Travel Mugs

Testers raved about this travel mug, which not only kept coffee hot and cold for far longer than any other mug we tried but also was the easiest to use. Slim from top to bottom, it was comfortable for hands of all sizes to hold, open, and close, but because the opening is narrow, we had to aim a little more carefully when filling it. A simple push of a button popped open its lid, exposing the clean drinking spout within. Testers also loved that this leakproof mug came with an equally easy-to-use locking mechanism, which provided good insurance against accidental spills. Just a few minor durability issues: Like the other models, it dented when dropped, and it smelled of coffee even after several washes. Also worth noting: Because it’s so good at retaining heat, you may want to cool your favorite beverage to the temperature you prefer before sealing the mug or you risk a very hot surprise on your first sip.

While it didn’t keep drinks cold or hot for quite as long as our stellar winner, this leakproof mug still outperformed most of the other models, keeping coffee hot and drinkable for nearly 6 hours. And with a slim, streamlined profile, it was also very easy to open, close, and hold, but because it’s narrow, we had to be a little more careful when filling the mug. As with our winner, all we had to do was push a button and its lid popped open, exposing a clean drinking spout; a sliding lock prevented accidental spills. Testers also liked that this model came with a loop handle for easy carrying. Like the other models, it dented when dropped and retained coffee odors after several washes.

While our previous favorite didn’t maintain temperatures nearly as well as our favorite model, it still did a respectable job, allowing us ample time to consume both hot and cold drinks, and it was relatively easy to use. A wide mouth made it a breeze to fill, though because its top and base were also wide, it was a bit tough for some to open, close, and grip comfortably. (At times, it was a tad tricky to thread the lid onto the base as well.) Testers liked drinking from it; a tab sits over the drink opening, protecting it from debris, and can be snapped on and off easily. Like the other models, it dented when dropped and retained odors.

This leakproof travel mug did a good job of keeping drinks hot and cold, and it was relatively durable, but like the other models, it retained odors and dented when dropped. It is one of the few models that is dishwasher-safe, too. Our only qualms have to do with its handling; while its wide opening made it easy to fill, it was a little harder to grip. Its opening and closing mechanisms were also less than intuitive. The top is made of two stacked disks; to seal the mug, you screw both disks onto the base. If you want to drink from the mug, you have to twist only the top disk, an act that must be carefully performed to avoid accidentally removing the entire lid. The drink opening itself remains exposed at all times, sometimes collecting debris.

This leakproof, cup-like travel mug did a very good job of maintaining temperatures, keeping coffee in the optimal drinking zone for 6 hours. With a wide opening, it was easy to fill and fairly easy to open and close—although its lid was wide, it threaded fluidly onto the base. But because the mug was wide from top to bottom, even some testers with large hands found it a touch less comfortable to hold. And its exposed drink opening collected dust. Like the other mugs, it dented when dropped and retained coffee odors; unlike the others, the lid also squeaked loudly when we opened and closed it.

We loved this mug’s streamlined design; the only mug we tested that didn’t have a screw top, it was especially easy to open and close, thanks to its simple top, which could be pushed into and out of the base. Because this top had a strong silicone gasket that formed a tight seal with the base, the mug was surprisingly leakproof for almost the entire length of testing; only when we filled it with water and dropped it from counter height did the seal break, allowing water to flow out. Most testers also liked its drink opening, but because it was exposed, several noted that dust and other debris sometimes collected in the crevices. With the widest opening in the testing, it was one of the easiest to fill, but because it was so wide, it didn’t fit in every car cup holder. Like the other mugs, it dented when dropped and retained odors.

This travel mug had a few things going for it: It was inexpensive and leakproof; maintained temperatures well enough to get us through a long commute; and was about as durable as the other models, denting when dropped and retaining odors. Its wide mouth made it easy to fill, but its similarly wide base was sometimes hard for smaller testers to get their hands around (although a rubbery band at the top helped somewhat). Worse, it was hard to open and close, with several users noting that it took several attempts each time to thread the top onto the base. The drink opening was exposed, collecting liquid and debris, and the mechanism that engaged it was hard to latch and unlatch.

Testers universally loathed this travel mug. Sure, it was leakproof, came with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental spills, and was of average durability (it dented and retained odors). But while it will keep drinks hot and cold for long enough to get you through a commute, every other mug we tested maintained drink temperatures longer. The real problem, though? It was a royal pain to use. It was hard to thread the top onto the base, requiring more effort than any other mug. A broad opening made it easy to fill but hard to hold. And in order to keep the drink opening clear, we had to continuously press a stiff button on the side of the mug—a tiresome task. Finally, the drink opening was exposed, so it collected liquid and debris.