The Best Travel Coffee Mug

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It might not seem like a big decision, but it's definately worth investigating to find the perfect travel coffee mug. As an experienced coffee drinker and traveler, here are a few of the most important attributes for a travel coffee mug.

Go to the bottom to see my #1 rated mug. It's incredible!

Updated January 2012

There are two main types of seals for travel coffee mugs. The twist and the the push down. The twist type works like most jar lids with the key difference in the locking mechanism. This is usually inserted into the top of the mug with the locking device located inside the mug. Sometimes it requires a little force to push the lid down onto the mug to set the locking bars below the ledge so the lid can be locked into place.

The push down type of lid usually comes with a lid that has a portruding insert designed to fit snuggly into the top of the mug. The material of the insert may be a bit spungy so that in can be compressed into the mug and held tightly into place.

A good seal is critical for a travel coffee mug. They perform two main functions. First, they help prevent spills or leaks while you drink coffee. Secondly, they help retain heat that will keep your coffee hot on long drives or if you just want to sip coffee over a couple of hours. Make sure the lid has a history of not leaking.

Another critical feature of any travel coffee mug is the base. The base can add stability to a full mug, impacts the aesthetics of the mug, but most importantly it impacts how well the coffee mug will function in your car. Please check out the type of cup holders your car has and where they are located. Some cup holders are fairly narrow and that will require a mug with a small base. Others are shallow or deep and this impacts how flush the mug will sit in the holder or if a tall mug will remain balanced on a turn. Sometimes handles will interfere and cause the mug to sit at an angle if they run the entire length of the mug.

Two other features of a multifunctional Travel Mug are the handle and the clip.  While most travel coffee mugs are insulated similarly to a thermos and a handle isn't necessary to avoid getting burned, but they do help you control the mug.  I prefere a travel coffee mug that allows for the entire four fingers to easily wrap inside the handle.  This is comfortable and allows for the best control of a full cup of hot coffee.

While most people think of travel coffee mugs for the car, many people will take them on the bus, bike, or as they walk.  If this describes how you may use your mug, than the clip of the mug is an important feature.  The clip will allow you to attach your mug to your backpack, belt or just about anything.  This is particularly handy after you have finished your coffee and would like to store your mug as you continue your journey.  Clips can be part of the handle and designed like the clips that rock climbers use that make it easy to attache and detach the mug. 

The drinking spout is a good combination of personal preference and functionality.  The most important functionality is that the spout is able to be closed so that it won't leak if the mug is tipped over or placed on its side.  The second feature of the best travel mugs is that the spouts don't let too much heat escape.  If the spout is left open, your coffee will get cold quickly, but if you close it and your spout has an insulated closing mechanism, then your coffee will stay hot longer. 

It doesn't matter if you want to keep your drink hot or cold, the mug will have to be well insulated.  Most travel coffee mugs work like a thermos and have double wall stainless steal interiors.  A well insulated coffee mug will do a few key things.  They will be cool to the touch when they are filled with hot liquids.  This prevents burns or having to hold an uncomfortably hot mug.  Also, a well insulated coffee mug will prevent water from condensing on the sides of the mug.  This is also known as sweating.  When a mug gets the sweats, they can leave water rings on wood tables and stain the inside of your car. 

The shape or contour of the mug will determine how the mug is held. Small hands may require a more narrow mug. The grip of a mug can also be enhanced with a rubber ring around the cup. I personally prefer a narrow mug, but a mug tall enough to hold 16 to 20 ounces of coffee.

1. Bring a travel coffee mug to the office instead of using a paper cup.
2. Fill a travel coffee mug with hot soup on a cold day and eat it for lunch.
3. On hot days the insulated mugs can keep liquids cool as well

In the comments it was pointed out that Contigo makes Starbucks coffee mugs. I looked into these mugs and they are pretty incredible. The key feature are lids that don't leak, and I love that they have replacement lids. They also offer shapes that are easy to hold and that are slim so they will fit into most coffee cup holders. Right now they have a special where they will put a logo onto one of their mugs. It's a nice gift idea for a company to get for their employees.

I've been using one of these mugs and I have never had a better mug. The liquid remains hot for hours. The top is easy to drink out of and it has never leaked. It's also proved to be very durable. This is my top rated mug. Enjoy the find!

A few key features of the Contigo Aria Stainless Steel Mug - #1 Mug

• Liquids hot for seven hours and cold for 20 hours
• Dishwasher safe mug
• BPA free
• Easy to use with one hand
• Button locks seal so it won't spill in bags or backpacks