Oct 02, 2018

Seriously, This is the Best Travel Coffee Mug You Can Buy

Best travel coffee mug review



Look, we didn't know it was possible to get that excited about a coffee cup, either. But think about it: this is something you use every day. Something that gets taken with you everywhere you go before 10 am, something that gets all rubbed up against your face dozen times a day. So, it's important to get the right one, and buddy, this is the right one.

best travel coffee mug

Why's it so great? Namely, cause it works, every time. There's a double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumbler that keeps your drinks HOT. I like to sip slowly on my coffee all morning; I'm not as interested in the quick caffeine boost as I am in extending the pleasure of hot coffee as long as possible. I often won't finish an almost full mug for about two hours, and its still hot at the last sip. A piping 195° F, the same temp at which I brewed it? No. But warmer than a standard ceramic mug would be after a mere five minutes. 

And this is important, because it allows me to measure how much I'm drinking. I don't have to keep topping it off and warming it up, only to find myself jittery and grinding my teeth because I was tired of cold coffee. With this, I measure what I want, I drink it at my pace, and I know exactly how much coffee I've had, and I've enjoyed it the whole way through.


Simple open and close latch

Okay, so most travel mugs are double-walled and insulated. What makes the Contigo better than the others? The lid, my friend. The lid. This thing has been designed to the hilt. It's on its 7th or 8th version, and they finally nailed it. (I've been a Contigo fan since 2.0). The Autoseal refers to the default closed position, which, if screwed on properly, will not let any liquid out. You open the seal with a super ergonomic button on the far side of the lip. You can lock the lid to prevent the button from being pressed in a bag or by strangers on the train. 


easy clean lid for coffee mug

All this contraptioning means there's a bit going on under the hood, but the lid features a flip-up tab that exposes the goods for easy cleaning. Rinse, reseat, and done. 


perfect no-leak seal

The seal really does work 100%, and with the locking mechanism, I have no concerns about placing it next to expensive devices in a shoulder bag or briefcase. 

I've now own four generations of Contigo mugs in the last seven years. Each one is better than the last, and they finally figured out how to make them fit in your car's cup holder. They cost ~$20 each, and I figure I use them 300 days a year for about 20-24 months. That's a lot of hot coffee, a lot of paper cups not thrown away, and a lot of money saved cause I make my coffee at home and take it where I need to go. 


coffee mug

One tip: do be careful when opening the seal after it's been closed for a bit. As the temperature changes, the pressure builds up inside, and it can spray a few drops of hot liquid. Just open away from your face, and you'll be fine. Once you learn it, the rhythm is very natural.

You can't do better for $20. Every one you know wants one of these. Enjoy your hot, truly spill-proof beverages. 


ManMade Recommended: 
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy Clean Lid, 16-Ounce or 20-Ounce




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Ryan on Oct 15, 2018:

Unrelated to the post, where did you get that sweater? It looks incredibly cozy!

StoneMaven on May 21, 2016:

I bought one for my BFF last Christmass and I still get the occasional text telling me just how freaking good this mug is!  When you say it keeps the coffee hot for a l-o-n-g time, you are not exaggerating.  Thanks for the recommendation.  He LOVES it!

Trey on Dec 01, 2015:

There's a reason I've been using this same exact travel mug for over 2 years now. Sidenote: the ONLY travel mug that I have ever found to be Jeep-Proof!

Ryan on Dec 01, 2015:

Might have to get one of these soon. Any strong opinions on an ideal water bottle? I've gone through Siggs, Nalgenes, and a few others and have always been let down by leaking, or annoying lids. 

DaveD on Dec 01, 2015:

I have the previous iteration of lid design and it was used daily for almost a year. It worked well. The ability to actually lock the button is a great feature. Unfortunately, I dropped it from my kitchen counter once and it no longer seals. No idea why, visually it looks fine, but if you turn it over it leaks like a sieve. I decided to try something else and went with a Zojirushi SM-KHE48BA. Works well and the lid comes apart into something like 4 parts for cleaning (good as long as you don't lose anything). We'll see how long it lasts. 

Anonymous on Dec 01, 2015:

I have this and it seals well and keeps the contents warm for 6 odd hours easily. but it is difficult to clean the lid. there is a lingering musty smell, which i cannot eliminate despite cleaning well, using bicarb soda etc.



Andrea on Dec 01, 2015:

I wholeheartedly agree, and you can get a 2 pack at Costco for the same $20 bucks! We have a set in every color (10 total) because my husband and I are both guilty of forgetting them at work, so we need back ups! We stopped and bought the black and white set as a honeymoon gift to ourselves on our way out of town because we are such avid coffee drinkers!