Let’s face it: enjoying a cup of hot coffee is one of a few pleasures in life. But keeping coffee hot on the go can be a challenge. And daily stop at the coffee shop can easily kill your budget.

If you want to save money and drink your coffee hot, there’s only one solution: invest in an efficient travel mug!

There are plenty of options available, but today, we’re having a look at the best travel mugs to keep coffee hot! I’ve compiled a list after extensive research, dozens of Amazon and Reddit testimonials.

No matter what tickles your fancy (a leakproof coffee mug, 14 oz coffee mugs, mug with handle, etc.), there’s something for everyone on the list below!

Read on!

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What is the best mug to keep coffee hot?

The opinions on the best way to keep your coffee hot are divided, but the general rule is that a vacuum mug is the best option. It helps to slow down the cooling of coffee because of how it’s built.

The fact is that as soon as your hot coffee touches a cold mug, it starts cooling down. You can always try to keep it warmer by rinsing the coffee cup with hot water before you add coffee to it.

When reviewing the best travel mugs listed below, I’ve taken into consideration the following criteria:

• Is the mug vacuum-insulated?
• What’s the real heat retention?
• Stainless steel or plastic?
• Is it leak- and spill-proof?
• How easy is it to use?
• Size matters (when it comes to coffee)!

Best coffee mugs to keep coffee hot

Let’s have a look at the list of the best mugs that can keep your coffee hot for hours on end. I’ve tested quite a few of these and came up with only the best you can find out there today!

Zojirushi SM-SD48AM Stainless Steel Mug – Best Coffee Thermos

Zojirushi has thought about you when designing this travel coffee mug. It comes with a two-step release lid that prevents accidental spills of piping hot coffee into your face. It’s vacuum insulated so whatever temperature drink you pour in, it will keep it hot for up to 6 hours! There are online claims saying it keeps it hot longer than that, but I think 6 is the absolute maximum. What’s more, this sleek travel cup can easily be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly; the interior is covered with a nonstick material.

Pros

• Locking lid to prevent spills
• Two-step release lid
• Easy to clean
• Stylish design
• Available in various colors
• Different sizes available
• Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic
• 5-year warranty on heat retention

Cons

• Pricey replacement parts

With a wide-mouth opening and compact design, this thermos has to be one of the best mugs to keep coffee hot on the list. Made with stainless steel and vacuum insulation, Zojirushi does the job of keeping drinks hot or cold very well.

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug – Best for easy use

Contigo is a modern and sleek mug that will easily turn into your favorite thermos. It is vacuum-insulated, made with stainless steel interior; I’ve had it for a few years and it’s definitely one of the best travel mugs to keep on hand. Don’t get me wrong; it won’t keep coffee piping hot (very few can), but for this budget, it’ll keep it warm up to 5 hours. While it comes in multiple colors, the paint will come off with time and I’m not very happy about that. But I keep it for home use because it still works great.

Pros

• Completely spill and leak-proof
• Extra lid lock
• Easy to clean
• Stainless steel interior
• More sizes available (16 ounces, 20, 24 oz.)

Cons

• Partially dishwasher safe

This is a no-spill coffee mug without any leaking. It’s sturdy and well-built and what’s more, this cute travel thermos lives up to its promise and remains stylish at the same time. It can easily be used with only one hand with an easy push of one single button.

Yeti Rambler Stainless Steel Insulated Mug – Best travel mug with handle

Made of stainless steel and a durable coat of color, Yeti rambler is definitely a hit with sleek and serious design. Yeti coffee mug can easily accompany you wherever you go: camping, to the office, to the library, or on a long road trip. It’s practical because it comes with a handle and it’s a well-built mug. It’s available in various colors and it’s able to keep your coffee hot or cold for hours due to the double-wall vacuum insulation.

Pros

• Keeps cold drinks cold for hours
• The coating doesn’t peel or fade
• BPA-free and rust-resistant
• No sweat
• Various colors available
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Only one size available

While this is definitely a practical mug with a handle to keep around, it’s too wide to fit into a car cup holder and it spills easily. With time, the finish tends to chip in some cases, which is quite common to many to-go mugs. You can try preventing it by washing it only by hand instead of a dishwasher.

