There's something special about drinking your coffee (or tea) out of your favourite mug in the morning. It has to be one of the cosiest and most satisfying parts of the day. If you're in search of the best travel mug or set of mugs for your home, we're here to help. In this guide, we introduce the different types of coffee mugs by material, features, size and more.

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Popular Coffee Mug Materials

Your mug's material will determine its capacity for heat retention, ability to be used as a travel mug and its durability. The best mugs will be long-lasting, dishwasher-safe and temperature-resistant. Mugs in different materials can also look drastically different from one another, so keep that in mind as you browse.

Ceramics

Ceramic mugs of all kinds are renowned for their durability and resistance to temperature. These mugs won't break if they go from hot to cold or vice versa. They're also dishwasher-safe.

Ceramic: When you think of a classic coffee or tea mug, you probably think of the ceramic types. Made of kiln-fired clay, they are hard and decently durable, but they will likely break if dropped on a hard surface, like a tile or hardwood floor so they aren't commonly used as travel mugs. Ceramic is known for its heat retention capabilities – it will keep your hot coffee evenly warm. Many ceramic mugs are glazed and nonporous, meaning they won't imbue your drink with any of their own flavour. Glazed ceramic mugs tend to be a bit more durable than their unglazed counterparts. They're also easy to clean.

Porcelain China: Denser than basic ceramic mugs, porcelain mugs are hard and smooth. Because of their density, porcelain china mugs can be made thinner than ceramic mugs. Their thin walls render them elegant but delicate. Porcelain china mugs are great if you're looking for a lovely, graceful coffee-drinking experience and you aren't too concerned with durability.

Bone China: Stronger than porcelain china mugs, bone china coffee mugs are regarded as some of the highest-quality china mugs available. Super hard, smooth, and lightweight, bone china mugs can give you a refined, elegant look to which other ceramics can't be compared.

Earthenware & Stoneware: Earthenware is still quite porous after it is fired, so it must be glazed. Stoneware is also typically glazed to make it look more decorative. Some earthenware pottery can be a bit brittle, while most stoneware pottery are prized for their durability and resistance to chipping.

Glass

You might not think that glass would make a good mug material, but indeed it does. Glass mugs actually do have heat-retention capabilities, especially if they're double-walled. They aren't as durable or temperature-resistant as ceramic, so opting for a glass mug might mean sacrificing some quality in the name of style.

Plastic

Cheap and durable, plastic mugs are a favorite of quaint breakfast diners and people who use travel mugs. Over time, plastic mugs absorb the flavours and colours of the drinks within them. This can make identifying different coffee flavours difficult. If you're a coffee connoisseur, we don't recommend you use a plastic mug or tumbler.

Melamine: Melamine is upheld as the best plastic option for dishware. Hard, durable, dishwasher-safe and inexpensive, melamine coffee cups are a decent alternative to real ceramic mugs. Melamine mugs are often made to resemble ceramic mugs, so you won't have to sacrifice looks for durability. These mugs aren't considered microwave-safe. The material remains cool to the touch when it's contents are hot making it great for tumblers.

Acrylic: Not quite as durable as types of melamine, acrylic mugs are best if you want to drink your morning coffee out of a novelty cup or tumbler.

Metal

If you're looking for different types of durable, heat-retaining coffee cups that won't break when you take them to-go, look for metal mugs. Just remember not to put it in the microwave!

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is gaining popularity as some of the most durable, temperature-resistant types of mugs available. Stainless steel doesn't have the classic look of ceramic, but stainless steel is stylish in it's own right. Stainless steel is often incorporated in travel mugs or lightweight campfire tumblers because of it's ability to withstand being dropped.

Enameled: Enameled mugs are metal mugs that are coated in a thin but hardy layer of durable porcelain enamel. As some of the most break-resistant mugs around, enameled mugs are incredibly popular among campers. They can act as a travel mug or tumbler and can withstand being heated and dropped and are easy to hand-wash.

Coffee Mug Size Guide

Your mug's capacity will determine how much coffee you'll be able to drink in one setting. Depending on your source, a single cup of coffee is less than 150ml without any additional ingredients. With cream, milk, sugar and other additives, a full cup of hot coffee, iced coffee with ice or a foamed latte could more comfortably fit in an small - standard size. mug. Double servings can fit in mugs that can hold 350ml and more. If you'd like your mug to double as a soup receptacle, opt for a larger capacity.

Extra-Small/Demitasse: Less than 150ml

Small/Teacup: 151ml - 250ml

Standard: 251ml - 350ml

Large: 351ml - 550ml

Oversized: +550ml

Additional Features

There's more to a mug than its material and size.

Handles: You won't have to worry about burning your hands if you go with a mug that has a built-in handle. The thicker and larger the handle, the more comfortable the mug will feel in your hand.

Stackable: Concerned about storage space? Stackable coffee cups nestle nicely atop each other for easy, secure storing.

Footed: Perched atop a charming little platform, footed mugs have a cute, classic look to them. Some coffee cups have broad feet that make them look like elegant little teacups.

Double Wall: These coffee cups are the next best thing in stylish drinkware. Most often glass, these mugs have an interior cup that is suspended inside of an exterior cup. Between these two cups is a pocket of air that insulates the drink within the mug. These mugs are great if you'd like to protect your hands from the heat of your drink. They're also great for preventing condensation from forming on the outside of your iced coffee, which can leave a watermark on your furniture.

Dishwasher-Safe: Make sure your mug won't be a hassle to clean by narrowing your search to include only dishwasher-safe options.

Microwave-Safe:Are you a fan of microwave mug meals? Do you like being able to rewarm your hot drinks at a moment's notice? Shop microwave-safe mugs to ensure that yours can safely go in the zapper.

Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then take a look at:

• How to Properly Clean a Coffee Maker
• Wake Up to Barista-Style Coffee Every Morning With a Milk Frother
• The Complete Coffee Table Buying Guide