Choosing The Perfect Travel Mug
A good travel mug is a must when you need to take your coffee or tea with you on the road. But there are many different types of mugs available, you need to consider a few important things before you purchase one.
Travel mugs are offered in both stainless steel and plastic with plastic travel mugs being the least expensive. Even though a stainless steel travel mug initially costs more, it will give you much better value for your money.
A stainless steel travel mug gives you superior performance by keeping your coffee or tea hot for about an hour.
If you are looking for the very best way to keep your favorite beverage hot or cold longer, look for a travel mug with stainless steel double wall insulation.
Stainless steel also cleans up easier than plastic and the plastic liner over time can absorb coffee or tea. This build up will affect the taste of your beverage and the only way to remedy it is to buy another travel mug.
If you still prefer a plastic travel mug, make sure it has a stainless steel liner. The advantage of these is you won't feel the heat on the outside of the mug and you have a variety of colors to choose from.
You should also decide if you want your mug to fit a cup holder in your car or if you want to get a wide bottom travel mug for stability.
The advantage of a travel mug that fits a cup holder is you don't have to hold onto it. Just make sure the dimensions of the mug will fit your holder in your car.
If you don't have a cup holder or don't like to use one, a wide bottom travel mug is perfect. Look for a non-slip bottom because not all of them come that way. You don't want it to slide around if you let go of it.
Next, what kind of a lid do you prefer? The lids that snap on can sometimes come off if the mug tips over or is dropped. Screw on lids are better because they stay on no matter what happens and that's the idea of a travel mug to begin with.
Also, consider how the beverage hole will be covered and uncovered when you want to drink. Do you like a flap over the drink hole that snaps shut or do you prefer a slide that stays open or closed? There is also the Press'N'Sip lever design that opens when you push on the spring loaded lever and closes when you let go.
Travel mugs come in a variety of sizes too. If you only drink a small amount, consider a smaller 8 oz mug. On the other hand, if you want a large amount of coffee or tea to drink, consider a larger 16 or 20 oz travel mug.
Once you get the travel mug that is just right for your tastes, hand wash it instead of putting it in the dishwasher. Sometimes soap residue gets left behind either in the lid or in the travel mug itself and no one likes that kind of surprise. So be sure to rinse the mug and lid extra good so all that you taste is the rich flavor of your coffee or tea.
If you leave your travel mug in the car while at work, store it away from direct sunlight. The hot sun magnified by the windows can damage the rubber seals in the lid.
A good travel mug will keep you coffee or tea in the mug and will remain hot until the last drop. Keep these tips in mind so you end up with the best travel mug possible.
