The most effective espresso mugs make a giant distinction in the way you get pleasure from your espresso.
Savor your good pour-over brew from precision-crafted glassware. Get pleasure from your joe on the go along with an insulated journey mug. Or pour ornamental latte artwork in a specialty cup only for espresso-drinks.
This information options seven of my favourite espresso mugs this yr, with one thing for each type of espresso lover. Preserve studying to be taught why I really like these mugs and which one is the suitable selection for you.
The Knowledgeable’s 7 Greatest Mugs For Espresso In 2024
This record has choices for everybody, whether or not you’re in search of the most effective journey mug, the proper cup to your cappuccino, or a good mug to maintain your espresso sizzling for hours. When you’re something like me, you’ll most likely need certainly one of every!
Greatest General
1. KeepCup Reusable Cups
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Out there sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz
- Materials: Glass
- Dishwasher-safe: Solely these with silicone bands
- Lid included: Sure
The KeepCup is envisioned as a alternative for the paper and styrofoam to-go cups presently filling our landfills (1).
The person motion of utilizing a KeepCup is a sign of the broader course of and values change persons are in search of in the neighborhood.
It’s doing its job superbly, mimicking the basic to-go cup design however enhancing it in each method – not simply environmental friendliness.
KeepCups are made out of single-wall tempered glass. They keep warmth significantly better than normal paper takeaway cups, although not in addition to double-wall insulated or ceramic mugs. Likewise, the lid isn’t 100% leak-proof just like the Contigo, however the stopper makes a spill much less possible than these flimsy plastic to-go lids. Every is supplied with a heat-resistant cork or silicone band.
Designed to be barista-friendly, the KeepCup is available in 4 sizes matched to plain espresso store sizes, from 6 to 16 ounces. Sadly, you’re out of luck in the event you desire the outsized Starbucks Venti and Trenta. Each measurement is designed to suit most espresso machines, so this mug can also be best for Americanos or lattes.
Consistent with its environmental ethos, the KeepCup is modular. You may change broken elements individually with out shopping for an entire new mug.
Professionals
- Environmentally pleasant different to takeaway cups
- Modular design with colourful choices
- Sturdy tempered glass
Cons
- No sizes above 16 ounces
- Espresso cools rapidly
I admit that I scoffed when the Ember Mug was first launched. Who would pay over $100 for a espresso mug? Then I attempted it. Certain, nobody wants an app-enabled self-heating mug, however it’s a great deal with. I extremely advocate the Ember as a present for any espresso lover!
The Ember Mug 2 provides just a few upgrades from the unique, most notably the improved battery life. It retains your espresso sizzling for about 80 to 90 minutes – or all day if it’s resting on its charging coaster.
The temperature might be set within the vary of 120 – 145 F utilizing the app, or it defaults to 135 F in the event you’d desire to not use the app. The mild heating is constructed into the mug physique moderately than centered on the backside like a sizzling plate. So your espresso by no means develops a burnt taste; each sip is equally scrumptious, from begin to end.
I believe the Ember Mug actually shines with frothy milk drinks like cappuccinos as a result of preserving a cappuccino heat in a journey mug with a lid completely ruins the textural expertise of the froth. I like utilizing mine to get pleasure from a morning capp on my balcony on a crisp fall day, when the air temperature would cool it too quick.
Professionals
- Improved battery life as much as 90 minutes
- Retains espresso sizzling with out ever burning it
- Turns off routinely when empty
Cons
- Costly
- Have to be hand-washed
My Contigo West Loop mug is my go-to anytime I depart the home with espresso. I used to have the Contigo Byron, however the West Loops blows it out of the water!
My favourite characteristic is the auto-seal lid, which basically makes it not possible to spill.
You press the button to drink, and as quickly as you launch it, the lid is absolutely leak-proof. Plus, you may lock it so there’s no probability of by chance urgent the button in the event you toss the mug in your bag.
