Travel Coffee Cups
A Travel Coffee Cup is simply a cup used to transport either hot or cold coffee and liquids. They are reusable, generally insulated if their purpose is to hold hot coffee, come with a pop on or screw tight lid, and a straw or valve where liquids can be consumed from.
While travel coffee cups have existed for a couple of decades (introduced in the early 1980’s), it is only in recent years that they have increased in popularity. This popularity spike could well be because of people’s dependency on their daily dose of coffee, the busy lives we now live or the greater concern for the environment. The clean green approach towards the way in which we drink coffee has even led to many large companies offering discounts for those who bring their own cups!
Whether you know these reusable coffee cups as ‘Travel Cups’, ‘Travel Mugs, ‘Keep Cups’ or ‘Thermos’, the time to purchase your very own one is now. With over 16.3 million coffees consumed daily around the globe, not only will you be eliminating one use cups by investing in a travel cup, but you’ll also get your money back. It is estimated that after purchasing 15 coffees, the cup ‘Pays for Itself’.
In this review, we will take a look at the best ‘Hot Travel Coffee Cups’ and the best ‘Cold Travel Coffee Cups’.
Why Should I Purchase a Travel Coffee Cup?
Did you know that if you were to drink a coffee a day out of a disposable cup that after 3 years you would have negatively contributed roughly 3 kg of rubbish to landfill. Furthermore, you have not saved yourself a cent doing so.
Within today’s society, single use items are the norm. Think about it. Single use razors, single use paper towel, single use paper plates and one of biggest offenders, the single use coffee cup. Using a reusable coffee cup will be the start of the end of one-use paper cups.
Why Should I Purchase a Reusable Coffee Cup Today?
- Reusable Travel Cups Reduce Waste
- Keep Cups are Inexpensive and Often ‘Pay for Themselves’
- Travel Cups Give Consumers Some Nifty Discounts
- Travel Coffee Cups Allow You to Express Your Own Style and Personality
- Reusable Thermos will Keep Your Coffee Hotter for Longer
- Travel Cups Reduce the Risk of Spillage
- Reusable Coffee Cups are Generally Less Hot to Cold
- Many Travel Cups are Designed to Fit in Car Cup Holders
Qualities of a Great Travel Cup
What is the difference between your go-to travel coffee cup and those ten that are cluttering the back of your kitchen cupboard?
Whether you’re looking to purchase another go-to mug, or you haven’t yet found one that ticks all your boxes, when you take a browse, consider what differentiates a good travel coffee cup and a great travel coffee cup.
Features that make a Travel Mug ‘Great’:
- Leak and Spill Protection (Your coffee cup should be able to withstand a day out in the backpack without spilling everywhere)
- Easy to Open (If you love to enjoy a coffee while driving, make sure you look for ease of opening when making a selection)
- Can be Cleaned with Ease (Can your travel mug be thrown in the dishwasher of an afternoon?)
- Fits Universal Car Cup Holders (If you intend on sipping a coffee while driving, ensure the base of your new cup will easy fit in the cup holder)
- Durable (Your travel mug should be durable. Life gets hectic and your bound to drop it at least once in it’s lifetime)
- Heat Retention (Possibly the most important factor to consider when choosing a new travel cup. How low will it retain heat? How long will your iced-coffee stay chilled?)
When choosing a travel mug to take your coffee to work, school drop offs or to sip while doing the weekly shop, look beyond the brand. While some brands appear to be ‘trendy’ and have a better color selection than others, more times than not these travel cups last no more than a couple of weeks. The main purpose of a travel coffee cup is to keep the content hot, so if your one is not achieving this basic function it’s time to toss it and move on.
When looking for a travel coffee cup that will keep your coffee hot, find one that has double walled insulation, or better yet is a vacuum insulated mug. These qualities prevent heat from escaping meaning that the contents will stay hotter for longer.
Ready to take the leap and purchase a new and improved travel cup for your lattes, cappuccinos, long blacks, hot chocolates, chai lattes or teas? Below you can find our top 10 hot travel cups and our top 4 cold travel cups.
Travel Coffee Cup Reviews
10 Travel Coffee Cups for the Hot Coffee Lover
#1 Bodum 12 oz Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Bodum Travel Cup Range?
