The Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on the Go

By Kristi Kellogg and Meaghan Kenny

The 18 Best LeakProof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot  Drinks on the Go

Whether you're embarking on your morning commute or headed on an East Coast road trip , you should have one of the best travel mugs in hand. Finding one you like means you can skip the routine stop at the coffee shop (or at least say no to the disposable cup), cut back on single-use plastics, and keep your drinks at an ideal temperature (with some, for hours and hours at a time). Ahead, we've rounded up Condé Nast Traveler editors' personal favorites—from brands like Hydro Flask, Yeti, Corksicle, Stanley, and more. With insulated, leak-proof, and easy-to-carry options in the mix, there's a mug in here ready for a spot in your cup holder or tote bag .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

travel mug hot drinks

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

The 20-ounce version of Hydro Flask’s All Around Tumbler has been my go-to lately, both at home and on the commute to work. It keeps coffee warm for a few hours, so if I’m sipping slowly I don’t have to bother with reheating it, and does its job in keeping iced coffee cool, too. It has the type of lid that you can push back and forth to open or close, and the opening is wide enough to easily fit a reusable straw. I don’t drive, but the mug's size seems very cupholder-friendly, too! — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

travel mug hot drinks

Stanley Classic Trigger Action travel mug

Stanley makes the best classic mugs (the company has been around since 1913 after all). The brand is known for its iconic insulated steel thermoses, which promise hours-long insulation for hot drinks and durability for wherever you’re taking your beverage— hiking , camping , thrown in the back of your car on a road trip , you name it. The original green color has a delightfully retro vibe as well. — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Image may contain Cup

Stojo collapsible travel cup, 16-ounce

The main reason I adore my collapsible Stojo cup is its clever design that makes it incredibly easy to carry around. I’m not kidding when I say that when folded down, my 16-ounce cup turns into a disc that fits into my jacket pocket. It’s also light enough to drop into a travel backpack or a sling bag when you go hiking. I use mine for everything from coffees and smoothies, and when dry, for snacks and berries. Don’t expect an insulated mug with this one: It keeps a beverage warm (or cool) for long enough for you to drink it, but isn’t a double-walled metal cup. However, it has helped me cut down on a ton of waste when traveling, and might I add is cute-looking, too. — Arati Menon, global digital director

Read a full review of the Stojo cup.

travel mug hot drinks

Stanley Aerolight Transit bottle

The AeroLight Transit bottle has become my new favorite mug to use on my morning commute to work. My tea is still piping hot even after my hour-long train ride. I keep it in my tote bag—along with my laptop and phone—and it never leaks. I've flipped this one completely upside down and nothing spills out, making it a reliable option to travel with. It's one-third lighter than Stanley's typical stainless steel, so it doesn't feel heavy in my bag either. I also appreciate how slim the bottle is—it's so easy to carry around. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Falling Into the Rhythms of La Pitchoune, Julia Child's Home in the South of France

Rebekah Peppler

How Great Trips Are Made

CNT Editors

15 Best Passport Holders to Protect Your Documents While Traveling

Lauren Dana Ellman

Ask a Local: Where to Go for Indigenous Art and Fashion in Santa Fe

Ashley M. Biggers

travel mug hot drinks

Yeti Rambler stackable mug

When I'm traveling, the most essential ritual I preserve is my morning coffee. While I love nearly all of the Yeti drinkware options, this mug is perfect for coffee—both for its manageable 10-ounce size, as well as the side handle, which makes this especially easy when I'm on a road trip or a train. (This mug has come with me on camping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Delaware Water Gap, on a road trip through the Appalachian Highlands, and a long drive between D.C. and New York City .) A fair word of warning though: The airtight lid and insulation work almost too well—coffee stays hot a long time, so I recommend you get it close to your ideal temperature before pouring it in. —Corina Quinn, former city guides director

travel mug hot drinks

Snow Peak Milk bottle

This is one of those gifts I have become deeply attached to—it was given to me about a year ago, when I was getting really into camping and the chic outdoor brand Snow Peak, and it’s since become a staple in my house. It has a beautifully minimalist design, is small enough to feel really portable (as in, it’s not a pain to have to tote home once it’s empty), and it never leaks. It’s no bargain, but given how much I use and love it, I think the math sort of works out in the end. — M.S .

travel mug hot drinks

Zojirushi stainless steel mug

“This mug is my favorite one ever because the lid has a lock feature that makes it completely leak-free. I can throw this in a travel tote and not worry about coffee dribbling all over. Plus the stainless steel interior keeps coffee extra hot for hours, but it doesn't burn your hands. In addition to my commute on the subway, I've taken this little wonder on train rides to upstate New York , and I've never spilled a drop.” —Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news

travel mug hot drinks

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Another option from Hydro Flask worth noting is the 20-ounce bottle with a Flex Slip lid. It's large enough that I can bring plenty of iced coffee with me on the go, but it's still cupholder-friendly—very important for road trips. The double-wall vaccum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12. The carry-handle makes it easy to hold on long walks and the leak-proof lid is easy to open and close. I love the color options, especially this new purple shade. —M.K.

Image may contain Coffee Cup and Cup

Martina Thornhill Okay cup

It’s not hyperbole to state that I’ve tried the lion’s share of travel mugs on the market. I drink a ton of coffee and I travel and drive a lot. I hate the way metal mugs make coffee taste—it’s so much better out of a ceramic mug. The Okay Cup from Portland, Oregon –based ceramicist Marina Thornhill is gorgeous, doesn’t leak, and doesn’t make your coffee taste like mud. It’s pricey, but a better long-term deal than always dumping the coffee you put in another mug and don’t actually drink. It’s constantly selling out, so put your name on the pre-order list—it’s worth the wait. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor

travel mug hot drinks

Kinto travel tumbler

If you’re a tea drinker like me or like your travel mugs to keep your hot drinks piping hot, be warned: this insulated mug gets me every time, keeping my teas at steaming, roof-of-mouth-burning temperatures for what feels like an impossibly long time. (And that’s a good thing in my book.) I prefer the matte exterior over the stainless steel for its added grip. I use it to commute with my tea (it doesn’t leak!) and on extra-long winter walks because I know it’ll stay warm the entire time. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor

Image may contain Cylinder

Yeti Rambler lowball

This mug is a thing in my house. My partner received one as a Christmas gift , only to find it missing every morning—truth be told, after I stole it once to use for hot coffee on my morning subway commute, I couldn’t go back to any other thermos. I personally love that this mug doesn’t have a handle, because it’s so insulated it never burns my hands, yet the coffee inside stays piping hot, and its shape is nice and easy to hold. When I’m done enjoying my hot drink on the go, it takes the least space possible in my bag , where it usually clangs around for the rest of the day until I make my way home (or back to wherever I’m staying). —M.S.

Image may contain Bottle and Shaker

Corkcicle classic tumbler

This Corkcicle tumbler keeps my coffee hot on my subway commute, and is secure enough to sneak a couple of sips while standing on a crowded, moving train. There’s also something joyful about pouring my freshly brewed coffee into a pink vessel—how could I not be cheerful toting this cute mug around the office? Most often this mug has been my subway companion, though I have used it for road trips and early morning flights that require a caffeine boost before boarding. —Katie Henwood, former senior SEO manager

travel mug hot drinks

Miir Climate+ Tumbler

Lately when I want a compact option that won't take up much space in my backpack or tote after it's empty, I've been reaching for this sleek stainless steel tumbler from Miir. It's shatter proof, so I don't worry about dropping it or getting any dents. For an extra charge, you can even personalize it, making it a great gift for any traveler in your life. —M.K.

Image may contain Coffee Cup Cup Bottle and Shaker

Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug

This Hydro Flask mug checks all the boxes: It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, has a leak-proof lid, carrying handle, and no-sweat matte finish, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can use it as a thermos, a water bottle , or a coffee cup. Hydro Flask also has matching slings that let you carry your travel tumbler hands-free, helpful when biking, hiking, or just dashing through the airport. — Kristi Kellogg, contributor

travel mug hot drinks

OtterBox Elevation wine tumbler

Technically this is a wine tumbler, but more often, I use it for iced coffee. It keeps my caffeine cold, fits the extra-large ice cube I put into the bottom, and doesn’t leave rings on tables when I set it down. Plus, like all things OtterBox, it’s sturdy—I don’t have to worry about dinging or denting it when I inevitably drop or knock it over. Its smaller size means it’s also carry-on and backpack friendly. —M.F.

travel mug hot drinks

Hay Sowden travel cup

I don’t think there’s a chicer travel mug than this colorful one from Hay, which comes in pink, green, or gray, all with contrasting, two-toned lids. It puts all other thermoses to shame when it comes to design—but it’s also totally functional, with an insulated stainless steel exterior that keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for an impressive 24 hours. —M.C.

travel mug hot drinks

W&P Porter mug

This mug hits all the right marks: The silicone sleeve makes it easy to grip and quiet when placed down on a surface; the mouthpiece on the lid is easy to slide open and close; and it’s safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave. Plus, it just looks nicer than the rest of my logo-clad travel mugs. Most often I use it to sip coffee on my morning commute, but I have also brought it on longer train rides to D.C. and on flights as a vessel for oatmeal. —M.F.

travel mug hot drinks

Simple Modern travel coffee mug

One of my favorite reusable water bottles is from Simple Modern, so I had high hopes for its travel mug and it certainly did not disappoint. This stainless steel mug keeps my hot beverages hot for four hours and my iced coffee cold for up to 16 hours, so it's great for day trips and using at the office. It's dishwasher safe and the handle makes sipping on the go easy. The under $20 price tag is nice, too. —M.K.

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

best travel mugs

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

16-Ounce Stainless Steel Mug

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Sedona Stainless Steel Thermal Tumbler

Best Travel Coffee Mug for Espresso Drinks

Avana sedona stainless steel thermal tumbler.

Good Grips 16-oz Travel Coffee Mug with Leakproof SimplyClean Lid

Easiest to Clean Leak-Resistant Travel Coffee Mug

Oxo good grips 16-oz travel coffee mug with leakproof simplyclean lid.

Flex Sip Lid Coffee Flask

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Carrying Strap

Hydro flask flex sip lid coffee flask.

Heated Coffee Mug

Best Self-Heating Travel Coffee Mug

Smrtmugg heated coffee mug.

Stainless Steel Traveler

Best Wide-Mouthed Travel Coffee Mug

S'well stainless steel traveler.

Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Mug

Best Locking-Lid Travel Coffee Mug

Contigo luxe autoseal vacuum-insulated mug.

Rambler Mug with Lid

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Handle

Yeti rambler mug with lid.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

dog

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

linebreak

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

linebreak

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Headshot of Sarah Gregory Wharton

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

preview for Featured Videos From Good Housekeeping US

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Around the Kitchen

Best Sous Vide Machines 

How Are Air Fryers and Convection Ovens Different?

get more out of your air fryer

How to Get More From Your Air Fryer

stoves click for more

Gas vs. Electric Stoves

pantone h and m home collection

H&M Home's New Collection Is a Must for Spring

a kitchen counter with greenpa pots and pans

Our Honest Review of GreenPan Cookware

retro style kitchen with blush pink cabinets and checkered floors

Surprising Retro Kitchen Design Is Trending

pantry organization ideas

30 Genius Pantry Organization Ideas

11 Best Water Filters of 2019, According to Kitchen and Environmental Experts

The Best Water Filters

best electric kitchen composters

The Best Electric Composters

best table lamps

27 Best Table Lamps for Any Space

low carb pasta

The Best Low-Carb Noodles

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

  • Account Settings
  • My Benefits
  • My Products
  • Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

Suggested Searches

  • Become a Member

Car Ratings & Reviews

2024 Top Picks

Car Buying & Pricing

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

Car Maintenance & Repair

Car Reliability Guide

Key Topics & News

Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast

Home & Garden

Bed & Bath

Top Picks From CR

Best Mattresses

Lawn & Garden

TOP PICKS FROM CR

Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors

Home Improvement

Home Improvement Essential

Best Wood Stains

Home Safety & Security

HOME SAFETY

Best DIY Home Security Systems

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

What to Do With a Broken Appliance

Small Appliances

Best Small Kitchen Appliances

Laundry & Cleaning

Best Washing Machines

Heating, Cooling & Air

Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems

Electronics

Home Entertainment

FIND YOUR NEW TV

Home Office

Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs

Smartphones & Wearables

BEST SMARTPHONES

Find the Right Phone for You

Digital Security & Privacy

MEMBER BENEFIT

CR Security Planner

Take Action

Best Insulated Cups of 2024

We tried the Stanley Tumbler, Yeti Rambler, and other cups to see which did the best job keeping drinks hot and cold

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Yeti, Stanley, Swell, Zojirushi, and Hydra Flask insulated cups

An insulated cup lets you take your favorite drink, hot or cold, anywhere you go. Whether you’re looking to tote around a day’s worth of cold water, or you want to keep your coffee hot all the way to work, the right insulated cup feels like it was designed with your routine, and even you, in mind.

But the worst insulated cups can feel like a piece of over-engineered junk that leaks tepid coffee or room-temperature water onto your lap, and clutters your cupboards, collecting dust.

Best Insulated Cups

Stanley tumbler review, yeti rambler review, how cr tests insulated cups.

These devices go by many names—travel mug, travel cup, or tumbler to name a few. And of course, some brands and models have become all but synonymous with taking your drink to go: The Yeti Rambler, Stanley Tumbler, and Thermos-brand models of any variety are all famous for different reasons, from inventing the category itself to protecting your drink so well even a fire won’t breach its vacuum-insulated walls.

But reputation isn’t everything. In our recent evaluation of insulated cups, we tried out a traditional Thermos, the Stanley Tumbler, and the Yeti Rambler, along with plenty of the competition, to see which insulated cups rose to the top.

“One of the most interesting findings in our testing was that some of the really well-known brands, including Yeti and Starbucks, fell short of the competition,” says Bernie Deitrick, CR’s test engineer in charge of evaluating insulated cups. “In certain cases, we’d find that the mug would be beautifully designed and styled, but would have something like a flimsy plastic lid that would allow the heat to escape, or liquid to spill.” We run our tests to give you data-based comparisons. With something like an insulated travel mug—which will live in your grip day after day—we realize that only you can decide what makes it great, whether that’s a leakproof design or a profile that fits in the slimmest of cup holders. Know that at a minimum, every mug here keeps drinks hot for at least a few hours; we sincerely hope that’s plenty long enough for your commute.

We test how well-insulated cups keep drinks hot or cold, how easy they are to clean, and whether they offer readily replaceable gaskets.

For the temperature tests, we filled each insulated cup with boiling water (212° F) and immediately screwed or pressed each lid back on. Then our testers opened each cup at set intervals to take the temperature of the water inside until it dropped to 140° F—better known as lukewarm.

We also tested each cup to see whether it could keep cold drinks cold as well as hot drinks hot. “We found that cups that were well-insulated did a great job with keeping liquids either hot or cold,” Deitrick says.

To rate how easy cups are to clean, we evaluated each lid, assigning points to those that were easy to clean and subtracting from those that had hard-to-clean nooks or gaskets in their lids that retained soils even after a thorough scrubbing.

Each insulated cup in our test had at least one silicone gasket, and some had as many as three. Over time, they can wear out, and many harbor foul odors. So we removed each gasket that could be removed—some can’t—to see how easy it would be to clean beneath it, and then replaced it. We also noted whether a manufacturer offered replacement gaskets or lids, which will, on occasion, spare you the need to replace an entire cup.

Lastly, we sized up ease of use, which reflects whether or not the cup resists leaking and spilling, how easy it is to open the lid and drink from the cup without it, and how easily the cup will—or won’t—fit into car cup holders.

Paul Hope is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before joining CR in 2016, he tested kitchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You’ll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.

Sharing is Nice

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Stanley The Flowstate Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

Hydro flask 20 oz w/ flex sip, contigo byron 2.0 16 oz (2094843), starbucks 16 oz (insulated tumbler), bubba hero xl (20088), s'well traveler (13016-b19-52140), takeya 17 oz (51273), zojirushi 16 oz (she48za), zojirushi 16 oz, yeti rambler 20 oz, s'well commuter 16 oz, thermos stainless king 16 oz.

See All Ratings

Trending in Insulated Cups

Best Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Beloved Stanley Tumbler?

Does the Yeti Rambler Deserve All the Love It Gets?

Advertisement

The Best Travel Mug

Four different travel mugs next to each other.

By Trey French and Anna Perling

Hot drinks are a daily staple for many, and just as important as the beverage is the travel mug that keeps it warm while you’re on the go.

After a decade of testing travel mugs, we still recommend the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for most people. It keeps drinks hot for hours, and its locking lid stays securely closed, even when you toss the mug into a bag. We also have another option, which fits better in most cup holders, for use while you’re driving.

Everything we recommend

travel mug hot drinks

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

The best travel mug.

This mug offers the best heat retention, plus one-handed usability and a locking, leakproof lid, which makes it especially useful if you carry your mug in a bag or backpack.

Buying Options

travel mug hot drinks

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug (16 ounces)

A wider mug for drivers.

This wider mug fit securely in our testers’ cup holders, and its spill-proof lid design is good for rough roads. It doesn’t retain heat as well as the Zojirushi mug—a fact that some people might actually appreciate.

travel mug hot drinks

OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set

For cleaning your mug.

This bottle-cleaning set has a skinny straw brush and a looped detail-cleaning brush, which are all you need to keep your travel mug squeaky clean.

The 16-ounce Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug keeps beverages hot for hours, even in cold environments. It has a well-designed exterior, an easy-to-clean nonstick Teflon interior, and a foolproof lid-locking mechanism that you can operate with one hand.

The mug is lightweight and slim, but it may not fit snugly in some cup holders. However, thanks to its locking lid, we were comfortable carrying it around in a bag, without worrying about leaks.

This Zojirushi model is pricey for a travel mug, but this is the mug we trust most not to spill in a bag, and it’s hard to put a price on that. (Actually, that would be about the price of a new bag, laptop, phone, and whatever else happened to be in there at the time.)

It’s also available in a 20-ounce version .

Like other Zojirushi products, it comes with a five-year warranty.

The 16-ounce Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is wider and fits better in most car cup holders than the Zojirushi mug. The lid has an auto-sealing button that prevents spills, and when you drink, it won’t block your view of the road ahead.

Although this Stanley model may not keep drinks as hot as the Zojirushi mug, some people might prefer such results—we’ve heard many complaints over the years of the Zojirushi mug keeping drinks too hot.

Both the mug and the lid are dishwasher safe, but the lid has fewer parts than that of our top pick, so it is easier to disassemble and hand-wash if you prefer to clean it that way.

And let’s not forget that these things need cleaning regularly. That’s why we also have a bottle-brush recommendation for when you need to clean out the gunk .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: zojirushi sm-sf stainless steel mug (16 ounces), also great: stanley classic trigger-action travel mug (16 ounces), also great: oxo good grips water bottle cleaning set, other good travel mugs, the competition.

We’ve been testing travel mugs since 2013. Previous versions of this guide were written and researched by Séamus Bellamy and Anna Perling. In 2023, staff writer Trey French wrote the latest update to this guide. He gained an appreciation of high-performing insulated drinkware while spring camping in Colorado when the temperatures dropped below freezing.

