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Choosing the right coffee mug can have a dramatic impact how you enjoy your coffee. To many manual coffee brewers drinking coffee is more than just a daily habit, it is a ritual. A favorite coffee cup is part of that ritual. For me there is nothing better than having a thick, ceramic diner style coffee mug to drink coffee out of in the morning (and afternoon and night…).
While most coffee mugs are chosen rather serendipitously (gifts, random purchases at coffee shop and tech conference swag), there are a few things to consider if you are actively looking for a new favorite coffee mug.
In this post, I will be discussing the various things you should consider when on the hunt for a vessel to hold your precious manually brewed coffee as well as recommending a few of my favorite mug and cup designs to point you in the right direction.
I would love to hear from you guys about what you look for in a coffee cup and where your favorite mug came from. Let me know if there are mugs that should be on my list.
2026 Update: The Best Coffee Mug? Five Years Later, This Is the One I Still Use
It has been about five years since I wrote this post, and I have enjoyed many cups of coffee in that time. You may be wondering what coffee mug (or coffee cup) I actually use every day in my home. Although I own more coffee mugs than any reasonable person probably should, the notNeutral Lino remains the standout.
My colorful collection of Lino mugs has become a constant companion during my morning (and afternoon) coffee rituals. I started with a few Lino mugs featuring local roaster branding and used them so frequently that I would find myself pulling them out of the dishwasher mid-cycle rather than reaching for a clean mug in the cupboard. A few years ago, I bought my wife an 8-color variety pack as a gift (totally for her…maybe to share…) and we have been using them daily ever since.
The Lino is comfortable to hold and I keep a few out as kitchen decor. They look great sitting on the shelf above my coffee station as we haphazardly rotate through colors based on availability. The Linos have proven to be durable over the years. I only just recently broke my first one through gross negligence. I appreciate the flat platform thumb-rest handle, and guests seem to like them too, as I get quite a few comments and questions about them.
I have updated the mug recommendations later in this article, but my advice remains unchanged. For me, I much prefer the Lino. For you, the objective is to find a mug that you genuinely enjoy drinking coffee from. If possible, find one that leaves you disappointed when it’s in the grasp of your dishwasher instead of your hand.
A Few Things to Consider When Purchasing a Coffee Mug
What you like to drink your coffee out of will be different for everybody. There are no right or wrong answers to personal coffee cup preferences but here are a few things to consider.
General Aesthetics
While shape, design, color and material all deserve their own category for consideration, they also fall under the broader category of aesthetic appeal.
How a piece of coffeeware looks should be a major factor when choosing a coffee mug. As they say. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and you should have a coffee mug that brings you joy (The Life-Change Magic of Tidying Up… anyone?).
Whether is it a witty saying, a nostalgic design or a mug that deserves its own series of Instagram posts, your first and foremost consideration for a favorite mug should be whether you like the way it looks or not.
Function
Similar to aesthetics, function is a larger category that touches some of the smaller categories. Think about the settings and circumstances you enjoy your coffee in and what you look for in a cup of coffee.
Are you primarily drinking coffee on the go? Maybe look into a travel thermos or a mug that will fit into your car’s cup holder. Looking for a Travel Mug?-Some Travel Mugs Worth Considering (also check out the Fellow Carter Slide Travel Mug).
Looking for a mug to take camping? Think about durability and how well it works with your coffee outside brewing method.
Are you a busy parent that can’t be bothered with hand washing your dishes? Look for a coffee cup that is durable, keeps your coffee warm and is dishwasher safe.
Shape
The shape of a coffee cup is a major part of its appeal but there is more to shape than surface considerations.
Look for a mug that fits into your hand and is comfortable to drink out of. This will of course look different for everyone but think about how you like to hold your mug (cupped in two hands, by the handle, or ???). The shape of a coffee mug should meet that ritual.
Along with other factors, the shape of a coffee mug can also affect how coffee will taste (yes coffee can taste different out of different vessels) and the general functionality of a coffee cup.
The Lino, by notNeutral, was designed with taste and function in mind. Every detail down to a place to rest your thumb was meticulously designed with user comfort in mind.
The shape of a coffee cup will have a big impact on its functionality and if it is right for you. A giant coffee mug will not be a good fit for someone who drinks small cups of coffee, a tall skinny mug will not be ideal for a klutz (like me) and a shallow mug with a large mouth would be less than ideal for someone who likes their coffee warm but does not drink it very fast.
Color
The color of you coffee mug might seem to fit solely into the “Coffee Mug Aesthetics” category and for the most part, it does. As I mentioned above, you should choose a coffee mug that you like the look of.
However, it is worth mentioning that there has been some research suggesting the color of you coffee mug can also affect how you perceive a coffee to taste. A study done in 2014 found that people tasted coffee differently when they drank it out of a white mug.
I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in this but it is interesting none-the-less and worth noting.
Material
The material your coffee mug is made out of can impact everything from how your coffee tastes, to heat retention, and how you should care for it.
Ceramic coffee mugs are the most popular choices but you can also find coffee mugs made of glass, enamelware and even stainless steel.
