We Tested the Best Coffee Mugs and Espresso Cups

Best Overall, Coffee

Le Creuset Stoneware Mug, 14 oz., Marseille

4.8

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For a classic everyday mug, it doesn’t get much better than this gorgeous stoneware option from Le Creuset. Our coffee expert tested it over the course of several days and found it to be a wonderful blend of style and performance. It's comfortable to hold and drink from, thanks to a sturdy handle and gently curved lip. The stoneware is heavy, creating a high-end feeling and indicating that the mug will hold up over years of use. A scant number of online reviews mention that chipping can occur, but fortunately, our tester didn't come across any issues during the testing process. That said, the mugs are backed by 10-year warranty should any damage happen.

Le Creuset is known for the various eye-catching colors its products come in, and this mug is no different with 20 color options to choose from. You’re bound to find a shade that matches your style or kitchen décor. The mug is also sold in sets of four. It's safe in the dishwasher and microwave as well as the oven if you to swap your coffee for a brownie in a mug.

One detail our product tester pointed out is that the mug's capacity is a tad smaller than the advertised figure of 14 ounces. Le Creuset also labels it as 400 milliliters, which is, instead, roughly 13.5 ounces. Aside from that, this mug received a stellar review. And if you like the design, but prefer it to drink your morning espresso instead, it comes in a 3-ounce version, too (which you can also buy in a set of four).

Price at time of publish: $24 for Marseille

Capacity: 13.5 ounces | Dimensions: 3.75 x 5.25 x 4.25 inches | Material: Stoneware

Best Overall, Espresso

De'Longhi Double Wall Thermal Espresso Cups

4.8

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One of the first images likely to drift into your mind when thinking about espresso is of a tiny white cup and saucer. That timeless image gets swapped out for an equally elegant, but more modern look with these glass espresso cups from De'Longhi.

Our tester found them convenient to pick up, since you don't have to fit your fingers into a little handle, and easy to drink from. They stay cool to the touch even when the espresso is piping hot. Our testing process confirmed that the double-walled insulation keeps drinks hot longer than average, too; granted, this isn't always necessary for a drink that can be finished in a few sips.

Each glass hold up to 2 ounces, which eliminates some guesswork because it's the exact size of a double espresso shot. De'Longhi typically sells them in sets of two, but they are also available in sets of six if you like to entertain. They are reasonably priced, especially for their quality, but we don't quite consider them a budget option. It would have been a nice touch if the set included glass saucers, too.

Price at time of publish: $25 for Espresso Glasses (Set of 2)

Capacity: 2 ounces | Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Material: Glass

Best Travel Mug

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

4.5

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Contigo offers a wide selection of travel mugs for commuters and coffee drinkers on the go, and the West Loop is one of our absolute favorites. It's available in four sizes ranging from 10 to 24 ounces, so you can find one that holds enough coffee to last throughout the workday. It’s leakproof and spill-proof due to the mug's “Autoseal” feature that locks the lid in place. The brand also designed it with an easy one-handed drinking feature that allows you to open the lid and sip your beverage at the push of a button.

After testing the mug firsthand, our expert found its vacuum insulation to be even better than advertised. Whether it was coffee or water, drinks remained hot longer than seven hours and cold longer than 18 hours. The cleaning process is one of the few shortcomings our product tester noted, however, as the body of the mug must be hand washed, which the brand recommends doing after every use. The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe, though. As one last bonus, all of Contigo’s products have a limited lifetime guarantee.

Price at time of publish: $30 for Chard 20 oz Travel Mug

Capacity: 10, 16, 20, or 24 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 9 inches (20-ounce model) | Material: Stainless steel

Best Self-Warming Mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2, Metallic

4.7

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No longer will your coffee be sent to the microwave when it's only half finished. The Ember Mug² keeps beverages at the exact temperature you want (well, as long as it's between 120 to 145 degrees) for up to 80 or 90 minutes depending on what size mug you choose. It's available in 10 or 14 ounces, the smaller of which we tested ourselves. The battery life is an upgrade over the original Ember Mug, along with a more compact charging coaster.

Unlike a coffee mug warmer, the mug itself does the warming, as the battery is built right into the body. The included charging coaster allows you to take the mug around the house wire-free when it's fully charged. It's all controlled via the Ember app, which our tester found simple and convenient. Another nice feature is the LED indicator at the base of the mug that lets you know when it has reached the set temperature. The mug can't go in the dishwasher, which is to be expected, but it's easy to clean by hand and can be submerged in water up to 3.2 feet. Despite the high price tag, we think it's a worthwhile purchase for many customers, and it makes an excellent gift idea too.

Price at time of publish: $144 for 10 oz in Copper

Capacity: 10 or 14 ounces | Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.2 inches | Material: Stainless steel

Best Insulated Espresso Cups

Real Deal Steel Double-Wall Insulated Espresso Cups, Set of 4

4.8

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A unique option in the espresso world, the Real Deal Steel Espresso Cups maintain drink temperature longer than most other options you can find. As the brand name suggests, the cups are made from high-grade stainless steel, which demonstrated better insulation than ceramic and glass in our testing process. The material also provides a more casual aesthetic: one that looks just as good in a cabin on a cold morning as in a home kitchen.