The Bodum Travel Cup pictured is made of pure stainless steel allowing it to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Featuring a spill resistant lid and a non slip grip this is the perfect travel mug for any coffee enthusiast. This travel cup not only comes in gold as pictured, but is also available in navy, red and turquoise.
These Coffee mugs boast their spill resistant qualities as well as a manufacturers warranty. A Bodum 12oz Travel Mug currently retails for $20.00.
Review: “I love this mug. It makes me look classy when I carry it to work.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ## |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | # |
#2 Keepcup 12oz Reusable Coffee Cup
Why do we Love the Toughened Glass KeepCup Travel Cup Range?
If we listed all the reasons why we love the KeepCup travel range we’d be here all day. These cups are BPA free, dishwasher friendly, light weight, colorful and made of tempered glass for durability. KeepCups are currently on trend due to the hundreds of patterns and colors available.
A 12oz Keepcup similar to the one pictured currently retails for $22.00.
Review: “This a great reusable coffee cup from both a functional & aesthetic perspective.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | # |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ## |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | # |
#3 S’well 16 oz Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Why do we Love the S’well Travel Cup Range?
Made from high grade steel, these BPA S’well Travel Cups are stylish for all coffee lovers. These travel cups sport a triple walled insulation technology, meaning they do not produce condensation. The ergonomic grip also ensures that you will (should) never loose your precious coffee!
A S’well 16oz travel cup currently retails for $35.00.
Review: “Pretty great bottle. Love the look and the feel of it.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ### |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | # |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | ### |
#4 Stojo 12oz Collapsible Coffee Cup
Why do we Love the Stojo Travel Cup Range?
Available in six vibrant colors, this collapsible travel cup allows one to carry it in their pocket wherever they go. This travel cup is made from silicone making it dishwasher and microwave safe.
Leak proof as well, the Stojo travel cup may be the perfect choice for you.
The Stojo 12oz Travel Cups currently retails for approximately $15.00.
Review: “It is small enough to carry around, and i love the watertight lid.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | # |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | # |
#5 Thermos 16oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Why do we Love the Thermos Travel Cup Range?
The Thermos travel cup uses vacuum insulated technology to keep drinks as hot as possible for as long as possible. The best part about these thermos is that they are not hot to touch on the outer nor do they sweat. The Thermos is stainless steel making it durable although not suitable for microwaving.
These travel mugs are available in a range of block colors and generally retail for around the $30.00 mark.
Review: “It keeps coffee hot for hours, is easy to operate one-handed, and the tapering base means it fits in tiny cup holders. This is the 5th year i’ve had my Thermo!”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ### |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ## |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | ## |
#6 Contigo 20oz SnapSeal Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Contigo Travel Cup Range?
The Contigo Travel Cup range sports a leak proof lid, has the ability to keep hot drinks hot for 7 hours and cold drinks cold for 16 hours, fits most car cup holders and is dishwasher safe. This travel cup is well known for it’s one handed drinking approach.
These BPA free coffee travel mugs usually retail for $15.00 and are currently available in blue, grey and pink.
Review: “I like that the inside of the cup is steel and not plastic, which makes it easier to clean.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ## |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ## |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ## |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | ### |
#7 Starbucks 12oz Double Wall Coffee Cup
Why do we Love the Starbucks Travel Cup Range?
Designed and sold by the globally recognized company Starbucks, this 12 oz coffee travel cup is double walled to keep liquids hot for longer without burning your hand. The locking feature of the lid prevents spills when travelling with this cup.
These iconic Starbucks Coffee Cups currently retail for $30.00.
Review: “Cup is double walled to preserve hot temperatures, but it is glass and therefore breakable.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | # |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | # |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | # |
#8 Ello 16oz Ceramic Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Ello Travel Cup Range?
This Ello travel cup is made of high-quality ceramic and is also BPA free. It boasts a wooden handle which is great for those who want the ‘in-house coffee cup’ feel. This coffee travel cup has a splash resistant lid, is perfect for hot or cold beverages and is dishwasher safe. This mug is perfect for those artisan coffee connoisseurs.
The Ello Fulton Ceramic Coffee Mug currently retails for $15.00 and can be purchased in white or silver.
