How to choose a thermal mug: reviews, TOP best quality

Thermal cookware was highly appreciated by office workers, students, motorists, athletes, housewives and simply lovers of walking or traveling.

The shape of a thermal mug resembles a large cup or glass, only with a special lid. In terms of design and material, the device has much in common with a thermos. The walls of the dishes are in most cases double; in many models a vacuum is used between the walls. The lid has a valve that closes the drinking hole. Once the valve is opened, you can drink directly from the container without removing the lid.

Thanks to its thermal insulation properties, the outer part of the vessel does not heat up or get too cold; it is comfortable to hold in your hand and drink a drink.

Unlike a thermos, a thermal mug is intended for one person, for personal use; it does not retain heat for as long; most models have a volume from 200 to 700 ml.

The strength of cookware and the duration of heat retention largely depends on the material:

• Plastic.
  It is used in two versions: only for the outer coating, or for the flask and outer wall. The advantage of the material is its low cost, lightness, and bright colors. Disadvantages: holds heat worse than others, fragile, easily scratched, absorbs odors.
• Stainless steel.
  Metal products are the most durable, reliable, and retain heat well. Their only disadvantage is their high cost.
• Ceramics.
  Ceramic products come in a variety of designs, are easy to clean and do not absorb odors. Weaknesses of the material: fragility, heavy weight. Ceramic models are best used at home or at work in the office.
• Glass.
  Tempered glass has excellent heat resistance, is environmentally friendly, and allows for good sealing of the vessel. The disadvantages include its fragility, heavy weight and high cost.
• Food grade nylon.
  Lightweight, durable material, does not absorb odors, heat-resistant, one might say, a universal option.

The tightness and ease of use of the product depend on the valve opening mechanism:

• Folding system with latch.
  The valve is attached to the edge of the mug, holds securely, and can be opened with one hand. The disadvantage of the system is the possibility of accidental opening if the product is carried in a bag or backpack.
• Rotary mechanism.
  More reliable than the folding system, it opens when the lid is twisted. The silicone seal protects against liquid spillage. You cannot open such a mechanism with one hand, which is important, for example, for a driver while driving.
• Lock (push-button mechanism).
  A practical and reliable option, you can open it with one hand, no liquid will spill.

There are many options for the shape and design of thermal mugs. For example, car versions have a narrowed bottom to allow the product to be placed in a cup holder. Mugs can have rubberized anti-slip inserts, a regular handle, or a carrying handle. There are models heated via USB, smart cups with a variety of additional functions.

We present the rating of thermal mugs 2021. The best 11 models that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

Which thermal mug is better to choose?

The choice of a thermal mug depends on the conditions in which it will be used. To begin with, you can decide on the required volume and desired time for keeping the drinks warm.

• The volume is an individual matter; you yourself know how much drink you may need. The time the temperature is maintained in the flask directly depends on the material, design, and degree of tightness of the product.
• For those who use a thermal mug at home or in the office, ceramic models may be perfect. The tightness of these products is not at the best level, but they are distinguished by their variety of designs, material safety and cost.
• Glass thermal mugs can have excellent sealing properties, but glass is a fragile material. You will always need to think about how not to break the object.
• For those who lead an active lifestyle, often move around the city, travel, go on business trips, the best option would be a stainless steel thermal mug with double walls and, preferably, a vacuum flask. The design of such products is the most reliable and they retain the temperature of drinks better than anyone else.
• Be sure to pay attention to the valve opening mechanism. If you carry the device in a bag, you should choose a push-button or twist lock to be sure that the liquid will not spill out of the mug under any circumstances. And don’t forget to make sure that the model is truly sealed before use.
• Look at how the model's sippy cup or drinking neck is designed, and how intensely liquid is pumped through it. It's one thing to drink a drink in calm conditions, another thing on the go. A more hygienic option is if the sippy cup is closed with a hinged lid.
• For those who use a thermal mug in a car, it is also important to take into account a number of nuances. There are even special car models. For such a mug, it is important that it fits in a car cup holder; so that the valve can be opened with one hand (latch or push-button mechanism). There are no strict requirements for tightness here, since the mug is stored in a fixed vertical position.
• When purchasing, evaluate the ergonomics of the product, its weight and shape, and how comfortable it is to hold in your hand. If the lid is hinged, does it lock and not interfere with drinking? It is advisable that the lid can be disassembled so that it can be easily washed.
• Products from well-known brands usually cost more, but their quality is good. Some manufacturers supplement their products with “smart” functions controlled via an application. With such devices you will find out the temperature of the drink at any time, statistics of liquid consumption, the degree of purity of the water, and more.