It’s simple to function one-handed – I’ve used it whereas bike commuting – and cozy to carry. In my expertise, the double-wall stainless-steel insulation retains espresso sizzling for about 4 hours. Chilly drinks keep cool far longer, as much as 12 hours in the event you pack it stuffed with ice.
That is the proper mug if you wish to categorical your type and character. It’s accessible in a few dozen colours, and new choices and limited-edition variations rotate recurrently.
The West Loop is available in three sizes. Whereas I desire the smallest 16-ounce mannequin, the larger variations are a number of the finest massive espresso mugs I’ve encountered – the proper measurement in the event you wish to brew a half-pot within the morning and take it to sip all day.
Professionals
- Not possible to spill
- Simple to make use of one-handed
- Sturdy and colourful metal construct
Cons
- Hand wash solely
- Too tall for many espresso machines
Greatest Glass Espresso Mug
4. Kruve Excite & Encourage
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Out there sizes: 5 oz
- Materials: Double-wall borosilicate glass
- Dishwasher-safe: Sure
- Lid included: No
I don’t pull out my Kruve glassware for simply any cup of joe. However these are the one cups I belief with a painstakingly ready pour-over brewed with costly specialty beans.
These modern Kruve glasses are a hands-on demonstration of how mug design impacts espresso taste.
The Excite & Encourage set contains one every of the Excite and Encourage glasses. Alternatively, you should buy an identical pair of both, however I believe the blended pack is far more fascinating.
The totally different rims and floor areas have an effect on the espresso’s oxidation charge and the way aromatics are funneled to your nostril, yielding two very totally different consuming experiences. It’s eye-opening to brew 10 ounces of espresso, pour half into every glass, and style the distinction.
Kruve glasses use a double-wall design that tapers to a single wall on the lip. I really like this! It combines the snug consuming expertise of a single-wall glass with the warmth retention of double-wall insulation.
For espresso followers, the identical idea can also be accessible for small servings. Take a look at the two.5-ounce Kruve Propel glasses. Or in the event you’re concerned with seeing extra selection, test our our overview of the most effective glass espresso mugs.
Professionals
- Tapered double-wall to single-wall design
- Two shapes supply two distinctive espresso experiences
- Hand-wash solely
Cons
- Solely accessible in a small 5-ounce measurement
- Pretty delicate
I really like my Contigo West Loop for each day commuting, however for extra vigorous or long-duration journey, I at all times flip to the Stanley Basic stainless-steel journey mug. Like all Stanley gear, it’s extremely sturdy – even backed by a lifetime guarantee! – and its warmth retention is second to none.
In my expertise, in the event you preheat this mug with boiling water earlier than including espresso, it’ll preserve your brew sizzling for as much as 8 hours. With out preheating, it’s nearer to six hours. Chilly drinks will keep chilly for a full day.
Just like the West Loop, the trigger-action lid might be operated one-handed, good for consuming on the go. Regardless of its rugged construct, it’s surprisingly light-weight, at simply 0.8 kilos, so it gained’t weigh you down on a hike.
I like that eradicating the lid leaves you with a wide-mouth tumbler. This often-overlooked characteristic makes it simple so as to add ice cubes for iced espresso – and simple to hand-wash in the event you’re out tenting.
Professionals
- Rugged and sturdy with a lifetime guarantee
- Can function the lid one-handed
- Espresso stays sizzling for as much as 8 hours
Cons
- Too tall for some espresso makers
- Cumbersome, thermos-like look
When you’re right here, try our overview of the Ember 2 mug.
Greatest For Espresso Drinks
6. Fellow Monty Milk Artwork Cups
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Out there sizes: 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 6.5 oz, 11 oz
- Materials: Double-wall ceramic
- Dishwasher-safe: Sure
- Lid included: No
Pouring latte artwork is difficult, so I’ll take all the assistance I can get. Enter the Fellow Monty Milk Artwork Cups. The inside curvature is engineered to funnel milk below the crema, offering an ideal canvas for ornamental designs.
