Travel Mug Sizes: Enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee at home is ideal, but busy schedules often don’t allow it. For those on the go, brewing your own coffee and using a quality travel mug ensures you never settle for bad coffee. Need a larger container for bulk brewing? Let’s explore your options!
Choosing the Right Travel Mug Size for Your Coffee Needs
To find a great travel mug, you must first think of the size. You’ll notice that the travel mug sizes available are much bigger than most types of cups and standard coffee mug sizes (unless you’re a regular at Starbucks). The idea is that you’re using these not only to transport your coffee but to have access to multiple servings over several hours. But larger is not necessarily better.
There’s no point in a 24-oz travel mug if it doesn’t keep that much coffee hot.
The most common sizes of travel mug are 12, 16, and 20 oz, but you can find as small as 6 oz and as large as 24 oz. Some brands will only be available in a single size, but most offer 2-3 options. When choosing your size, you might also consider how you’ll be using it. Do you want a slimmer mug to go in a handbag, or maybe something wider for a snug fit in your car’s cup holder?
If you’re not planning on going anywhere, here are some inventive ways to keep your cup of joe hot at home.
Barista Standard Sizes
Travel mugs aren’t just useful for traveling. They’re a great way to avoid the waste of single-use coffee cups when buying coffee on your way to work. Things like insulation might not matter as much here, but size does. If you want to make things easier on the guy or gal that makes your latte, look for something that matches the standard takeaway coffee cup size. This way, you’ll be getting the same ratio that you’re used to.
Other Things To Consider
Size is important, but it’s not the only thing you should be looking at – not by a long shot. The functionality of your travel mug will probably have the biggest impact on how satisfied you are with your purchases. Notably, the following three things:
Material
The material in your mug isn’t just about aesthetics. The most common mugs you’ll find are made from stainless steel, glass, or plastic. However, you might also see silicone, ceramic, and even bamboo. Each has its pros and cons. Different materials retain heat better, some are dishwasher safe, and some are, of course, much cheaper. Glass and ceramic are more prone to breaking, and hard plastic can tend to absorb smells.
Insulation
The most effective form of keeping your drinks hot (or cold) is with vacuum insulation. This works by creating a mug with two stainless steel walls with a gap between them. The air in this space is removed to create a vacuum, preventing heat from moving between the two walls. You can find foam insulation in some plastic travel mugs (1). Mugs made from ceramic or glass will rely only on the heat retention properties of the material itself.
Lid Type
Getting the lid type right can mean the difference between a mug that’s spill-proof and one that’s leak-proof. The latter won’t allow any liquid to come out unless the lid is open. Mugs labeled as spill-proof only prevent major spills from occurring; they are not safe to store in bags since they can still leak. A water-tight lid won’t just help you avoid leaks; it also helps to prevent additional heat loss through the top.
By focusing on these details, you can find a travel mug that perfectly balances size, material, insulation, and lid type to suit your coffee-drinking habits.
Travel Mug Sizes: Final Reflections
Choosing a travel mug size that matches the amount of coffee you plan to drink ensures your brew stays hot for longer. Additionally, remember to consider other factors such as the mug’s material, insulation capabilities, and lid closure for the best experience.
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