Choose a thermal mug to suit your taste.
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TOP 10 best thermal mugs with lid

Often we have to drink drinks on the go or take them with us on the road. Having a lid is a prerequisite for putting the mug in your bag. We have selected ten thermal mugs with a lot of positive reviews.

Alpenkok with silicone insert

The most inexpensive thermal mug in our TOP 10. It is a matte smooth stainless steel flask. Due to the vacuum between the body and the flask, the drinking temperature is maintained. If you poured boiling water, the button will not be able to open immediately, as pressure will build up. You need to unscrew the lid a little and then return it to its original position. The mug is available in red and blue, and there are also print options.

Alpenkok with silicone insert

• Ideal value for money.
• Low cost.
• Anti-slip bottom coating.

• The volume is not as stated 400 ml, but 300.

Agness Mobile (0.43 l)

A simple design and an affordable price are what most owners say about the thermal mug. A small hole allows you to drink the drink through a straw. The rubber insert, which can be removed, is designed to better hold the mug in your hands. The volume of the thermal mug is 0.43 liters and the height is 21.5 cm.

Agness Mobile (0.43 l)

• Inexpensive.
• Keeps warm for six hours.
• Strength.

• Can leak liquid.

Biostal NMT-400

Vacuum inexpensive thermal mug with a lid that retains heat for eight hours. Its owner can be either a man or a woman, since the series has universal colors - brown and white. The neck diameter of seven centimeters ensures comfortable drinking. The weight of 270 grams will definitely not weigh your bag down. Thanks to the expanded shape at the bottom, heat is better retained.

Biostal NMT-400

• Convenient opening/closing valve.
• Retains heat for 8 hours.
• Ergonomics.

• Over time, the paint may come off.
• Some specimens leak liquid.

Arctic 406-500

An excellent thermal mug, which is suitable for lovers of fishing, hunting or hiking. It keeps drinks warm for up to 12 hours. The body and flask are made of stainless steel. The wide side handle allows you to hang the mug from your backpack or bag. Screw-threaded lid with silicone seal and heat insulator. The set includes a strainer that can be used to brew tea or herbs. The model is made in black, green and blue colors.

Arctic 406-500

• There is a strainer for brewing.
• Maintains temperature for up to 12 hours.
• Volume 0.5 l.

• The metal cap on the lid is coming off.

LaPlaya Vacuum Travel Mug

The laconic design of the thermal mug will definitely be appreciated by lovers of stylish things. You can pour 400 ml of hot tea or coffee into it and drink it slowly for six hours. There is also a special hole for a straw. With this model, going out for a walk with your baby will become even more convenient, since the thermal mug is suitable for most cup holders of strollers. Available in white, gray and black colors.

LaPlaya Vacuum Travel Mug

• Minimalist design.
• Cools down slowly.
• The remaining drink on the lid flows back into the container through a special groove.

• The lid can rotate.

EMSA Travel Mug (0.36 l)

Stylish design and a good combination of plastic, silicone and stainless steel distinguish this thermal mug from its competitors. Thanks to the silicone coating, the mug does not slip in your hand, but if it falls, it will not be damaged. It can be placed on any surface as it has an anti-slip bottom.

The hole is made in such a way that it is possible to drink from any side; high sides ensure a gradual flow of liquid. The interior is made of steel, which prevents the absorption of odors. The drink is supplied through a valve. The indicator clearly shows when the container is open, and when it is closed, it changes color from red to black.

EMSA Travel Mug (0.36 l)

• Can be washed in the dishwasher.
• The bottom is covered with anti-slip material.
• Wide choice of colors.

• May not fit into car cup holder.

Thermos JNL-352

A hybrid of a thermos and a miniature thermal mug, designed not only for adults, but also for children. The drain spout with rubberized grooves will not allow any drops to remain after sips. The height of 18 cm and diameter of 7 cm is optimal for installing a thermal mug in a car cup holder. Thanks to the smooth opening in two stages, splashes are eliminated. The position lock prevents the cap from hitting the nose.

Thermos JNL-352

• The open lid is fixed and does not interfere with the nose.
• Easy.
• Maintains temperature for up to 12 hours.

• Not detected.