In addition to conducting our own tests, we spoke to engineers and industry professionals about mug design, ideal coffee and tea drinking temperatures, and the best way to find out how long coffee will really stay good in a travel mug.

Travel mugs, as their name implies, are for people who want to take beverages on the go. Compared with paper or Styrofoam cups, a good travel mug offers better insulation and safeguards against leaks or spills. In addition, you can save money in the long run and reduce your environmental impact by using a travel mug.

Tumblers, thermoses, and insulated water bottles are all close cousins to the travel mug but have some important differences:

  • Tumblers have sipping ports that don’t seal as tightly or securely as on travel mugs and have wider mouths for you to add ice cubes. Many also have straws for you to sip cold beverages.
  • Thermoses usually lack the slim size and lid-design features that make travel mugs portable and convenient. With a thermos, instead of popping open a lid to take a sip, you need to unscrew the cap and pour liquid into an open cup to drink.
  • Insulated water bottles are geared toward keeping drinks cold and don’t have sipping ports like travel mugs do. Instead, they often have screw-top lids that require two hands to open and close, or they have sport caps, which aren’t great for hot drinks.

To determine which travel mugs to test, we look for mugs that advertise the following qualities:

Vacuum-insulated: All of the mugs we consider are double-walled and vacuum-insulated .

Capable of retaining heat all day: We look for mugs that claim to keep hot beverages drinkably warm for at least eight hours.

Made of stainless steel: Stainless steel is more durable than glass or ceramic and retains heat better than plastic. It’s also the best material for vacuum insulation and therefore heat retention.

Leakproof and spill-proof: A leakproof seal keeps a closed lid from leaking if the mug jostles. A spill-proof seal guards against spills should you drop the mug or knock it over; such seals typically incorporate a push button, like the one found on the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action.

Easy to use: A good mug should be easy to both open and close, as well as to lock and unlock, with one hand. It should also be easy to disassemble for cleaning. We look for mugs that advertise these features or have reviews indicating that they are easy to use.

Between 12 and 20 ounces in capacity: We’ve concluded that 16 ounces is the optimal capacity for a travel mug, as it delays the need for a refill while remaining portable and easy to hold. Some people prefer wider mugs that don’t rattle in cup holders, while others like slimmer mugs that take up less space in backpacks or bags. We test both styles.

After considering the everyday wear and tear that a travel mug might go through in real-world scenarios, we devised tests to mimic those scenarios. During our tests, we use the mugs daily, evaluating them for simple enjoyability.

  • Leak and spill tests: We test mugs for leaky seals by shaking them upside down, dropping them, and carrying them in bags.
  • Drop test: We drop each mug three times from a height of 4 feet onto asphalt.
  • Insulation test: We fill each mug with boiling water and then measure how quickly the water cools over eight hours, checking every hour.
  • Ease of cleaning: We wash each mug, following instructions; we also take apart their lids and wash those. We check for lingering smells and to see if the finish on the mug is harmed.
  • Cup holder compatibility: We test the mugs in cup holders of varying sizes (2.75, 3.5, and 3.75 inches in diameter).

A blue Zojirushi SM-SF Stainless Steel Mug.

The 16-ounce Zojirushi SM-SF Stainless Steel Mug is the best travel mug for keeping drinks hot for long periods of time. This mug also comes in a 20-ounce size. (The SM-SF is the current model; these model designations often change from year to year, but the mugs themselves stay the same.)

It kept our drinks the hottest. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the best temperature range for coffee is 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. After sitting for eight hours in the Zojirushi mug in a 72-degree room, our water measured 158 degrees—hotter than in any other mug we tested. That translates to hot coffee over a full workday. (If you’re opening the mug more frequently than once an hour, however, it might cool a bit faster.)

It won’t leak. It has sturdy, leakproof seals and a simple locking mechanism. Just close the lid, switch the lock into position, and you’re guaranteed that the top won’t pop open when you don’t want it to—when you’re carrying the mug in a bag, for instance.

An open lid on the Zojirushi mug.

It’s easy enough to keep clean. The nonstick interior helps to prevent odors and stains, though the mug’s instructions do warn against storing milk or fruit juices in the mug. (If you prefer drinking from a vessel that doesn’t have a nonstick coating, you might consider the Zojirushi SM-KHE , which has an electro-polished stainless steel interior.) The narrow girth makes it hard to get a sponge inside, but using a bottle brush circumvents that problem. You can disassemble the plastic lid to clean out any gunk that might be lodged in hard-to-reach places, although the small plastic and silicone parts can be difficult to get on and off the lid.

The Zojirushi mug laying on its side.

It’s durable. Though this mug developed a few scuffs in our drop tests, it acquired no more than the other mugs we tried, some of which fared far worse. Zojirushi backs the vacuum insulation of its stainless steel mugs with a five-year limited warranty, and the company sells individual replacement parts online .

It’s simple. The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug has an attractive design that’s minimalist yet eye-catching in its simplicity.  The 20-ounce version comes in only one color (navy), but our pick, the 16-ounce version, comes in three (navy, pale pink, mint blue).

How the Zojirushi mug has held up

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug might be the single most commonly owned and used product among Wirecutter staffers; it has traveled in many crowded bags, backpacks, and purses without any problems. One staff member did report that after eight years of use, hers finally developed a leak. Another colleague says that their mug has survived drops onto cement (once from a third-floor balcony) without suffering more than a dent.

Zojirushi specifies hand-washing only, but we know of several mugs that have survived accidental trips through the dishwasher without any noticeable decrease in performance, though the external paint has flaked as a result.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • The Zojirushi mug is sometimes too good at insulating. We’ve found that if we pour fresh coffee directly into the mug, the liquid can stay scalding hot for hours. To prevent burning your mouth, let your beverage cool a little before closing the lid.
  • It’s not cup holder friendly. This model, which is more narrow than a typical travel mug, did not fit snugly in our testers’ car cup holders. If you prefer a travel mug with a larger circumference, check out our also-great pick.
  • It isn’t spill-proof. Though the SM-SF is leakproof, it isn’t spill-proof like our also-great pick; the design lacks an automatic seal to prevent liquid from spilling if you drop the mug while you’re drinking.

A white Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug.

The 16-ounce Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is our recommendation for use in a car, as it’s a great spill-proof mug that keeps drinks hot and fits in a cup holder.

It’s designed for drivers. Wider than the Zojirushi mug, this Stanley model fit more securely in our testers’ car cup holders. The top of the mug is narrower than the base, though, to help reduce heat loss through the lid. (Experts told us that the lid is where a double-walled mug loses the most heat.) And the design has no pop-up lid to bump your nose or block your eyes while you’re drinking.

A close-up of the cap of a white Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug.

It’s spill-proof, unlike the Zojirushi mug. You do need to hold down a button to keep the sipping port open to drink from the mug, which may be frustrating to some people. However, this design prevents spills—whether from rough roads, say, or if you accidentally knock the mug over while reaching for it—since the mug closes automatically. Other mugs we tested, such as the Contigo Autoseal Transit and West Loop (both former runners-up), had similar buttons, but the button on the Classic Trigger-Action was easier to press and hold. Unlike the Zojirushi model, this mug has no lock to secure its lid, but it never leaked in our tests.

It keeps drinks hot long enough. The Classic Trigger-Action can’t keep your beverages quite as hot for quite as long as our top pick can, but that might be a plus for those who complain that the Zojirushi mug keeps drinks too hot. When we boiled water and let it sit in this Stanley mug, the water took only three hours to cool to 158 degrees (whereas water in the Zojirushi mug took eight hours to reach that temperature). After eight hours, the water in the Classic Trigger-Action measured 132 degrees—26 degrees cooler than the water in the Zojirushi mug. If you drink your beverages quickly or don’t want to wait for them to cool down before sealing your mug, the Classic Trigger-Action may be a better option for you.

It’s tough. This mug endured our drop tests, sporting only light scuffing on the plastic lid and minor dents at the side of the base of its body. Like Zojirushi’s five-year warranty, Stanley’s lifetime warranty covers only manufacturer defects, not damage to mug components due to accidents or wear. Should you damage the lid or simply lose it, you can buy a replacement lid .

It’s dishwasher safe. Both the mug body and the lid can go in the dishwasher. The lid has some hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, so be sure to disassemble it for the best cleaning results. Stanley’s lid has fewer pieces than Zojirushi’s lid and is easier to take apart.

You have more color choices. If you care about colors, the Classic Trigger-Action comes in many—about a dozen at last count. This mug also comes in a 20-ounce size .

The OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set is the best bottle-cleaning set. It comes with a large bottle brush, a skinny straw brush, and a looped detail-cleaning brush, all kept together on a handy ring so you won’t lose any of the parts. The set is dishwasher safe, and we found that it works well for anyone looking to remove gunk from travel mugs and other hard-to-clean items.

A GSI MicroLite 500 Flip travel mug.

If you want a mug with a locking lid for about half the price of our top pick: Consider the GSI Microlite 500 Flip , which keeps liquids almost as hot as the Zojirushi mug and has a similar one-handed flip top with a lock.

However, when we dropped this GSI mug to the ground when the lid was unlocked, the lid popped open and spilled coffee everywhere—and the exact same thing happened when we dropped it a second time. Eventually, we dropped the mug enough, accidentally, to break the lid; GSI does sell replacement lids.

This mug, which has a large sipping port, also has a higher flow rate than our picks, and may require more careful sipping when the beverage is really hot.

An MiiR 360 Traveler.

If the Zojirushi mug is out of stock: You might look into the MiiR 360 Traveler , which in our tests kept drinks almost as hot and resisted denting just as well as our top pick. When it’s unlocked, its sipping port allows you to drink from anywhere on the lid’s circumference. We decided not to make it a pick because we struggled to decipher whether the sipping port was open or closed—which in turn led to spills. Unlike some twist-to-open 360-degree ports, the MiiR 360 Traveler’s lid has a push button for operation that forms the center of the lid, and at a glance, it looks nearly the same whether closed or open.

The mug is also available in a flip-top version called the Flip Traveler , but we’ve found flip-top lids prone to breaking during our drop tests. The mug bodies for the 360 Traveler and the Flip Traveler are the same, and the lids are interchangeable, in case you buy one and then decide that you’d like to try the other.

We’ve considered and evaluated several other Zojirushi travel mugs throughout our testing. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Zojirushi SM-WR : Almost identical to the SM-SF series, this version has an integrated gasket, which reduces the total pieces to clean. We like it almost as much as our top pick. However, it dispenses a little faster than the SM-SF, which is good for cold drinks but can be too much for really hot drinks.
  • Zojirushi SM-YAE : This 16-ounce mug costs a little more than our main pick. It comes with an electro-polished interior, like the Zojirushi SM-KHE, but has a shape that’s stouter than other Zojirushi mugs and short enough to fit under the spout of a single-cup brewing machine. In our tests, however, it fell short of our picks in insulating performance: After eight hours, the water temperature had dropped to 100 degrees, 58 degrees cooler than the water in our top pick.
  • Zojirushi SM-SHE : We were reluctant to test this mug due to persistent stock issues. Zojirushi sent us one to try out anyway, but it broke during our drop test.
  • Zojirushi SM-JHE : We opted not to test this mug because it has a wide-mouth, screw-off lid.
  • Zojirushi SM-JTE : We also elected not to test this model, which has a tea-leaf filter, due to its screw-off lid.

The JoeVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug brings a scalding drink down to a drinkable temperature and holds it there by using a third layer in its wall to capture excess heat and then release it over time. It isn’t leakproof or spill-proof, though.

The 17-ounce Kinto Travel Tumbler insulates well—so well that it was the third-best contender at insulating in our tests behind the Zojirushi SM-SF and GSI Microlite 500 Flip. Drinking from it requires fully removing the lid, though, as well as finding a place to put the lid.

After dismissing previous iterations of the Hydro Flask travel mug, we tested the 20-ounce Hydro Flask Coffee Cup with Flex Sip Lid , and it was a clear improvement over older models. It kept drinks hot for about a half day, and it resisted denting better than about half of the other tested mugs. The lid requires two hands to open and close, however, so it can be tough to open while you’re distracted, and it has a tendency to “burp” a small amount of liquid when you rotate the lid from closed to open.

The 16-ounce OXO Good Grips Thermal Mug with SimplyClean Lid resembles—and insulates about as well as—the Hydro Flask mug we tested, keeping drinks hot for a half day. It also shares that model’s flaws, requiring two hands to open and close, and burping some liquid.

The Klean Kanteen Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle was a previous runner-up in this guide, as well as a former insulated water bottle pick, but we found that the lid occasionally leaked when we left the bottle on its side overnight.

The 18-ounce Purist Mover with Scope Lid insulates nearly as well as our picks and has a 360-degree sip lid, which lets you drink from any side of the mug. It requires two hands to open and close, though.

We broke the flip-top lid of the 20-ounce Welly Traveler , as well as the glued-on product-label plate on the bottom of the mug, the first time we dropped it.

The 12-ounce Ketiee Travel Mug is cheaper than most mugs we looked at, and we wondered what we’d get for the price. It kept drinks hot for about two hours during our tests, scoring near the bottom. Our main complaint is that the molding process left a pointy knob on our test unit, right above the drinking port, that pressed into our testers’ noses. Also, the product page states that it’s spill-proof—and we found that it wasn’t, whether the flip-top lid was open or closed.

The promise of the battery-powered Ember Travel Mug 2 is that it allows you to keep your beverage at a specific temperature (up to 145 degrees) for three hours—if you remember to charge it. Without the battery, it scored at the bottom on our insulation test; we also managed to break its inner seal during our drop test. Although we like the standard Ember Mug 2 (read more in our mug warmers guide ), we can’t recommend this even more expensive sibling.

The Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug was one of our previous runners-up, and like the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action , it has a button that you need to push before you can drink. The West Loop didn’t hold up as well in our drop tests as the Stanley model did, and we found its vertical push button harder to use than the one on our current also-great pick.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Hongbin Bill Ma, director, Center of Thermal Management at the University of Missouri , phone interview , September 22, 2017

Michael Dickey, professor of chemical engineering at North Carolina State University , phone interview , September 26, 2017

Meet your guides

travel mug hot drinks

Trey French

Trey French is a staff writer at Wirecutter covering outdoors gear. A trail runner, backcountry skier, and long-distance backpacker, he has reviewed gear for Treeline Review and advised wilderness travelers on lightweight backcountry equipment at Katabatic Gear. He resides in California’s Eastern Sierra, where scenic desktop backgrounds are born.

travel mug hot drinks

Anna Perling

Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.

Further reading

A CamelBak Podium water bottle.

This Inexpensive Water Bottle Is Meant for Cyclists, But It’s Great for Travelers, Too

by Christine Ryan

The Camelbak Podium is affordable, lightweight, and perfect for packing.

Six of our favorite mugs shown side by side.

Our Favorite Mugs

by Jackie Reeve

Our Wirecutter home team is passionate about the vessels they drink them out of. Here are the mugs we can’t get enough of.

A collection of different types of water bottles laid flat on a surface.

How to Clean a Travel Mug or Water Bottle

Don’t want your coffee to taste like yesterday’s brew? Give your travel mug a good deep clean—and do the same for your insulated water bottle, too!

Two photos of the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug in illustrated polaroids.

We’ve Recommended This Travel Mug for a Decade. It’s Still Going Strong.

by James Austin

Our longtime favorite travel mug keeps drinks piping hot, and the nifty locking lid makes it virtually spill-proof.

  • Best Whiskey
  • Best Gym Shoes
  • Best Pocket Knives
  • Best Apple Watch
  • Porsche Models

The 16 Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Insulated On the Go

Whether you’re commuting or off on a big adventure, a top-notch coffee keeper is critical — and these picks are just perfect.

a collage of three travel mugs

By Hayley Helms , Tanner Bowden , and Meg Lappe

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Travel mugs are one of those banal items that, thanks to their sheer frequency of use, necessitate a bit more consideration. You might be tempted to grab whatever mug you see on sale without thinking too much about the fact you’ll be using it all the time.

Products in the Guide

Best Overall Travel Mug

Best Upgrade Travel Mug

Best Budget Travel Mug

Best New Travel Mug

Most Likely To Go Viral

Most Innovative Lid Design

Best Modular System

Best For Slow Drinkers

Best Classic Camp-Style Travel Mug

Best Tumbler Travel Mug

Best Travel Mug for Bike Rides

Most Colorful Travel Mug

Best for Iced Coffee

Best-Looking Travel Mug

Most User-Friendly Travel Mug

Best for Tea

It’s only upon repeated use that flaws begin to stick out and you begin saying to yourself, ‘oh, it’s not actually insulated that well,’ ‘the cap is leaky’ or simply ‘this looks bad.’

What you need is something that’s simple to use, leakproof, durable and stylish, as well as something that also fits easily in your cupholder and keeps your coffee or tea toasty (or your iced beverages and water cold) for hours. So to save you time (and money) in your search for an awesome travel mug that meets all these qualifications, we’ve pulled together this guide to what we consider the finest ones. Happy shopping — and sipping.

How We Tested

a gray water bottle

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Travel Mug

  • $26.00 at Hydro Flask $35.00 (25% off)
  • Cupholder- & bag-friendly
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Really Just a Water Bottle

Hydro Flask’s double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel water bottles are known to keep beverages cold or hot all day long, and the same goes for its coffee mugs. The Wide Mouth Mug keeps cold drinks chilled for a whopping 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. The variety of colors and sizes Hydro Flask offers is wide, the flexible carry handle is comfortable to grip and makes it easy to strap to any pack and the lifetime warranty is sweet.

travel mug

YETI Rambler 20 Ounce Tumbler

  • $35.00 at Yeti
  • Sturdy, reliable and user-friendly

Yeti is pretty firmly ensconced as the cooler king . No big surprise then that the company makes some pretty damn good mugs as well. This double-wall vacuum-insulated option keeps your beverage as hot or cold as you like while also looking good and standing up to the elements. The no-muss Magslider lid makes it even more travel friendly.

a silver cup

RTIC Travel Coffee Mug

  • $14.00 at rticoutdoors.com
  • Top-tier insulation
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Hand-wash only

Rtic makes top-of-the-line coolers , so it’s understandable the brand also crushes the hot beverage game — with style to spare. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps each sip toasty, and the 16-ounce capacity ensures there will be plenty such sips. (Several 12-ounce versions are also available at the link, so double-check the size you are getting.)

a white tumbler

SMMT Outdoor Serpa Tumbler

  • $42.00 at smmtoutdoor.com
  • Thoughtfully designed
  • Easy to clean
  • Doesn't fit in standard cupholders
  • Magnet in detachable base isn't that strong

Created by former Nike Execs and located in Park City, Utah, SMMT Outdoor specializes in elevating outdoor gear, and its new Serpa Tumbler is no exception. The leak-proof lid separates into two components — the durable plastic sipping lid and a magnetic base, which doubles as a coaster when sipping lid-free.

The Serpa can hold 16 ounces, and is shorter and stouter than othe insulated mugs. It doesn’t fit in car cupholders (which is a shame) but it’s chic design and ability to keep drinks at their optimal temperatures will probably inspire you to have it in-hand, anyway.

stanley quencher

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler – 40 fl. oz.

