Better Homes & Gardens / Brian Kopinski
Many people start off their mornings by making coffee in a coffee maker or a French press, and the right coffee mug can elevate that experience. When selecting a single or set of mugs for your home, it’s essential to consider what kind of coffee you prefer drinking (hot or cold), if you like to take your beverages on the go, and what will make your coffee-drinking experience enjoyable overall.
To find out more about coffee mugs, we consulted Maryna Gray, director of coffee at Bean Box and a member of the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Coffee Excellence.
“Coffee in a white mug tastes stronger (presumably because the coffee looks darker and richer against the white surface) and coffee in a transparent glass tastes sweeter. So if your mug's characteristics also work with how you want to enjoy your coffee, it's even better," Gray says.
What We Researched
We evaluated several coffee mugs on their dimensions, material, and capacity. We also considered if they were safe to use in a microwave.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Le Creuset Stoneware Mug, 14 oz
It’s a classic mug shape that’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe and since it’s scratch-resistant, won’t look dinged up over time.
This mug may be a bit pricier, but it may be worth it for its longevity.
It’s possible you’re already familiar with the Le Creuset brand because of their timeless cookware (like cast-iron pans and dutch ovens), but their coffee mugs are also worthy of praise. This stoneware pick is a mug you’ll likely have forever since it’s incredibly durable and thick. Think of it as the mug you’ll invest in, but will last you a lifetime.
It has impeccable heat retention which will come in handy if it takes you some time to make it through an entire cup of coffee. It’s made from a non-porous material and won’t scratch, crack, or chip. If you’re a cream-and-sugar-in-your-coffee kind of person, you can stir away without fear of scratching the inside with your spoon.
The stoneware material of this mug makes it suitable to pop in the microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Each mug features a colorful glaze making for a handful of eye-popping color choices, like blue, red, yellow, and of course, classic white.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4 x 5.2 inches | Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 14 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Budget
Better Homes & Gardens Coffee Mug
It’s stackable, so storage is easy if you purchase a few of them.
Hand washing is recommended.
The Better Homes & Gardens Stackable Stoneware Coffee Mug is less expensive than other options, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as durable or stylish. The stoneware mug is offered in a powder blue or seafoam green, each of which will add a subtle pop of color to your morning routine.
We like that this mug can hold 12 ounces of liquid, which is more than some other options. The mugs are designed to be stackable, so you won’t have to worry about storage if you purchase a few. While hand washing is recommended for this mug, we think the extra step is worth it for this pick.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 inches | Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 12 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Splurge
Vietri Incanto Scallop Mug 3.75" H, 10 oz
This gorgeous and sturdy mug is handcrafted by Italian artisans.
The mug is only available in white.
For those willing to invest in a coffee mug that’s durably constructed and literally a work of art, the Vietri Incanto Scallop Stoneware Mug is worth every penny. It’s our top splurge pick for its handcrafted artisan designs that mimic Italian art, landscapes, and Venetian architecture.
The curvy, scalloped-designed mug is made with the same strong clay material often used to make Italy’s outdoor sculptures and wall art. It’s strong enough to withstand the heat from the oven, microwave, and frigid freezer temperatures. And while this stoneware mug only comes in white, it’s the perfect bright color to showcase its curvy shape and design.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.25 inches | Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 10 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Self-Heating
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
You can control the temperature of your mug with the accompanying app.
It can’t be microwaved or dishwashed.
No one enjoys being rushed to drink their coffee, and with the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug, you can ensure your beverage stays warm down to the very last drop. No more running to the microwave every 20 minutes to reheat your latte.
The mug’s battery life lasts around 1.5 hours when fully charged before it has to be recharged again. Its heat range is 120°F to 145ºF, and it features a smart LED light that will alert you when your coffee has reached your desired temperature.
The temperature is controlled through an app so you can set up customized presets and manage the mug right from your phone, it will also work sans the app and will heat up on its next use at the last temperature it was set at from your most recent use.
It’s also battery-operated which means no clunky wires. Worried about forgetting to shut it off? This smart coffee cup has a “sleep mode” that shuts off after two hours of inactivity or when it detects the cup is empty.
Product Details: Dimensions: 6.24 x 5.46 inches | Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 10 ounces | Microwave Safe: No
Best Glass
JoyJolt Double Wall Insulated Glasses
You’ll adore this mug if you enjoy minimal and clean kitchen accessories or want your coffee-drinking experience to be a full sensory experience.
The glass isn’t super hefty and could be prone to breaking.
Enjoying a great cup of coffee should be a full sensory experience—specifically smell, taste, and sight. These clear glasses allow you to enjoy your coffee, particularly from a visual standpoint, since you’ll be able to see the full coffee and not just the top layer like you do in other mugs.
Thanks to their double-wall design, your beverage will stay hotter for longer and the cup won’t be too hot to hold. Say bye-bye to burning your fingers on a piping-hot mug.
