Many people are in the market for travel coffee mugs but are not sure how to purchase one that they will be truly happy with. Unsuitable mugs tend to linger around in cupboards while their buyers search for the right ones. The problem is that unless they know what they do and do not like, they may end up buying the same models in different colors and find those inferior or unsuitable as well.
If you have been looking at various travel mugs, you have seen the range of materials they can come in. Travel mugs are available which have been made of plastic, glass, ceramic, stoneware and stainless steel. The plastic mugs are much less popular now that people have been hearing stories on related health problems. Some plastics, when heated, can release toxic chemicals. They are also available in many different sizes. Travel mugs often start at about a 12 oz size and can range anywhere up to a mug that can hold 22 or 24 oz of liquid. This should be more than enough to get many people through a long day at work.
Of course, even a large mug can keep drinks very hot if they are insulated properly. Some of the best travel mugs have double walled construction to provide the necessary insulation. There is a pocket of air between the inner and outer walls and this is what keeps the drinks from cooling off too quickly. However, not all mugs can be put in the dishwasher without ruining the insulating qualities.
Since you will, in theory, be using your mug almost daily, keeping it clean is a primary consideration. It should have an opening wide enough to get your hand in so that you can clean down to the very bottom. You also want to make sure that you can put your mug in the dishwasher if that is important to you. The lid should also be totally removable so that you do not get a build up of coffee or tea around the rim.
You want to pay attention to the lid that goes with the mug. Do you like the way it opens and closes? Some rotate and others have a slide that opens and closes the mug. Can you open it one handed? If not, you may find it awkward and hard to deal with if you have your hands full. You also want to make sure that it is as drip proof as possible especially if you will be using the mug around important papers or expensive electronic equipment.
The shape of the travel mug’s bottom is also critical if you will be putting the mug in a cup holder. Most cup holders are a fairly standard size, although some cars have cup holders that are a different size. Although a wide bottomed cup holder can be handy to prevent it from tipping and spilling a wide bottomed mug will not help you if you are driving in a car or van where there is no flat surface to put the travel mug on. If you are unsure about whether the mug will fit, look for specific mention of it in the description of the mug before you buy it.
There are other unique travel mugs that you can use to transport hot beverages. There is the standard thermos, which many people like because it can hold quite a bit of liquid and keep it warm for quite some time. One of the more interesting products on the market is the French press. This is a coffee mug with a specialized lid that allows you to brew coffee or tea right in the mug. The mesh press pushes down and strains the loose leaf tea or the coffee grounds which can result in a superior hot beverage that is fresh and truly gourmet.
Your morning travel may seem bleak but using a travel mug can take the edge off of a long ride in to the office. By choosing carefully you can find the one that suits your needs and your budget and keep you happily caffeinated all day long.
If you like drinking a cup of coffee on your commute to work, buy travel coffee mugs to keep your beverage warm. Choose the right coffee travel mug for you, here! Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.
