Looking for a travel coffee mug that will make you happy no matter how horrendous your commute?
Then it’s time to give your traveling companion at least as much consideration as you would your order at the local coffee shop.
Travel coffee mugs come in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes. You need to match the coffee mug features to your personality and lifestyle. Coffee mugs, like human traveling companions, are not created equal. You need to find one that’s a perfect fit for you.
A few points to take into consideration when buying a travel coffee mug include:
–Dimensions. Check that the travel mug will fit the cup holder in your vehicle. There are two things to look for: the size of the bottom and the position of the handle. If you don’t use a cup holder, opt for a mug that has a non-slip surface on its broad-based bottom.
–Capacity. Get the right size travel mug. If you love your caffeine, check out the 16 to 24 ounce mugs. But if you prefer a small drink, consider getting an easier to handle 8- or 10-ounce mug.
–Spill resistance. Make sure the lid fits well. Having a secure lid is what sets travel mugs apart from ordinary coffee mugs. A snap-on lid can pop off if the mug’s banged around or dropped. A screw-on lid, however, will stay in place during a mishap but isn’t as easy to open with one hand.
–Construction. Get the best construction you can afford. If you want to keep your coffee, or tea, hot as long as possible, get an vacuum-insulated, double-wall stainless steel travel mug. It’ll probably cost you more upfront, but it gives you the best value for your buck. If your budget is tight, go for a plastic travel mug that’s lined with stainless steel. Plastic liners are easily broken and with repeated use absorb flavors, affecting the taste of your beverage.
–Cleaning. While some travel coffee mugs can be cleaned safely in a dishwasher, many must be hand-washed. Others have more sophisticated lids, such as the auto-seal ones, that are difficult to clean, especially if the beverage it held contained milk, cream or sugar.
–Durability. Travel mugs are commonly made of ceramics, porcelain, plastic or stainless steel. A good quality stainless steel travel coffee mug can last a lifetime while ceramic travel mugs have a shorter lifespan due to breakage.