There’s nothing better than sitting down to a perfect espresso outside a cafe or in a nice, tidy kitchen. Maybe chatting to a friend… enjoying a pastry to complement your coffee…
But how often is that the reality of your coffee drinking? Because it’s not often the reality of mine!
Practicality is key when it comes to coffee. I mean, let’s be honest, as regular coffee drinkers, we need our morning cup as well as wanting it!
Far from the first vision I presented you, most of us roll out of bed and grab a cup (or two) of coffee as we leave the house for work. Or to drive the kids to school. Hell, even if we aren’t going to work, we might want warm (or nicely chilled) coffee for a day trip or hike.
And one of the key components to coffee on the go? The perfect travel mug!
Whether you’re just looking for a mug to take to the office or want a small flask for a more physical job or a day on the trails, I’m pretty sure one of the ten options I’ve looked at will work perfectly. All of them are reasonably priced, though obviously some more so than others.
1. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug
This offering from Zojirushi perfectly balances value and style, the best features of a travel mug, and those of a flask and at the same time, nothing feels compromised.
Crafted from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, the insulated mug is available in a huge array of colors and even a few cute patterns for kids or the young at heart. Obviously, kids won’t be going for coffee, but child-friendly water bottles are great if you have a family!
Available in 12-20oz models, the Zojirushi pretty much comes in size and color combos that should suit everyone. Plus, even the largest size is really affordable especially considering how good they look.
The nonstick-coated interior makes the mug super easy to clean. I would note that this really is more of a small thermos than a mug, despite its name. It doesn’t get hot to the touch, but it also has no handle and is designed to lock and be put in a bag or similar without spilling. If you really want a mug, this isn’t the product for you.
Bottom Line
If, however, you want to keep your drinks at a temperature without breaking the bank and you’d like to look good while doing it, the Zojirushi is perfect.
2. Thermos Stainless King 68 Ounce Vacuum Insulated Beverage Bottle
From the brand so well-known their name is now synonymous with insulated bottles comes the Thermos Stainless King.
The Thermos comes with a steel cup and wide mouth, so you can pour out a serving and keep everything else at temperature. It’s perfect for picnics or longer trips that require coffee all day.
The Stainless King isn’t the cheapest option on my list, but it is one of the biggest and hardiest, so relatively it’s extremely well priced.
Bottom Line
This is really an offering for campers and family-oriented people. What the Thermos lacks in style, it certainly makes up for in practicality, durability, and name recognition.
3. Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle
Simple Modern’s double-walled bottle keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. And it does that while looking great.
Designed with cold drinks in mind more than hot, this is a great shout for iced coffee or for shorter, less intense use — say, keeping your coffee hot at your desk during a workday. They’re available in a huge range of sizes, from 14oz for kids to 84oz. The 22oz is the largest that will fit in a standard cup holder.
Coated in a durable finish, Modern Summit bottles are built to last. They are, however, handwash only as dishwashers damage that coating as well as the finish on the bright colors and intricate patterns these bottles are known for.
Bottom Line
Overall, Modern Summit bottles are a great choice for anyone looking for a little style and flair in their travel coffee container!
4. Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle
The Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle is a budget thermos option for those who need a bigger bottle.
The Classic has a handle for ease of use but never gets hot to the touch. Available in three sizes, from 1 to 5 quarts, these vacuum bottles are meant to keep your drinks and other liquids cold or hot all day long.
BPA-free, leakproof, and totally packable, this is a bottle that can be chucked into a truck, trunk, or backpack with no worries about leaking or breaking.
The Stanley Classic is also a really excellent value.
Bottom Line
This is the vacuum bottle of choice for anyone who values adventure and their wallet’s health equally!
5. Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Flask
The Hydro Flask is pretty popular — in fact, you have probably seen them around, with their unique squat and packable design and stylized logo.
There are three lid options — a closed lid with handle, a flip lid with a straw attachment, and a plain flip lid for easy coffee drinking. The flip lids are not totally leak proof, so this is definitely more a day to day coffee flask than a travel and adventure product when you use the flip lid.
In addition, the Hydro Flask isn’t the cheapest product on the market. It does, however, come with a warranty for life. That means that if you can afford the still reasonable initial outlay to get one of these babies, it may save you money in the long run.
Bottom Line
If you can afford a little more expense now for ongoing value and value style as well as substance, then the Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Flask is a great option for work or trips.
6. MIRA Insulated Water Bottle
Available in 6 sizes between 12 and 40oz, MIRA’s water bottles also come in a huge array of colors and patterns.
Leakproof, spill proof and sweat proof your MIRA bottle really will withstand most things. Plus, they’re a really great value company. A wide mouth makes these bottles fit for any liquid, with three lid options for ease of drinking.
What really sets the MIRA apart, though, is the sheer range not only of colors but of patterns and styles. Whether you want cherry blossom, plain black or a sunset hue, there’s a MIRA bottle for you. The variety also makes them great as a gift.
7. Contigo West Loop Travel Mug
Unlike many of the offerings on this list, the West Loop is more travel mug than a vacuum bottle.
It uses the double-wall vacuum technology we’re all familiar with, but is a small container at 16 to 24oz and is built with coffee in mind. In all its color varieties, the Contigo has a shine finish that makes it look modern, chic, and perfect for the office.
One of its best features is its easy one-hand drinking tech. The lid opens with the push of a button, meaning you can get it open and drink your coffee with one hand. Maybe you’re driving, maybe you’re reading, either way, the Contigo works for you!
Plus, this is a great value travel mug that is also often part of offers.
Bottom Line
This is the ideal mug to take for a day of studying or working.
8. RTIC Double Wall Vacuum Tumbler
Thie RTIC is like the platonic ideal of the to-go coffee tumbler.
Available in a whole slew of gorgeous colors, this well-insulated option from the outdoorsy RTIC keeps iced drinks cold for an amazing 24 hours and hot liquids at temperature for about 5.
The flip lid is easy to use, though it does negate a little of the temperature control of the tumbler.
Overall, this is the perfect work or journey mug — it comes in a whole load of sizes but they taper for cup holders.
Bottom Line
If you need something for work and short trips, and want plenty of color options to, go RTIC!
9. Thermos Sipp
A new offering from Thermos, the Sipp is a stylish on-the-go drinks holder that combines form and function.
This thermos is button opened, meaning it’s useable even if you’re running to a meeting or between classes and only have one hand free. Not to mention on the road when you need a hand on the wheel!
The button is also extra hygenic, as is the stainless steel construction.
This isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but it does come from a reliable brand and is of noticeably excellent build quality.
Bottom Line
If you trust Thermos, but want a modern option from them then definitely look into the Sipp!
10. Cresimo Thermal Carafe
On the go with a whole load of thirsty people to top up? Look no further!
The ergonomic handle makes pouring easy, no matter what function you’re supplying either a steady supply of beverages! The button on top of the handle allows for one handed pouring, and also means it’s easy to transport the carafe without spillage.
Obviously, you wouldn’t hike with a thermal carafe, but it’s a great tool for a picnic or a party or meeting at a location without a kitchen.
Final Words
What you need from a vacuum flask should really guide you in this one.
I know I trust Thermos on the basics, and their Sipp is a real step forward in terms of aesthetics. I would love a Sipp for use day to day, but Zojirushi’s mug may be better for some activities.
If I were to camp, I’d probably get a Stanley Classic simply because the price is great and the tech is very similar to what Thermos offer!
With prices close, you should choose your vacuum mug or bottle based on looks and durability as much as anything else.
Anyway, whichever you choose I hope you get to enjoy your hot or cold coffee wherever you may roam!
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