How to choose a thermal mug

Initially, such mugs were only a necessary item for a hike in nature. Since the main function of this item is to maintain temperature conditions, it is easy to use it in the winter months to prevent hot chocolate, tea, and coffee from cooling down. And in summer, water or juice poured into it will not become hot, even in a hot car or tent.

Types of thermal mugs

The material used to make thermal mugs varies. It can be ceramic, stainless steel or plastic. Thermal mugs are considered the most durable and retain the temperature of the liquid for a long time, made of stainless steel.

Nowadays, they often purchase thermal mugs made of plastic, with an interior made of stainless steel (polypropylene or tempered glass). They weigh little, are comfortable in the hand, but are easily damaged upon impact. They are best used at home or in the office. Ceramic mugs are also of good quality, but in camping conditions they quickly break and break.

The design of such mugs is divided into 3 types:

• with a handle;
• removable handle;
• without handle;
• with a non-spill lid (screwed or inserted like a plug);

The thermal mug can work from the network, for example, from the cigarette lighter in the car, or not be connected to the network.

Basic parameters for choosing a thermal mug

Volume

The standard mug volume varies from 200 ml to 700 ml. Sometimes in stores you can see thermal mugs with a volume of up to 1 liter.

The volume is selected depending on the purpose of the item, for example, for one person it is more rational to take mugs of 200–400 ml. A large mug is suitable for company, especially on a hike, where it is so important to drink a hot drink after a long hike, while fishing or when going mushroom hunting in the forest.

Which thermal mug body is better?

In order to determine which case is the best, you should understand where the item will be used and consider all the advantages and disadvantages. In high-quality products of this kind, there is a vacuum between the walls of the case so that heat and cold do not dissipate through the case.

Standard materials: stainless steel, ceramics, glass, plastic.

Plastic

This is the most budget-friendly case option, thanks to which the manufacturer can make it cheaper. The material is fragile, quickly breaks and fails, scratches remain on it. The design itself is usually quite flimsy. If the inside is lined with plastic, then drinking from it is simply harmful. Advantages: low price. Disadvantages: the material may be harmful to the body; breaks down quickly.

Ceramics

These thermal mugs are mainly used at home. As a rule, such products are single-walled, the liquid in them cools faster than in other cases. The material is highly fragile; such lids are not always airtight. They should not be put in a backpack or taken on a hike. Disadvantages: not recommended for use in a car or on a hike; Advantages: stylish design, they look great in the office, wash well, low cost. Disadvantages: fragility of the material, does not hold liquid temperature well.

Glass

This is a great item to use at home and is airtight. Some models may have double walls. It is better to use them in the office or at home, but not in camping conditions. Advantages: easy care, unusual design. Disadvantages: high fragility.

Stainless steel

By all indicators, this material is the most universal. In such a product it is easy to make double walls with a vacuum so that the thermal mug does not burn your hands and maintains the temperature for a long time. The material is highly durable and will not break if dropped. You can use this mug everywhere: on a hike, at home, in the office. Disadvantages: high price. Advantages: strength, double walls, tightness.

Flask in the body

The flask mounted in the body of the thermal mug can be glass or metal. Flasks made of glass are more hygienic to use. They are easier to clean. Even if food or drinks are stored in it for a long time, no specific smell appears.

As when using products with metal flasks. Glass flasks are made using new technologies with hardening of the material, so it is more difficult to damage the flask. But metal flasks are still more reliable in operation.

Lid opening/closing mechanism

The main function of the thermal mug mechanisms is tightness.

Types of mechanisms:

• product with a latch. The most popular design, easy to open with one finger. Disadvantage: may accidentally open if caught in a bag;
• product with a rotating mechanism. Opens by turning the lid. It is inconvenient when a person is riding in a car or on a bicycle, because it cannot be opened with one hand. Plus: the liquid will not spill accidentally;
• push-button mechanism. Universal design, it will not open accidentally and can be easily operated with one hand.Plus: reliability. Cons: rarely found in stores, high price.

Thermal saving

Such dishes can maintain the desired temperature for up to 12 hours (cold juices, water) and up to 6 hours (tea, cocoa, coffee). The best design with high thermal conservation will be a product with double walls and a vacuum.

Thermal mug: what is the best?

When choosing a thermal mug, you can resort to a number of the following tips::

• For a motorist, a product powered by a cigarette lighter will be more efficient. It can be easily plugged into a wall outlet or cigarette lighter socket. It makes it easy to warm up tea or coffee.
• If you need a mug for traveling around the city, then you shouldn’t choose models with maximum thermal conservation. The optimal time for the product to keep warm: from 5 to 8 hours.
• If you need the model to keep warm for a long time, then you should choose models with maximum volume.
• You should not choose models lined with plastic on the inside.
• To keep the water cold longer, you need to buy a mug with a light or white design.
• Check the product for leaks every month
• When purchasing a thermal mug for your car, you should measure the diameter of the cup holder.

Expert recommendations

The best choice for your home would be plastic mugs of the following models:

• Xavax Teatime;
• STANLEY Adventure eCycle Camp Mug.

With a glass bulb, experts recommend the Bodum model 10326–10.

Steel mugs are perfect for camping, car, home and office:

• THERMOS JND-400 LMG;
• Contigo West Loop;
• Regent Inox Gotto.

Let's sum it up

The thermal mug should be selected based on its purpose and place of use. Both glass and ceramic products are well suited for home and office.For hiking and outdoor trips, it is better to buy a stainless steel thermal mug for your car.

If you need it for city trips, then you should not choose models that keep drinks hot for a long time. The most hygienic will be products with a glass flask. You can store both milk and baby food in them. There is no unpleasant odor in them.

The closing mechanism is also important, which ensures the tightness of the model. The most universal is the push-button mechanism, which will not open in the bag. Even if its cost is more expensive, there is a guarantee that a person who wants to drink a hot drink will find an unpleasant surprise in his bag.