The best coffee travel mugs of 2023

Sometimes, you merely don’t have time to stare on the dawn with a recent cup of Joe in your hand—enter the coffee travel mug. A venerable hero, the travel mug permits us to hold our beloved caffeinated beverage with out shedding a drop to bumpy automotive rides or jaunty walks. And, once you go it off to your favourite barista for a midweek deal with, carrying a coffee travel mug turns into a simple, eco-friendly alternative which will prevent a number of cents. The best coffee travel mugs lend a serving to hand in maintaining you energized throughout life’s day by day adventures.

How we selected the best coffee travel mugs

We drink so much of coffee right here at PopSci. From sizzling cups made with a French press to selecting out a favourite taste of Ok cups for our Keurigs, we respect all caffeine automobiles. Heck, we even love a pleasant cup of tea. We thought of what options we would come with if we may construct our personal travel mug. Good insulation, leakproof lids that don’t trigger sizzling liquid to dribble out, and ease of cleansing had been some of a very powerful concerns in our judging. Additionally, we checked out opinions and proposals and performed private testing to discover a selection of coffee travel mugs for all types of wants.

The best coffee travel mugs: Reviews & Recommendations

No matter the way you make or take your coffee and the place you go together with it, one of our picks for the best coffee travel mugs will turn out to be your new sippable sidekick, serving to you kick mid-afternoon sleepiness to the curb.

Best total: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Sip Lid

Specs

• Capacity: 12, 16, 20 ounces
• Temperature retention: 24 hours chilly; 12 hours sizzling
• Dishwasher protected? Yes
• Material: 18/8 pro-grade chrome steel

Pros

• Handle is extremely useful
• Great temperature retention
• Truly leakproof and straightforward to carry

Cons

• Tastes can linger relying on what you place in there

An ideal travel mug is difficult to search out; the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Sip Lid comes fairly dang shut. All parts of the lid might be eliminated, making for simple cleansing. The lid itself is tremendous leakproof and straightforward to take aside: merely twist the Flex Sip Lid to the correct previous the crimson mark and take away it, twist the inside piece on the underside of the lid, and take away the crimson silicone anti-leak seal inside. Even higher, all parts—together with the mug physique itself—might be thrown within the dishwasher. The deal with is extra helpful than you suppose and is a lifesaver when you’ve got full fingers and must resort to hooking issues in your fingers. This coffee travel mug saved a cup of Joe heat all day whereas snowboarding in Wyoming in January and didn’t drop an oz of boozy sizzling cider on a bumpy elk rescue tour. Impressive!

However, watch out what type of tea you place into this travel mug—we used it for Throat Coat tea (a robust tea that tends to go away a style behind in most travel mugs, to its protection), and a lingering style remained regardless of Hydro Flask’s declare that there isn’t a taste switch. With this stated, we’re completely crushed that we let Throat Coat tea wreck the sanctity of the Wide Mouth Bottle’s 18/8 pro-grade chrome steel physique. We are shopping for this travel mug once more if the Throat Coat style overstays its welcome (we’re actively making an attempt to get the style out utilizing each trick on the web).

Best customized: Yeti Rambler Tumbler

Specs

• Capacity: 10, 20, and 30 ounces
• Temperature retention: 12 hours chilly; 6-12 sizzling
• Dishwasher protected? Yes
• Material: 18/8 chrome steel

Pros

• Robust and user-friendly customization suite
• Multifunctional lid
• Opportunities without spending a dime customization

Cons

• Tumbler circumference is broad, making it exhausting to carry for small fingers
• Magnet slider not leakproof

As somebody who sported a monogrammed L.L. Bean backpack all through center and highschool, there may be consolation in understanding that your gear stands out from the remainder. Monogramming and customization additionally make a product really feel extra private and “you.” Yeti’s customization suite is easy-to-use and tremendous responsive, with tons of decisions for textual content and design. Customization might be free for those who hit the Yeti web site on the proper time. Note: You should use the Yeti web site to customise your mug; that’s not an possibility for those who purchase from Amazon.

Additionally, the tumbler itself is top-notch: it has nice chilly retention, and the Madslider lid simply matches a reusable straw for those who don’t wish to sip from the lid. Plus, it’s dishwasher protected, which is a win in our guide, and in addition matches in a automotive cupholder (it is a travel mug, in any case!).

The tumbler circumference is a bit of broad, which suggests you might need issue holding it when you have small fingers. There is a Rambler travel mug that has a deal with for those who’re actually making an attempt to be model loyal to Yeti. The lid itself does a superb job of stopping facet dribble (definition: When you tip a travel mug to take a sip and a bit of bit of coffee leaks out between the mug itself and the threads of the mug lid, getting a bit of bit of coffee in your fingers or the mug itself.), however the magnet slider will not be leakproof, which means you possibly can’t throw it in a bag. Also, its warmth retention could possibly be higher regardless of the double-wall vacuum insulation (we blame the character of the lid for that.). But for those who’re in search of a simple, private present that can absolutely be successful.