  • $45.00 at REI
  • Large handle makes carrying easy
  • Compatible with all cup holders
  • Heavy when full

Thanks to TikTok, Stanley’s humble Quencher has gone from standard issue to red-hot in a matter of months. If you’re seeing one in practically everyone’s hand, it’s not just the effect of social media: the bottle is that good. The 40-ounce capacity with cup holder compatibility is spill-proof, easy to drink out of thanks to its reusable straw and easy to grip thanks to its extra-large handle. It’s easy to clean (and dishwasher safe!), comes in a variety of colors and yes, it keeps your drinks at just the temp you want — four hours for warm drinks, and 11 hours for cold beverages.

MIIR 360 Traveler

Miir 360 Traveler

  • $28.00 at miir.com
  • Sleek and sophisticated design functions well
  • 12 and 16-ounce sizes feel small when you're used to bigger mugs

If you’re constantly on the go, sometimes it can be a pain to take the time to sip out of one tiny little opening in your travel mug lid. You want options! Miir solved the problem you may not even have known you had with its 360 Traveler. The unique pop-up design of the lid allows for sipping anywhere around the rim — no thinking required. It’s spill proof, sleek and easy to use. The lid can be a little annoying to clean, but that’s not anything new in the world of insulated mugs and bottles.

Camelbak Products MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup – Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel – Black – 22oz bottle & 16oz cup

CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup

  • $30.00 at Amazon $52.00 (42% off)
  • Red Dot Design Award winner
  • 2-In-1 versatility

If you’re looking for a travel mug that can do more — and are willing to shell out for it — CamelBak’s Red Dot Design Award-winning innovation is your play. The insulated 22 oz. bottle features a removable, lidded 16 oz. cup you can use to reduce waste at a coffee shop, stash snacks and even use to share some of your precious rocket fuel with a friend, if you’re so inclined. Note: A smaller, $25 version (17 oz. bottle, 12 oz. cup) is available too.

ember travel mug²

Ember Travel Mug²

  • $200.00 at Amazon
  • Keeps drinks at the exact temperature desired – no cooling
  • Not for cold drinks
  • More initial set-up required than the average mug

If you’re the type to let your coffee or tea go cold, just to microwave it and let it go cold again (and repeat, and repeat…) then the Ember 2 should be on your radar. Yes, other insulated mugs and bottles can keep your favorite drink hot for up to six hours, but Ember’s keeps your coffee, tea or other hot beverage at the same exact temperature for three hours — no semi-warm drinks here.

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug

  • $18.00 at Amazon
  • Classic styling
  • Comfortable handle
  • White lid shows stains more easily

If you love to get outdoors, this backcountry-inspired travel mug looks just like the ceramic mugs that used to be everyone’s go-to for camping. The sliding leak-proof lid keeps things hot and secure for up to five hours. We recommend pairing this mug with some easy-to-make camp coffee like Kuju’s pour-over grounds or Alpine Start’s instant coffee .

travel mug

CamelBak Horizon 10 Ounce Rocks Tumbler

  • $19.00 at Amazon
  • Fits easily in your hand or pack
  • Won't hold a standard 12-oz can of beer

Camelbak’s small-but-mighty 10 ounce tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks — alcoholic or not — chilled and ready for sipping at a moment’s notice. The double-walled insulated stainless steel is powder-coated for a sweat-free finish: use this for your afternoon cocktail this weekend, and you won’t get those annoying drops rolling off every time you raise your glass to take a refreshing sip.

Camelbak’s non-slip silicone pad on the base keeps things upright and steady, and its tumbler-style lid slides open into three different positions, so you can find the flow that works for you.

Velo Canteen

Velo Canteen

  • $45.00 at velocanteen.com
  • Comes with two lids: a stainless steel option, and a BPA-free flip straw
  • Only holds 13.5 ounces

For the cyclist that enjoys a quality brew but doesn’t want to pour it into plastic (and for refined riders that want a beautiful, functional bottle to complement their kit) it doesn’t get much better than Velo’s Stainless Steel Canteen. It fits in a standard cage, works on and off the bike and double-walled stainless steel keeps warm drinks warm for hours on end.

zojirushi 16 ounce stainless steel vacuum insulated mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

  • $26.00 at Amazon
  • 24 colorways
  • 20-ounce capacity
  • Short cold temp retention

Offered in a number of attractive hues — 24, to be exact — Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.

icon

Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide 16 oz Travel Mug

  • $33.00 at kleankanteen.com
  • Stays cold for 47 hours
  • Unremarkable appearance

This vacuum-insulated bottle gives you loads of liquid refreshment options. But simply using the included leak-proof Café Cap and carrying handle, you can tote hot coffee for an impressive 14 hours — or iced coffee for a mind-blowing 47.

Swell Teakwood Traveler

Swell Teakwood Traveler

  • $40.00 at swell.com
  • Triple-layer vacuum insulation
  • 3 sizes available
  • Not real wood

The 16-ounce version of this distinctive-looking option will keep your coffee steaming for a a generous 12 hours thanks to stainless steel and triple-walled insulation. If the wood finish isn’t your style, there are several other colors and patterns to peruse.

travel mugs

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug

  • One-hand operable
  • Iconic appearance
  • Not particularly modern

Stanley’s been at it for more than a century, with consistent quality you can trust. This mug combines timeless good looks with reliable 18/8 Stainless Steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure hours of toasty joe. It’s easy to drink while driving, too, thanks to the push-button lid you can trigger with your thumb.

Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler

Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler

  • $28.00 at Amazon
  • Highly recommended by users
  • Built-in tea hook
  • Not the most durable

This fan-favorite has nearly 15,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.7-star average. The vacuum insulation will keep coffee or tea hot for up to five hours, while the built-in tea hook handily suspends tea bags and most loose leaf infusers.

Related Topics

travel mug hot drinks

The Best Travel Mugs of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Product image of Zojirushi SM-KHE48

Zojirushi SM-KHE48

Excellent temperature retention

Easy to carry

Not dishwasher safe

Product image of BrüMate Era 40 oz.

BrüMate Era 40 oz.

Fantastic temperature retention

Spill-proof lid

Easy to clean

Can't use without straw

Product image of Contigo Handled Autoseal Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid

Contigo Handled Autoseal Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid

Includes a handle

Autoseal technology guards against leaks

None that we could find

Product image of Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug, 16 oz.

Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug, 16 oz.

Vacuum insulation keeps drinks warm

Difficult to open its lid

Product image of Contigo Autoseal West Loop, 16 oz.

Contigo Autoseal West Loop, 16 oz.

Long-lasting temperature retention

Nearly leak- and spill-proof

Lid difficult to clean

Sarah Zorn

Updated March 29, 2024

Whether your beverage of choice is water, hot coffee, or an iced latte, most of us rely on some kind of rejuvenating beverage to get us through the day.

Portable and generally easy to clean, travel mugs and tumblers get bonus points if they can fit in your car's cup holder. We shopped around and bought popular travel mugs and tumblers from brands like Stanley, Contigo, Hydro Flask, Yeti, and old favorite, Thermos. We then tested and scored them keeping in mind things like spillage, heat retention, and ease of care.

However, there are many great travel mugs and tumblers in our guide—read on to find your fave!

Zojirushi travel mug

When it comes to retaining temperature (which is the most essential function of a travel mug), the Zojirushi is an absolute beast.

Our top pick is such a well-insulated mug that if you leave coffee in it overnight, it’s still steamy the next morning! It performs just as admirably with cold beverages. In addition to its stellar temperature retention, it holds a respectable 16 ounces. The trim build also allows it to seamlessly slip into cup holders and bags.

The only drawback to the best travel coffee mug we’ve tested is that it can’t go in the dishwasher. Although it’s not dishwasher safe, the top can be disassembled, which makes cleanup a breeze.

It’s especially attractive thanks to a slim, streamlined shape and slick, steel finish, in colors such as champagne gold, lavender-pink, emerald, cherry, and smoky blue. For 24-hour heat retention, the Zojirushi is the best travel mug we tested.

A pink 40 oz. tumbler sitting on a wooden table against a brick background.

The Era tumbler is unbeatable with its cold retention and spill proof design.

BrüMate’s Era is an exceptional answer to the trendy 40 oz. tumbler. With a balanced design and built-in straw, there’s a lot to love about the Era tumbler, but the lockable lid design is what sets it apart from the rest.

The top of the tumbler slides to lock and unlock. When unlocked, you can sip freely. When locked, it’s totally spill-proof, but you can’t sip from the straw. The inside of the tumbler is insulated stainless steel. and the straw comes in two parts, the bottom half is stainless steel and slides into the lid, while the lid itself has a silicone straw attached to the top.

Beyond its impressive spill-proof design, it also has incredible temperature retention. It keeps drinks very hot, so they stay steamy. Plus, ice cubes don’t melt after hours in the BrüMate Era.

BrüMate Era’s tumbler is superior to the popular Stanley tumbler because it offers better insulation, keeping drinks hot and cold for longer, and is reliably spill-proof, while the Stanley has quite a bit of leakage.

The biggest downside to the Era tumbler is that you can’t use the tumbler without the straw, which makes it difficult to use with hot liquids. The Era tumbler is available to pre-order now, so there will be some delay between when you purchase and when it arrives.

A gray travel mug with a handle against a blue background.

This leak-proof travel mug from Contigo has a convenient handle for easy carrying.

The Contigo Autoseal is the best travel mug with a handle. The handle’s design sits cleverly at the top of the mug near the lid, so it doesn’t interfere with placement in car beverage holders or bag pockets.

It also promises to keep hot beverages hot for 5 hours and cold beverages cold for 14 hours, although we find that it exceeds expectations in both cases. Hot beverage temperatures dropped only slightly after 6 hours, and cold drinks retained a chill overnight for about 16 hours. You can thank the addition of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel for that, as well as patented Autoseal technology, that renders it virtually leak-proof and spill-proof.

You do have to hand wash the bottom half of the mug, but the top can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, and its inner mechanism can be loosened (but not detached) so you can get into those hard-to-clean crevices.

A man driving a tractor holding a Thermos coffee mug.

For piping hot coffee from 9-to-5, go with the Thermos travel mug.

After all these years, you still have to give it up to Thermos, the true OG of the travel mug market. This particular product has all of the practical functionality expected of the venerable brand, such as a durable stainless-steel build and an actual handle. Its vacuum insulation keeps coffee steamy through your entire 9-to-5; in fact, has the best heat retention of all the travel mugs and tumblers we tried, even beating out our Best Overall pick, the Zojirushi. It’s one of the best insulated tumblers we’ve ever seen.

While this stainless steel mug is well-constructed, it’s also heavy, and the handle is too bulky. While the locking lid is appreciably robust and keeps it leakproof, it’s a two-handed effort to flip it open.

A silver travel mug on a purple background

This sleek and sexy mug won us over instantly by keeping our coffee super hot (150°F) from start to finish, although its “stay hot/cold” pledge is slightly less than that of the handled version.

Like all Autoseal models, it also stands firm against spills and leaks, with its impenetrability further underscored by a button lock lid (which, it bears mentioning, is tough to effectively clean).

But hey, it’s pretty! Not only does a gracefully curved shape make the Contigo especially attractive, but it also provides a comfy grip and allows it to easily fit into a cup holder or bag.

On the left, the Fellow Tumbler

The Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is your iced coffee's new best friend.

While we also love the 40-ounce Stanley tumbler for the days when you need to tote around a lot of liquid at once, we think the 16-ounce Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is a better all-around choice for bringing with you on a walk around the neighborhood.

It lacks a handle like Stanley offers, a trade-off for being smaller and more lightweight, making it easier to manage. We also love that this insulated travel mug includes a hard straw, which has a notch underneath the lid that keeps it from sliding around when you take a sip.

It is spill-resistant, though not completely leakproof when turned on its side or upside down. The tumbler's sturdy design does a good job of staying upright and it also fits in most cup holders. It comes in six different colors and you can pay a little extra to personalize it with your name.

This Fellow tumbler isn't dishwasher safe, so you'll need to take the time to clean it by hand.

Keeps drinks ice cold

Spill-resistant

Fits in most cupholders

Hand wash only

A blue travel mug and a white travel mug and lid on a purple background

Thermos does it again with this absolutely sleek model from its Guardian Collection. This travel mug doesn’t have a handle to break up its flow, but it is still comfortable to hold and easy to manipulate one-handed, with a slide-to-open lid.

We appreciate the 5-year warranty and love that it’s dishwasher safe. It also has great temperature retention, although the 5-hour hot, 14-hour cold promise is less than that of Thermos’ Stainless King (temperatures stayed relatively stable until those times, but dropped quickly after that).

Includes 5-year warranty

Dishwasher safe

Good temperature retention

Lacks a handle

A white Stanley Quencher Tumbler sitting in the grass outside.

The Stanley Quencher is ultra popular, and it totally lives up to the hype.

The Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is the one everybody wants. And to be honest, there’s not much this Stanley tumbler can’t do. It's made from BPA-free stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation that excels at keeping drinks at temperature all day long. In fact, in our tests, this was the only tumbler that kept ice cubes from melting after several hours—and our iced drinks got progressively colder over time.

Our hot drinks lost some heat after 30 minutes, but the liquids were still piping hot. The lid design on this large travel mug features a rotating cover with three options: one for a straw opening, one for a drink opening, and one to fully cover the opening. We like this design over the previous Stanley tumblers because it is less prone to leaking.

Like the Hydro Flask tumbler, the Stanley tumbler holds up to 40 ounces and can be heavy to transport when full. The design of the handle features an ergonomic comfort grip to help make carrying easier, but it’s still a beast.

The cup is larger on top and narrower on the bottom and we found that it fits into most car cup holders. The only problem is that the handle may get in the way of the second cupholder, depending on your layout.

In short, if your tweens (or you) are desperate for this trendy tumbler, its function is just as good as its form.

Large capacity

Fits in cup holders

Keeps drinks cold

Has comfort grip handle

Prone to leaking

A silver travel mug on a white background, next to a silver mug in a fall setting with steam coming out

The Atlin tumbler seems custom-designed for holding 30 ounces of cold beverages, though it also handles hot drinks quite well. Especially considering it comes with an accompanying stainless-steel straw.

(Double bonus: An adorable teeny steel cleaning brush, which makes washing up easy. It’s also dishwasher safe). And boy, does it keep those bevies icy. Iced coffees stay chilled even after sitting in a car cup holder for hours.

The top doesn’t lock, and a solid pound of steel isn’t ideal for toting uphill—or any distance, really, over flat terrain, so when it comes to actually traveling, we wouldn’t choose to use this one.

Holds 30 oz.

Comes with a stainless steel straw

Lid doesn't lock

Size is a little big for travel

A tan hand holds a peach water bottle on a purple frilly background

Without question, the Acera is the most attractive travel tumbler we’ve tested. The hexagon design with gold bees and crystals is more like a work of art than a travel mug. This particular design comes in five colors and holds just over 12 ounces. However, we’ve got a few bones to pick.

The ceramic tumbler features double wall insulation. In our tests, we found that it performed better at keeping cold liquids chilled versus heated liquids hot. During our 30-minute heat retention test, with the lid on, the tumbler lost 40 degrees. While it was still hot enough to drink, this isn’t a tumbler you can count on for long term heat retention.

Additionally, when filled with a hot liquid, the outside of the mug becomes hot to the touch over the course of our tests, and we couldn’t pick it up for more than a few seconds at a time.

While everyone’s budgets are different, the cost for this travel tumbler is higher than most—and certainly any in our guide by a long shot. The MSRP is $188—enough to buy yourself a coffee maker, a bag of coffee, and our favorite travel mug. It comes nicely packaged in a mint green gift box, making for a nice gift if you want to spend it on a friend or loved one.

Finally, the tumbler is hand-wash only, making it more of a challenge to clean than others in our guide. It also is quite delicate, so it’s possible it could chip or break easily if dropped or bumped against another hard surface.

While this tumbler is absolutely gorgeous, it’s very hard to justify the high price point, especially given its performance with hot drinks and delicate design.

Attractive design

Good cold retention

More expensive than others

Hot to touch with heated drinks

A silver travel mug open on a counter

A fun option for fancy pants commuters, the Bobble has a French press built right in. Simply place your preferred grounds in the bottom of the copper canister, insert a stainless-steel tumbler fitted with a micro-filter, pour in some hot water, and wait three minutes or so for those coffee grounds to steep. Top with the silicone lid, and you’re good to go.

But be wary of spillage, as that supposedly lockable top has a bit of a funky fit. And while you can technically leave out the filter interior and just use the outer canister for hot or cold drinks, the press is really more of a one-trick pony.

Built-in french press

Lid doesn't fit perfectly

Two white men push coffee mugs together

Designed with backpackers and campers in mind, this cup is super lightweight at 3.5 ounces, while still holding an impressive 17 ounces of liquid.

The sealable lid fits snugly and latches tightly (which benefits its ability to retain temperature), and a ballistic cloth-covered cozy and tarpaulin handle makes it comfortable to hold while guarding the BPA-free, non-leaching polypropylene interior canister against crawling critters and dirt.

It even doubles as a measuring cup, which makes it ideal for measuring out the exact amount of water required to rehydrate a dehydrated backpacking meal. Downsides are that it’s a bit tricky to wash because of that fabric sleeve, which also runs a risk of slipping off—and leaving your cup lost for all time on a trail.

That insulation is also more for keeping your hands protected than the contents of the mug warm (or cold). So, don’t expect temps to stay stable during the length of a hike.

Tight sealing lid

Great temperature retention

Doubles as a measuring cup

Can be difficult to clean due to cloth sleeve

A white woman holds a white cup with a blue band

Copco’s Acadia is designed to look like a standard, paper coffee cup (albeit one made of reusable BPA-free plastic), which, depending on your aesthetic, can be cute (or not so much). A textured, non-slip sleeve is much more effective at shielding your hands than the cardboard ones.

The Copco is both microwave and dishwasher safe, which is more than you can say of your average bodega cup.

Yet despite boasting double-walled insulation, it’s not great at maintaining temperature—and hot coffee cools a bit within the hour. And though its quarter-turn lid sealing design (may) be enough to keep your computer safe—we wouldn’t trust it for a second in a backpack pocket, and most definitely not actually placed inside of a bag.

Microwave and dishwasher safe

Has a textured non-slip sleeve

Made from reusable BPA-free plastic

Poor temperature retention

Lid design isn't great for travel

A white woman's arm grips a travel mug in a car's cup holder

Given the large size, it can be a bit difficult to hold when full, but the handle makes this easier (though it lacks a comfort grip like the Stanley tumbler has). It also fits in most standard size cup holders.

One gripe we have is that the lid on the Hydro Flask tumbler is not as secure as others in our guide. It does not screw into place, like the Stanley tumbler. Therefore, if you drop it or it tips over, the lid may pop off, resulting in a spill.

Because of the included plastic straw and lid design, which features a flexible, built-in straw in the top portion, you don't want to use it with hot liquids. However, when paired with cold liquids, the straw is easy to drink from.

We wish the built-in straw extended all the way down into the cup and didn't stop at the lid, so it could be one collective piece. In its current state, a separate straw attaches to the underside of the lid, which is just one more thing to keep track of.

Lid does not secure

Temperature regulation not as impressive as others

Three blue travel mugs with handles in a line

Yeti benefits from a great deal of brand loyalty. And we’re not immune to its appeal. But with so many travel mug options on the market, we don’t quite see the upsides of this one—unless you like really cold beverages over long time frames.