They’re a wonderful option for cappuccino or espresso drinkers and are suitable for tea to ensure it’s steeped to the desired strength you want since you’ll be able to see the color.
As far as material, they’re made from heat and condensation-resistant borosilicate glass that’s safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 4.5 inches | Material: Glass | Capacity: 13.5 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best for Travel
Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle
This leak-proof travel mug keeps your drink warm for up to eight hours and iced for 40.
This tumbler is only available in large 16 and 20-ounce sizes.
The infamous drinkware and gear brand Stanley is known for its 40-ounce handle tumbler, which keeps drinks ice cold for nearly two days and conveniently fits into any cup holder thanks to its narrow base. Like the viral tumbler, the Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle is double-wall vacuum insulated and fits most cup holders.
Fortunately, like Stanley’s Quencher H2.0, this tumbler keeps your beverage hot for up to eight hours and cold for 40 hours. There’s no need to worry about accidental spills during your commute—unlike most reusable bottles, this travel mug is designed with a leak-proof locking lid.
This travel mug comes in 18- and 20-ounce sizes and has many subdued color options to match your other travel essentials. It’s also dishwasher safe, so cleaning and refilling is a breeze.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.8 x 8/9.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 16 and 20 ounces | Microwave Safe: No
The set comes with two latte glasses, two two mugs, and four stirring spoons.
Glass mugs are more delicate than ceramic mugs.
The Zwilling Sorrento 9-Piece Coffee Glassware Set comes with two latte mugs, two coffee mugs, four stainless steel spoons, and a spoon brush. Each mug is made with double-walled glass that is safe for both hot and cold drinks. Plus, with the different kinds of mugs included, it's sure to meet the needs of all types of coffee drinkers.
The coffee mugs in the set have a large handle you can wrap your entire hand around. Plus, both cups are lightweight, reducing the strain on your hand and wrist.
The glass is borosilicate, which means it's resistant to thermal shock. As a result, you can quickly turn your hot coffee into iced without worrying that the glass will break due to the temperature change.
The glasses in the set are also dishwasher and microwave safe. However, you’ll still want to be somewhat careful with these mugs since glass is more fragile than ceramic or stainless steel mugs.
Product Details: Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Glass | Capacity: 12 ounces (coffee mugs), 11.8 ounces (latte mugs) | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Espresso
Villeroy & Boch NewWave Caffe 6-Piece Espresso Set
The contemporary and fluid design is sure to draw attention and inspire compliments from guests.
The porcelain set only comes in white.
If you prefer to sip espresso, the Villeroy & Boch NewWave Caffe 6-Piece Espresso Set is our top pick. Drinking out of an actual espresso cup allows you to enjoy the crema, which is the foam that forms at the top. Otherwise, too large of a cup, and the crema spreads too thin.
This espresso cup blends an unusual design with practicality, fitting into the indentation of the included wave-shaped snack plate. You can take a bite of a cookie and a sip of coffee while relishing in the harmonious and modern style of the set, which is sure to capture the attention of your coffee companion.
This set also comes with two spoons that have a curved design, allowing you to balance them on top of the espresso mug without them toppling over. You can microwave the espresso mug and the plate, and you can put the entire set in the dishwasher, making it convenient as much as it is appealing to the eye. However, one drawback is that this set only comes in white, which may stain from use over time.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.75 x 2.5 inches | Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 2.75 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Oversized
Clay in Motion Large Mug
This handmade ceramic mug comes in a range of colors and holds a generous 20 ounces of coffee.
Because of the mug's wide rim, you might spill a bit of coffee while sipping.
The Clay in Motion Large Mug is made by a small family-owned and operated brand out of Oregon. The 20-ounce mug comes in various colors including misty green, purple passion, and mocha.
While this is a handmade mug, you don’t necessarily have to be overly delicate with it. This mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, as well as ovenproof, ensuring you can enjoy its design without having to worry about damaging it.
The mug has a large handle so you can sip your coffee without clutching the warm sides. It also has a large rim, which could lead to sloshing while sipping. You'll need to exercise some caution while using it to avoid staining clothes or furniture.
Product Details: Dimensions: 6 x 6.25 x 3 inches | Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 20 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Ceramic
Kinto Japanese Ceramic Mugs
The porcelain mugs are offered in three color combinations and are safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.
There’s a $15 shipping charge.
We recommend these Kinto Ceramic Mugs for their stylish look and durable material. The mugs, which come in a set of two, are made of porcelain and are safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave.
This set is offered in three color combinations and have a two-toned design that’ll sit pretty on any kitchen table or nightstand. We like that they have an 11.3-ounce capacity, which is more than some other picks on our list.
These mugs are less expensive than other sets on the market though it’s worth noting that there’s a $15 shipping fee. That being said, we think the additional fee is worth it if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or a treat for yourself.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4.3 x 3 x 3.1 inches | Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 11.3 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
Best Insulated
BrüMate Müv 15oz
It’s scratch-resistant, which is ideal if you’re using it on the go.
Not all finishes are dishwasher-safe.
