7 Best Glass Coffee Mugs You Can Buy, According to Experts | Food & Wine

2022-06-18 21:57:15 By : Ms. Rain Lu

With many ways to brew coffee and more high-quality beans on the market than ever, coffee enthusiasts want a variety of vessels to sip their beloved caffeinated beverages. You too could probably benefit from an upgraded mug collection. Along with on-the-ground research, connecting with coffee experts and consumers tells us that glass coffee mugs are a great addition to your routine. 

We've found your new favorite everyday mug, on-the-go mug (that you won't want to forget), high-end mug, and more. Bodum's Bistro mug came out ahead for its simple and practical design, plus its ability to keep coffee hot with its double-walled construction — a characteristic that coffee aficionados consider essential for glass mugs.

Also available at Crate & Barrel and Wayfair.

Pros: These durable, double-walled mugs hold heat and hold up in the dishwasher and microwave.

Cons: These glasses only hold 10 ounces. If you're an avid coffee consumer and your average glass is more than a single cup (8 ounces), this mug will need refills.

Many consider the Bodum Bistro glass coffee mug their favorite thanks to its heat-resistant borosilicate glass (perfect for piping-hot coffee) and double-walled construction, which lets you hold the glass without fear of burning your hands. You can use it for cold brew, too, as it resists condensation. It also keeps your coffee tables and nightstands free of water rings. We love this mug's simple design, the thickness and feel of its handle, and smaller size, which makes it easy to hold. Indeed, many consider the Bodum Bistro glass coffee mug their favorite, including food scientist and barista Melissa Collins of Perfect Brew: "My top pick would be Bodum Bistro Double Wall insulated coffee mug." Anja Wolf of I Love Cookware feels the same way, "When it comes to drinking my favorite hot or iced coffee, nothing beats a Bodum glass."

Pros: These strong, sturdy mugs have a heavy base and are 100% lead-free.

Cons: Hand-wash is recommended since the dishwasher can leave condensation between the walls and interior of the mug.

Like most of our top picks, the Sweese Glass Coffee Cup consists of double-walled, heat-resistant borosilicate glass to keep your coffee hot (or cold). Its heavy, wide-bottom base will keep it grounded on uneven surfaces – whether that's a picnic blanket spread over grass or a wobbly breakfast table with toddlers.

For some, however, these upsides (like the mug's heaviness) may seem less desirable. A small silicone vent on the bottom of these mugs allows the glass to breathe, but dishwasher use will leave condensation between the mug's walls and interior. Because of this, hand-washing is best.  

Also available at Target (4 for $10).

Pro: Holding 13 ounces, these lead-free mugs are a generous size for everyday use, and they're inexpensive.

Con: Without double walling, these mugs are more prone to breaking and can only hold cold or warm (not hot) beverages.

With four mugs costing less than a cup of coffee each, the Libbey Robusta Mug Set would be a great option to stock up on. In addition to the great value, these mugs hold 13 ounces – perfect for big pours on tired mornings and serving guests generous amounts of java. Without a double-walled design, however, the glass can feel hot. That said, these are a comfortable choice for less-than-simmering coffee or cold brew on a hot day.

Pros: It comes in two sizes and several colors. The glass and lid are both dishwasher safe on the top rack. 

Cons: This glass is not double walled, so you need to handle it carefully. The cork band must be removed before washing or using in the microwaving. 

For those who are tired of endlessly contributing to waste with paper coffee cups, the KeepCup Brew stands out as a great alternative. While a glass to-go cup may seem like a risky investment, this one's built to last. It's made from durable, tempered glass and comes with a cork band that takes the place of a pesky cardboard sleeve to spare your hands from hot glass. The 12-ounce KeepCup Brew fits beneath espresso machines, so ordering your daily latte with this reusable glass won't annoy your local barista. You can also purchase a 16-ounce size for larger orders at your favorite coffee shop. Think of how many paper cups you'll save. 

Pros: They're specifically designed to highlight the flavor notes of coffee. It doubles as a great vessel for tea.

Cons: You can't put them in the dishwasher or microwave. Some coffee drinkers will prefer handles.

Do you own multiple coffee makers? Do you steer away from chains and seek out single-origin beans? If so, Stagg's sleek, hand-blown Tasting Glasses were designed for you. Made from double-walled borosilicate that's comfortable to hold, these glasses need no handles. Their flared lip design allows flavors to fully hit your palate, making your morning cup of coffee more of an experience and less of a mundane routine.

Pros: Available in four colors, these mugs check all the boxes for design and durability.

Cons: They hold just under 7 ounces, which is less than a full cup of coffee, and are the priciest on the list at $28 per mug.

If aesthetic and color play dominant roles in your kitchen, allow these glass mugs to spruce up your dinner parties, birthday celebrations, or everyday. Choose your favorite of four colors, mix and match them to form a set, or gift them. Also, note that just because they're pretty doesn't mean they're not practical. These double-walled borosilicate mugs can go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Pros: A ribbed design adds visual interest, and the wooden lid limits desk-side spills. 

Cons: It's not meant to stand up to the microwave, dishwasher, or boiling-hot coffee.

Yes, you're allowed to buy mugs for looks alone. This one caught our eye for its vintage style and the cute wooden lid, which can help prevent spills when sipping at your desk. Consisting of a single wall of soda-lime glass (the same material as most glass beverage bottles), it's not an ideal choice for boiling hot liquids. You can, however, safely enjoy warm cups of coffee or iced coffee as you please.

For serious coffee drinkers, borosilicate glass with double-walled construction offers durability, thermal shock resistance, and heat retention. Glass mugs call for gentle care, with most manufacturers recommending hand-washing them. The coffee mug that most stands out to the experts and aficionados we consulted is the Bodum Bistro.  

One of the biggest factors to consider is size. How much coffee do you really drink? If you measure it out, you may be surprised. Many of these glasses are 12 ounces or less, which equates to 1.5 cups or less. You'd be shocked by how many of your coffee mugs hold more than 16 ounces, as bigger mugs are popular. Take an honest look at your coffee consumption (in one sitting) before deciding which glass mugs to invest in.

Double-walled borosilicate glass offers everything you want in a glass coffee mug. If a glass mug isn't double-walled, it will lose heat more quickly and/or feel hot to the touch. Other materials, like soda-lime glass, are more prone to breaking. Peek at the fine details before purchasing.

Yes, most glass coffee mugs are made of durable materials and can be used safely. You have to be more careful with glass mugs that do not have double-walled construction or are made of more fragile materials. But most glass on the market is made of glass that's resistant to thermal shock and can easily hold a hot cup of coffee.

Reheating your coffee in the microwave in a glass mug depends on manufacturer details, as you'll find that recommendations for handling the same materials vary from brand to brand. 

The best way to clean glass coffee mugs depends on the type of glass and construction. Check with the manufacturer's details before washing your glass mug. Most tempered glass mugs can handle the high heat of the dishwasher and can be washed on the top rack. For borosilicate glass with double-walled construction, many manufacturers recommend hand-washing, as water can get in between the walls on a vigorous wash cycle.

Years of tasting and writing about food, wine, and coffee guide Melissa Vogt's research. As a tourist, Vogt seeks out local coffee shops, and she's well acquainted with every coffee shop in her hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif. Read more of her writing on her website and in Napa Valley Life, Very Napa Valley, and Wine Country This Month. As part of her research, Melissa discussed glass coffee mugs with local and national coffee shop and café owners, as well as coffee connoisseurs in the drinks business.