You really can't have too many coffee mugs in your kitchen. Ceramic mugs are great for breakfast, travel mugs keep you company on road trips, and microwave-safe mugs are a must on busy mornings. The more, the merrier!
Here's your guide to all types of mugs. You'll learn cool mug history, the difference between porcelain and ceramic, and even the different handles you can hold.
Our ancient ancestors used bones, metal, or wood cups for their drinks until the invention of the pottery wheel in 3000 BC. This machine allowed for clay mugs to be created by hand, which changed the way people drank coffee forever.
Most of the time, coffee mugs are made from ceramic. This material is durable, food-safe, and has a glossy glazed finish on the outside.
There is a wide variety of materials used to make coffee mugs. The full list includes:
Transparent, acrylic mugs are great for juice, water, or soda. Since they're cheap, a business can also use them as trade show swag or freebies at live events.
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Ceramic mugs are used by the estimated 1 billion coffee drinkers around the world. These mugs have smooth outer walls and easy-to-grip handles.
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Are you hosting a cocktail party? Be sure to have plenty of copper mugs for all those Moscow Mules! Copper is shiny and non-corrosive, which means the acidity from the drink won't ruin the interior.
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Bring life on the farm to your drinks! Corn plastic is on trend for bottles, food packaging, and utensils. This eco-friendly material can also be used to make mugs, which is ultimately way better for the planet than disposable cups.
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Beer here! Pubs, bars, and breweries should have plenty of glass mugs or steins in stock. You can use them for specialty ales, but also for serving Irish coffees, Long Islands, and even desserts!
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It may seem crazy, but you can get mugs made from iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. Metal mugs are different than ceramic or stone as they tend to be very lightweight.
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You shouldn't pour piping hot coffee into polypropylene mugs. This type of plastic will melt when in contact with hot drinks. Use these plastic mugs instead for juice or soda at a picnic or backyard barbecue.
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If you want mugs for weddings or holiday parties, then porcelain is the best material for you! Porcelain mugs are small and delicate, so you should use them when sitting down rather than hustling around on busy mornings.
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No pun intended, but stone mugs "rock!" The walls are even thicker than the ones found in ceramics, making for a strong piece of drinkware that is tough to damage.
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Wheat straw is a byproduct of wheat grain, making it a sustainable material. These mugs are very lightweight and have an irresistible natural appearance.
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Ceramic is a popular choice for mugs since it retains heat and is more environmentally-friendly than other materials. When compared to porcelain, ceramics are less expensive, more accessible, and have a bigger capacity. They are made from firing a non-metallic mineral, usually clay, at a high temperature.
Porcelain, on the other hand, is more elegant and fragile than ceramics. Popular for dinner parties, it's considered "fine china," which also makes it more expensive. These mugs are usually made with kaolin clay heated at temperatures as high as 2,600°F.
While both options are great, there are notable differences between ceramic and porcelain mugs. The infographic below shows everything you need to know!
Watch this video to see how ceramic coffee mugs are made!
Ceramic mugs aren't usually insulated, which means your coffee won't stay hot forever. If that's important, look for ceramic mugs with lids. These types of mugs will keep hot drinks at a warm temperature for a longer period of time.
A mug is only a cup without its trademark handle. Whether you want a unique look or something more traditional, there's a handle for every occasion!
Are you shopping for new mugs? They will come with one of these types of handles:
This aptly named handle is shaped like a "C" and is the most popular style for mugs. The rounded shape makes it easy to grip the mug without it slipping from your hands.
With its rectangular shape, the D-handle is easy to hold. You have more space for your fingers without worrying about any uncomfortable squishing.
This round handle has the whimsical look of a wind-up toy without the annoying sound. It's a less expected look than the typical ceramic handle.
Get a grip on your mug with the open handle style. This option is good for storage since it can hang right on a cup rack.
Basic mugs look more stylish if they have a curved handle. These handles give the mug an elegant look.
Latte, cappuccino, and espresso mugs often have a smaller capacity. Their quaint appearance is rounded out by the tiny handle on the side.
Square handles are very similar to D-shaped handles, but they tend to be thinner. You can comfortably wrap three or four fingers around this type of handle.
Why not use a mug with some personality? Shaped handles are unique and memorable, making them great novelty gifts for your friends and family.
Coffee mugs look way more fun with oblong handles! The warped, twisted appearance is a modern alternative to traditional drinkware.
Go on a hike or camping with these portable mugs! You can clip the carabiner handle to your bag, making it easy to remove and use when you're ready for a refill.
On a cold day, nothing is better than a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Heat yours up in a mug with two handles. You can grab both handles and totally skip the spoon!
Sometimes one handle just isn't enough! Get everyone talking by sipping your coffee from a mug with 3 handles.
Mugs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can find one no matter what your personality and interests. Are you a Harry Potter fan? Get a mug with the Gryffindor seal. Do you love the Chicago Bears? Buy a travel mug with their logo on the front!
Get ready to find the coffee mug of your dreams! Here are the different styles you can choose from.
