The very best journey espresso mug ought to have wonderful insulation, a spill-proof lid, and a snug grip.
An awesome 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 summary 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 beneath with some suggestions that can assist you discover the very best journey mug to your wants. In case you desire to savor your morning brew at residence, try my picks for the very best espresso mugs.
The Zojirushi insulated journey mug is an efficient all-rounder that can fulfill essentially the most discerning customers. I exploit mine for every little thing. It’s equally at residence within the cup holder of my automotive, tossed in my backpack, or strapped to my bike.
The Zojirushi is my high decide 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 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 components that may be simply dissembled for deep cleansing. If you flip the lid to drink, there’s a small opening, good for cautious sipping and conserving warmth inside. However should you unscrew the lid, you’re left with a large opening for straightforward cleansing and including ice cubes, making this my decide 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 accessible in three sizes and quite a lot 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.
Professionals
- Wonderful warmth insulation
- Could 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 once 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 listing (2).
The Stanley Basic Set off-Motion Journey Mug resembles the bigger Stanley Basic thermoses. Whereas it could’t fairly match its massive 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 shedding tempo. And its chrome 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 saved my drink scorching 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 ideal choice should you don’t really feel like packing in a camp range however nonetheless need to finish the day with a scorching drink. A comfy tea or scorching chocolate could be equally great.
Professionals
- Retains espresso piping scorching all day
- Leak-proof lid will 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 fundamental espresso tumbler is simply as well-made and fulfilling to make use of. There’s nothing fancy right here, only a practical insulated mug from an ideal model at an affordable worth.
The Hydro Flask Espresso Tumbler is an ideal choice for automotive 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 shifting, and all 4 are formed to suit most automotive cup holders.
The lid is comfortable however not totally leakproof, which is one more reason I desire it for the automotive. It received’t make a multitude should you hit a rogue pothole, however don’t toss it in your bag until you need coffee-scented every little thing.
In case you’re on the lookout for a Hydro Flask for a extra rough-and-tumble journey, pair any of their large mouth bottles with the watertight flex sip lid.
You lose warmth slightly quicker 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 checks, it saved 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 specific your fashion. The outside powder coating is tremendous sturdy. I’ve been operating my bottle by way of the dishwasher for years with no scratch.
Professionals
- 4 sizes, all designed to suit automotive cupholders
- Nicely-engineered and sturdy
- Physique and the lid are each dishwasher secure
Cons
- Lid just isn’t 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 scorching for hours or survive an off-road journey. Slightly, these glass cups had been created as an environmentally pleasant different to the ever present paper, plastic, and styrofoam to-go cups (3).
KeepCup customers divert thousands and thousands of disposable cups from landfill each day, 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 normal espresso cup designed to suit beneath the group head of most business 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 constructed from 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 maintain your espresso scorching for hours, although it’s a step up from a paper takeaway cup. Mine stays heat for about half-hour, relying on the temperature exterior.
Probably the most enjoyable factor about KeepCups is that should you purchase straight from the corporate, you possibly can create your individual 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 should you lose or break part of your cup, you possibly can substitute it with out shopping for a brand-new one.
Professionals
- Environmentally pleasant different 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 overview many espresso mugs for this job. Many are wonderful and a few are horrible, however hardly ever 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 improbable coolers, thermoses, and mugs.
This Yeti espresso journey mug is available in a number of sizes and shapes – to not point out about 20 completely different colours – however I’m significantly keen on the wide-mouthed 14-ounce mug.
It’s a sensible dimension and weight for journey, and once 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 fingers. However an neglected profit is {that a} mug with a deal with is straightforward to clip to the surface of my mountain climbing pack with a carabiner. Simply take into account that makes it unsuited to most cup holders. You would possibly desire the Yeti Rambler Journey Tumbler should you’re a automotive commuter.
The patented MagSlider lid may be very efficient at stopping spills, but it surely’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 slightly, however I nonetheless get about 5 hours of scorching espresso from mine.
Professionals
- 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 automotive 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 should you take espresso significantly 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 fulfilling ingesting expertise are sometimes neglected. 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 direction of the lip to make ingesting extra snug.
That doesn’t imply they neglected every little thing else. This mug doesn’t leak and retains espresso scorching the longest of any mug I examined, offered you don’t open it. If saved sealed, your espresso will nonetheless be heat 12 hours later. However as a result of you might want to utterly take away the highest of the mug to drink, your espresso will cool a lot quicker should you’re consistently sipping.
Fellow addressed this criticism by designing new lids, which you have got the choice to purchase individually. The slide-lock lid is totally leakproof however will be operated one-handed for ingesting. This modular design is changing into more and more standard, and I like it. It expands the flexibility of your mug with out forcing you to purchase a couple of.
Fellow gear is reliably lovely, and the Carter Transfer Mug is not any exception. It’s obtainable in quite a lot of beautiful matte colours, and you’ll even customise it with a bespoke private engraving. Its slim body matches properly in most cup holders.
Professionals
- Finest warmth retention, as much as 12 hours
- Ceramic lining and tapered lip prioritize espresso high quality
- Lovely design in numerous colours
Cons
- Costly
- Espresso cools quicker should you unscrew the lid to drink lots
If I’m being totally sincere, I’ve combined emotions about French press journey mugs. They’ve an inescapable design flaw. The bottom espresso and scorching water keep in touch all the time you’re ingesting – versus the everyday 3 to five minutes for brewing espresso. Each espresso press mug ultimately produces over-extracted espresso.
