Yes, I realize that this seems like a no-brainer, but frankly, there is so much more to this than I can even begin to describe in a single article. But let’s go through the main options and why most of them are terrible and that you need a seriously awesome mug.
Paper cups are awful, there is little to no heat retention and frankly, they are like the second worst for the environment.
Styrofoam cups are another disposable option which puts tons of waste into landfills every year. As much fun as it is to squish them once you’re done with them for the morning they are just not practical for daily use.
Ceramic mugs are a good start for people who are intent on enjoying their cup of coffee without contributing to our ever-expanding landfill problems. It doesn’t do terribly for heat retention, but it won’t keep your coffee piping hot until you finish that 10 am morning conference call.
Travel mugs can get you closer to a long-lasting hot cup of joe and since they are mostly not disposable, and have some heat retention built in. they can be a bit pricier than your disposable cups and even more so than ceramic mugs.
What if you like your travel mug but just need it to stay warmer just a bit longer? You might consider using a coffee “joule”. These stainless steel gadgets do one simple thing and that regulates the temperatures around them by absorbing excess heat and letting that temperature drop more slowly by releasing the stored up energy into its environment.
Finally, you have specialty mugs like the ember which are capable of maintaining your coffee at a specific temperature indefinitely if they are plugged in at your desk. This is the ultimate in “I must have my coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking at all times” or as hubby and I would call them hipsters.