Craft, domestic, or imported beer can be served in glass beer mugs. Use them instead of bottles or cans at formal events like banquets and weddings.
If you're a trendy coffee shop or downtown café, you can't go wrong with bistro mugs. They have a quaint, charming look that your customers are sure to love.
Toast marshmallows for s'mores, and enjoy hot chocolate in trendy camping mugs. These mugs are usually ceramic and have a trendy speckled exterior, which looks like ash residue from a bonfire!
Do you love lattes or cappuccinos? Serve them in these rounded mugs. They may have a smaller capacity, but they can also accommodate syrups, milk, sugar, and whipped cream!
Go back to the 50s by sipping coffee from a diner mug! Now you just need a big stack of pancakes and an egg omelet, and you've got a perfect breakfast.
Stop buying all those Styrofoam to-go cups! An eco-friendly mug is much better for the planet. These natural mugs, which are made from bamboo fiber and corn powder, are one step toward a greener Earth!
Nothing is more relaxing than sipping tea or a warm espresso while reading a book. You can use these tiny mugs any time you need a bit of rest and relaxation. Some even come with a handy saucer underneath.
On a busy morning, your coffee might end up sloshing over the rim of the cup. Avoid this mishap by drinking from a ceramic mug with lid. As a bonus, these mugs also help keep the coffee hot for a longer time.
If you like your coffee with a bit of sugar, or want to add a touch of honey to your tea, you can't go wrong with spooner mugs. The mini spoon is perfect for stirring in extra flavor.
Stand out from the average joe while sipping your cup of joe! There are a ton of unique mugs out there to choose from such as the ones featured here, which have cute little feet on the bottom.
The holidays are around the corner! A photo mug is a great gift for everyone, from your childhood best friend to your grandmother. You can print a special memory right on the front, and the best part is every ink color is included in the cost!
A colorful mug is fun, but wouldn't it be cool to sip from one shaped like an object or even your favorite cartoon character? A tiki mug, for instance, is awesome for frozen drinks at a summer luau or on a tropical vacation.
It's not all about coffee! Eat hot soup or a hearty chili from a soup mug. You can also use these coffee cups for ice cream!
Stoneware mugs look like they came right off the pottery wheel and are very trendy. Grab a few to put in your kitchen cabinet at home.
Wow, this morning was tough! You need a lot of caffeine just to make it through the day. Pour it right into tall mugs, which hold as much as 28 ounces of coffee!
Hit the road in style with your favorite travel mug. The attached lid helps you avoid spills as you move around from place to place. The vacuum insulation, meanwhile, keeps your drink at a hot temperature.
Over 150 million people drink coffee every single day. Some drink as many as three cups. If you belong to that group, it's not a bad idea to have 5 to 7 mugs for every coffee drinker in your household.
You may find that your coffee mug collection has gotten way out of hand. Try any of these storage ideas to organize your kitchen!
As long as you have the space, you can place your coffee cups in a kitchen cabinet. Be sure to use a lower shelf, so you can easily reach the mugs in the morning.
Put up a pegboard or drill hooks into the wall. You can then hang each mug by its handle. This is a good solution if you're running out of storage or have no space on your counters.
Fruit baskets or wire holders are a great way to organize mugs! You can also buy mini “trees,” and hang a mug from each “branch.” Set the rack on the counter right next to the coffee maker.
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Buy a nice display shelf for all of your pretty mugs. It will create an irresistibly homey atmosphere in your kitchen.
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Does your kitchen not have an island? Make one yourself by investing in a rolling cart. You can use the extra cabinetry to store your coffee cups.
Some kitchens have built-in shelves on the outside of the cabinets. Use this space to store your mugs. You can also paint a bookshelf and place all your pretty mugs on the shelf for a cool, vintage look.
Roughly 54% of Americans enjoy a good cup of coffee.
60% of people have an emotional attachment to their favorite mug.
Americans drink an average of 400 million cups of coffee every day.
You now have a complete guide to the different types of mugs. Mugs are always a welcome addition to your kitchen, especially if you start your day with a cup (or three) of coffee!
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Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.
Coffee.org. (2018). Different Types of Coffee Mugs. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://coffee.org/
Planet Mugs. (2018). Porcelain Mugs VS Ceramic Mugs. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.planetmugs.com.au/porcelain-mugs-or-ceramic-mugs
Andrews, L. (2016, February 02). 6 Reasons We're Emotionally Attached to Our Favorite Mugs. Retrieved March 20, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/minding-the-body/201602/6-reasons-were-emotionally-attached-our-favorite-mugs
Carry Your Cup. (2018). Get the Facts. Retrieved March 20, 2018, from http://www.carryyourcup.org/get-the-facts
WikiHow. (2018). How to Test if a Dish is Microwave Safe. Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.wikihow.com/Test-if-a-Dish-Is-Microwave-Safe
Fann, V. (2020, December 1). Coffee or No Coffee? An Exploration of America's Morning Beverage. Retrieved from, https://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/coffee-or-no-coffee-an-exploration-of-americas-morning-beverage/food-beverage