Review: ” Love the way it looks. Love the size. Love the way the lid works. Love the wooden handle.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ## |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ## |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ## |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | # |
#9 Stanley 16oz Classic Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Stanley Travel Cup Range?
Stanley, a well known kitchen brand have a range of coffee travel mugs on the market. This Stanley 16oz Classic Travel Mug has the ability to keep drinks hot for 7 hours long, is leak proof, dishwasher friendly and BPA free. It sports double vacuum insulation and a pull apart lid for easy washing.
These travel cups can be currently purchased for $23.00 in white.
Review: ” It does not leak and keeps my coffee and tea hot all day long.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ### |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | ### |
#10 Camelbak 16oz Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Camelbak Travel Cup Range?
Camelbak have been producing drink bottles for years and their expertise shows in this coffee travel cup. Made of stainless steel, this Camelbak 16oz Travel Mug is leak proof, has a self sealing cap which eliminates any spills, is dishwasher safe, durable and able to keep drinks hot for a minimum of 4 hours.
The Camelbak 16oz travel mugs come in a variety of colors generally retailing for $40.00. Review: ” It has two good seals on it and doesn’t leak when it’s closed up. Furthermore, keeps my coffee hot for hours.”
| Affordability: $ = Under $15.00 $$ = Under $30.00 $$$ = Over $30.00 | $$$ |
| Leak and Spill Protection: # = Little to No Spill Protection ## = Provides Some Spill Protection ### = Great Spill/Leak Protection | ### |
| Ease of Cleaning: # = Not Dishwasher Friend ## = Part Dishwasher Friendly ### = Dishwasher Friendly | ### |
| Durability: # = Breaks After One Drop ## = Durable ### = Extremely Durable | ### |
| Heat Retention: # = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 3 Hours ## = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 6 Hours ### = Keeps Drinks Hot for Up to 9 Hours | ## |
4 Travel Coffee Cups for the Cold Coffee Lover
#1 Sun’s Tea 18oz Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Sun’s Tea Travel Cup Range?
This durable and double walled glass travel mug is great for iced coffees or iced tea. The two layers of insulation offered by this travel cup ensures hot stays hot and cold stays cold. This cup is both microwave and dishwasher safe and also comes with a six month warranty.
The see through nature allows you to see the content and a straw can easily be inserted in the top for cold drinks that contain ice.
These Sun Tea’s Cold Coffee Travel Cups can be purchased for $17.00.
Review: “I love these glass containers and have used them every day for over a year. Perfect for storing iced coffees and teas.”
#2 Green’s Steel 20oz Tumbler
Why do we Love the Green’s Steel Travel Cup Range? Available in a number of vibrant block colors, the steel travel cup range by Green’s Steel feature a smooth design, a lifetime guarantee, splash proof lids and come packaged in a gift box. These are the perfect gift for a cold coffee lover.
Even coming with a reusable metal straw, the Green’s Steel travel range is hard to pass by.
Retailing for $24.00 the range of colors is extensive from blue to green to purple.
Review: ” This is a really good quality tumbler. Feels solid and looks very good. The finish is impeccable.
#3 Klean Kanteen 16oz Stainless Steel Tumbler Cup
Why do we Love the Klean Kanteen Travel Cup Range? The durable and insulated Klean Kanteen Travel Cup is made of stainless steel allowing it to keep cold drinks cold for up to 20 hours long. This travel cup features a lifetime warranty, a splash resistant lid, a sleek design to fit car cup holders and a chip and scratch resistant colored coating.
These cold travel cups currently retail for $24.00 and are available in black, grey, pine, blue and green.
Review: “I got the plain stainless steel insulated travel cup for drinking beer on the porch in the summertime. They do not disappoint.”
#4 Hydro Flask 12oz Iced Coffee Travel Mug
Why do we Love the Hydro Flask Travel Cup Range?
The Hydro Flask 12oz Travel Cup is not one to disappoint. Coming in a vast range of colors, this mug sports a slip free grip, is BPA free, made of double walled steel and comes with a lifetime warranty.
These cold coffee travel cups currently retail for around the $22.00 mark.
Review: “I am a huge fan of both Klean Kanteen and Hydro Flask travel mugs and bottles. They both look great and keep my coffee hot for hours and my water chilled for even longer.”