Travel mugs have become increasingly more popular over the years as we edge away from single-use options. While most of us enjoy a hot beverage while off on an adventure, we often don’t like the price tag that comes with having to buy one from places like Starbucks, Costa coffee, or the often weak vending machine hot drinks you find at rest stops. Although some of these big companies offer you discounts when you bring your own, you probably don’t want to buy one every single day.
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or heading off on your morning commute, you should have one of the best travel mugs for hot drinks in hand. But finding one can be tricky as there are so many different options out there at a massive range of prices. So which one should you go for? Which one will give you the best bang for your buck? And which ones are worth looking out for?
If all these questions are running around your head, then fear not, our guide to the seven best travel mugs for hot drinks has you covered. We’ve done all the research for you so you don’t have to, and we’ve got ones that will meet most budgets.
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1. Kinto travel tumbler
If you’re a tea or coffee lover the Kinto Travel Tumbler will be your best friend. This insulated mug will keep your tea and coffee steaming hot for what feels like an impossibly long time. Available in five different colors and two sizes (250ml or 500ml) this mug will appeal to almost anyone.Â
The matt finish on many of the colors has come out on top in the reviews for its increased grip. It’s the perfect size to fit inside your travel bag when you go out for a hike and its three-piece design means it doesn’t leak.
2. Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug has scored a 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon ratings and it’s not hard to see why. It claims to keep your hot drinks hot for up to 7 hours and for those that want to keep cold drinks cold on those hot summer days, it will keep your drinks ice cold for up to 20 hours, this is due to its double-wall thermalock vacuum insulation.
This travel mug also contains an auto-lock button which ensures there are no leaks or spills on those bumpy car rides or long hikes. Its sleek matt black finish makes it look stylish and it can fit in most car cup holders and under most single-serve brewers. While it’s not the cheapest option it is definitely worth it as its 24oz size means fewer refills throughout the day.
3. Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug
Not a lot of travel mugs come with a carry handle and that’s just one of the things that make the Hydro Flask travel mug different. This travel mug also ticks all the boxes; it’s dishwasher safe, has a leak-proof lid, a no-sweat matt finish, it’s BPA free, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Available in multiple colors this mug will suit all genders and it can be used as a water bottle, thermos, or a coffee cup. The hydro flask comes in 3 different sizes – 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz – and each size will fit perfectly in all car cup holders.
4. Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Mug
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel mug that doesn’t comprise on quality then the Ello Campy Travel Mug comes out on top. This travel mug has a more traditional mug design and is available in 6 different colors all elevated with white speckles. Not only does this mug look stylish, but it is also dishwasher safe and BPA/BPS-free.
Ello’s patented sealing slider design guarantees that your mug won’t leak and it’s designed to be easily opened with one hand. This 16oz vacuum insulated stainless steel mug keeps hot drinks hot for up to 5 hours and conveniently fits in most car cup holders. As an added bonus it comes with a lifetime warranty as they believe in their products.
5. Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug
Durable, stylish, and portable are just a few words that come to mind when looking for a travel mug and Stanley is a company that has been making travel food gear since 1913. Their motto is ‘Built for life’ which is why they vow to make things right if ever your travel mug goes wrong.
The Stanley Classic Trigger Travel Mug can maintain the heat of your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an impressive 7 hours. This is due to its innovative Quadvac insulation technology. It’s been built to last with 18-8 high-quality, food-grade stainless steel construction and it’s BPA-free. The trigger action on the lid ensures a leak-proof mug that’s also easy to use with just one hand.
6. W&P Porter mug
For a mid-range travel mug, the W&P Porter Mug is one of the best travel mugs for hot drinks. The soft silicone exterior makes for a firm grip and will keep your hands warm to the touch. While a downside of this mug might be that it isn’t insulated like many others it does still allow you to drink your hot cup of coffee at a normal rate, however, a couple of other positives it has going for it is the fact you can put this travel mug in the microwave, whereas most of the others you can’t.
It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and BPA-free. The mouthpiece on the lid is easy to slide open and closed and the range of different colors and designs make this a very stylish and appealing mug. Far better than the logo-clad travel mugs from other companies.
7. Ember Travel Mug 2
The Ember Travel Mug 2 is a very high-end travel mug that comes in at around $250 and there’s a good reason for it. This travel mug is tech-savvy, and unlike any others out there it allows you to keep your hot drinks hot at the exact temperature you want which is anything from 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. While the battery on this travel mug only lasts for around 2 hours, you can keep it on the included charging coaster for all-day use, although when you’re hiking up a mountain this isn’t exactly the most practical solution.
As this travel mug is heavily tech-oriented, it also comes with an app that will allow you to track your caffeine intake, save presets for your favorite drinks, customize the LED light, and a bunch of other features. It is handwash only and can be fully submerged underwater up to one meter deep.Â