Best for tenting: Hydro Flask 64oz Growler

Specs

• Capacity: 64 ounces
• Temperature retention: 24 hours chilly; 12 hours sizzling
• Dishwasher protected? Yes
• Material: 18/8 pro-grade chrome steel

Pros

• Large capability
• Excellent efficiency
• Dishwasher protected

Cons

• Overkill for private use

If you’re touring with a number of folks and have turn out to be the designated coffee maker, Hydro Flask’s 64oz Growler is the perfect alternative. Whether you’re going tenting, on a street journey, or spending a day on the park or seaside, this growler will maintain the coffee coming.

This coffee travel mug’s greatest benefit can also be its most blatant function: The factor is large. At 64 ounces, you possibly can replenish many a cup with coffee, and we did. Hydro Flask says the Growler’s insulation may maintain drinks sizzling for as much as 18 hours, and once more this proved true throughout our in a single day take a look at. If you and your pals plan on consuming a full Growler’s value of coffee over the course of a day, you received’t be confronted with tepid-temperature bean juice.

The best half about Hydro Flask Growler is that it’s made of the identical supplies (and has the identical benefits) as its tumblers. This means it feels strong within the hand however comfortable to the contact, it’s BPA-free, leakproof when closed, and dishwasher protected. We discovered the efficiency of Hydro Flask’s Growler to be on par with each container we’ve used from the corporate.

While this growler can maintain extra coffee than a single particular person ought to drink day by day, it’s a wonderful travel companion for teams. It doesn’t matter the place your travels take you; Hydro Flask’s Growler will turn out to be an indispensable accomplice in your journey.

Best for canned coffee: GSI Outdoors Can Cooler

Specs

• Capacity: 2 12-ounce cans
• Temperature retention: 18 hours chilly
• Dishwasher protected? No; handwash-only
• Material: Stainless metal

Pros

• Keeps chilled canned coffee cool for hours
• Integrated strap makes it simple to deal with
• Comes in an assortment of enjoyable colours

Cons

• Takes up a big house in your bag

Most travel coffee mugs are designed for selfmade coffee (understandably), however what about canned coffee you retain within the fridge and seize in your manner out the door? GSI’s Outdoor Can Cooler, primarily designed for beer and soda cans, is the right resolution. The 10.8-inch tall container can maintain two 12-ounce cans and labored once we carried a pair of canned chilly brews with us. We principally saved the Cooler Stack in a backpack however did respect the deal with throughout fast walks round a park. While the insulated mug matches properly in our bigger backpack, it’ll take up a good quantity of house in a smaller one.

GSI Outdoors says the Cooler Stack can maintain drinks chilly for as much as 18 hours, and that bore out in our expertise. A pair of chilled coffee cans stayed cool in a single day and the following day. If you propose to take coffee to the seaside or on a hike, you ought to be superb even in sizzling climate. If you like your canned coffee at room temperature, the Can Cooler’s insulation will maintain your coffee from getting unsettlingly heat, too. We perceive some folks’s aversion to consuming coffee that’s been sitting out for hours, or want the comfort of canned coffee to chop out a number of steps of their morning routine. If that’s your jam, GSI’s Cooler Stack will turn out to be your go-to coffee travel mug.

Best splurge: Ember Stainless Steel Temperature Control Travel Mug

Specs

• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Temperature retention: 3 hours heat on a full cost; all day on charging coaster
• Dishwasher protected? No; hand wash solely
• Material: Stainless metal

Pros

• Can sip from any facet
• App capabilities or contact controls
• Auto sleep

Cons

• Expensive
• Can’t take aside lid for cleansing

If you flip your nostril even on the thought of having a cup of coffee or tea that’s lower than precisely 134 levels, the Ember chrome steel temperature-controlled travel mug will save your tastebuds and your sanity. You can maintain your beverage between 120-145 levels, which is managed by way of app or the mug’s contact show. It can carry 12 ounces of coffee and has a three-hour battery life—that ought to final you till lunch or at the least till your day by day mid-morning journey to the kitchen for a snack. It will enter sleep mode when empty or inactive for 2 hours and wake when it senses motion or liquid. The 360-degree push-to-open lid prevents spills and might be sipped from any facet.

All this fancy tech means it’s a hand-wash-only cup. Some opinions notice that the lid is tougher to clean than marketed and might’t be disassembled for cleansing. If you get pleasure from your coffee black, you might need a better time cleansing it than somebody who enjoys creamer or any dairy/dairy different of their coffee. Otherwise, take into account the Ember Mug, which doesn’t have a lid—you don’t have to fret about washing a lid if there’s no lid to clean.