Each cup holds 3 ounces, which is on the larger side, and the brand sells them in sets of four for a reasonable price. There's a variety of colors options to choose from, including black, blue, stainless steel, and white. Customers can also buy an assorted set that includes all four colors.

One of our tester's favorite touches is the large square handle. He was able to fit his finger through it better than the handles on other espresso cups that he tested, leading to a more comfortable drinking experience. The stainless steel stays cool to the touch, so you can grab the espresso cups (also known as demitasses) without fear of getting burned. We expect these cups to last for a long time, as they feel sturdy from the moment you pick one up. Perhaps the only drawback is that stainless steel isn't generally considered the best material to drink coffee from. Our tester didn't experience an unpleasant metallic taste, but the history of coffee has gravitated toward ceramic and glass mugs for taste reasons.

Price at time of publish: $40

Capacity: 3 ounces | Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.2 inches | Material: Stainless steel

Best Value Espresso Cups

Bruntmor 4-Ounce Espresso Cups with Saucers, Set of 4

4.9

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These large 4-ounce espresso cups are made for the person who likes a little extra caffeine to start their day. And they stand out in more ways that that too. Our tester was highly impressed by the entire Bruntmor Espresso Cups and Saucers Set after testing it for several days. The ceramic that the brand uses is strong, heavy, and should be able to withstand everyday espresso shots. This level of quality is a pleasant surprise considering the item's reasonable price, which is why we think it's such a terrific value-for-money option.

Bruntmor manufactures the set in interesting color options, ones that are especially fun and bright in comparison to the more neutral colors espresso sets are associated with. The cups are safe in the microwave and dishwasher. Our tester found their insulation to be above average, as the espresso shots stayed hot for more than 20 minutes, which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the few sips.

There was little to nit-pick here other than that the cups aren't the easiest to stack. It is possible to stack them, which will save room in your cupboards, but the handles have to be turned in opposite directions, and even then they don't feel entirely secure.

Price at time of publish: $27 for Gradient Multi Colored

Capacity: 4 ounces | Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Material: Ceramic

Best Espresso Cup Set

Sweese Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cups with Saucers and Stand

4.2

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Looking for a full set of cups and saucers to stock your home espresso bar? Look no further than this 13-piece set from Sweese—a brand with an extensive selection of porcelain dinnerware and drinkware. The purchase includes six espresso cups, six saucers, and a steel rack to keep everything organized. Our tester found that the cups stack flawlessly and all the pieces feel secure, even though the rack itself isn't the most robust. This is an unbeatable option for those who want a large espresso set that saves space in the kitchen, and it comes at a fair price.

Sweese makes the set in three sizes: 2.5, 4, and 8 ounces. Our expert tested the 2.5-ounce espresso cups, but the larger ones may work better depending on the types of espresso drinks you want to brew. For example, the 8-ounce model is designed for cappuccinos. The cups and saucers come in seven color options, including a simple white and brighter colors like red and mint green.

There are a couple drawbacks to keep in mind, unfortunately. Our tester didn't love the handles on the cups, as he wasn't able to fit his finger through them; instead, he would usually grab around the entire cup to drink the espresso. They also don't keep liquids hot as long as other models that were tested. All in all, though, this is a dependable set that looks great on the countertop.

Price at time of publish: $25 for 2.4 inch in White

Capacity: 2.5, 4, or 8 ounces | Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.8 inches (2.5-ounce model) | Material: Porcelain

Best Personalized Mug

Shelly Klein Personalized Hobby Mugs

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Some personalized mugs display sentimental family photos. Others have silly quotations on them or a loved one's initials. But they all add a touch of character to your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, including these personalized mugs from Uncommon Goods. Customers can get a person's name printed on them or a family name and the year they were "established." The unique part is that you get to customize a whimsical cartoon illustration of yourself or a beloved person in your life. There are 27 hobbies and passions to choose from, ranging from golf to gardening and even holiday-themed options.

Our tester found that there was more than enough variety to create a personalized replica. You can even add pets. Our tester said the designs are printed sharply and clearly and that the colors are bold. The only concern is that the text may be uneven by a fraction. It's almost impossible to notice—we're talking the difference of a millimeter—but it's worth acknowledging nonetheless.

The mugs are 15 ounces each and only come in white ceramic, which makes it easier for the illustrations to pop. As expected, they are a little pricier than an average mug, but they aren't overly expensive, especially for such a fun, one-of-a-kind gift. The mugs themselves have a satisfying weight and a large, comfortable handle, which makes up for the price tag even more. One of our favorite touches is that users can preview the illustration before purchasing to know they will love it upon arrival.

Price at time of publish: $32 for 1 Mug

Capacity: 15 ounces | Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.5 inches | Material: Ceramic