Contigo West Loop

One of the best thermal mugs, based on user reviews. It has an ergonomic body with a narrowing in the middle, which allows you to completely embrace it. Consists of two parts that are connected by threads on the inside. The lid is made of durable plastic with rubber inserts.

It is non-separable, so the risk of losing parts from it is reduced to zero. Thanks to the perforated button, the finger does not slip when opening. The contents of the thermal glass remain hot for up to five hours, and cool for up to twelve.

Contigo West Loop

• Fits in car cup holder.
• Ergonomics.
• Maintaining a comfortable temperature for 5-7 hours.

• The paint may start to peel.
• Due to the large number of parts, the mug is difficult to clean.

STANLEY Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug (0.47 l)

Thermal mug from the famous Stanley brand, in which you can brew loose leaf tea or coffee. At the same time, grains of tea leaves will not fall into your mouth; the design will prevent this. The outer part is coated with paint that is resistant to abrasive cleaning agents.

The plastic parts are made without the use of Bisphenol A. This means that all components of the thermal mug can be used in food products. The lid mechanism allows you to drink on the go or while driving. The large, convenient flap button will not let you miss when you press it. This model is sold in two volumes: 0.47 ml and 0.35 ml.

STANLEY Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug (0.47 l)

• There is a special anti-slip coating on the bottom.
• It disassembles, so it is easy to wash.
• Build quality.

• May not fit in cup holder.

Zojirushi SM-SD36

Attractive design and matte finish distinguish this thermal mug. Weighing only 190 g, the glass is weightless. The lid opens by pressing your finger, and there is a lock to prevent accidental opening. Now you can safely put the thermal glass in your bag without fear of unpleasant consequences.

Also, condensation does not form under the lid, which prevents you from getting burned. Thanks to the Teflon coating of the flask, the mug is easy to keep clean. Wide range of colors: black, pink, blue, beige.

Zojirushi SM-SD36

• Presentable appearance.
• The lid opens easily.
• Lightweight and does not take up much space.

• High price.

Flask in the body

The flask mounted in the body of the thermal mug can be glass or metal. Flasks made of glass are more hygienic to use. They are easier to clean. Even if food or drinks are stored in it for a long time, no specific smell appears.

As when using products with metal flasks. Glass flasks are made using new technologies with hardening of the material, so it is more difficult to damage the flask. But metal flasks are still more reliable in operation.

Basic selection criteria, what to pay attention to

Volume - here everything will depend on individual preferences: for some, a thermal mug with a volume of 0.3 liters is enough, while for others, even half a liter will not be enough. Don’t forget to take this nuance into account when choosing. Typically, people buy a product with a volume of approximately 400 ml.

Housing material

Plastic and ceramics . The temperature in such thermal mugs, as a rule, cannot be maintained for long, and besides, these materials are quite fragile. Plastic can crack easily, and ceramic mugs break easily when camping.

Glass – Glass mugs are higher quality than ceramic or plastic ones as they can retain temperature longer. But glass is also a fragile material. Some models may have double walls. It is better to use them at home or office, but not on a hike.

Stainless steel is durable, and the temperature in such mugs is maintained longer than in products made from other materials.

Duration of temperature retention

The manufacturer always sets a specific period for keeping the temperature at a certain level, but practice shows that cold or heat often lasts 1-2 hours longer. The best designs with high thermal conservation are vacuum mugs with double walls.

Lid opening/closing mechanism

Mugs with a rotating mechanism. They are inconvenient when riding in a car or on a bicycle, since they cannot be opened with one hand. Advantage: no water will spill.

Mugs with a latch - open the lid with one finger. Disadvantage of the model: the mug can open if it accidentally gets caught in your bag.

Button - accidental opening is hardly possible; simple one-handed operation.

Other nuances worth paying attention to

• For motorists, a mug that easily fits into the cup holder in the car and works from the cigarette lighter is suitable;
• If a mug is needed for city trips, you should not buy models with extreme thermal conservation. Optimal: 5–8 hours;
• You should not choose mugs that are lined with plastic inside;
• To keep the liquid cold longer, a thermal mug with a white or light design is better suited;
• once a month you need to check the mug for leaks;
• If your hands are often busy, look for mugs that can be opened with one hand.

With plastic housing

High-quality plastic is a completely suitable material for a thermal mug. It is wear-resistant, inexpensive, and can be painted in any color.