The plastic top (which is hard to remove) doesn’t actually close, either. So, there’s no way to keep liquids from sloshing out of the perennially exposed opening.

Premium insulation

Powerful magnet lock feature

Doesn’t fit in cupholders

Not leak proof

How We Tested

Three testers have taken on travel mugs and tumblers for this guide. Freelance food writer Sarah Zorn tackled our original batch, and she, like many busy professionals, almost exclusively functions on coffee. She maintains that she often mainlines it when scuttling back and forth on the subway or hunched over a computer. As such, having a mug that keeps her drink hot or cold while tapping at keys for extended periods of time is of utmost importance to me.

We alternately filled each mug with hot and cold beverages, measuring the temperature to start, and then checking it again every 30 minutes or so for the course of two hours.

We also took each mug for a test run throughout an entire day, analyzing how comfortable they are to hold, how easy they are to drink out of, how snugly they fit into a backpack or car holder, how portable they are, how likely they are to spill when jostled or turned upside down, and how easy they are to clean—either in the dishwasher when possible, or using a bottle brush.

What Should You Look For In A Travel Mug?

Travel mugs should be comfortable to hold, effectively retain temperature, able to be safely stashed in a beverage holder or bag, and keep hot (or cold) liquids securely contained, so they don’t slosh all over your shirt. The same certainly can’t be said of flimsy, disposable, heat-leaching paper or Styrofoam cups.

Travel mugs should be well insulated—vacuum insulated stainless steel is preferred—so they can keep your coffee tasty and hot, from your first sip to your last (even if your mug ends up sitting on your desk all day). They should have securely locking lids, so they can be carried pretty much wherever or in whatever without incident; even inside your bag.

Why Buy a Travel Mug?

A reusable cup is much better for the environment than disposable ones. It's also a money saver over time—imagine how much cash you’d save, carrying your own coffee instead of buying it at a coffee shop day after day?

Unlike a regular coffee mug, a travel mug is also meant for, well, travel, whether you’re driving cross country, camping in the woods, or merely cramming yourself in a rickety train each morning on the way to work. Many will work whether you prefer hot or cold beverages.

How to Clean a Travel Mug

If you’re lucky, the whole darn thing can be thrown onto the top rack of a dishwasher, although this feature is rare. More often than not, you’re going to have to get a bit hands-on, especially with the lid. Even when it comes to the body of your travel mug or tumbler, there’s ample opportunity for water to leach between the layers of insulation, which can lead to mold.

Some travel mugs come with their very own mini brushes for accessing hard to reach places, although spare toothbrushes (reserved solely for this purpose of course) or even Q-tips can do the trick.

If you’d just as soon avoid soap, white vinegar and baking soda are both natural cleansers. Distill one tablespoon of vinegar in warm water, for a solution that’s excellent for soaking and scrubbing, or make a paste of equal parts water and baking soda, for attacking especially grimy spots.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the testers

Sarah Zorn

Contributor

Sarah Zorn is a food writer, cookbook author, and product tester for Reviewed, Wirecutter and the Food Network. She regularly contributes to outlets such as Saveur, Esquire, and Civil Eats, and has very much passed her food obsessions down, as her beloved rescue hound, Rowdy, regularly deglazes his kibble bowl.

Rachel Murphy

Rachel Murphy

Editor, Home

Rachel Murphy is Reviewed's home editor. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a freelance writer for publications like Insider and Mashable, and as an associate editorial producer for Good Morning America. Aside from smart home tech, her interests include food, travel, parenting, and home renovation. You can usually find her sipping on coffee at any time of the day.

Samantha Mangino

Samantha Mangino

Staff Writer, Home

Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Enter your email:

Thanks for signing up.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Betting Sites
  • Online Casinos
  • Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

16 best flasks and travel mugs that will keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours

Enjoy a hot or cold beverage wherever you travel, with these best-rated flasks and insulated mugs, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Our top picks held drinks’ temperatures for at least five hours – some lasted for a whopping 28 hours

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email, thanks for signing up to the indybest email.

If you can’t stand your tea being tepid or your water turning lukewarm, an insulated flask could be the answer. Whether used during the commute, long car journeys or nippy outdoor trips, some flasks will keep your beverages hot for 24 hours or more, while others can manage until lunchtime.

When it comes to choosing the best flask for your needs, think about the size, and whether you’re more likely to use it for hot or cold beverages. Water bottle -style vessels are best for chilled drinks, while travel mugs are better for taking quick sips of coffee . Then there are the more capacious flasks that tend to come with a cup for leisurely mugfulls of teas and soups.

Ultimately, what makes a flask worth your money is it’s ability to slow down heat transfer – either in or out – via a layer of almost airless space sandwiched between the flask’s inner and outer walls.

You may also want to consider helpful features that set one flask apart from the next, whether that’s carry-loops and handles, clever mouthpieces and incorporated cups, and even self-cleaning technology.

Keep reading to find out which flasks impressed us the most.

Related stories

How we tested the best flasks.

First and foremost, flasks had to keep drinks hot or cold as promised, to make it onto our list. We assessed the brands’ claims by filling the flasks with boiled water (or iced water), and drank from them after a number of hours, to see if the temperature had held. We also considered how easy the flasks were to use and any design features that made them a joy to drink from, as well as mouthpieces, lids, handles and more. Generally, they had to be leak-proof – although, there are a couple of entries that aren’t, but more on that later.

The best flasks for 2024 are:

  • Best flask overall – Thermos superlight drinks flask, 470ml: £14.50, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best compact flask with a cup – Lifeventure TiV vacuum flask, 700ml: £22.99, Lifeventure.com
  • Best for style – Stanley quencher H2.0 flowstate tumbler, 1.2l: £37.39, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best insulated mug – Hydro Flask coffee mug, 354ml: £28.95, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best high-tech flask – Larq bottle purevis, 500ml: £99, Livelarq.com

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

Thermos superlight drinks flask

  • Best : Flask overall
  • Material : 18/8 food grade stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 0.21kg
  • Capacity : 470ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for 10 hours, cold for 24 hours
  • Dishwasher safe : No
  • Looks great
  • Light and compact
  • Not everyone will like the mouthpiece for hot drinks

There’s so much to like about this little flask from Thermos. On first impressions, it has a sleek, simple look to it – it’s slim, compact, and the lightest of all of the flasks we tried, making it ideal for taking it with you on the go.

There’s a little button that releases the lid, so opening the flask is a breeze, and the mouthpiece is one of the best (if not the best) we tried – wide and curved, for effortless, comfortable sipping.

When it came to the temperature test, our water was still chilled after a full 24 hours, as promised. Meanwhile, coffees and teas were still piping hot after 10 hours, so rest assured this flask will keep drinks toasty until the commute home.

Lifeventure TiV vacuum flask

  • Best : Compact flask with a cup
  • Material : 18/10 stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 445g
  • Capacity : 700ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for more than eight hours, cold for 24 hours
  • Slim and very portable
  • Brilliant temperature retention
  • The cup is fairly small

This 700ml flask boasts all the perks of a larger option while stripping away the extra bulk. With a copper coating to improve heat preservation, it boasts the ability to keep drinks hot for up to eight hours. Impressively, we found ours was still nice and warm after around 20 hours, which is pretty good going. Equally impressive was the flask’s ability to keep drinks chilled – there were still ice cubes in our cold water after 24 hours.

Should you prefer sipping hot tea and coffee from a cup rather than straight from the flask, this is a brilliant, compact choice. Unscrew the flask’s lid and it becomes a cup, although, admittedly, quite a small one, so you will probably need to fill it a few times to quench your thirst.

The flask isn’t dishwasher safe but this is a minor annoyance with an otherwise very efficient and purse-friendly piece of kit.

Stanley quencher H2.0 flowstate tumbler

  • Best : For style
  • Material : 90 per cent recycled 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 635g
  • Capacity : 1.2l
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for seven hours, cold for 11 hours
  • Dishwasher safe : Yes
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Fits into some car cup-holders
  • Not leak-proof

The unlikely product to have taken TikTok by storm, Stanley’s quencher flowstate can barely stay in stock. But is it worth the (considerable) splurge? Boasting a 1.2l capacity, the reusable tumbler keeps cold drinks chilled for up to 11 hours (or two days when iced). We tested these claims with an ice-cold smoothie, which stayed deliciously chilled. The ergonomic handle adds to its ease of use, while the narrow base that fits some (but not all) car cup-holders is a nice touch.

Though it’s easy to switch between the three lid positions, the full-cover top failed to pass the leak-proof test. This completely rules out the quencher in terms of carrying it loose in a bag, which is quite a big drawback, considering the price. There’s also no denying it’s heavy, and the sheer size of the thing is slightly impractical for lugging around a city during the commute. But, when working from home, we appreciated the large capacity, as it helped boost our water intake (the colours are pretty, too).

Le Creuset travel mug

  • Best : Small flask
  • Material : Stainless steel
  • Weight : 140g
  • Capacity : 350ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for six hours, chilled all day
  • Small and compact
  • Looks smart
  • Takes force to open and close

The smallest of the flasks we put to the test is Le Creuset’s travel mug – a smart, compact and robust choice from the cookware brand. Although, the lid does take a bit of force to open and close, which might be a deal-breaker for some. It closes with a reassuring snap, though, so we felt confident it wouldn’t leak a drop. Despite the brand not specifically describing the flask as leaf-proof, we found it didn’t leak at all while we were putting it to the test.

It has a simple, utilitarian look to it, with a nice metallic finish, incorporating the signature Le Creuset three-ring design, while the lid sports the brand’s bright volcanic orange hue (the flask is also available as blue or red versions). We also liked that it’s been designed with a rubbery base, which ensures it won’t clang when you set it down.

There’s no knocking its heat retention, either, as this little flask kept drinks piping hot after six hours. Meanwhile, cold water stayed lovely and chilled all day long.

Stanley adventure to go bottle

  • Best : Sturdy design
  • Material : 8/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 512g
  • Capacity : 750ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for 20 hours, cold for 25 hours (four days when iced)
  • Dishwasher safe : Unspecified
  • Robust design
  • Matte finish
  • Splashy if you don’t unscrew the stopper enough

While this is a strapping flask from Stanley, it looks more streamlined and contemporary than the drinkware veteran’s classic designs. It’s a good size, but doesn’t feel overly bulky, and it promises to keep drinks hot for up to 20 hours, and cold for 24. Happily, these claims stood up during testing.

The lid doubles as an insulated cup, and, while it’s modestly sized, we think it’s big enough. There’s no chance of spills, as you might expect from a screw-in stopper, while little gaps in the stopper mean you can pour without having to unscrew it all the way. It’s a sturdy flask that gets the job done.

Thermos stainless steel king flask

  • Best : Flask with a cup
  • Material : 18/8 food grade stainless steel
  • Weight : 650g
  • Capacity : 1,200ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for 24 hours, cold for 24 hours
  • Twist and pour stopper
  • Collapsible handle
  • Cup included
  • The cup can get hot in your hands

As Thermos has become synonymous with insulated flasks, naturally, the supersize “steel king” was going to be pretty hard to beat. It has a whopping 1.2l capacity, and we were genuinely quite stunned by how hot it kept our water over 24 hours. Most of the ice in our cold drink was still solid after 24 hours, too – you could fill your Thermos in the morning and it will still be refreshingly cool the following day.

It’s sturdy but surprisingly lightweight for its size, and the handle, which is collapsible (to save on space), helps with one-handed carrying and pouring. Everything about the steel king feels exceptionally well-made – from the thick-rimmed stainless steel cup (which doesn’t have a handle but is still nicely capacious) to the twist and pour stopper. Our one quibble would be the stainless steel cup can feel hot in your hands when the liquid inside is especially scorching. However, never having to completely remove the screw cap before pouring will make for smoother al fresco pit stops. A classic for a reason, we can’t knock it.

Ocean Bottle flask

  • Best : Environmentally conscientious flask
  • Material : 90 per cent recycled stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone rubber and ocean-bound plastic
  • Weight : 320g
  • Capacity : 500ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for six hours, cold for six hours
  • Conscientious choice
  • Versatile mouthpiece
  • Carry loop for portability
  • The mouthpiece can drip momentarily after the lid is removed

A conscientious choice when it comes to the materials used and environmental impact, this insulated flask from Ocean Bottle is largely made up of recycled stainless steel and ocean-bound plastic. On top of this, the brand says buying one bottle will fund efforts to prevent the equivalent of 1,000 plastic bottles from ending up in the ocean as plastic waste – so you can feel genuinely good about buying this one.

Water, coffee and even thicker smoothies and soups aren’t off limits, thanks to the bottle-esque mouthpiece – although, we did find the mouthpiece can momentarily drip slightly once the lid has been removed.

Easy to grab, owing to the flexible carry loop, you can unscrew the larger lid for cleaning and chucking in ice. Our drinks were still impressively hot after six hours and refreshingly chilled after the same amount of time – cold enough that some of the ice we dropped in there was still intact.

Hydro Flask coffee mug

  • Best : Insulated mug
  • Material : 18/8 Pro-Grade Stainless Steel, BPA free
  • Weight : 317g
  • Capacity : 355ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Up to four hours
  • Versatile lid and mouthpiece

Sometimes, it just feels better to drink from an actual mug than a flask – particularly when you’re not actually heading into the wild, but sitting at your desk, wanting your tea or coffee to stay hot for a few hours longer.

This insulated mug isn’t leak-proof, so you won’t be carrying it around in your bag, but if you tend to forget about your cups of tea until they’ve turned tepid, it’s ideal. The matte finish is nice in the hand, and while the brand doesn’t specify for how long it should keep drinks hot or cold, our boiled water was still fairly hot after four hours, which is all you really need for a tumbler like this.

When it came to ease of use, the lid can be placed on at any angle, and the mouthpiece slides open and close easily. The mouthpiece can also be removed completely, if you’d prefer to drink straight from the mug.

Yeti 18oz bottle with hotshot cap

  • Best : Mid-sized coffee flask
  • Material : 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 531g
  • Capacity : 532ml
  • The hotshot cap allows you to drink at any angle
  • It’s not clear when the hotshot cap is closed

This flask is robust enough for outdoorsy excursions, but not so bulky that you wouldn’t reach for it for everyday use, so it’s a good choice for taking to work, too. While Yeti doesn’t specify a maximum heat retention time, we found that our water was still hot after 24 hours, while some of the ice in our cold water managed to survive for just as long.

Everything from the matte surface to the range of fun colours on offer suggests high-quality materials. We are also big fans of the aptly named hotshot cap, which, once swivelled to one side, will let you sip from any angle. However, something to remind us whether or not the swivel mechanism had been ‘closed’ would have been really helpful.

What we consider to be the perfect amount of liquid flows through at the perfect speed (although this will be quite subjective) and the hotshot cap didn’t let us down when it came to being completely leak-free.

Ohelo tumbler

  • Best : Flask with a strainer
  • Material : 18/8 stainless steel, lead- and BPA-free
  • Weight : 245g
  • Capacity : 400ml
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for six hours, cold for 12 hours
  • Strainer works well
  • Variety of colourways
  • No indication of when the lid is closed
  • Taking it apart for cleaning is a little fiddly

A perk of Ohelo’s tumbler is the strainer, which we found worked well with our loose-leaf tea, but keep in mind you can’t easily remove the tea leaves on the go. Still, you could also use it for fruit infusions or lumpy protein shakes. To drink, you just need to twist the lid until it clicks into place, letting you know it’s open. The lid proved to be leak-free, and it’s quite helpful that you can take sips from anywhere around the lid, rather than just one mouthpiece.

The lid needs to be taken apart to be cleaned, and putting it back together is a little fiddly, but we got the hang of it. As for heat retention abilities, this little tumbler performs brilliantly – hot water was still impressively hot after six hours, and chilled after 12.

Klean Kanteen insulated TKPro

  • Best : Plastic-free flask
  • Material : Stainless steel and silicone and 18/8 food-grade stainless steel interior, BPA-Free
  • Weight : 620g
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for 28 hours, cold for 90 hours when iced
  • Dishwasher safe : No, hand wash recommended
  • Plastic-free
  • Large cup included

Sleek and plastic-free, this flask from Klean Kanteen is an efficient and eco-conscious choice. While not quite as capacious (750ml) as the flasks from Thermos (£23, Amazon.co.uk ) and Zwilling (£31.95, Zwilling.com ) despite its fairly bulky design, it’s still going to be an excellent choice for bringing on longer outdoor adventures.

It performed ludicrously well when it came to preserving drink temperatures – our hot water was piping hot after 28 hours. We were dubious about claims that it could keep iced water iced for 90 hours, and were flabbergasted to find it does exactly that (yes, really, almost four days).

Leakproof and cleverly designed, the flask features a twist-and-pour cap, which can be poured from any angle – while slightly splashy if you don’t open it enough (or indeed too much), this is a really nifty way to save time and prevent some of the heat from escaping.

We loved how capacious the stainless steel lid was (216ml), and appreciated the wide mouth for comfortable sipping – perfect when you’re gasping for a big cup of tea.

Contigo luxe autoseal travel mug

  • Best : Flask for easy, one-handed sipping
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for five hours, cold for 12 hours
  • The mouthpiece is convenient
  • It’s small and compact

There’s something satisfyingly simple about this travel mug from Contigo. Press the large button on the lid, and your beverage will flow from a hole in the lid. As the flow of liquid is more concentrated than it is from larger mouthpieces, it feels almost similar to a mini vortex, which is fun. Our water was hot after five hours, and cold after 12.

Drinking from this flask is a one-handed operation, as you don’t need to unscrew the lid before taking a sip. The lock on the lid will also prevent the button from being pressed when you don’t want it to be – say, when it’s being pushed up against your laptop in your bag. The flask is also very compact, narrow (making it easy to hold in one hand) and lightweight to carry. It’s a sleek bit of kit when it comes to design as well, with its all-over metallic finish, although there’s a range of other colours to choose from, too.

Larq bottle purevis

  • Best : High-tech flask
  • Material : Stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 280g
  • Max temperature preservation times : Hot for 12 hours, cold for 24 hours
  • Dishwasher safe : Bottle is but the cap needs to be hand-washed
  • Self-cleaning technology
  • Stylish design
  • Not recommended for tea and coffee

If you feel uneasy about water quality while travelling, Larq’s self-cleaning water bottle is a high-tech investment that has blazed a trail with its patented UV-C light hidden in the lid, eliminating nearly all (99.9 per cent) of bio-contaminants inside.

Looking a little sci-fi, the flask has a button on the lid, which can be pressed for either a short (one minute) UV-C cycle or you can choose adventure mode (three minutes) for extra peace of mind. Beneath the intimidating tech, though, the purevis is also just an excellent flask – our water remained hot after 12 hours, and there were still cubes of ice in our cold water after 24 hours. Importantly, please note purification will be less effective with ice in the bottle, as this may partially block the UV-C light.

A clean bottle should help to keep that musty bottle smell at bay, and, while we admit we may have been swayed by the knoweldge our water was completely clean, we did find our water tasted fresher for being purified. We liked that the bottle will clean itself automatically every two hours and, unlike the rest of our tech, only needs to be charged every month or so. It is worth noting the brand doesn’t recommend using the bottle for drinks such as coffee and tea.