Tomic Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

Tomic can keep drinks hot and cold. I got my hands on one of these recently and it’s the Christmas series (I love the blue and silver design). Tomic is a vacuum-insulated mug with a nonstick surface inside that doesn’t stain. It’s also made with eco-friendly materials so that’s something to consider if you’re conscious about the environment. What I love about it is that it fits the standard cup holders, I can carry it in my purse and it hasn’t leaked yet. Tomic makes a great gift at this time of the year and it’s perfect for any type of beverage (though I only use it for coffee). For me, it easily competes with the Lexo Temperature mug and is even more superior in many ways (Wirecutter seems to disagree).

Pros

• One push lid lock system
• Eco-friendly material
• Easy and no-slip grip
• Stainless steel
• Versatile (for hot and cold drinks)
• BPA and phthalate-free

Cons

• Doesn’t have a handle

Tomic can hold up to 16.9 oz coffee and it’ll keep coffee warm up to 8 hours. Warm it up before you add coffee and you can enjoy it for the rest of the morning/afternoon.

Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug

I travel a lot so I was looking for something that would be practical to take on the road and keep around at all times. So I discovered Hydroflask. I got one in the hideous yellow color when I first bought it but it hasn’t disappointed me in any way! It’s a practical flask that comes with a wide mouth (great for ice cubes and easy clean-up). I haven’t experienced any leaks and spills and what I really love about it is that the flex caps so that I can attach it to my backpack easily. Hydro Flask has a powder coat, which enables a solid grip. Without any condensation on the outside of the bottle, it is double-walled and vacuum-insulated. If you need to keep your coffee warm for up to 4 hours, this is your travel coffee mug of choice!

Pros

• BPA-free and stainless steel
• Slip-free grip
• More caps /lids available
• Wide Mouth
• Different colors available
• Several sizes available
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Faint heat retention from the lid

This mug is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and clean. I noticed people having issues with the lid as it’s not 100% leak-proof, but my cap has always worked great! The flask looks stylish and with the lifetime warranty, you can really make the most of it!

Klean Kanteen Double Walled Tumbler

The first thing that caught my eye with Kleen Kanteen was the colors. I know it sounds unreasonable, but the moment I saw those stylish tumblers with beautiful colors, I knew I had to have one. And I didn’t pay much attention to the reviews at the time, to be honest! After I had it for a while, I was pleased to notice that the tumbler is quite durable and effective! It’s easy to use, sustainable, versatile, and it comes with double-wall insulation and it promises to keep coffee hot for up to 6 hours, and iced coffee up to 24 hours! It’s available in more sizes and colors, so grab the one which suits your taste best!

Pros

• Splash resistant lid
• Compatible with Klean Kanteen straws
• Smooth lip of the cup
• Easy to clean
• Different sizes available
• More colors available
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Paint chips off with regular use
• Tumbler lid isn’t leakproof

This is a sleek tumbler that will keep coffee warm for hours. It’s not completely leak-proof (I failed to notice that information) as the lid is always open, but you can easily bring it with you anywhere: to the office, on a camping trip, an outdoor cocktail party!

Swell Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Swell boasts with stylish and elegant design and wide mouth, made for easy drinking. Also, you can add the ice cubes to it without any trouble for that same reason. The mug is vacuum insulated and it’s very handy to bring with you wherever you go. The bottle is leak-free (in my experience) and it fits the hand nicely. The twist lid can be impractical since you need both hands to use it, but the mug is convenient as it’s not too big and not too small either.

Pros

• BPA-free plastic and 18/8 stainless steel
• Various colors available
• Easy to clean
• Wide mouth for ice cubes or easy drinking
• Available in different sizes
• Not dishwasher safe

Cons

• Lid issues

S’well coffee mug is able to keep your coffee hot up to 6 hours! The mug is easy to hold and while it may not fit the cup holder in your car, you can toss it into your purse as it doesn’t leak. Some users reported lid issues; it’s clumsy to open and close sometimes, but once you get a hang of it, it should go smoothly. Remember to work with it gently and you’re good to go.

Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

If you’re looking for a ceramic travel mug to take with you on the go, Ello Jane has got you covered. It’s made with clean and safe materials. The mug and its 18 oz are fit for any coffee lover. The great part about it is that ceramic is easy to wash and effective. And it also comes with a handle! This is one of the few options on the list that have a handle. The mug isn’t completely leak-safe, but it’s sturdy, big, and stylish!

Pros

• Friction fit-slider
• Splash-resistant
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• More colors available
• Easy to clean
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• The mug isn’t leakproof

Ello Jane is more of a desk mug than an actual travel mug, but it has a rubber bottom and lid that comes off and it’s easy to wash. The cup won’t keep coffee hot as long as other insulated mugs on the list, but it’s made of ceramic, and that’s a unique exception on the list.

Ello Campy Vaccum Insulated Travel Mug

Another Ello mug, this one comes with a slider lid for easy use and a comfy carry handle, designed to make taking coffee on the go as practical as possible. Personally, I love this to-go cup; I got the deep blue color one and it’s stylish and designed with vintage flair. The cup holds 16 oz and it can keep coffee hot for up to 5 hours. It’s perfect for camping trips and it makes a lovely gift.

Pros

• Leak-proof travel mug
• Vacuum insulated stainless steel mug
• Comfortable carry handle
• Dishwasher safe lid
• More colors and sizes available
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• Cup isn’t dishwasher safe

The mug is comfortable to hold and use. The mug keeps the coffee hot effectively for a few hours. The stylish vintage look is just a plus. I’m very satisfied with mine; makes all the camping trips more pristine and exciting!

Stainless Steel Tumbler With Splash-Proof Sliding

To be honest, I got this tumbler primarily to keep my drinks cold and it keeps them cold beyond belief! But then I decided to test it for hot coffee as well and I was amazed at how effective it really was! With a double-walled vacuum insulated technology, this travel coffee mug can keep your coffee warm for up to 6 hours! Without any condensation forming on the outside, this cup is powder coated and prevents both rust, slips, and burns. And, it comes in fun and vivid colors to brighten up your day. It’s stylish, cost-effective, and it can fit easily into most cup holders.

Pros

• Food-grade stainless steel
• Easy to clean
• BPA-free
• Eco-friendly
• Different sizes available (12, 20, and 30 oz.)
• Good customer service

Cons

• Lid jams into your nose
• Not dishwasher safe

The lid comes with a slider and the cup is easy to hold. Optionally you can also purchase additional handle which makes using the cup even more practical. Keep in mind that this tumbler isn’t leak-proof, but it’s great to keep on your desk at work and while you study. It makes a great gift for anyone who needs a kick of style and color in their life!

Thermos Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler

Thermos boasts more than 110 years of practice when it comes to making mugs and thermoses that keep beverages hot no matter where you go. For maximum heat retention, Thermos promises to blow your mind. Always cool to the touch without any sweating, this mug easily holds tea bags as well (for your convenience). With a sleek design, I’m sure it’ll easily convince some of you but remember, there’s only one size available!

Pros

• Spill-proof
• The lid is easy to drink from
• Comfortable shape
• Unbreakable stainless steel
• More colors available

Cons

• Only one size (16 oz.)
• Lid wears out fast
• Mild sweating

Yes, it can keep coffee warm for up to 6 hours. The product works great until it doesn’t. The lid is prone to breaking and it’s happened more than once; the general idea is that the product is made in China and its quality has decreased over the years. It may be the best thermos out there. It may not!

Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug

Stanley makes a perfect travel coffee mug for all who want a sturdy and serious-looking mug. This mug has a vacuum-insulated body and thermal lid that promises to keep coffee hot for up to 6 hours. You can easily open and close the lid with one push. It has a double wall and it’s made of stainless steel. The lid is also dishwasher safe, but the mug isn’t. It easily fits in the standard cup holders. Stanley mug is well-built and reliable and you can also pack it in your bag; the mug won’t leak nor spill!

Pros

• Leak-proof
• Doesn’t spill
• Easy to clean
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• Partially dishwasher safe

If you want to sip hot coffee or tea all day, Stanley will see it done. Make sure to overfill the mug and it won’t leak or spill anywhere. The brand has been around for a while; they’ve been making durable tools since 1913!