STINGER HY-VF143 (0.45 l)

pros

• Several color options
• Lid with valve, fits tightly, liquid does not leak out
• Convenient
• Keeps warm well
• Sustainable

Minuses

• Plastic slips, especially if hands are wet

From 500 ₽

The classic thermal mug in a plastic case is available in several colors, even such unusual ones as white and gold. The flask is made of stainless food steel. The tight lid has a drinking hole that can be easily closed to prevent the drink from spilling. It is not too big, it is comfortable to hold in your hands. The manufacturer claims that the dishes retain heat for up to 8 hours and cold for up to 12 hours. With proper care, plastic retains its gloss for a long time.

Rondell RDS-836 (0.4 l)

pros

• Unusual design
• Matte anti-slip surface
• Convenient button to open the lid
• Lightweight
• Keeps warm well

Minuses

• Not detected

From 880 ₽

Very cool thermal mugs are produced by the Rondell brand. Their main feature is the buttons on the lids, which allow you to open the drinking hole in one second. This is very convenient, especially in winter, when your hands are in gloves. The model is made in black. Matte plastic prevents slipping. An additional advantage of this thermal mug is the presence of double walls. This ensures that the drinks inside remain hot and aromatic for a longer period of time.

EMSA Travel Mug Fun (0.36 l)

pros

• Bright colors
• The best solution with a lid
• Fits comfortably in the hand
• Not heavy
• 100% tight
• Easily opens at the touch of a button

Minuses

• Retains heat much less than stated time

From 780 ₽

This cute, compact mug has one feature - a lid design with a valve, which allows you to drink a hot drink from either side. The model is made in classic black and white colors, as well as bright green and cheerful crimson. Great option for children. High-quality plastic does not scratch and is resistant to falls. The mug promises to keep the drink warm for up to 4 hours, but in fact it only keeps the drink very hot for an hour, after which it gradually cools down, remaining just warm.

Thermal mug with cigarette lighter heating

Thermal mug CENTEK CT-0090 with a volume of half a liter, created specifically for motorists. It holds 2-3 cups of drink. It is possible to heat or boil the liquid to 40-60 degrees through a car cigarette lighter with a voltage of 12 W. The comfortable, non-heating handle is very comfortable to use. The sealing ring ensures the mug's seal. It opens and closes with a latch.

CENTEK CT-0090

• Heats the liquid to 40-60°.
• Large volume.
• Comfortable handle.

• Doesn't hold temperature well.

Thermal mug for city walks

For a short outing to the nearest park or playground with children, absolutely any thermal mug is suitable. But for going out for the whole weekend, it’s better to choose a vacuum thermos mug.

Those who like to go to coffee shops and take coffee to go in their own container will certainly like tumblers - plastic thermal glasses with a bright design, brought into fashion by Starbucks. They do not retain heat for long, but they are pleasing with their appearance and are inexpensive.

In 2021, coffee cups came into fashion - multi-colored metal thermal glasses that differ in their shape. Unlike ordinary mugs, they are not elongated and thin, but round and squat, more reminiscent of a drinking bowl. The advantage of coffee machines is not only their design, but also the fact that they are suitable for any coffee machine.

Recommendations for selection

To speed up your search for a suitable thermal mug, you can use the following recommendations:

• If you spend a lot of time on the road, including hiking, it is better to choose large-volume thermal mugs with maximum heat retention. Ideally, such dishes should keep warm for 5 hours or more.
• If you mainly travel in a car, it is worth purchasing a heated mug. Typically, such models can be connected to an outlet or cigarette lighter. It would be a good idea to first measure the diameter of the cup holder in the car.
• If you want to purchase a thermal mug for drinking cold drinks, give preference to a light design.
• If you prefer scalding drinks, you should not buy mugs with plastic inner walls.

Large volume

For those who want to choose a more capacious thermal mug, the following models have a volume of 700 ml.

STANLEY Ceramivac (0.7 l)

pros

• Big
• Keeps drinks hot very well and for a long time
• Fits in car cup holder
• Nice outer covering
• Sealed
• Dishwasher safe

Minuses

• Price

From 1790 ₽

The 700 ml stainless steel thermal mug has a polyester coating that is resistant to scratches, stains, and odor absorption. High-quality food-grade metal retains heat perfectly. The mug can keep your drink hot for up to 9 hours. The lid is completely sealed and easy to open for drinking. There is a handle on top of the lid for more convenient carrying of the thermocup. The model comes in several attractive colors.