Chillys series 2 lichen

  • Best : Flask for keeping water cold
  • Material : Powder-coated stainless steel, BPA-free
  • Weight : 390g
  • Colour and design variety
  • Antimicrobial drinking collar
  • Unscrewing the lid can unscrew the drinking collar, causing leaks

Chilly’s has become somewhat synonymous with stylish drinkware – from dreamy ombre to abstract and floral bottles, there are plenty of styles to choose from. While you can use the brand’s insulated bottles for holding hot drinks (ours did a good job of keeping water piping hot for 24 hours) we would say we preferred using ours for keeping drinks cold. Some of the ice in our cold water was still intact after 24 hours and, naturally, the water was refreshingly chilled.

The series two bottles boast an antimicrobial drinking collar, which is dreamy to drink from and can be removed easily when it comes to cleaning the bottle, or dropping in ice cubes. This can sometimes open with the lid when it hasn’t been screwed on tightly enough, though, but the lid itself is completely leak-proof. Plus, the handle on the lid wins major points in terms of portability, while the protective rubber base means you don’t need to worry about making an obnoxious clang when setting down the flask.

Thermos ultimate insulation flask

  • Best : Flask for commuting
  • Material : Stainless steel with silicone rings
  • Weight : 300kg
  • Sturdy design
  • Lightweight

This is a really solid little Thermos that does pretty much everything you’d ask of a flask. Thermos claims the flask retains temperatures for 24 hours, and it certainly did keep water cold and coffee warm over the full period. We were particularly impressed by how secure the flask felt, and we had no concerns about it leaking while bouncing around in our work bag on the Tube, in the car, or even while cycling, so it’s ideal for commuting.

The silicone rings make the flask feel extra sturdy, which we appreciated when out hiking, but, for most outdoor adventures, we’d probably opt for a flask that has a greater volume. That being said, it’s lightweight and has a decent 500ml capacity, which feels just right for taking tea or coffee into the office.

Partner in Wine wine bottle

  • Best : Flask for wine
  • Material : Stainless steel and plastic lid, BPA-free
  • Weight : Unspecified
  • Good choice of colourways
  • The mouth of the lid is too narrow fo ice cubes

As photogenic as they come, this insulated flask from Partner In Wine has been purpose-built for keeping your bottle of plonk cool for up to 24 hours. A great purchase if you really resent sipping on ever-so-slightly warm wine during the summer months, this would be perfect for filling up before picnics, festivals and any al-fresco gatherings when you would rather leave the wine cooler at home. It will fit one bottle of wine perfectly, and feels markedly lightweight for a bottle of this size (750ml).

While we weren’t able to test this flask during the summer months, we still found that fridge-chilled wine stayed suitably cold for 24 hours. There’s no chance of vino spillages, either, as we can attest that the lid, which screws on easily and securely, is leak-proof. If you like ice in your wine, it’s worth noting the mouth of the bottle is quite narrow (indeed, wine-bottle narrow), so typical ice cubes won’t fit through.

While the black colour we tested is currently sold out, there are plenty of other dreamy hues to choose from, including soft pastels and all-over stainless steel.

The verdict: Insulated flasks

Sleek, compact and brilliant for sipping on the go, the Thermos superlight drinks flask was the top performer – we can’t recommend it enough for everyday use. We found our water was still piping hot after 10 hours, and it doesn’t hurt that the flask also looks great.

Lifeventure’s TiV vacuum flask also offers excellent value for money, while the Klean Kanteen flask is ludicrously good at keeping drinks hot or cold for many, many hours.

The Ocean Bottle deserves a mention for being so versatile when it comes to carrying cold water and hot drinks as well as thicker liquids such as smoothies and soups, and we love that the brand is built on the premise of protecting the ocean by reducing plastic waste.

Explore the great outdoors in a pair of the best women’s hiking boots or the best men’s hiking boots

Voucher Codes

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

  • Glassware & Drinkware

The Best Travel Mugs for Hot or Cold Sips on the Go

Easier on your wallet and the environment

travel mug hot drinks

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Whether you drink coffee, iced tea , or water, a travel mug is a handy accessory that keeps you caffeinated or hydrated on the go. Owning a travel mug can also save money (no more need to stop at a coffee shop) and cut down on paper and plastic waste. Some people have a few different travel mugs for various occasions, like an extra-durable one for hiking and a cupholder-friendly option for driving to work. No matter where you're headed, we have a travel mug for you below, all of which we've tested ourselves and can recommend firsthand.

  • How We Tested Travel Mugs

To help you make an informed buying decision, we tested more than a dozen of the most popular travel mugs on the market today. Every travel mug was tested for a minimum of one week, and some of them have been used by our staff members for several years. To review the travel mugs, our writers evaluated key areas, including size, design, insulation, and value, and then provided additional insights about what we liked and disliked about each mug.

We Observed:

  • How easy the mugs were to clean: We made notes about how rigorous the cleaning process was for each travel mug. Some mugs were dishwasher-safe or only had a couple of parts to clean; others had multiple parts or lids so small that they were difficult to clean by hand.
  • How durable the mugs were: Our testers gauged the durability of each mug by traveling with them and putting them in bags if they were leakproof. Some testers have owned mugs on this list for numerous years and, as a result, gave long-term durability insights.
  • If any liquids leaked from the mugs: If a mug was labeled as leakproof, our testers shook it upside down over the sink to see if the claims were accurate.
  • Design: Our testers rated each travel mug's design on a one-to-five scale. Factors that led to higher design scores included functionality, durability, and a stylish aesthetic.
  • Insulation: After using a thermometer and stopwatch to measure drink temperature, we graded each mug on its degree of insulation.
  • Value: Finally, we compared the performance of every travel mug to its retail price. Items that lived up to or outperformed their price received higher value-for-money ratings.

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas

  • What to Look For

Types of Travel Mugs

About our testers, why trust the spruce eats, best overall, contigo west loop vacuum insulated travel mug.

  • Effectiveness 5 /5
  • Functionality 5 /5

Effective autolock and anti-spill lid

Can be locked and unlocked with one hand

Keeps drinks hot/cold for hours

A little wide for smaller hands

Plastic lid seems prone to breakage

If you’re looking for a solid, leak-proof travel mug that will keep your coffee hot for up to seven hours, look no further. The Contigo mug is my number one pick for many reasons, the first of which is the “Autoseal” lid. Unlike other travel mugs that have a sliding lid, which is prone to leaks, the Contigo lid has a push button that opens the vacuum seal when you’re ready to drink and closes again when you release the button. (This means you can also use it with one hand.) I was able to carry it around in a bag all day without any leakage. Just keep in mind that this means the lid isn’t interchangeable with any of your other travel mugs.

In addition to hot drinks like coffee or tea , this vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug will keep drinks cold for up to 18 hours depending on whether you buy the 12- or 20-ounce version. You can also choose between seven different colors, so everyone in the family can keep their mug straight.

One of the few drawbacks is that the mug is fairly difficult to clean. If you’re washing the Contigo by hand, be prepared for a bit of an inconvenience as it comes with very specific washing instructions. The lid is dishwasher-safe, but the bottle itself is hand wash only.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 10, 16, 20, or 24 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 9 inches (20-ounce model)

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas 

Stanley Classic Travel Mug

  • Design 4 /5
  • Insulation 3 /5

Highly durable

Great for commuters

Lid is hard to clean

Faint plastic smell first few uses

Stanley is a century-old name known for its array of durable mugs, thermoses, and more. In fact, the company patented all-steel vacuum flasks in 1913. That top-grade technology is bottled into the sleek and simple design of the Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug today. You can purchase the item in three sizes—12, 16, and 20 ounces—as well as five different colors.

We tested the 16-ounce model firsthand and confirmed that it lives up to the brand's claims about temperature retention. Hot coffee stayed warm and drinkable for seven hours, cold coffee lasted 10 hours without ice, and ice water remained refreshing for more than 30 hours. With that in mind, temperature retention varies slightly depending on the size of the mug you buy.

We were pleasantly surprised that the trigger-action lid is completely leakproof. No water escaped even after we shook it upside down over the sink. It's rare to find a mug with a lid as convenient as this one that is also safe to throw in a bag or backpack. It's excellent for hiking, and because it fits in cupholders, it's viable for commuters, too.

We've also used this mug frequently over four years and it shows no signs of slowing down. The item is backed by Stanley's lifetime guarantee. The company claims the bottle can withstand everything from a 4,000-foot drop to a windchill of -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best part? This lifelong companion is affordably priced, making it one of the top value-for-money options on the market.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, or 20 ounces | Dimensions: 2.9 x 8.9 inches (16-ounce model)

Best for Hot or Cold

Zojirushi stainless steel mug.

  • Design 5 /5
  • Insulation 5 /5

Easy-to-hold design

Fits in most cupholders

Excellent heat retention

Locking mechanism prevents leaks

Hand wash only, many pieces to clean

While most of the mugs on our list work well for hot or cold beverages, they are generally better at one or the other—but that’s not the case with this mug from Zojirushi. It retains drink temperature for at least six hours, no matter if you take your coffee hot or iced. Our experience with the mug was even better than the company advertises: Coffee was warm enough to drink nearly 12 hours after brewing.

Available in 12 and 16 ounces, the Zojirushi mug also wins points for design and easy drinking. The flip-top cap not only stops the mug from leaking, it also keeps the drinking spout protected and clean. The cap includes a lock to keep it from coming undone in your bag, as well.

Cleaning this model is a bit harder than some of the others (a specially designed bottle-cleaning brush is recommended). Several different pieces need to be cleaned thoroughly to avoid staining and mildew buildup. The plastic sipping piece and rubber gasket on the lid can be popped out easily and cleaned separately, though.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 or 16 ounces | Dimensions: 2.625 x 2.875 x 9.125 inches (16-ounce model)

Best High-Tech

Ember travel mug 2.

Touchscreen display 

Battery lasts up to three hours

360-degree leak-proof lid

Only 12-ounce capacity

Just like many other travel mugs, the sleek Ember Travel Mug² will keep your drink hot throughout your morning commute, but it stands out by using smart technology and a high-tech design. This second iteration of the Ember Travel Mug is lighter and more streamlined than its predecessor, mainly because instead of a manual dial, it features a touch-sensitive control panel.

The mug is "smart" because you can use the panel to control and set its temperature or link the mug to the Ember app via your smartphone. The app essentially serves as a temperature gauge for the mug, notifying you when the set temperature has been reached. This is a nice feature because it eliminates the possibility of burning your mouth.

The Ember Travel Mug²'s best design feature is the lid: It only needs a push to open, is leak-proof, and lets you sip from any side of the mug. Furthermore, the mug's design is ergonomic. It's wider at the top than the bottom and is coated with a matte finish, making it easy to grip and comfortable to hold. We wish it held more—12 ounces isn't a lot for many coffee drinkers—and we don't love the high price point, but you are getting a high-tech product so the cost makes sense.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dimensions: 3.14 x 7.9 inches

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Best Budget

Copco acadia travel mug.

 Amazon

Safe in both microwave and dishwasher

Colorful grip

Fits in cupholders

Can stack inside each other

Prone to staining

Hole in lid can't be closed

This 16-ounce travel mug works for both hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew , and it comes at a budget price. It's designed with a double-wall construction to keep drinks at their temperature longer than a non-insulated cup; however, it’s not made for all-day temperature regulation like some stainless steel mugs. We found hot coffee to be lukewarm just two hours after brewing. The good news is that the mug is microwave-safe, so you can easily reheat drinks should they cool off.

Another advantage of this mug is how easy it is to clean. It's dishwasher-safe, and the lid opening is large enough to clean the inside by hand should you choose to do so. The lid doesn't have a cover, however, so you can’t toss the mug in your bag. Another downside is that the interior is prone to staining. We have owned the mug for nearly four years and it still works like new, but the coffee stains set in after roughly a year.

The cup portion is white, but you can choose from a variety of colored bands, so you always know which one is yours. The bands also serve as coffee collars to protect your hands from scorching temperatures while adding extra grip. There's nothing fancy to this mug, but it's dependable.

Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 3.66 x 6.78 inches

Best With Straw

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

  • Design 3.5 /5
  • Insulation 4.5 /5

No sweating

Lid seals tightly

Fits in car cupholders

Keeps drinks cold or hot

Can't close hole on lid

Hand wash only

Prefer iced coffee ? Then a travel mug that has a straw might suit your palette more. This model fits in most cup holders and can keep your drink cold for up to 12 hours. You can use the removable plastic straw with the Tritan lid or not, depending on your preference. The one design flaw, however, is that there is no way to completely seal the lid since the hole doesn't include a cover or flap.

The cup is made of stainless steel, so it will repel stains and odors, meaning your lemonade won't taste like yesterday's coffee. The mug even has a lifetime guarantee, so you know it will last. If you’re looking for a durable travel mug that’s designed to hold both hot and cold beverages, the 24-ounce Bubba Envy Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler is a solid option at a price you can afford. While the mug is large and doesn't have a handle, it's surprisingly easy to hold because of indents that circle the cup.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18, 24, or 32 ounces | Dimensions: 3.62 x 3.93 x 10.54 inches (24-ounce model)

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

 The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

Best Handled

Thermos stainless king travel mug.

Comfortable to hold

Doesn’t fit in all car cup holders

Thanks to the vacuum insulation of most travel mugs, a handle is no longer really a necessity to keep your hand dry from condensation or to prevent it from getting burned, but if you prefer to drink from a handled mug, this version from Thermos is the right pick for you.

Available in five different colors, this 16-ounce mug will keep beverages hot for up to five hours or cold for up to nine hours thanks to the double-wall stainless steel construction. The lid has a “DrinkLock” seal, which opens when you press the lever to the left or right. During testing, there were no spills and coffee stayed hot for longer (even on chilly days). The one drawback (if you even consider it one) is that this mug must be washed by hand.

Tea drinkers will also want to consider this mug since it has a built-in tea hook that accommodates most tea infusers and makes it easy to remove them from the mug. It comes with a five-year limited warranty in case there is an issue.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 4.9 x 7.8 inches

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

Best Design

S'well traveler mug.

Multiple sizes and many colors

Great temperature retention

Price varies, can be expensive

Lid isn't ideal for commuting

The S’well Stainless Steel Traveler Mug is inarguably one of the best-designed travel mugs on the market today. Thanks to S’well’s high-end, triple-wall technology, you can rest assured that your drinks will maintain their ideal temperature for hours on end. It performed exceedingly well when we tested it. Coffee stayed hot for 12 hours and, after adding refrigerated coffee without ice, it was still cold 30 hours later.

This mug topped others in the design category because it is cupholder-friendly and available in 17 different color options as well as three sizes: 12, 16, and 20 ounces. The Traveler is completely leakproof and can be trusted in your bag or backpack. Just keep in mind that the lid can't be unscrewed with one hand, so you'll need both hands free if sipping on the go. Also, it's not dishwasher-safe, so to clean it, you can either put a drop of dish soap in and rinse with hot water or use a long bottle brush.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, or 20 ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 9.3 inches

Best for Easy Cleaning

Yeti rambler 20 oz tumbler.

  • Size 4.5 /5
  • Design 4.5 /5

Dishwasher safe

Magnetic lid slides easily

Multiple color options

Not leakproof

The Yeti Rambler comes in three sizes: 10, 20, and 30 ounces. Some travel mugs are too small for a hand to fit inside or have multiple parts to clean. That's not the case with the Rambler. We appreciate that we can reach every nook and cranny of the mug with a sponge. The Rambler is also dishwasher safe when you're not in the mood to wash it by hand.

We've used the mug for more than two years and it's still going strong. We take it in the car a lot because it fits in cupholders and can be sipped with one hand. There's a toggle on the lid, which Yeti calls a Magslider, that's effortless to open with your thumb. One of the only downsides is that the lid isn't leakproof, so we don't throw it in our hiking backpack or messenger bag.

Like most Yeti products, the Rambler effectively keeps drinks hot for around 10 hours or cold for close to 20. It's also sold in more than 10 colors from neutrals to vibrant hues, so you can find one that suits your style.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 10, 20, or 30 ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 6.6 inches

Best Large Capacity

Bubba classic insulated desk mug.

Budget price

Lightweight despite size

Too big for cupholders

Lid has a hole you can't close

This 52-ounce mug is what you'll want to take to the pool, beach, or camping since it holds enough water for several hours. It’s also great for office workers who don’t want to keep running to the water cooler to refill smaller bottles. Of course, the drawback with a mug of this size is that it won’t fit in your cupholder, so this pick is better for non-drive time.

For those who intend to drink hot beverages out of this mug, it doesn't quite have the heat retention that the brand claims. When filled more than halfway full with hot coffee, it was lukewarm less than three hours later. The mug did perform better when tested with cold drinks, however. With refrigerated coffee poured into the mug without ice (as the amount of ice may vary for customers), the coffee was still cold 12 hours later. Another testing observation to note is that the lid opening seemed a little wide, and it was easy to spill when drinking.

As an added bonus, the Bubba 52-Ounce Desk Mug is incredibly durable and can handle being dropped or tossed around in the trunk of your car. The wide, comfort-grip handle feels very sturdy, too.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 34 or 52 ounces | Dimensions: 7 x 10 inches

We highly recommend the Contigo Autoseal West Loop because its sleek, durable, and easy to sip on the go thanks to its button-activated lid. As an alternative, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is similar in price and quality, and it performed well in our testing process. You can't go wrong with either one.

Other Options We Tested

  • Yeti Rambler Mug : Yeti makes a number of reliable travel mugs—not to mention the brand's beloved coolers—but the Rambler mug has too many shortcomings for us to recommend it, starting with its poor insulative properties. The hot coffee we brewed lost temperature rapidly in the mug and, because it's made with stainless steel, it couldn't be reheated in the microwave. Additionally, the lid is not leakproof, which is a feature that's easy to find in a number of other travel mugs out there.
  • Ello Campy Travel Mug : The Ello Campy Mug is a stylish, large-capacity option that many customers may enjoy, especially those into the outdoors. While it doesn't have any major defects, it didn't quite make the cut for this list. We found that the paint can chip easily and that it's tricky to clean. On top of that, it's too large to fit in many car cupholders.

What to Look for in a Travel Mug

It doesn’t matter if you’re drinking coffee , tea, or water—every sip from your travel mug should be smooth and easy. That’s why it’s important to figure out the lid style that best suits you. Some of the top options include flip lids, thumb-sliding lids, push-button lids, twist lids, and straw lids. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Customers who prioritize durability or preventing spills, for instance, should choose a more secure style, like a twist lid. Others who want to seamlessly drink from their mug while on the move may prefer a lid that can be opened with one hand. Luckily, lid style does not affect price, so every option should be on the table when you start looking for a travel mug. Many brands also sell lids individually so that users can have multiple options at their disposal.

Temperature Retention

All too often we take a sip of coffee and find it’s gone lukewarm. A reliable travel mug can thwart that dreaded, flavorless middle zone and keep your coffee at the ideal temperature for hours, no matter if it’s hot or iced. Vacuum-insulated mugs, which are typically made from stainless steel, offer the best performance when it comes to temperature retention, while plastic and silicone are the least effective materials. When buying, think about the type of coffee you drink most often (hot or iced) as some mugs are better designed for one or the other.