The very first thing you’ll discover about these mugs is their refined look, an indicator of all Fellow gear. These fashionable espresso mugs are available in two coloration choices: matte white with a copper base (my favourite) and matte black with a cultured black base. The mugs are bought individually, however the base design makes them stackable in the event you go for a set.
The Monty Cups are available in 4 sizes, chosen particularly to correlate with the preferred espresso-based drinks – a 3-oz demitasse for espresso and macchiato, a 4.5-oz cortado cup, a 6.5-oz mug for cappuccino or flat white, and an 11-oz latte cup.
I actually don’t have anything destructive to say about these mugs, moreover their comparatively excessive price ticket. If I needed to discover a quibble, it could be that I like my cappuccino cups to return with saucers to catch the inevitable foam overflow.
Professionals
- Inside engineered to enhance latte artwork
- Thick ceramic materials holds warmth effectively
- Attractive aesthetics, stackable design
Cons
- Costly
- Cappuccino cups lack saucers
Finances Choose
7. Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs
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Out there sizes: 3 oz, 7 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz
- Materials: Glazed stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe: No
- Lid included: No
Le Creuset could also be most well-known for its colourful enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, however the iconic French model has an in depth vary of equally high-end dinnerware units, all accessible in Le Creuset’s signature colours.
Certain, in the event you’re on a decent finances, you should buy a set of plain ceramic diner mugs for much less cash. However this set from Le Creuset is the most cost effective on our record, and I’d argue it’s a worthwhile improve from fundamental white porcelain mugs.
Probably the most reasonably priced choice is to purchase a set of six – I really like the rainbow set – however even in the event you select to combine and match particular person cups, you’ll nonetheless get an important deal in the long term as a result of the most effective stoneware espresso mugs are so sturdy.
These stoneware cups have glorious resistance to thermal shock, and the robust enamel glaze doesn’t scratch or develop stains with heavy use. They aren’t dishwasher secure, however the non-stick glaze is tremendous simple to scrub. If I’m simply consuming black espresso, I normally solely rinse my mug in sizzling water.
Professionals
- Sturdy stoneware with robust enamel glaze
- Stunning coloration choice
- Inexpensive value
Cons
- Hand wash solely
- Model identify ups the worth somewhat
A Few Items Of Recommendation On Selecting The Greatest Cup For Espresso
My all-time favourite mug is a beautiful ceramic piece made by a pal who took up pottery as a pastime, and I positively encourage you to help native artisans in your space. For devoted espresso drinkers such as you and me, a espresso mug is greater than only a piece of glassware. It’s an intimate a part of a particular morning ritual.
However totally different events warrant totally different mugs. Simply because a mug is my favourite doesn’t make it the most effective espresso cup for a latte or my morning commute. So let’s speak about various kinds of espresso mugs and how you can discover the most effective one to fulfill your wants.
Do you drink espresso at house or on the go?
That is an important query to ask your self when selecting a espresso mug. For many of us, the reply is each, and it’s effectively price having separate mugs for each functions.
When you’re taking your espresso to go, your mug ought to not less than have a spill-proof lid. In case your model of to-go means tossing your espresso in a backpack and hitting a path, then a leakproof seal is essential. And in the event you plan to sip and savor that espresso all day, search for a chrome steel double-wall insulated mug, which is able to preserve your espresso heat and survive any bumps and bangs when you’re out and about.
Then again, consuming espresso at house is extra of a ritual. For the most effective espresso mug for house, prioritize one thing that pleases your eye, feels good to carry, and is snug in your lip when consuming.
What materials is finest for espresso mugs?
The primary consideration when deciding on a mug materials is warmth retention, although relying in your wants, you may additionally need to think about sturdiness, aesthetics, value, and whether or not it’s suitable with a dishwasher or microwave (2).
Whereas I positively don’t advocate microwaving your espresso, that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t think about a microwave-safe mug for having fun with different sizzling drinks like tea or sizzling chocolate.
Right here’s a fast breakdown of the favored mug supplies:
- The most effective ceramic espresso mugs, together with porcelain and stoneware, are sensible, reasonably priced, and retain warmth effectively. They’re simple to seek out in all kinds of colours, shapes, and sizes.