Best compact: Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Mug Set

Specs

• Capacity: 15.2 ounces
• Temperature retention: 48 minutes with out lid; round 2 hours with lid
• Dishwasher protected? No; hand wash solely
• Material: Mug: Titanium; Lid: Silicone

Pros

• Not sophisticated
• Durable
• Beautiful craftsmanship

Cons

Snow Peak’s origins lie in climbing Mt. Tanigawa, and commenced as a mountaineering gear firm. There’s no higher pairing than heat coffee and a cold mountain camp morning—and the Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Mug Set is the cherry on prime. It’s ultra-light at 5 ounces and might maintain 15.2 fluid ounces of liquid. The silicone lid prevents spills, and the double-wall insulated titanium physique ensures sturdiness and warmth retention. It’s hand-wash solely and unsafe to be used over direct warmth, within the microwave, and within the dishwasher. You can use it to carry chilly drinks, however we expect its form higher fits sizzling drinks.

Best finances: Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Specs

• Capacity: 16 and 20 ounces
• Temperature retention: 12 hours chilly; 5 hours sizzling
• Dishwasher protected? Lid prime rack dishwasher protected; physique hand wash solely
• Material: Stainless metal

Pros

• Spillproof lid that comes aside for cleansing
• Lock options to cease unintentional opening
• Can function with one hand

Cons

• Temperature retention could possibly be higher

The Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug combines useful options at a pleasant value level. It’s leak- and spill-proof and might slot in most automotive cup holders and beneath most single-serve coffeemakers. Simply press the Autoseal button to open the lid’s mouth gap and take a sip. Additionally, a button lock stops any unintentional Autoseal button presses. Plus, because the title “Easy-Clean Lid” implies, the lid is straightforward to wash, and there aren’t any small elements to misplace when throwing it within the dishwasher. Its vacuum insulation doesn’t maintain drinks sizzling for lengthy—drinks keep sizzling for five hours in comparison with different mugs on this record, which common out at 12 hours. But, contemplating the fee—a simple value level that received’t harm your coronary heart for those who lose it—it’s an excellent possibility for those who’re in search of one thing you possibly can seize and go.

What to contemplate when shopping for the best coffee travel mugs

We suppose spilled coffee is value crying over—you’re much less more likely to lose even a treasured drop with the best coffee travel mug. Consider these options earlier than placing one thing in your digital (and even IRL) buying cart.

Capacity

Naturally, you’ll need one thing that carries your most popular quantity of coffee. Something too small means you’ll have to hunt out a refill, whereas one too giant doesn’t make sense and can make you overcaffeinated from consuming an excessive amount of coffee.

Some taller travel mugs could not match beneath a Keurig or Nespresso maker—take into account brewing your coffee in a mug or espresso cup and pouring it into your coffee travel mug. If you aren’t operating out the door, take into account this BrüMate mug with its personal pour-over system, which means you possibly can benefit from the ritual and wealthy style of freshly floor, painstakingly filtered coffee however skip dirtying separate receptacles fully.

Material

Coffee travel mugs might be made of BPA-free plastic or chrome steel. Some travel mugs have double-vacuum insulation, which creates a buffer between the liquid within the container and the atmosphere exterior the mug, which reduces conduction and retains liquids sizzling or chilly for a number of hours. Some BPA-free plastic tumblers are microwave and dishwasher-safe, which means you possibly can reheat your coffee if it goes chilly. A chrome steel tumbler will not be microwave protected, however some are dishwasher-safe. You received’t want to fret about reheating since they maintain warmth higher than plastic tumblers.

Lid options

If you wish to stop dribbles and unintentional automotive spills, take into account a lid with a silicone ring that rests on the lip of the bottle when turned closed, which is able to stop spilling on the facet. Slider lids (like that on the Yeti Rambler) will even leak if turned the wrong way up. Most utterly leakproof lids may have further components (like a silicone stopper) to seal the mouth opening utterly.

Will it go in your automotive cupholder?

If you’re utilizing a coffee travel mug to get caffeinated in your work commute, having the ability to place it in your automotive cupholder is a must have function. You can get a automotive cup holder expander for wider bottles, nevertheless it’s often marketed if it’ll slot in a automotive cupholder. Double-check the opinions and examine if anybody mentions that it might probably’t match a regular cupholder.

FAQs

Final ideas on the best coffee travel mugs

An ideal travel mug will maintain drinks at your most popular temperature simply in time for a day refill. Regardless of alternative, it’s best to go for one thing that’s simple to wash, leakproof, moveable, and has a lid that doesn’t harbor any germy reminders of drink’s previous. If we needed to take one of our decisions with us on each commute for the remainder of our working days, we hands-down would select the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Sip Lid. The best coffee travel mugs will make your tastebuds sing “sip, sip, hooray!” with each candy, sizzling drop consumed.

Why belief us

Popular Science began writing about expertise greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” once we revealed our first difficulty in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we’d have been throughout it. Here within the current, PopSci is totally dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of gadgets available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed many years of expertise masking and reviewing client electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however once we’re reviewing gadgets exterior of our quick wheelhouses, we do our best to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information folks to the very best suggestions. We know we don’t know the whole lot, however we’re excited to stay by way of the evaluation paralysis that web buying can spur so readers don’t need to.