What’s the difference between Porcelain Mugs and Ceramic Mugs? Technically speaking, porcelain is a type of ceramic but in most cases, when someone talks about a ceramic mug, they mean that it is not porcelain. Porcelain mugs have thinner walls and can be translucent or opaque. Ceramic mugs are generally thicker, better for heat retention, and more durable.
Ceramic is my go-to material, although I do enjoy the aforementioned porcelain Lino mug. Most ceramics can be thrown in the dishwasher, are pretty durable and are quite pleasant to drink coffee out of.
I am personally not a fan of enamelware or stainless steel in a daily coffee mug. I don’t like the experience of drinking out of either and the metal mugs make the coffee taste a little different.
Glass is a fine choice for a mug but again, I don’t prefer it. This is mostly a preference based on aesthetics.
My Favorite Coffee Mugs (Updated June 2026)
I’m always on the lookout for unique coffee mugs, whether it’s a vintage diner mug from a thrift store, handmade pottery from a local artist, or merchandise from a favorite coffee roaster. Here are a few of the mugs I’m enjoying right now. If there’s a mug you think I should know about, leave a comment below or get in touch.
1. notNeutral Lino Mug
If you’ve read the rest of this article, it should come as no surprise that the notNeutral Lino remains my top recommendation. Is it the perfect coffee mug? It’s about as close as I’ve found.
You can often find them at coffee shops with local branding or can find them online in a wide array of colors.
2. Fellow Carter Slide Travel Mug
The Fellow Carter Slide is my current favorite mug for coffee on the go. The slide lid makes it easier to drink from than Fellow’s original travel mug design while still being spill-proof and easy to toss into a bag or lunch box without much concern.
Recently, I accidentally left mine at home when I left for work (very sad, I know). When I returned 11–12 hours later, I was surprised to find that the coffee inside was still warm-ish. It definitely wasn’t hot, but I drank it and it was enjoyable. I will routinely bring this mug to work and have hot coffee 4 to 5 hours later.
One tip: avoid putting this mug in the dishwasher. I know it’s tempting, but I’ve owned several versions of Fellow’s travel mugs over the years and have found that exposure to the dishwasher’s high heat can damage the vacuum seal. Once that happens, the mug becomes noticeably less effective at keeping drinks hot or cold.
If you are looking for a low fuss and durable travel mug, the Carter Slide Travel Mug is my top recommendation.
3. Vintage Coffee Mugs
I am also quite fond of vintage coffee mugs. Modern mugs are great but there is something about finding an obscure or interesting mug and adding it to your collection.
One of my favorites is the Victor “Indestructible Tank” diner mug. These mugs are small by most standards but have a terrific weight and feel to them. My wife especially enjoys this small hefty-style of coffee mugs, and she will often opt for it when she is able to sit and enjoy an afternoon coffee.
I have a habit of buying interesting vintage mugs when I see them at thrift stores or garage sales. My intention is to put them for sale in my Etsy shop but, more often than not, I use them myself and grow attached to them.
If you decide to search for a vintage mug, there are a couple things to be aware of. The first is crazing, which appears as a network of fine cracks in the glaze. While crazing can add visual character, it can also trap moisture and bacteria. Mugs with heavy crazing are not recommended for daily use.
The second consideration is lead. While most vintage mugs are perfectly safe, I am cautious with mugs that are unmarked or from unknown manufacturers. A quick search for the maker’s mark can often help you determine if a mug contains lead in the glazing.
If you find a vintage mug with heavy crazing, don’t write it off right away. They can make excellent pencil holders, display pieces, and coffee-themed photo props for blog photography.
4. A Few Other Ways to Find Mugs
My cupboards already contain more coffee mugs than I use, so I am not actively looking to add any more. That said, I still consider adding one more when I see the merchandise shelf at a cool coffee shop. There is something endearing about hefty diner mugs with a favorite roaster’s logo on the side.
Handmade mugs are another way I have found that brings interest and personally to your mug cupboard. Local artisans often sell at craft shows or showcase their work on Instagram. I had a few mugs from FishRiverPottery at one point. He was a local artist in my area before moving south. I will sometimes use them at friend’s houses or my parents and they are nostalgic and lovely. I should probably try to pick up a couple more.
The best mugs are often the ones you find serendipitously. The mug pictured at the top of this article is a perfect example. I found it (pictured) sitting on a bridge support along Highway 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula while bicycle touring. I bought it with me for the rest of the trip, cleaned it up and used it for many years before I lost track of it (kind of weird I guess, I wouldn’t think you will find that many cool mugs just sitting around out in the world).
It was a unique looking mug and it had a the story behind it. It connected me to a trip that was/is dear to me. Sometimes the perfect mug is something that is familiar from years of use and the fact that you carried it with you through a part of your life is what makes it a great mug.
Cover photo by Ken Englert
So this is a good article and I really appreciate you compiling this list. I’m trying to narrow down what my favorite mug is for a powerpoint party and this really helps with the categories I should consider.
Unfortunately about half of the links that you’ve supplied to show off your faves don’t work.
Such a helpful guide! ☕ I never realized how much thought goes into choosing the perfect coffee mug. The tips on material and size are especially useful—I’ll definitely be more mindful when picking my next one. Thanks for the great insights!