A few things to consider when buying a coffee mug

Choosing the right coffee cup can make a huge difference to the way you enjoy your coffee. For many manual coffee brewers, drinking coffee is not just a daily habit, it is a ritual. A favourite coffee cup is part of that ritual. For me, there is nothing better than having a chunky ceramic restaurant style coffee mug to drink coffee in the morning (and in the afternoon and evening ......) Drinking coffee is even better.

While most coffee mugs are chosen by chance (gifts, random purchases at coffee shops and gifts for tech conferences), there are a few things to consider if you are actively looking for a new favourite coffee mug.

In this post, I'll discuss the various things you should consider when looking for a container to hold your precious hand-brewed coffee, as well as recommend some of my favourite mug and cup designs to point you in the right direction.

I would love to hear your thoughts on coffee cups and where your favourite cups come from. If there are any mugs that should be on my list, please let me know.

A few things to consider when buying a coffee mug

What you like to drink your coffee in is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer to personal preference for coffee cups, but here are a few things to consider.

General aesthetics

While shape, design, colour and material are all worthy of their own consideration, they also fall under the broader category of aesthetic sensibilities.

The appearance of a coffee item should be a major factor when choosing a coffee cup. As they say." You should have a coffee mug that brings you joy.

Whether it's a tongue-in-cheek statement, a nostalgic design or a mug worthy of its own series of Instagram posts, your primary consideration for a favourite mug should be whether you like the way it looks.

Function

Similar to aesthetics, function is a larger category that involves a number of smaller categories. Think about the environment and situation in which you enjoy your coffee, and what you are looking for in a cup of coffee.

Do you mainly drink coffee on the go? Perhaps consider a travel mug or a mug that fits into your car cup holder. Looking for a travel mug? --some travel mugs worth considering (also check out Carter's classmate's ubiquitous mug).

Looking for a mug to take camping? Consider the durability and how well it works with your method of brewing coffee out.

Are you a busy parent who can't be bothered with washing dishes by hand? Look for a durable coffee mug that will keep your coffee warm and is dishwasher safe.

Shape

The shape of a coffee mug is a major part of its appeal, but there is more to consider with shape than surface.

Look for a mug that fits in your hand and is comfortable to drink from. Of course, this is different for everyone, but think about how you like to hold your mug.