The length of time that a mug keeps drinks hot or cold is often listed in its product details, but keep in mind that this figure is often based on the item being preheated or precooled before use. We also asked Graham Nearn of the Stanley brand what temperature range the company defines as "hot" and "cold." He told us that when Stanley says a drink stays hot for a certain amount of time, the liquid must be between 140 to 203 degrees; for a drink to be considered cold, it has to fall between 39 and 50 degrees.

Travel coffee mugs come in a variety of sizes. The average capacity is around 16 ounces, though the range extends far on either side of that. Some are no bigger than a regular at-home coffee mug; others are large enough to keep you caffeinated the entire day. Brands often manufacture the same mug in multiple sizes, so if a specific one catches your eye, you can likely find it in a size you love. Customers interested in larger mugs should see if it is microwave-safe or able to retain heat well; otherwise, they may be sipping a lot of cold coffee. Finally, for those who plan on taking their mug in the car, check out customer reviews or product details to ascertain if a mug can fit in your cupholders.

While most travel mugs are made from stainless steel, options are far from limited when it comes to material. Other possibilities include plastic, glass, silicone, ceramic, and bamboo. This choice naturally affects a mug’s aesthetic, as well as larger factors like price, durability, how the item is cleaned, how long it retains heat, and whether condensation appears on the outside. What factors are most important to you? If you want a budget-priced mug that can go in the microwave, plastic is likely the best material for you. If durability and heat retention are higher priorities, you may want to stick with the stainless steel route. Also keep in mind the downsides that certain materials have. Plastic mugs, for instance, can stain and retain coffee odors, while some stainless steel mugs may unfavorably alter the flavor of your coffee.

If you sift through a list of travel mugs, you will likely come across the phrase "18/8 stainless steel." This denotes a type of stainless steel made from 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.  Graham Nearn  of the Stanley brand says 18/8 stainless steel is often used for drinkware because it's "food-grade, durable, and resistant to corrosion."

Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof

Whether walking to class, embarking on a long hike, or heading out for the daily commute, it’s easier to transport a mug if it can be kept inside a bag; that’s where leak-proof travel mugs come in handy. They prevent even the slightest drop from escaping into your bag, no matter what. Make sure to read customer reviews beforehand, however, as some items advertised as leak-proof may not actually be up to the task. There is also a difference between leak-proof and spill-proof. Mugs labeled as spill-proof only prevent major spills from occurring; they are not safe to store in bags since they can still leak.

Taking a travel mug’s design into consideration involves two different paths. First, you can think about the item’s shape or silhouette. Do you want a mug with a handle? Or one thin enough to slide into a bag or backpack? Second, design also involves the many colors and patterns found on the outside of a mug. There is an array of options, from fun and playful to chic and striking, that can convey your personality with every sip.

Not only are most travel mugs affordable, but they also help customers save money by cutting down on daily trips to the coffee shop. The only type likely to break the bank are electric travel mugs. Other than that, budget picks are widely available both in-store and online. Some mugs cost as little as a bag of coffee beans. Size does generally impact price, however, as larger mugs tend to cost more than smaller ones, even if they are the same model. Expect plastic mugs to be the cheapest option, while glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are all slightly more expensive. 

When picturing a travel coffee mug, most envision a tall, tapered item similar to a reusable water bottle, but there are actually many options designed to look exactly like the mugs we use every day at home. Items in this category provide the feel and comfort of a regular coffee mug but with added heat retention and the luxury to take your joe on the go. Because they are smaller in capacity than most travel mugs (usually around 12 ounces), they are also slightly more affordable. Unfortunately, coffee-mug-style travel mugs aren’t leak-proof and don’t fit in cupholders because of their handles.

Portable Coffee Maker

Truly defining on-the-go coffee, there is a category for travel mugs that additionally function as portable brewing devices. They allow users to make coffee and drink it all from the same bottle. This is certainly a less common variety, but it’s still worth consideration, especially for frequent travelers and campers. The majority of portable coffee makers work like French presses. Aptly named “travel presses,” they immerse coffee grounds in water and then push them to the bottom of the mug via a built-in plunger. The second most common type of portable coffee maker utilizes a pour-over brewing method instead.

Well known for their smooth exterior, tumblers are the most popular subcategory of travel mugs. They never have a handle and the body usually tapers to a narrow base, both of which make them cupholder friendly. Tumblers can be used for both hot and cold beverages, but they are especially popular for iced coffee. Many have straw lids for easy sipping. Customers may be familiar with tumblers in other types of drinkware, as they are also used for cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and general home use.

What is a vacuum-insulated mug?

The phrase “vacuum-insulated” pops up all over the place when searching for travel mugs. It’s also commonly used with another phrase: "double-walled." Both labels denote that a travel mug is built with two different layers, an inner wall and outer wall, and that the space between the layers is partially evacuated of air, creating a vacuum. This design allows drinks to retain their temperature for a longer period of time because they are less exposed to the outside air.

Can I make my travel mug retain temperature longer?

We all want the most out of our products, and this one small tip goes a long way: preheat or pre-cool your travel mug before use. Taking a few extra minutes to let hot or cold water sit in your mug will prime the material for better temperature retention. You can pour hot water from the tap or even boil it for an added boost of heat, all while your coffee is brewing.

How do I clean my travel mug?

Before cleaning, consult the product details or instruction guide to see if the item is dishwasher-safe. This is a common benefit of glass and plastic travel mugs but not stainless steel. If your mug isn’t dishwasher-safe, don’t worry. Cleaning is still quite easy. A simple daily cleaning only requires scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge or gentle brush. Avoid using steel wool brushes and harsh household cleaners on stainless steel mugs. For a more thorough job, allow a solution of vinegar and baking soda to soak inside the mug for several minutes, then rinse and clean with dish soap before using.

Can I add milk to my coffee if it’s in a travel mug?

Most brands advise against putting milk or creamer in thermoses unless it's for a brief amount of time. Bacteria can develop when dairy products are stored at warm temperatures, especially if the travel mug isn't properly cleaned. Graham Nearn of the Stanley brand echoed this thought, telling us: "We don’t recommend putting milk or dairy products in Stanley vacuum bottles or food jars for extended periods of time, as bacteria growth can occur at certain temperatures."

The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

  • Cheyenne Elwell is a freelance writer specializing in food and coffee. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Insider, MSN, and her coffee blog BakedBrewedBeautiful.com.
  • Suzie Dundas is a freelance writer and editor based in Lake Tahoe, California. Along with The Spruce Eats, her writing has appeared in Forbes, Fodor's, SkyLife Magazine, and Outdoor Sports Guide.
  • Rebekah Joan is a writer and blogger located in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She has written for The Spruce Eats since 2019.
  • Derek Rose has been The Spruce Eats' coffee and tea expert since 2019. His other work has appeared in Forbes, SPY, and Angi.

This piece was written by  Derek Rose , the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He has owned or tested a number of the items on this list, including the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug , the Copco Insulated Travel Mug , the S'Well Traveler Mug , and the Bubba 52-Ounce Insulated Desk Mug .

Graham Nearn , the Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide, was interviewed for this piece. He oversees the Stanley brand, which has manufactured vacuum flasks and more since 1913.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

  • Backchannel
  • Newsletters
  • WIRED Insider
  • WIRED Consulting

Matt Jancer

The Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug with Flex Sip Lid

Best Overall Hydro Flask Coffee Mug With Flex Sip Lid (16 Ounce) Read more

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Mug

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Mug (16 Ounce) Read more

a long play coffee mug

A Classy Paper Cup Replacement KeepCup Brew Cork (12 Ounce) Read more

Miir Climate Plus travel mug

An Eco-Friendly Option Miir Climate+ Read more

Staying hydrated can be a battle, especially if you're toting around a bottle of lukewarm water, coffee, or tea. Whether you drink cold drinks or hot ones, a vacuum-insulated beverage holder can keep it at your preferred temperature so that every sip is a joy. There are tons of vacuum-insulated bottles, mugs, and tumblers on the market these days. Most of them are perfectly capable at keeping beverages colder or warmer than room temperature for much longer than a non-insulated bottle, too.

I tested each bottle with both ice water and cold water, sat outside on a patio in indirect sunlight, and then with hot coffee left indoors, where the ambient temperature was 70 degrees. During testing so far, none of the bottles failed to roughly match up to their claims of how long they'd keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot. It's rare to run across an insulated bottle that's a total failure at doing that these days, but it's also rare to find one that truly stands out. Rather, I've noticed the features that tend to make or break a bottle are their leak-proofing, exterior coating, and cap. Here are the best travel mugs that impressed us, and some of the rest.

Note that my colleague, Medea Giordano, wrote a piece about the use of lead soldering in the construction of some reusable bottles. Be sure to check out our guides to the Best Reusable Water Bottles , Best Coffee Subscriptions , Best Coffee Grinders , Best Espresso Machines , Best Portable Coffee Makers , Best AeroPress Coffee Makers , and How to Make Better Coffee at Home and Joe Ray's rave on how he learned to love pour-over coffee .

Updated March 2024: We've added the Yeti Rambler Vacuum Bottle With Chug Cap, Stanley IceFlow Straw Tumbler, REI Co-op Camp Mug, and GSI Outdoors MicroLite 500 Flip. We've also added information about the use of lead in some bottles' manufacturing, as well as updated pricing and availability throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Hydro Flask’s powder coating is one of the toughest I have come across on a beverage container. Whenever I can foresee some serious abuse happening to a coffee mug on a trip, I take a Hydro Flask. I’ve yet to dent or scratch one through routine carelessness over the past four years. Without a cupholder in my car, my Hydro Flask lived on the floorboards, rolling and crashing around with every maneuver, and it still held up. The pebbled texture is grippy, so you're less likely to fumble it if your hands get wet or greasy.

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle

Narrow openings are fine for water, in my opinion, but for hot beverages, I like having a wider gap so I can take a big gulp. I'm less likely to burn my mouth on hot drinks when I can let them cool off through a bigger opening, too. The TKWide’s Cafe Cap is more like drinking from a regular to-go coffee cup, rather than a water bottle.

All the colors have matte powder-coated finishes, which are more scratch-resistant than the brand’s smooth powder-coated finishes. That said, I haven’t found them to be as tough as Hydro Flask’s powder coating, and the uncoated stainless-steel ring on the bottom of the mug is pretty easy to scuff up.

A Classy Paper Cup Replacement

The Brew Cork is greater than the sum of its parts. This double-walled, insulated mug is meant to replicate and replace paper coffee shop cups. It’s fun to drink out of. Many other tumblers’ lid openings are blocky or mash your nose, but the KeepCup is ergonomically on point. It’s not the best for road trips, nor the best for keeping a ton of coffee hot for hours, but I highly recommend the LongPlay if all you want is a reusable cup to cut down on single-use waste and keep your drink warm long enough for you to actually drink it. That said, the lid is a bit dribbly. While the interior and lip are glass—no metallic off-tastes here—the exterior shell below the rubber grip is plastic.

An Eco-Friendly Option

It doesn't fit a typical car’s cup holder, but if you like an insulated mug that resembles a cup more than a bottle or beer glass, the Climate+ is for you. It has the solid build quality and tough powder-coated finish we’ve come to expect from Miir, in a package that has less of an impact on the environment. Miir says that the Climate+ uses no new plastic (the lid is 100 percent recycled and recyclable), and its insulation uses 25 percent less stainless steel than traditional insulated mugs. It’s also completely BPA-free.

Elon Musk Can’t Solve Tesla’s China Crisis With His Desperate Asia Visit

Carlton Reid

How to Use ChatGPT’s Memory Feature

Reece Rogers

The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your Achin’ Neck

Medea Giordano

The Best Portable Power Stations

Camp Classic

This camp cup is awfully charming, harkening back to the classic blue, enameled camp cups that ooze 20th-century Americana. Like all the tumblers on this list, it’s vacuum-insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold ones cold. Its screw-on plastic lid, with a sliding lever for sipping, is leak-proof enough. If you leave it upside down for more than a few seconds or shake it, it’ll drip, but I couldn’t get it to leak by knocking it onto its side. The handle is plastic to avoid conducting heat from hot contents, and the inner part of the handle is lined in cork. The Campy isn’t enameled—it’s just painted to look like it—but it pulls off the effect well.

Fellow coffee mug

For Coffee Purists

Instead of a tiny sippy hole, the Carter’s screw-on cap reveals a wide tumbler that lets you breathe in your coffee’s aromas as you drink. The opening is 69 millimeters wide, so you can use most manual coffee brewers, such as an AeroPress or Hario pour-over, directly on it. That’s too wide for many cars’ cup holders, but it’s plenty stable, and you won’t have to worry about tipping it over on a desk. My average-size hands had no issues, but some buyers with smaller hands might find it difficult or uncomfortable to hold.

The interior is ceramic-coated, so you don’t get any metallic flavors, and the thin metal lip is curved like a cabernet glass. Its textured matte exterior coating is tough and held up as well as the mighty Hydro Flask’s coating. It's been completely leak-proof too. You should have no concerns throwing it into your laptop bag completely full.

a stainless steel snowpeak mug

For Camping

When traveling, I want to pack light. Snow Peak’s gorgeous insulated titanium camp mug is less than 4 inches tall, weighs only 4.2 ounces, and has foldaway handles to make it even smaller. Its 450-ml capacity equates to slightly more than 15 fluid ounces. As someone who finds washing mugs to be an interminable hassle, this is the easiest one to travel with—just refill, rinse, and carabiner it to the outside of your bag. I've carried mine up glaciated mountains and down desert trails for six years now, and although the lettering has worn away, the mug itself works as well as it did when new. You can also buy a Snow Peak lid for $14 separately, which is splash-proof and kept my coffee warmer for longer.

HydroFlask Cooler Cup

Tumblers and travel mugs are generally designed for you to pour your chosen beverage into, but what if you just want to put a can in there? These kinds of insulated drink holders are particularly useful when I'm out and about, drinking a canned soda or beer, and want it to stay cool in the summer heat.

Not only can you put the can directly into the drink holder, but you can also pour it into the Hydro Flask and drink directly out of it, if you wish. Just remove the collar, and now you've got a handsome, stainless steel rim to sip from. The collar fits over the bottom of the can to stabilize it too, so you won't lose it. This is the 12-fluid-ounce version that fits a standard beer, soda, juice, or wine can. There's also a 16-fluid-ounce Tallboy Cooler Cup for $28 if you're feeling particularly thirsty.

a red contigo portable coffee cannister

Honorable Mentions

We've run through many travel mugs, and not all of them are winners. These are a few we like, just not as much as the ones above.

Miir Flip Traveler for $28 : The Miir has a tough powder coating with a flip-top lid that is absolutely leak-proof. I couldn’t get one drop of liquid to escape, no matter what I did to this tumbler. It’s narrow enough to fit any cup holder or backpack bottle holder, and it feels tough enough to survive years of abuse. Personally, I also find it quite aesthetically attractive, with its sharp lines and angular cap, compared to its competition. Miir has stated that some of its bottles use lead, and its website states : “MiiR drinkware is frequently tested at a 3rd party accredited lab by COE Resolution CM/RES(2013)9. When MiiR drinkware is tested, lead is not detected. The limit of detection is < 0.002 mg/kg (ppm).” Representatives at Miir declined to clarify if the Flip Traveler is one of its bottles that use lead.

Yeti Rambler Bottle With Chug Cap for $50 : The star of this bottle is what Yeti calls the chug cap, a threaded spout that's between a wide-mouth opening and a more typical sipping hole in size. I enjoyed it quite a lot. When gulping water, it flowed more smoothly and quickly than a sipping hole, but it didn't spill over my face, as a wide-mouth opening can sometimes do when in a hurry. A cap with a plastic handle screws on over it to close up the bottle. The handle is wide and robust. I'd use a carabiner to clip it to a backpack often and never worried about it breaking (36 fluid ounces of water is heavy). If you're a frequent sipper like me, you'll appreciate that it only takes a half turn of the cap to expose the chug cap. Yeti cautions that the chug cap (which can be unscrewed and removed) is unsuitable for hot beverages. Just to make sure I didn't burn my mouth on that initial, exploratory sip of hot coffee, I'd take it off when drinking something hot, which negated some of the bottle's convenience. Like most Yeti bottles, the exterior coating was durable and didn't scratch or dent during testing. Yeti uses lead in its manufacturing .

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler for $30 : Rather than a long straw, the IceFlow has a stubby, flip-open straw about an inch long that's built into the cap. It was easy to manipulate with my thumb to flip it out, which I appreciated when I was hot and sweaty after a workout and didn't want to fumble with a hard-to-use cap. Its small diameter meant that I couldn't gulp water, though, only sip a steady trickle. The carry handle was big enough to use while wearing puffy gloves this past winter, and it flips down and out of the way when you don't need it. Both are a very nice touch that outshine most other bottles' handles. Like Stanley's other bottles, its exterior coating is tough enough that I noticed no scratches or wear. Stanley uses lead in its manufacturing process .

Contigo Luxe Autoseal for $36 : What makes the Contigo “automatic” is a button on the side of the lid that opens the sipping hole. There’s a lock to prevent the button from opening the hole, too. With or without the lock activated, the Contigo never leaked a single drop. Some buyers have complained that the metal lid gets too hot, but I filled up the Luxe Autoseal with scorching, molten coffee, and the lid barely even got lukewarm. Contigo is also among the manufacturers that uses a lead solder bead in its construction. When reached for comment, a company representative said, “The bead is covered and insulated by multiple layers—it never comes in contact with users or liquids in the bottle—and cannot be accessed unless the bottle is fully deconstructed. No traces of lead are found on or in the bottle that would be exposed to the consumer or the beverages in the bottle.”

KeepCup Thermal for $26 : This is the answer to those who like the KeepCup LongPlay's ergonomic shape and paper-cup-imitating feel but long for a cup that can keep their coffee warmer for longer. The Thermal is, like most of the vessels in this guide, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that insulates against heat loss or, in the case of cold beverages, heat gain. It shares the Brew Cork's slightly dribbly lid, although it loses some of the novelty of the Brew Cork's glass.

REI Co-op Camp Mug for $23 : There are getting to be an awful lot of insulated camp mugs in this basic style on the market, and REI's own is a perfectly fine option that doesn't particularly stand out. REI didn't attempt any gimmicks with its lid, which is a durable piece of thick plastic with an open hole for sipping and a smaller hole for airflow (so that sipping is smooth). You can't just toss it in a backpack or on the floor of your car without it leaking, but for a camp mug, that's fine. They're better suited for use in camp, a motorhome, or on a desk anyway, in my opinion. The exterior coating was tough enough to show no scratches, even after knocking it over a few times outside, and the REI graphics were tasteful and attractive, in my opinion.

Miir Camp Cup for $28: Miir's insulated coffee mug doesn't leak, it insulates hot and cold drinks just fine, and the coating is as tough as any Miir. But it's up against tough competition, and for the same money the Hydro Flask Mug is a bit nicer. The Miir lacks the Hydro Flask's stainless steel rim, and the transparent plastic lid feels a little cheap. The sliding opening on the lid felt like just an extra step to operate each time I wanted a sip.

Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler for $35 : The rounded handle is comfortable to hold, which is important in an 18.4-ounce mug loaded with up to 32 fluid ounces of drink. Like most Hydro Flask products, it comes with the same bomb-proof powder coating (in optional soft, pastel colors) that resists scratches and chips very well, plus the addition of a straw poking through its lid. There's also a 40-fluid-ounce version for $40 .

