If you are like many people, you start your mornings off with that instant jolt of energy from a cup of coffee. For many, taking their coffee on the road with them as they commute to work, drop the kids off in the car pool lane and more, is ideal. Coffee provides that source of warm energy that can not just get you going but can also keep you going, too. It certainly isn’t convenient to take a regular ceramic coffee mug with you on the road, though, and so you want to invest in a great set of travel mugs. So what do you look for in the best travel coffee mugs?
The Lid
First and foremost, you want to check out the lid of a travel coffee mug. Some of these mugs do not have an open and shut valve, but rather simply stay open all of the time. While some people may prefer a mug they don’t have to open and close, for many people, this is a necessity. Keep in mind that you will be taking your mug on the road while you battle traffic, walk to and from the car, and more. The last thing you want is to start off your day by accidentally spilling coffee on your clothes!
The Composition
Those stainless steel travel coffee mugs sure do look sleek and stylish. However, if you have the tendency to sip on your coffee rather than gulp it, you should keep in mind that metal mugs cannot be reheated in the microwave. Many people who sip their coffee prefer the ceramic or plastic mugs over metal varieties for this reason.
The Handle
If you have already started shopping around for a new set of mugs, you may have noticed that some mugs have a handle while others do not. This is largely a matter of preference. Keep in mind that your cup can become hot to the touch when you pour coffee into it. Yet you should also bear in mind the size of the cup holders in your car and how certain handles may affect your ability to place the mug into the cup holders. One design that works well is a mug that does not have a handle but instead has a rubberized, heat-resistant grip that you can hold onto.
The Mug Bottom
Many travel mugs today come with a plastic or rubberized bottom section that the mug will rest on. With many styles of these mugs, when you put the cup through the dishwasher, water will collect inside this bottom section. You may be able to hear it slosh around, but you will be hard-pressed to get it out. When you pour hot coffee in it, however, the heat of the coffee will cause the water trapped in this section to start dripping out. This can create quite a mess, and so the best travel mugs are those that do not have this lower section on them.
Your morning coffee should be both enjoyable and portable at the same time. When shopping for a new set of travel mugs, keep these tips in mind to find the best mugs for your coffee on the go.