talking from expertise). You must press the button to drink; the default mode is closed. So there isn’t a strategy to unintentionally spill.
Plus, the button could be locked so it received’t leak in case you 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 dimension. It all the time flusters the barista after I ask for a small espresso in a big mug.
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Lid design prevents sudden spills
- Simple to make use of one-handed
Cons
- Solely the lid is dishwasher-safe
- No dimension smaller than 16 ounces
How To Select The Greatest Espresso Mug For Journey
An excellent espresso mug can actually brighten up your day. It’s a small luxurious to brew espresso simply the best way you want and luxuriate in it on the go. It’s additionally much more reasonably priced than usually getting takeaway and significantly higher for the setting.
What’s the finest insulated journey mug? That is dependent upon precisely how you propose to make use of it. Listed here are a very powerful issues to contemplate.
Insulation And Warmth Retention Are Essential
Good insulation is a key asset in a journey espresso mug in case you don’t plan to drink your espresso immediately. Many good journey espresso mugs use the identical working ideas as espresso thermoses, counting on vacuum insulation (4).
A chrome 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 isn’t a path for the warmth to flee (or for chilly drinks to heat up). Mugs with this design are dearer however will preserve your drink sizzling for as much as 12 hours.
Not everybody wants extraordinarily excessive warmth retention. In case you simply desire a journey cup to get pleasure from cold and warm drinks on a brief commute, there’s no motive to put money into 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 a normal espresso mug. However the kind of lid can range, and the proper type for you is dependent upon the place you need 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 large number. They’re nice for tenting and adventures as additionally they are likely to have longer-lasting warmth retention as a result of their higher seal.
As compared, a mug with a spill-proof or splash-proof lid ought to be stored upright. It closes to forestall 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. In case you plan to sip a piping sizzling beverage throughout your morning commute by automobile or bike, one thing you possibly can function one-handed is one of the best guess. You don’t need to be driving your automobile along with your knees whereas utilizing two arms to unscrew your espresso mug!
How A lot Espresso Do You Drink?
It’s essential to dimension your espresso mug to your wants. In case you prefer to brew a complete pot of espresso to guzzle down earlier than midday, you’ll most likely be pissed off with a tiny journey cup – even when it’s extra handy to hold. Then again, there’s no must lug round an enormous, heavy, and costly thermos in case you like sipping extra modest quantities of espresso and tea.
Discover the proper journey mug dimension that balances being comfy to hold and assembly your caffeination wants.
Cleansing And Longevity
Journey mugs are comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with loads of espresso gear, however you continue to need one thing that’s going to final. Once more, the best way you propose to make use of your mug ought to dictate your selection.
Holding your mug clear will lengthen its lifetime, so in case you’re not a fan of handwashing, go for a dishwasher-safe design. Personally, I choose 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 in case you plan to make use of it for rougher journey – like backcountry adventures – or in case you’re simply clumsy. Decide for stainless-steel in case you want a mug that may take a beating. Then again, a glass, glass-lined, or ceramic-lined mug is completely positive for automobile commuting (5).
Ceramic consuming vessels are very fashionable…In addition they don’t have any impression on the flavour of the liquid inside, which makes them supreme for espresso.
Some individuals choose to keep away from mugs with stainless-steel interiors as a result of they are going to ultimately 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
The entire journey mugs included on this record are strong choices, and you need to make your closing selection primarily based in your private preferences and desires. 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 not less than half a day, and I really like its one-handed operation, leak-proof design, and smooth type.
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 all the time insulated and leakproof. It normally retains sizzling or chilly drinks on the proper temperature for longer than a journey mug. Nonetheless, there’s loads of crossover between the 2 classes. Most 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 stop 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 buy a heated espresso journey mug just like the Ember Journey Mug, however I believe it affords poor worth for cash.
What’s the finest materials for a espresso mug?
The perfect materials for a espresso mug is dependent upon your preferences. Ceramic and glass are perfect for dwelling use, with good thermal properties and no undesirable odors or tastes. Double-wall stainless-steel is your best option for journey mugs due to its glorious 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 fireplace – Now the corporate is giving her free cups and a brand new experience. Retrieved from https://abc7.com/stanley-cup-fire-tumblers-viral-tiktok-videos/14082972/
- Sprudge Employees. (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 preserve 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