Igloo Tahoe 24 (0.7 l)

pros

• Sealed
• Big
• There is a convenient folding ring for carrying
• Opens at the touch of a button
• Pleasant, non-slip coating material
• Keeps boiling water for a very long time

Minuses

• None

From 1600 ₽

The thermos mug is made entirely of stainless steel. The top of the case is clad in special BPA-free plastic, which protects your hands from burns and slipping. It is easy to clean, scratch resistant and does not absorb stains. Vacuum insulation between the body and the flask allows you to retain heat for 24 hours. The sealed lid has a convenient opening mechanism. This thermos will be indispensable on the road and will always come in handy at home.

Contigo Byron (0.72 l)

pros

• Unbreakable
• Comfortable to hold in hand
• Anti-slip silicone ring on the body
• Stylish, solid appearance
• Suitable for car cup holder
• Can be washed in the dishwasher

Minuses

• Expensive

From 2400 ₽

Thermal mug from Contigo, made of high quality brushed stainless steel with a vacuum layer. It keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours, and cold for up to 12 hours. The one-touch Snapseal lid is very convenient and completely sealed. The embossed rubberized insert on the body of the thermal cup provides a comfortable grip and protects your hands from exposure to high temperatures.

Brand

Is the brand of the product you buy important to you?

Of course! Not really

Many people prefer not to buy products from unknown companies, so as not to receive low-quality goods. To avoid purchasing a defective thermal mug that will not hold heat well or will break after a month or two of use, it is better to choose reputable manufacturers.

• Tefal - this French company produces the best thermal mugs for use in cars.
• Starbucks - many customers are attracted by the original design of tumblrs provided by the famous brand.
• Bergner - thermal mugs from this Australian company are distinguished by their bright design and thoughtful design.
• Stanley - thermal mugs from this American company are lightweight and durable.
• Bodum - thermal mugs from this brand attract customers with excellent thermal insulation, thanks to which you can drink hot drinks without burning your hands.

• Arctic - the products of this brand attract with their variety and quality; thermal mugs are of confident average quality.
• Thermos is a well-known brand that has been producing products since the beginning of the 20th century.
• TIGER is a Japanese company specializing in the production of outdoor products.
• Zojirushi - thermal mugs from this brand are distinguished by their reliable and thoughtful design.
• Xiaomi - premium mugs from a brand known for its high-tech products.

Reviews

Having understood what a thermal mug is for, all that remains is to choose a reliable friend to warm you up in the cold with the warm drink inside. According to a female customer, it was very cold for her to take the first minibus to work and she had to buy coffee at a cafe along the way, spending 70 rubles a day, but having bought a thermal mug, she began to save money and use a convenient thing.

There is a review from a male motorist who was tired of standing in traffic jams on the way to work and, having bought such a mug, began to drink hot tea without experiencing unnecessary stress. It has become indispensable in the car.

comparison table

It is possible that after looking at our rating of thermal mugs for 2020-2021, you could not immediately choose what suits you. To help, we have compiled a table where we compared the mugs according to their main characteristics.

Material of manufacture

1. Plastic. Thermal mugs made of plastic are the most budget option. Since plastic itself is considered an inexpensive material, the cost of producing such mugs is significantly reduced. This is the only advantage. Basically, plastic does not have much strength, it scratches quickly, therefore, holding such a mug in your hand, sometimes it seems that it will break into pieces at any moment. Moreover, if the inner wall is lined with plastic, drinking from it will be very harmful to health.
2. Ceramics. In most cases, ceramic thermal mugs are used at home. Since such products are single-walled, they are not able to take first place in their thermal characteristics. Also, due to the fact that ceramics is a rather fragile material, manufacturers are dismissive of hermetic performance. They explain this by saying that no one will carry such a mug in their bag. All this is a serious drawback that does not allow using this product on the street or on the road. As for the advantages, ceramic thermal mugs have a beautiful design, are often produced with various designs, and are easy to keep clean. Even without double walls, they retain the required temperature of the drink longer, compared to ordinary mugs, thanks to the lid at the top.
3. Glass. Another option for thermal effect mugs for home use. Despite the fact that most of these products are completely sealed and equipped with double walls, their strength is very low. You can take them with you on the road, but with extreme caution, since the glass is prone to breakage.
4. Stainless steel. One of the most optimal options for thermal mugs. Due to the double-walled steel housing, the space between the walls is filled with vacuum. This helps reduce heat or cold loss. The steel has sufficient strength, so this mug will not break if it falls on the floor. The strength and duration of temperature retention makes it possible to use such products in any conditions: on a hike, on the street, at home or at work.