NiftyCORE Bamboo Travel Mug

Made with superior heat retention technology, Bamboo tumbler will keep your coffee hot for hours. It’s made of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. It’s great for those who want eco-friendly and sustainable mugs and it’ll last you a long time. This tumbler easily fits the standard cup holders. It’s well-built with a double-wall insulated bamboo shell

Pros

• Leakproof
• Smell proof
• Double-insulated
• Micro-filter tea strainer included
• FDA approved

Cons

• Pricey

This tumbler looks stylish and classy. You’ll have to remove the lid to drink from it, but it’ll keep coffee hot for hours. Overall, it’s a well-designed mug that’s also functional and does its job well.

Why should you own a travel mug?

• Healthier than plastic, paper, or Styrofoam cups. Insulated mugs are made with materials that are safe
• Economical; these mugs enable you to make coffee at home and bring it with you wherever you go. You don’t have to spend money on hot coffee in local coffee shops; make it in your office, dorm, or house and pack it into the mug before heading out the door
• Practical: bring a travel mug every time you leave the house and enjoy coffee on the road any time you want (great for camping too!)
• Spill and leak proof to keep enjoying hot coffee everywhere you want
• Eco-friendly; unlike the Styrofoam to-go cups or endless piles of plastic/paper cups from the local coffee shop, travel cup is reusable and can help you reduce those 50 billion paper cups that we throw away every year!

Who is a travel mug for?

Now, you don’t necessarily need a coffee thermos if you love coffee, but it’s a handy thing to keep around, especially if you…

• Commute on a daily basis
• Work outside your house
• Live in a dorm
• Travel regularly
• Love road trips
• Take long train rides
• Go on camping and hiking trips

There are many other creative and effective ways to keep coffee hot for longer, but the best way to enjoy hot beverages for a long time is to get an insulated coffee mug that will help you keep coffee piping hot for hours on end.

Best coffee mugs to keep coffee hot: a recap

There are many different travel coffee mugs that you can choose from. Pay attention to what they’re made of, how long they keep coffee hot, and how versatile they are.

The choices are endless when it comes to travel coffee mugs. The trick is to choose the one that will suit you the best. Whether you make coffee with French Press, Moka pot, or one of the budget coffee machines, coffee should stay warm!

But, there’s more to a travel cup than just keeping your coffee hot. One of the biggest reasons I decided to get one was because I was in college and I wanted to keep extra expenses to a minimum. We all know that buying coffee daily from a coffee shop can easily eat up your budget. It certainly did mine! So whether you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK, there are a few great choices when it comes to the best travel mug for keeping coffee hot.

In my experience, you can’t go wrong with any of the mugs I listed above. If I had to choose the best, I’d say that from all the mugs that I’ve tested, Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is probably the best.

Zojirushi is a well-built mug that’s a great value for money. It comes with a 5-year warranty on heat retention and a two-step release lid, which effectively prevents spills. While the replacement parts can be slightly pricey, the mug is made with nonstick material on the inside and stainless steel that helps to retain heat well. You can choose from different colors and it can keep coffee hot for up to 6 hours.

The second best I’d choose based on experience is Contigo Autoseal West Loop Mug. It’s a modern travel mug with a sleek design that’s available in more sizes and colors to fit every need! I’ve had Contingo for years and it can keep coffee hot for up to 5 hours. I love the fact that it’s vacuum insulated and made of stainless steel. The fact that I can use it with one hand only is definitely a plus! It’s leak-proof but the colored models aren’t dishwasher safe. I’ve had paint come off because I didn’t read the manual properly, but the mug is very effective with an extra lid lock.

Last but not least, the third-best choice is Yeti Rambler Stainless Steel Travel Mug; it’s durable, sturdy, and travel-friendly. It comes with a sleek design and a handle. Its double-wall vacuum insulation allows it to keep your beverage hot for hours. What’s more, the mug is available in different colors and is suitable for anyone who takes their coffee and camping seriously.

No matter which thermos you choose, keep in mind that the less you expose hot coffee to cold air, the longer it’ll stay warm. Investing in a vacuum-insulated mug can help you stay on budget and enjoy a warm cup of java longer.

Remember to keep the lid shut when you’re not drinking the coffee and you’ll be able to enjoy it warm for hours on end.

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