If you like to leisurely drink a cup of coffee or tea throughout the day, you need the BrüMate Müv. The cup can keep your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for four hours, so you won’t have to worry about re-heating or adding more ice.
We think the 15-ounce option is ideal for a cup of coffee on-the-go, but it’s also offered in 25-ounce and 35-ounce sizes as well. Each option is scratch-resistant, so it’ll stay in good condition over time.
This mug is offered in ten colors, so it’s a great choice if you’re in need of a gift.Just keep in mind that the Dark Aura option will need to be hand-washed. Otherwise, they’re safe to use on the top rack of a dishwasher.
Product Details: Dimensions: 5.13 x 3.58 x 5.25 inches | Material: Not listed | Capacity: 15 ounces | Microwave Safe: Not listed
Best Customized
Lifetime Creations Create Your Own Coffee Mug
You have your choice of two sizes, six colors, and customizable text and photo.
Only the interior of the mug and the handle are painted, not the exterior.
The Lifetime Creations Create Your Own Coffee Mug allows you to fully customize the mug, making it a great gift for a friend, parent, or family member.
Before personalizing the mug, you can choose from two sizes: 11 or 15 ounces. Then, you can select an interior color like pink, blue, or black. To personalize this mug, you can add your own photo and insert a message in the font of your choosing.
If you add both an image and text, the picture is added to one side of the mug while the text is added to the other side. Despite the customization of this mug, it’s still dishwasher and microwave safe.
Product Details: Dimensions: 5 x 4.5 inches (15 ounce), 5 x 3.75 inches (11 ounce) | Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 11 or 15 ounces | Microwave Safe: Yes
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur trying all the latest and greatest brews or someone who is content enjoying their same go-to blend every morning, there’s a mug just waiting for you. We chose the Le Creuset Stoneware Mug as our top pick because of its classic shape, durability, and capacity. If you need a reliable, timeless mug, then this one is the best choice.
What To Know About Coffee Mugs Before Shopping
Material
There are tons of mug options out there and depending on what you’re looking for in terms of maintaining your drink’s temperature, the material will make all the difference. For instance, a stainless steel travel mug, like the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug, will ensure your beverage stays hot or cold for hours.
The material will also determine whether it can be microwaved or cleaned in the dishwasher, which may be a deciding factor if you’re looking for something that can be cleaned easily and something you won’t have to hand wash.
One of the most common materials of mugs is ceramic. Ceramic, like the Mazama Collection Crater Lake Mug, is used most often because it is a neutral material that won’t change the flavor of your coffee by absorbing or releasing flavors.
It also helps disperse heat evenly throughout your coffee and can retain temperatures better than other materials like glass for instance. The only downside to ceramic is that it can stain easier than other materials.
Capacity
Always be sure to note how many fluid ounces your mug can hold, especially if you like to enjoy a variety of different types of coffee like espresso and cappuccinos which require a specific size cup.
Certain coffee makers offer different cup sizes like 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces and you want to make sure you’re pressing the right size for the cup you’re using that won’t end up being more than your mug can hold.
It’s also important to think about what size coffee you typically brew, if you usually go for a 6-ounce size, you may want to avoid oversized mugs (such as anything over 20 ounces) since they won’t keep the heat as long and will cool off faster.
Your Questions, Answered
How much do coffee mugs cost?
Coffee mugs range in price based on material and craftsmanship. The more splurge-worthy options, such as the Al Centro Ceramica Handcrafted Face Mug, are more expensive because they are handmade and of higher quality.
However, other options, like the Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Stoneware Reactive Glaze Round Mug, may not have the handcrafted qualities, but it is available for a much more affordable price.
What is the standard size of a coffee mug?
The most common size for a normal cup of coffee is 8-12 ounces although other types of coffee like espresso and cappuccinos are much smaller in size. (A shot of espresso is around 1 ounce.)
Single-serve coffee machines, like a Keurig, only offer a range of sizes to choose from while a Nespresso machine makes coffee based on the size notated on the pods.
What else can you use a coffee mug for?
Coffee mugs are extremely versatile and can be used for things other than coffee, especially oversized options such as the Clay in Motion Large Mug. In terms of food and drink, you can use them like your favorite drinking glasses — for drinking just about anything (as long as they can withstand the temperature of what you’re putting into them). Mugs are also handy for soup, snacks, and ice cream.
You can also use a mug on your desk to hold writing utensils, as a candle vessel, or for keeping smaller-sized items like paper clips, candy, or push pins. You can also use them as pots for small plants.
Who We Are
Nicole Pyles is a writer with experience writing about home and kitchen topics as well as other subjects. Ali Faccenda is a writer and associate editor with experience in video content creation. They spent several hours researching the best mugs based on reviews, must-have features, and specifications important for creating an enjoyable coffee-drinking experience. Ali spoke with Maryna Gray, director of coffee at Bean Box and a member of the board of directors for the Alliance for Coffee Excellence on what to look for when purchasing mugs.