In recent years, many tea and coffee shops offer incentives to encourage people to bring their own mugs to help protect the environment. Whatever the season or weather, carrying your own mug for your favourite beverages to work, school or on the go is not a bad idea. So if you're thinking of buying a thermal mug, don't miss the following shopping guide with recommendations from THERMOS , Tiger , ZOJIRUSHI .

1. Type

There are several different designs of insulated mugs on the market with the main types listed below. Select according to the features that each offers and your personal habits.

Type	Advantages
Pop-top	Can operate with one hand by pushing the lock for the lid to pop up; great for busy people with their hands full
Wide mouth	Allows for a large volume of water intake, great for quenching thirst; easy to put ice cubes in and can even keep braised food
Cup	An integrated water bottle that allows beverages to be poured into its cup to cool down. Ideal for those who are not keen on piping hot beverages and for children
Narrow lid	Twist-off lid for better insulation, ideal for outdoor sports and on the go
Hot beverage cup	Spill-proof, no need for a drinking straw, suitable for use on a flat surface

 

2. Inner body insulation

The internal material of a thermal mug is a key consideration as it affects its efficiency and convenience of use. Mainstream mugs are lined inside with stainless steel, which are durable and corrosion resistant. The most common materials used are 304 and 316 stainless steel. Thermal mugs with glass inner bodies are also popular, as they are light, provide good insulation and are ideal for all kinds of drinks.

3. Usage

How you use the mug is a main factor to consider. Choose one with features you like. Before buying, think whether you drink water or tea more often. Will you be using the thermal mug for hot food? If you drink tea more often, choose a mug with a tea compartment for easy access and one made from materials that are easy to clean and are corrosion resistant. If you want to use your mug as a braising mug, choose one with a wide mouth and a capacity of at least 300ml as this makes it more suitable for carrying hot food.

4. Capacity

Capacity directly affects the weight of the mug, so choose accordingly. If you regularly buy coffee or hand-crafted milk tea, use the size of their serving cup as a reference. For example, a medium coffee cup is usually about 360ml, while a Taiwanese milk tea ranges from 350 to 500ml. By choosing the right size, you reduce the use of plastic when you buy your next drink and help protect the environment.

5. Smart app

In today’s smart era, some thermal mugs already work with mobile apps that plan your drinking schedule and recommend the most suitable amount of water to ensure you drink enough water. In addition, some thermal mugs monitor the temperature of the water to provide you with best enjoyment of your beverage.

6. Easy to clean

A thermo mug tends to be something you use a lot. So before you buy, consider how easy it is to clean. Choose a model with a removable plastic ring or a wide spout for more thorough cleaning to prevent your mug from becoming a hotbed of germs.

1. Before using the mug, pour a small amount of hot or cold water into the mug to preheat or pre-cool the mug to prolong the warming or cooling effect.

2. Pour two to three centimetres less hot water to avoid burns during unscrewing of the lid and to avoid soaking the mouth of the mug in hot water.

3. For food hygiene and safety reasons, do not use thermal mugs for milk or carbonated beverages.

4. Wash the thermal mug thoroughly with a soft cloth or sponge after use to avoid odour residue.