GSI Outdoors Glacier 15-Fluid-Ounce Camp Cup for $20 : It's not too easy to find at retailers, and when you do, they tend to be available in just a few colors and go in and out of stock. This cup is awfully simple, particularly the incredibly basic lid, but it's more than a little endearing. There's a brushed stainless steel version and, my favorite, a "blue speckle" that imitates the classic enameled blue camp cups of past generations, although both of these colors are plain steel. Other colors come in a more durable-seeming pebbled coating.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for $29 : The stainless-steel interior is BPA-free and has a wide-mouth opening. The lid locks to avoid accidental spillage, and I once accidentally left hot tea in it for 18 hours and found it still hot when I opened it again. It’s also small enough to fit in my jacket pocket on chilly morning walks. It’s not my preferred mug for daily use, simply because the lid has three separate parts—a mouthpiece, a gasket, and a lid—that are deeply ridged and hard to clean.

Rambler Stackable Cup for $30 : This insulated cup holds 16 fluid ounces, which is the capacity of a typical tall drinking glass. The best aspect of this is that you can stack several of them, so you can keep a bunch in your pantry without taking up much room. It comes with Yeti's durable powder coating, too, making them among the toughest options out there.

Hydro Flask Mug for $28: The Hydro Flask Mug merges a durable powder-coated, vacuum-insulated construction with the traditional, handle-sporting shape of a diner or camp mug. Hydro Flask does it better than most. The stainless steel rim makes it nicer to sip from than competitors' mugs, and it comes with Hydro Flask's usual drip-proof lid and bomber-tough powder coating that is nearly impossible to scratch. But it is more at home on a desk than at a campsite or in a car's cup holder, which it can't fit into.

GSI Outdoors MicroLite 500 Flip for $30 : Under the button-activated, flip-up lid there's a contoured bowl that you drink from, as if somebody cut the top half off a plastic cup. It felt gimmicky and unnecessary. It didn't do anything that just drinking from an open bottle couldn't do, and it tended to collect stray water droplets after I was done drinking. The overly complex cap was harder to hand wash than most caps, although the dishwasher could clean the cap without issue. What saves the MicroLite 500 is the stainless steel rim, which felt nice to drink from when the cap was removed, plus the array of available colors in durable, non-scratch coatings. Minus the cap, the bottle was fairly nice, if not particularly a standout among the competition. There's a MicroLite 500 With Twist Lid for $30 that does away with the gimmicky cap and has a simpler lid, although the carry strap is narrow and not as robust as I'd have liked.

Owala FreeSip for $28 : Product reviewer Medea Giordano loved the FreeSip ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) for its dual drink spouts: one open hole, plus a built-in straw. If you've got mobility or pain issues that make tilting your head a hassle, this mug is a solid performer. It's easy to grip too, with its flattened sides, which can come in handy for those with reduced hand dexterity.

OtterBox Elevation for $30 : At 8.5 inches tall, the Elevation 20 looks a lot bigger than it is. It has a copper lining that the company says helps better maintain your beverage’s perfect temperature, although I saw no noticeable difference in the Elevation's temperature-holding abilities. The clear press-on lid has a locking mechanism that you can switch it out for a straw lid or a French press lid if you’re in a hurry. It comes in a variety of stunning hues. OfferBox uses lead in its construction. When reached for comment, a company representative said, “ The seal is not open or accessible to the end user, and at no time, under intended use, could it come into contact with the end user. The OtterBox Elevation tumbler meets all applicable US regulatory requirements.”

Purist Mover for $48 : Ever empty a stainless-steel bottle of one beverage and fill it up with a different one, only to notice that the taste of the first drink lingers? The Purist has applied a thin layer of glass over the interior of the Mover, which keeps this taste transfer from happening. You can down a mug full of coffee and then fill it with herbal tea without risking a coffee aftertaste. I didn’t experience leaks from the Element top, but a high number of customers have reported their Purist lids leaking over time. I’ll keep using the Purist and update this page with information on how it performs.

S'well Traveler Tumbler for $30 : S’well boasts that its tumblers are triple-walled, but I'm not convinced that has much real-world benefit over a normal double-walled tumbler. It didn't keep beverages remarkably colder or hotter than its competitors, for example. What really sets the S’well apart are its designs. There are 12 finishes, from plain colors and bare stainless steel to elaborate patterns, such as blue marble and faux wood, and a slide-open lid so you don’t have to pop it off every time you want a swig of coffee.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Pint for $26 : Stanley’s vacuum pint includes a press-on lid with a deeply pebbled exterior that’s reminiscent of classic flasks. Although it’s billed as a 16-ounce pint, Stanley has added a few extra ounces to accommodate foam (or splashing hot coffee), and the lid comes with a slide-in metal bottle opener if you like to go immediately from work to happy hour. Stanley uses lead in its manufacturing process .

a Beast stainless steel travel mug next to it's packaging

Avoid These Travel Mugs

We’ve tested a great many tumblers, and not all are winners. These aren't anywhere near as good as our picks above.

Greens Steel Beast 20-Ounce Insulated Tumbler for $18 : Greens Steel’s Beast tumbler has more than 67,000 positive reviews on Amazon and is, at least for me, one of the top hits when I search Amazon for an insulated tumbler. But the rubber seal around the lid is thin and easily comes out of place. I was ready to write the Beast off when it was leaking like a sieve, but after I adjusted the seal, it was reasonably leak-proof. Sometimes it dribbles, sometimes it doesn’t, depending on whether the seal stays put when you’re attaching the lid. The exterior color coating is not as durable as the Klean, Hydro Flask, Yeti, or Fellow. It did come with a regular metal straw, a thick metal milkshake straw, and a cleaner brush.

Snow Peak Kanpai 500-ml Bottle for $98 : Unlike most of Snow Peak’s line of camping and backpacking gear, the Kanpai is stainless steel, not titanium, and it’s not made in Japan. It’s a double-walled, insulated stainless-steel tumbler with a glossy finish, and it comes with three lids, for some unnecessary reason. There’s a white screw-on lid that needs to be removed every time you want a drink, and a black version of the same lid. The third lid—one with a sipping hole that can be closed with a sliding latch—leaks if the Kanpai tips over. It took damage in a mere 3-foot drop when it was empty, landing on its rim, which flattened. A steel bottle, especially one with no liquid in it, should be able to survive that without battle scars.

Toaks Titanium Double Wall 450ML Cup for $40: More often than not, I champion Toaks gear as an affordable source of titanium camp cookware compared to Snow Peak and Evernew and MSR, which tend to be more expensive. But this mug is only $10 less than the Snow Peak mug we recommend above, and its finishing is rougher.

travel mug hot drinks

Nena Farrell

The Best Coffee Grinders to Amp Up Your Morning Brew

Adrienne So

WIRED COUPONS

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30208/logo/_0047_Dyson--coupons.png

Dyson Mother's Day Gift Deals!

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/31565/logo/GoPro_logo_2024.png

GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras and Accessories

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30173/logo/Samsung_promo_code.png

Up To +30% Off With Your Samsung Student Promo Code

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30178/logo/_0049_Dell-coupons.png

10% Off Everything w/ Dell Promo Code

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/32722/logo/VistaPrint_promo_code.png

VistaPrint Promo Code: $10 Off $50+

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30169/logo/newegg_logo.png

50% off Select Products - Newegg Promo Code

To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Best travel mug 2023: Tried and tested travel cups from Thermos, CamelBak and more

  • Danielle Amato

Best travel mug - Lead image

Want tough, leak-free mugs that keep coffee hot for hours? We're here to help with our best travel mug roundup

Well designed and well insulated, the best travel mug will keep hot drinks toasty and cool drinks ice-cold, while also staying leak-free. From classic coffee-shop cups to thermos-shaped designs, travel mugs come in all shapes and sizes. At first glance, travel mugs can seem expensive. If you’re thinking about using one on your commute, you might find it hard to justify spending what might be five to ten times as much as an Americano from your local coffee shop. However, walking out of your door already holding a coffee will save you many more pounds in the long run and you’ll avoid those annoying queues.

To help you make an informed decision about which travel mug is right for you, we’ve put together a short buying guide below. Our at-a-glance list will take you directly through to buy some of our favourites or you can scroll further to find mini reviews on a variety of models for every style preference and budget.

Best travel mug: At a glance

  • Best for hot drinks: Thermos | From £25
  • Best one-handed mug: Stanley Classic | From £30
  • Best plastic-free: Dualit Stainless Steel Travel Mug | £30
  • Most stylish travel mug: Contigo Autoseal Luxe | £27
  • Best all-rounder: Zojirushi SM-SA | £35

How to choose the best travel mug for you

How much do i need to spend.

Travel mugs vary in price, with the most costly coming in at over £30 and generally speaking, you get what you pay for. If you only need a travel mug for occasional use, you can make do with a standard option for under £10. However, if you want to use it every day for outdoor activities or on your commute, you’ll want something that promises to perform in terms of heat retention, spill protection and robustness.

What features should I look out for?

Look out for leak-proof extras such as autoseal and lockable lids, as well as easy-to-clean materials, as these are what set the best travel mugs apart from the cheaper options. If you need a mug that keeps drinks hot (or cold) for longer, you’ll need a double-wall, vacuum-insulated option, preferably constructed in stainless steel.

Again, you will always pay more for stainless steel, but it’s worth it if heat retention is a priority. If you have a tendency to drop things, it’s also wise to choose a mug that’s easy to grip. If you can’t quite allow yourself to part with over £20 for what’s essentially a coffee cup, opt for the next best composition, but ensure that the mug is double-walled.

Does it matter which size of mug I buy?

If you’ll be travelling by car with your mug, ensure you find a travel mug that fits a regular drinks holder and can be picked up with one hand. Travel mugs generally come in two sizes: around 360ml and around 470ml. The large options are perfect for carrying water or soup, but if it’s only ever going to be tea or coffee, you may want to get a smaller size, which fits better in your hand and under single-serve coffee machines.

READ NEXT: The best lunch boxes to buy

The best travel mugs you can buy in 2023

1. thermos: best travel mug for hot drinks.

Best travel mug - Thermos

It also features a slow flow option, which proves pretty handy when your coffee is still steaming hot after a few hours. The lockable seal makes it ideal for long train journeys without any worries about spillages; a nice additional touch is the teabag holder. The only real drawback is that it doesn’t fit into all standard car drinks holders – a considerable compromise given the price.

Key details – Size: 470ml; Materials: Stainless steel

Image of Thermos 101834 Stainless King Travel Mug, Matt Black, 470 ml

Thermos 101834 Stainless King Travel Mug, Matt Black, 470 ml

2. stanley classic: best one-handed travel mug.

travel mug hot drinks

The most outstanding feature on this mug is its one-handed function in the form of a push-button lid, which allows users to drink while using their other hand, whether it’s browsing on your phone or operating a pickaxe. The Stanley Classic One Hand is the best choice for multitaskers.

Key details – Size: 470ml; Materials: Stainless steel, plastic

Image of Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug 0.47L / 16OZ Nightfall ? Leakproof Cup | Hot & Cold Thermos Bottle | Vacuum Insulated Tumbler for Coffee, Tea & Water | BPA Stainless-Steel Travel Flask

Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug 0.47L / 16OZ Nightfall ? Leakproof Cup | Hot & Cold Thermos Bottle | Vacuum Insulated Tumbler for Coffee, Tea & Water | BPA Stainless-Steel Travel Flask

3. dualit stainless steel travel mug: best plastic-free travel mug.

Best travel mug - Dualit Stainless Steel

Aside from its eco credentials, this travel mug has plenty of deft design touches which make it a worthwhile buy. Its slim, minimalist design is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to pop into a backpack, tote, or handbag, while still boasting a generous 500ml capacity. Its well-insulated interior meant that, in our tests, it kept drinks hot for up to 7 hrs, or cold for up to 12 hrs, just as advertised. Finally, the removable spill barrier controls the flow of liquid from the mug, making for easy drinking while out and about, and the leak-proof lid proved extremely effective in transit.

Key details – Size: 500ml; Materials: Silicon, stainless steel

Image of Dualit Travel Mug - 500ml Capacity - 5 Layer Insulation - Hot & Cold Beverages on The go - Leakproof Premium Sustainable Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Sip Barrier

Dualit Travel Mug - 500ml Capacity - 5 Layer Insulation - Hot & Cold Beverages on The go - Leakproof Premium Sustainable Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Sip Barrier

4. contigo autoseal luxe: most stylish travel mug.

travel mug hot drinks

In testing, the Luxe kept our drinks hotter for longer than three hours in many cases and chilled for up to ten, though the temperature did drop during this time. We think it’s a decent price for a travel mug that will last you for years. Moreover, its slick design and impressive leak-proof features make it well worth the price.

Key details – Size: 360ml; Materials: Stainless steel

Image of Contigo Luxe Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof Tumbler, dishwasher safe, Coffee Mug with BPA Free Easy-Clean Lid, Stainless Steel, 360 ml

Contigo Luxe Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof Tumbler, dishwasher safe, Coffee Mug with BPA Free Easy-Clean Lid, Stainless Steel, 360 ml

5. zojirushi sm-sa: best all-round travel mug.

travel mug hot drinks

The mug is only leak-free when closed, and due to the difficulty of opening it, many users are likely to keep it open, thus increasing the likelihood of a spill. But once you’ve conquered the lid, this travel mug couldn’t be better for robustness, temperature retention and style. A great choice for those who like a bit of colour.

Key details – Size: 600ml; Materials: Plastic, stainless steel

Image of Zojirushi Stainless Steel Non-Stick Vacuum Travel Mug - 600 ml, Red

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Non-Stick Vacuum Travel Mug - 600 ml, Red

6. s’well: best for hot and cool beverages.

travel mug hot drinks

Key details – Size: 485ml; Materials: Stainless steel

Image of S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle - 17 Fl Oz - Onyx - Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Containers Keeps Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 18 - BPA-Free - Perfect for The Go

S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle - 17 Fl Oz - Onyx - Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Containers Keeps Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 18 - BPA-Free - Perfect for The Go

7. camelbak forge: best travel mug for features.

Best travel mug - Camelbak Forge

It’s also proved impressively watertight. Slightly frilly features include the strangely dubbed “aroma bowl”, which, according to the manufacturer, allows for a “superior drink interface”. This basically means you can test your drink’s temperature by allowing a small amount to be released.

The easy-clean cap puts function back to the fore, however, as it simply pulls out to be rinsed under the tap. This makes it perfect for non-fussy users happy with a quick rinse. It also features a plastic cap underneath to minimise the ill effects of a breakage to the main body of the mug. The finger loop is surprisingly handy too for when your hands are full.

Key details – Size: 500ml; Materials: Plastic, stainless steel

Check price at Go Outdoors

8. Contigo Autoseal West Loop: Best travel mug for commutes

travel mug hot drinks

Its easy-to-clean lid doesn’t have any loose parts and it can keep drinks cool for an impressive 12 hours. It’s also one of the best-looking mugs out there. This is a great choice for those with a bumpy journey to work… or butterfingers.

Key details – Size: 470ml; Materials: Plastic, stainless steel

Image of Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof, Coffee Mug with BPA Free Easy-Clean Lid, Stainless Steel, 470 ml

Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof, Coffee Mug with BPA Free Easy-Clean Lid, Stainless Steel, 470 ml

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • John Lewis Brands
  • Customer services
  • Our services
  • Track order
  • My John Lewis
  • Partnership Credit Card

Travel Mugs & Flasks

Stanley Quencher Recycled Stainless Steel Flowstate Tumbler, 1.18L, Ash

Stanley Quencher Recycled Stainless Steel Flowstate Tumbler, 1.18L, Ash

Exclusive to John lewis and Stanley

Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Tumbler, 887ml, Frost

Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Tumbler, 887ml , Frost

Frost

Chilly's Series 2 Double Wall Insulated Travel Coffee Cup, 340ml

Black

Thermos Stainless Steel Push Button Pump Pot, 1.9L, Silver

Stanley AeroLight Transit Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 350ml, Black

Stanley AeroLight Transit Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 350ml , Black

Black

Chilly's Emma Bridgewater Pink Hearts Double Wall Insulated Travel Mug, 340ml, White/Pink

Thermos Light and Compact Stainless Steel Flask, 1L, Gunmetal

Thermos Light and Compact Stainless Steel Flask, 1L, Gunmetal

Ion8 Vacuum-Insulated Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 360ml

Ion8 Vacuum-Insulated Leak-Proof Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 360ml

Ash Navy

Thermos Stainless Steel King Flask, 470ml

Matt Forest Green

Thermos Light and Compact Stainless Steel Flask, 500ml, Gunmetal

Thermos Icon Series Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 470ml

Thermos Icon Series Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 470ml

Black

Thermos King Food Flask, Stainless Steel, 470ml

Matt Forest Green

Sara Miller Savannah Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 600ml, Multi

Zoku Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 350ml

Zoku Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 350ml

Black

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 350ml , Volcanic

Volcanic

Tefal Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 360ml

Black

Joseph Joseph Sipp Reusable Travel Mug, 454ml

Navy

kate spade new york Spade Flower Travel Mug, Multi, 454ml

Tefal Campo Thermal Layer Hot Drinks Jug, 1L, White

Tefal Campo Thermal Layer Hot Drinks Jug, 1L , White

White

KAMBUKKA Etna Stainless Steel Insulated Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 500ml

Joseph Joseph Sipp Reusable Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 454ml, Anthracite

Joseph Joseph Sipp Reusable Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 454ml, Anthracite

Circular&Co. Leak Proof Reusable Travel Mug, 227ml

Circular&Co. Leak Proof Reusable Travel Mug, 227ml

Grey/Rock Pool

Circular&Co. Leak Proof Reusable Travel Mug, 340ml

Grey/Rock Pool

Yvonne Ellen 'One More?' Fine China Travel Mug, 300ml, White/Multi

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

IMG_5767

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

IMG_5859

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Screen Shot 2015-04-01 at 5.17.53 PM

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

travel mug hot drinks

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

IMG_5826

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

IMG_5893

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

' src=

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

' src=

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

  • > Europe
  • > Russia
  • > Moscow

Is Moscow Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

Table of Contents

Can you drink tap water in moscow.

Yes, tap water is drinkable.

Tap Safe includes data from many publicly available sources, including the WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Center for Disease Control), and user submitted databases, but unfortunately there's not enough data about Moscow.

To see user submitted ratings of the water quality for Russia, see the "User Submitted Ratings" box on this page.

Moscow Russia, tap water is safe for drinking . Treatment plants use sodium hypochlorite , which is more reliable than chlorine. A regular inspection ensures people who drink it won’t be ill. The water leaves the treatment plant is safe to drink . However, locals tend to boil water before drinking. Nowadays, many Russian drinks filtered water . Their concerns will be the residential pipeline in the place they live or stay.

Moscow Tap Water

The Mosvodokanal (Water services company), the state group that monitors the drinking water in Moscow, confirms that water is clean . The company produces high-quality drinking water and a safe sewage system to 14.2 million inhabitants of the Moscow capital. Also, according to specialists, tap water in Moscow meets all the requirements that have been recommended by Russia’s chief state sanitary inspector. They deny many stories created by the various aqua filters. But if you have a sensitive stomach as tourists, we advise that you only consume bottled water.