Nonetheless, I admire their comfort. A French press mug is probably going the best and least messy option to brew on the go, so I undoubtedly needed to incorporate one on this listing. Whereas considerably dear, 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 scorching for 4 to six hours, however I’d advocate having fun with your brew throughout the first 2 hours for essentially the most scrumptious cups. This can be a massive step up from cheaper French press mugs I’ve tried, which begin tasting bitter after about quarter-hour.
It’s additionally price mentioning the Espro’s modern fashionable design, obtainable in 4 finishes: brushed chrome steel, matte white, matte black, and matte gray. It doesn’t have the cumbersome look of many espresso press journey mugs. Actually, 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
- Modern and engaging design, appropriate for automotive cupholders
Cons
- Solely obtainable in a single comparatively small dimension
- Pretty costly
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop is the proper fundamental chrome steel journey mug for espresso. It has a modern design, reasonably priced price ticket, and leak-proof seal.
The insulation doesn’t fairly match extra premium choices just like the Zojirushi, but it surely retains my espresso heat for about 5 hours – loads of time to outlive rush-hour visitors and energy me by way of till my morning espresso break.
The very best characteristic of this Contigo Espresso Journey Mug is the Autoseal lid, particularly should you’re the klutzy sort liable to spilling espresso in your keyboard (talking from expertise). It’s important to press the button to drink; the default mode is closed. So there isn’t a option to by chance spill.
Plus, the button will be locked so it received’t leak should you by chance 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 automotive cup holders, and the one-handed operation makes it an apparent alternative for drivers. However with its sturdy metal construct and leakproof design, there’s actually nowhere this mug can’t go.
I solely want they’d provide it in a smaller 12-ounce dimension. It all the time flusters the barista once I ask for a small espresso in a big mug.
Professionals
- Nice worth for cash
- Lid design prevents surprising spills
- Straightforward to make use of one-handed
Cons
- Solely the lid is dishwasher-safe
- No dimension smaller than 16 ounces
How To Select The Finest 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 surroundings.
What’s the finest insulated journey mug? That depends upon precisely how you intend to make use of it. Listed below are crucial issues to contemplate.
Insulation And Warmth Retention Are Essential
Good insulation is a key asset in a journey espresso mug should 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 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 isn’t a path for the warmth to flee (or for chilly drinks to heat up). Mugs with this design are costlier however will maintain your drink scorching 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 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’d argue that’s what distinguishes it from an ordinary espresso mug. However the kind of lid can differ, and the best fashion for you depends 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 other way up with out making a multitude. They’re nice for tenting and adventures as in addition they are inclined to have longer-lasting warmth retention resulting from their higher seal.
As compared, a mug with a spill-proof or splash-proof lid ought to be saved upright. It closes to forestall spills, but it surely isn’t watertight. These mugs are nice for automotive commuting or sipping at your desk.
One other consideration is how the lid operates. In case you plan to sip a piping scorching beverage throughout your morning commute by automotive or bike, one thing you possibly can function one-handed is the very best guess. You don’t need to be driving your automotive along with your knees whereas utilizing two fingers 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 wish to brew an entire pot of espresso to guzzle down earlier than midday, you’ll in all probability be pissed off with a tiny journey cup – even when it’s extra handy to hold. Alternatively, there’s no must lug round an enormous, heavy, and costly thermos should you like sipping extra modest quantities of espresso and tea.
Discover the best journey mug dimension that balances being snug to hold and assembly your caffeination wants.
Cleansing And Longevity
Journey mugs are comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with lots of espresso gear, however you continue to need one thing that’s going to final. Once more, the best way you intend to make use of your mug ought to dictate your alternative.
Retaining your mug clear will prolong its lifetime, so should you’re not a fan of handwashing, go for a dishwasher-safe design. Personally, I desire a dishwasher-safe mug for ingesting espresso with milk, when an intensive cleansing is extra essential. For black espresso, I’ll simply rinse my mug with scorching water, then give it a extra thorough clear as soon as per week to keep away from espresso stains.
The sturdiness of your mug is essential should you plan to make use of it for rougher journey – like backcountry adventures – or should you’re simply clumsy. Decide for chrome steel should you want a mug that may take a beating. Alternatively, a glass, glass-lined, or ceramic-lined mug is completely nice for automotive commuting (5).
Ceramic ingesting vessels are very fashionable…Additionally they haven’t any influence on the flavour of the liquid inside, which makes them ideally suited for espresso.
Some individuals desire to keep away from mugs with chrome steel interiors as a result of they’ll 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
All the journey mugs included on this listing are strong choices, and it is best to make your closing alternative primarily based in your private preferences and wishes. My decide for the very best journey mug for espresso this 12 months is the Zojirushi Journey Mug. This all-arounder retains my drinks scorching for no less than half a day, and I like its one-handed operation, leak-proof design, and modern 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 all the time insulated and leakproof. It often retains scorching or chilly drinks on the proper temperature for longer than a journey mug. Nonetheless, there may be 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 scorching?
The very best mug to maintain drinks scorching is one with double-wall vacuum insulation and a leak-proof screw-on lid (6). These designs stop practically 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 scorching the longest. Alternatively, you should buy a heated espresso journey mug just like the Ember Journey Mug, however I feel it gives poor worth for cash.
What’s the finest materials for a espresso mug?
The very best materials for a espresso mug depends upon your preferences. Ceramic and glass are perfect for residence use, with good thermal properties and no undesirable odors or tastes. Double-wall chrome steel is the only option for journey mugs due to 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 automotive hearth – Now the corporate is giving her free cups and a brand new journey. 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 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