- Glass mugs have a pleasant visible enchantment and allow you to see the drink inside. Single-layer glass has comparatively poor warmth retention in comparison with ceramic, however double-walled glass mugs are glorious insulators. Glass mugs might be costly and fragile.
- Stainless-steel is a well-liked materials for journey mugs as a result of it’s nearly indestructible, although it may be dear. All stainless-steel mugs are double-wall vacuum insulated, which is able to preserve a sizzling drink heat for hours.
Does espresso style higher in sure mugs?
Sure! Consider it or not, there are quite a few methods a espresso mug impacts espresso taste – or your notion of that taste.
Most respectable mugs gained’t add any undesirable flavors to your cup of espresso. Glass and ceramic are completely inert. Some proof means that the acids in espresso will finally break down metal mugs, producing a secure however noticeable metallic style. I’ve by no means skilled this, so I believe it takes a variety of espresso over a very long time. Plastic mugs are the worst culprits for including nasty tastes to your brew, which is why I haven’t advisable any.
Materials isn’t the one issue, nevertheless. The form, coloration, and sample of your mug additionally play a task, in accordance with consultants (3). Even humorous espresso mugs with foolish or uplifting slogans have been proven to affect our coffee-drinking expertise.
The flavour receptors in our tongue are additionally fallible and simply influenced by forces past proof of style.
A captivating 2014 scientific examine confirmed that the colour distinction between espresso and mug can affect the way you understand taste (4). Different research have proven that we affiliate sure colours with taste notes – espresso in a inexperienced mug appears extra acidic, espresso in a pink mug tastes sweeter.
The Verdict
All of those mugs are nice, and I recurrently use every one in numerous contexts. However in the event you can solely select one, the Contigo West Loop stands out as a versatile and sensible selection. Its snug design, vacuum insulation, and modern Autoseal lid make it an ideal journey companion and a very good all-rounder.
FAQs
What’s the distinction between ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware?
Porcelain and stoneware are each varieties of ceramics. Porcelain is a finer-grained materials that’s fired at a better temperature, giving it a smoother texture. Bone china is a thinner and lighter model of porcelain. Stoneware is coarser, denser, and cheaper to fabricate than porcelain (5).
Are espresso mugs microwave-safe?
Some espresso mugs are microwave-safe, nevertheless it relies on the fabric and finishes. Mugs that comprise any quantity of steel, together with good mugs, must not ever be positioned within the microwave. Ceramic or glass mugs are typically microwave-safe, however be careful for metallic paint or logos. The most suitable choice is to test that your mug is particularly marked as microwave-safe. Additionally, learn some tips about reheating your espresso within the microwave.
What Is the most effective mug to maintain espresso sizzling for hours?
The most effective mug to maintain sizzling espresso sizzling for hours is any double-wall vacuum-insulated mug with a tight-fitting lid. Of the picks on this record, the Stanley mug saved my espresso sizzling for the longest. If you wish to preserve drinks sizzling for longer, think about upgrading from a mug to a thermos, a few of which preserve your espresso sizzling for 8 to 12 hours. Or put money into a heating mug just like the Ember.
References
- Ridley, R. (2022, September 6). How KeepCup Turned a Chief within the Reuse Revolution. Retrieved from https://acehub.org.au/information/how-keepcup-became-a-leader-in-the-reuse-revolution-2022
- Kanniah, JC. (2020, August 25). Do Totally 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/
- Klausner, A. (2024, February 22). Your mug might affect the flavour of your espresso, consultants declare — right here’s why. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/02/22/way of life/your-mug-could-impact-the-flavor-of-your-coffee-experts-claim-heres-why/
- Van Doorn, G.H., Wuillemin, D., and Spence, C. (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#B17
- Revol. (2019, September 18). What are the variations between porcelain and stoneware? Retrieved from https://mamaisonrevol.revol1768.com/en/what-are-the-differences-between-porcelain-and-stoneware/