Source of Water in Moscow, Russia

Tap water from Moscow, Russia , comes from surface water and groundwater. The three primary sources originate from the Moskva river , Volga river , and Vazuzskoye Hydrotechnical System.

The Moskva river supplies up to 60% of the capital needs of water. While the Volga river provides 40% of the water supply in Moscow, the Vazuzskoye serve as a reserve source incase of water crisis or contamination on the two prime surface water source.

Treatment and sanitation start with coagulation . This method includes the addition of compounds that improve the clumping of fines into larger floc so that they can easily separate from the water. Then they exposed water to UV light that known to kill bacteria and now will pass through water filtration of sand a natural way to filter water without chemical compounds.

Moscow Tap Water

The famous Moscow tap water supplied by the authorities contained high levels of pesticides, etc. These levels have been regularly overcharged and sometimes unknowingly overcharged in some areas. You can imagine that when this happens, you could be suffering from long-term health problems. The average life expectancy in Moscow is around eighty or ninety years. These figures do not include the death rate from illnesses, which, unfortunately, almost one-third of the population suffers from Moscow.

Recently some companies have started selling packaged Moscow tap water at various price ranges so that people can easily buy a bottle and take it with them to their home. It seems that the people of Moscow have become much more interested in these bottles, and many believe they are safer than the local bottled water from the supermarket or the vast range of similar brands sold in stores across the globe. Yet they are pretty useless and even more expensive than the ordinary local supermarket brands. Many believe that these brand-name companies are only making money from their consumers by deceiving them. However, it is also worth remembering that the destination Moscow tap water does not come from any such reliable suppliers and is certainly not free of harmful chemicals.

It is essential to realize that not all bottled water from Europe or anywhere else in the world is safe to drink. If you are traveling to Moscow, you should ensure that you have a fully qualified professional inspect the water before you drink. The same applies if you stay at a hotel in the city, as many hotels often have a plumbing problem. If your drinking water is contaminated, you may have absolutely no choice but to leave the hotel and find somewhere else to stay. In the past, I have personally seen people who have lived for months in a small town without any water supply and were forced to use a simple tap water filter to bring some life back into their lives. Moscow’s people indeed face difficult times, but the fact remains that they need our help more than ever to keep their city clean and healthy.

Water in Moscow

Water in Moscow is something that people take for granted, but the fact is that there are no hotel amenities in the city that can be called genuinely luxurious. While there are plenty of posh cafes scattered throughout the city and a plethora of excellent eating and drinking options, you will have to get your drinking water from a faucet at the end of the day, a tap or bottled one. This can be a pain because even if you go on a perfect vacation, you might still not be able to take along your water bottle, so here are some other things that you should make sure to pack before you travel to Russia. Your water supply!

Water is essential when you are visiting any country, let alone one as unique as Russia. As such, you will want to get a hold of bottled water while you are there, and at many of the hotels, you will also find a water filter attached to the tap. This way, you can have clean and safe water without having to worry about getting sick from water that may not necessarily be from a tap that you drink. It is also an excellent idea to have an ice cooler with you, to keep refreshments for yourself and any friends or family you may meet. If you stay in a guest house, try to get a refrigerator, too – cold drinks are a must!

There are also plenty of hotels in Moscow that offer Wi-Fi internet access, so make sure to bring this along with you, too. A hotel water purifier may seem like a small thing to have on hand, but you never know when you might need it, especially in the heat and humidity that the region has to deal with. In addition to taking these precautions, there are other hotel amenities that you can find in many of the more excellent hotels in Moscow and more budget hotels. For example, many cheaper hotels will offer you hot tubs, which are incredibly relaxing and enjoyable after a hard day at work. You can even get a “couple” package so that you can enjoy a romantic evening together after returning home from a long day of work.

Moscow Bottled Water

The Moscow Bottled Water is now one of the leading brands of Russian bottled water. It has its unique name and brand identity due to the strict control of production. Only the best quality minerals, herbs, and plants are used to produce every bottle of this Moscow bottled water. This brand is known all over the world for its quality of water.

The Moscow Italian Wine has also become a famous brand among people across the world. Its unique name was based on two words -” Moscow” and “Italian wine.” It was created by the legendary Russian writer Alexey Pshchinin. Since one day, he put the words “Moscow Italian Wine” in the bottle of his famous Russian brand and started selling it to customers across the world. It is considered one of the finest Russian wines that are available.

Murano Italian Wine is one of the top-selling brands that has a vast number of fans. It has been a part of the Russian retail market since 1960 when it began as a small business. It has expanded its brand name to sell various products such as wine, mineral water, fruits, and confectionery. Due to its huge success, the company now produces different types of Russian wines, chocolates, juices, and Cologne from its vast inventories. Now it is available in almost all parts of the world, even in some parts of the United States.

Moscow Drinking Water

Do you want to know about the quality of Moscow drinking water? Are you worried that you are not getting enough of it? Then you need to know what the quality of Moscow’s drinking water is. It would be best if you also found out what you can do to stop it from happening to you and ensure that your family’s health is not in danger. Here are some tips to help you with this:

The first thing that you should know is that there are different kinds of purification methods used for the purest drinking water. There are many different ones. Even if you live in one of the most developed cities globally, you still have to be aware that you have to deal with the pollution in your city. The water that comes from the tap may be clean, but you have to contend with many impurities when you mix it with municipal water. Therefore, you need to make sure that you purchase a good filtration system that will allow you to drink safe water without worrying about the quality.

Moreover, you need to know that some water purification plants have been known to produce horrible drinking water. There have even been cases when people end up getting ill because they drink contaminated water. In addition to this, you also need to make sure that the government has approved the water filter you buy. Without this, you might end up with a machine that will give you nothing but a few contaminants.

Moscow Water Supply

Moscow is one of the largest cities in Russia and the capital of the Russian Federation. The city was developed as a steam mining center during the Golden Ages of the 17th century. Today, the city is one of the fastest-growing cities in Russia, with over 6 million. The Moscow water supply has long been a problem because of water pipes’ issues in the city. However, it has become much better today as a result of technological advances.

Water is essential to life in the city, and it is also crucial for the health of its inhabitants. Moscow has always had an inadequate water supply record, which has been the case since the Revolution. However, the situation has changed today, and Moscow has one of the world’s best water supply systems. Water is also distributed to all of the apartment complexes and townhouses before being distributed to individual homes. It is also brought in on trucks and trains from the city’s main water supplies.

Water is a valuable commodity, and the city does not want to see any cut in its water supply. Therefore, when a new water line is installed, it is done with great care and attention. When the water supply is affected due to natural calamities like floods and earthquakes, Moscow gets involved more than other cities. However, it does not affect the city’s general population, as the people of Moscow can drink from any tap no matter where they are located. Also, as long as there is sunlight in the city, water in bottles will be available for the general public.

Moscow Water Quality

Moscow has a lot of industrial, commercial, and residential growth going on. Since these areas are populated with people, a lot of waste is being created that needs to be handled. Moscow water quality is improving slowly but surely, and it is expected that it will be better in the future. Water is an essential commodity, and everyone needs it to survive. Moscow is just a small city. The population is still growing, so the need for good water quality will not be quickly replaced as it did in the past. Nevertheless, there are some methods you can use to ensure that you are drinking at least what is considered to be good quality water.

If you have friends or relatives living in a city known for poor water quality, you may want to think about helping them out by donating your share to a charity that gives clean water to residents. Many charities give away free water to people who cannot afford to buy bottled water, although this does little good if the water source is unreliable. You could also try contacting your city to see if they have any programs that allow you to help out. They often need people to run surveys and provide information about their water supply quality, although the government does not usually support these kinds of programs.

You can help improve the quality of the water in your home by installing a kitchen countertop filter that takes out the contaminants. There are many types of filters available, and you may find that the simplest ones will work best in your house. Some of these filters remove just a few particles, leaving the tap water’s essential minerals and vitamins. This may help overcome the mineral deficiencies.

Moscow Water Treatment

Moscow water treatment equipment has become a prevalent method of filtration and purification among the Moscow residents. Many people are starting to use these systems to filter their water and be confident that their water is clean enough for consumption by their families. The systems are becoming more popular as more people realize what they have been doing by allowing city water to pollute their drinking water. This has caused many health problems for many Russian citizens. City water cannot be deemed healthy when it contains such contaminants as pesticides, lead, benzene, bacteria, radioactive isotopes, synthetic drugs, and other harmful chemicals. Even the water from wells used for personal consumption must be filtered or cleaned at the source to be deemed safe for drinking.

The main reason these systems are getting more popular is that they are cost-effective and produce far healthier water than what you can get from your tap. There is a wide range of water treatment equipment available on the market today, ranging from portable units that can be kept in apartments and houses and huge water softening machines that can be installed in water pipes throughout a city. These systems’ prices depend on many factors, such as the size of the system, the kind of filter used, and the number of filter stages that need to be installed in the water purification equipment.

The water quality that comes out of your tap can sometimes depend on whether you have installed the correct type of water treatment equipment. If you suspect that your water supply contains any impurities such as lead, it would be wise to contact a water purifier that can help to remove the traces of this toxic metal. Once you have made your purchase, it would be a good idea to read about the brand and model you are using to make the most of your investment. Water purifiers have become an essential part of our lives, and it is crucial to know precisely what you are purchasing to make sure that you are getting a quality product.

Other links:

  • Moscow, Russia Travel Guide by N.G.
  • 17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow
  • https://www.lonelyplanet.com/russia/moscow/health

What do people in Moscow think about the tap water?

While brushing your teeth with it is OK, assume that tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, boil water for 10 minutes or use water purification tablets or a filter.

Is Moscow Tap Water Safe To Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$0.56 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 40% Moderate
  • Water Pollution 49% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 61% High
  • Water Quality 50% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Moscow, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

  • Best Water to Drink
  • Lead in Drinking Water
  • PFAS in Drinking Water
  • Nitrates in Drinking Water
  • Bacteria in Drinking Water
  • Best Water Dispensers

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Sources cited, additional resources, traveller's notes.

While brushing your teeth with it is OK, assume that tap water isn't safe to drink. Stick to bottled water, boil water for 10 minutes or use water purification tablets or a filter.

Current Weather in Moscow

Some of the convenience stores in moscow.

EUROSPAR Express

  • Eliseyevskiy
  • Pyaterochka
  • Mini Market
  • EUROSPAR Express
  • Food Market
  • АВ Daily
  • Planeta Vkusa
  • Indiyskiye Spetsii
  • Alyye Parusa
  • Гастроном â„– 1
  • Мой Ашан

Estimated Price of Bottled Water

Check tap water safety for nearby destinations.

  • Dolgoprudnyy
  • Krasnogorsk
  • Dzerzhinskiy
  • Ivanteyevka
  • Shchelkovo (Shchyolkovo)
  • Staraya Kupavna
  • Elektrougli
  • Losino-Petrovskiy
  • Krasnoznamensk
  • Elektrostal'
  • Krasnoarmeysk
  • Chernogolovka
  • Beloozerskiy
  • Solnechnogorsk
  • Pavlovskiy Posad
  • Sergiyev Posad
  • Elektrogorsk
  • Voskresensk

Check tap water safety for other cities in Russia

  • Al'met'yevsk
  • Aleksandrov
  • Aleksandrovsk
  • Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinskiy
  • Alekseyevka

Check tap water safety for other countries in Europe

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Faroe Islands
  • Isle of Man
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • North Macedonia
  • South Georgia And South Sandwich Islands
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

  • Train Times
  • Seasonality
  • Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

Go local from moscow, trending routes, weekend getaways from moscow, international routes from moscow and nearby areas, other destinations from moscow, other popular routes.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

  • Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

  • Cities near Elektrostal

Photo by Ksander

  • Places of interest
  • Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
  • Peter the Great Military Academy
  • Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
  • History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
  • Balashikha Arena
  • Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
  • Bykovo Manor
  • Pekhorka Park
  • Ramenskii History and Art Museum
  • Malenky Puppet Theater
  • Drama Theatre BOOM
  • Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
  • Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
  • Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
  • Saturn Stadium
  • Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
  • Fifth House Gallery
  • Church of Vladimir
  • Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
  • Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall

IMAGES

  1. Travel Mug in the UK for Hot Drinks 480ml Leakproof Lid

    travel mug hot drinks

  2. Tazza 450ml Thermal Mug Hot Warm Drinks Coffee Tea Travel Flask Cup

    travel mug hot drinks

  3. Personalised Hot Drinks Travel Mug Thermal Insulated Stainless Steel

    travel mug hot drinks

  4. TDYDDYU 8 pack 20 OZ Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated

    travel mug hot drinks

  5. 470ml S/Steel Thermos Travel Mug Flask Cup To Keep Warm Drinks Tea

    travel mug hot drinks

  6. Travel Tumblers Stainless Steel Coffee Mug 20 oz BPA Free Double Wall

    travel mug hot drinks

VIDEO

  1. The KING of Travel Mugs! (YETI 20oz Stronghold Mug)

  2. travel coffee & tea mug #sainless steel double wall mug for cold & hot drinks #Myra&Dora

  3. Muggo Travel Mug, Innovative and Travel Thermos for Coffee and Tea

  4. Camelbak Forge Vacuum Travel Mug Review

  5. Best travel mugs to keep your coffee hot longer

  6. Collapsible Silicone Travel Mug with a straw #corporategift #promotionalgifts #premiumgift #gift

COMMENTS

  1. Amazon.com: Hot Drink Travel Mugs

    Travel Mug, 12oz Insulated Coffee Cup with Leakproof Lid, Vacuum Stainless Steel Double-Wall Travel Coffee Mug Spill Proof, Reusable Coffee Mugs for Men and Women for Hot & Cold Drinks. Stainless Steel. 3,151. 100+ bought in past month. $1497. Save 20% with coupon.

  2. 18 best travel mugs 2023 for hot and cold drinks

    A good travel mug features a leakproof lid, one-hand usability and vacuum insulation in addition to retaining heat or keeping drinks cool. These are our 18 favorites.

  3. The 18 Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on

    Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug. This Hydro Flask mug checks all the boxes: It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, has a leak-proof lid, carrying handle, and no-sweat matte finish, and comes ...

  4. 17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

    This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour ...

  5. Amazon.com: Travel Mug For Hot Drinks

    14 oz Travel Coffee Mug, 2 Pack Vacuum Insulated Coffee Travel Mug Spill Proof with Lid and Straw, Stainless Steel Reusable Coffee Tumbler for Hot and Cold Drinks, Gift for Men and Women (Black White) Stainless Steel. 187. 100+ bought in past month. $2399 ($12.00/Count) Join Prime to buy this item at $18.99.

  6. Best Insulated Cups of 2024

    Best Insulated Cups. Stanley Tumbler Review. Yeti Rambler Review. How CR Tests Insulated Cups. These devices go by many names—travel mug, travel cup, or tumbler to name a few. And of course ...

  7. The 2 Best Travel Mugs of 2024

    The 16-ounce Zojirushi SM-SF Stainless Steel Mug is the best travel mug for keeping drinks hot for long periods of time. This mug also comes in a 20-ounce size. (The SM-SF is the current model ...

  8. Amazon.com: Travel Mug Hot Drinks

    Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazon's store. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazon's commitment to empowering them. Le

  9. The 16 Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Insulated On the Go

    Hydro Flask's double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel water bottles are known to keep beverages cold or hot all day long, and the same goes for its coffee mugs. The Wide Mouth Mug keeps cold drinks chilled for a whopping 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. The variety of colors and sizes Hydro Flask offers is wide, the flexible ...

  10. 15 Best Travel Mugs and Tumblers of 2024

    The best travel mug we tested is the cult-favorite Zojirushi SM-KHE48 (available at Amazon for $28.99) —it is a standout in multiple areas. If you're a coffee devotee, try the best travel mug for hot beverages Thermos Stainless King (available at Amazon), an OG and the travel mug that had the best heat retention of the ones we tested.

  11. 16 best flasks and travel mugs that will keep drinks hot (or cold) for

    Contigo luxe autoseal travel mug Read review. £26. Buy now. Best high-tech flask. Larq bottle purevis Read review. £99. ... While you can use the brand's insulated bottles for holding hot ...

  12. The 10 Best Travel Mugs of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

    This 16-ounce travel mug works for both hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew, and it comes at a budget price. It's designed with a double-wall construction to keep drinks at their temperature longer than a non-insulated cup; however, it's not made for all-day temperature regulation like some stainless steel mugs.

  13. 9 Best Travel Coffee Mugs (2024): Insulated, Steel, Thermal

    KeepCup Brew Cork (12 Ounce) The Brew Cork is greater than the sum of its parts. This double-walled, insulated mug is meant to replicate and replace paper coffee shop cups. It's fun to drink out ...

  14. Amazon.com: Hot And Cold Travel Mug

    40 oz Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid, 100% Leak-proof Travel Coffee Mug, Stainless Steel Insulated Cup for Hot and Cold Beverages, Keeps Cold for 34Hrs or Hot for 10Hrs, Dishwasher Safe (Black) 3,014. 100+ bought in past month. $2499.

  15. Amazon.co.uk: Best Travel Mugs For Hot Drinks

    KETIEE Travel Mugs, 380ml Insulated Coffee Cup with Leakproof Lid,Reusable Coffee Cups Travel Cup,Coffee Travel Mug,Double Walled Coffee Mug,Stainless Steel thermaol Mug for Hot Cold Drinks,Black. Stainless Steel, Silicone. 5,177. 300+ bought in past month. £1298 (£34.16/l) Save 5% on any 4 qualifying items.

  16. Best travel mug 2023: Tried and tested travel cups from Thermos

    The best travel mugs you can buy in 2023. 1. Thermos: Best travel mug for hot drinks. Price when reviewed: From £25 | Check price at Amazon If you need to keep a drink hot for up to eight hours ...

  17. Travel Mugs & Flasks

    Our insulated travel mugs and flasks are designed to ensure optimal heat retention, so you can enjoy your hot coffee or tea hours after pouring. For those who prefer cold beverages, our flasks are designed to keep your drinks chilled, refreshing you throughout the day. With leak-proof lids and easy-to-use handles, our travel mugs and flasks are ...

  18. Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

    Revolution Square Metro Station. 3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow. Arbatskaya Metro Station. 4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library.

  19. Amazon.com: Thermal Travel Mug For Hot Drinks

    Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazon's store. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazon's commitment to empowering them. Le

  20. Is Moscow Tap Water Safe To Drink?

    The Mosvodokanal(Water services company), the state group that monitors the drinking water in Moscow, confirms that water is clean.The company produces high-quality drinking water and a safe sewage system to 14.2 million inhabitants of the Moscow capital. Also, according to specialists, tap water in Moscow meets all the requirements that have been recommended by Russia's chief state sanitary ...

  21. Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

    The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is . Journey Duration.

  22. Amazon.com: Hot Coffee Travel Mugs

    14 oz Travel Coffee Mug, 2 Pack Vacuum Insulated Coffee Travel Mug Spill Proof with Lid and Straw, Stainless Steel Reusable Coffee Tumbler for Hot and Cold Drinks, Gift for Men and Women (Black Grey) Stainless Steel. 195. 50+ bought in past month. $2399 ($12.00/Count) Join Prime to buy this item at $18.99.

  23. Visit Elektrostal: 2024 Travel Guide for Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast

    Cities near Elektrostal. Places of interest. Pavlovskiy Posad Noginsk. Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right.