No talkie before coffee. If we’re being honest, there’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of coffee in the morning. While you’re still adjusting to the day, it’s the gentle nudge you need to get going. If you’re a coffee aficionado, then you know that not just any vessel will do for your daybreak delight.
A glass coffee mug is more than just beautiful. It’s also sleek, durable, and won’t transfer flavors as other mugs will do. If you’ve never tried one before, now is the time to browse the unique options on the market. Today, we’re sharing how to find the best glass coffee mugs around!
What Are Glass Coffee Mugs?
Glass coffee mugs look and work as their name implies. They’re just like your favorite everyday mugs, but made with smooth glass that gives them an elevated appearance.
While the idea of drinking coffee out of a glass cup might raise your eyebrows, there’s a reason why these mugs have seen a recent surge in popularity. Glass mugs are style-forward and ideal for snapping that perfect Instagram shot of your creamer cascading elegantly into the black java.
Most glass mugs are made of a special type of glass called borosilicate glass. This material contains boron trioxide, which helps it hold up against very hot temperatures. If you simply poured piping hot coffee into a glass coffee cup, you could end up with a burning mess that’s as dangerous as it is sticky. Around the country, you’ll find borosilicate glass mugs in upscale restaurants, coffee shops, and wineries.
Now, you can bring that same sophistication to your morning pick-me-up routine! You don’t have to feel stuck with those free ceramic mugs you’ve been collecting from friends, family members, and colleagues. With a few swaps, you can transform your coffee bar into the Pinterest-worthy spread of your dreams.
Why Should You Use Glass Coffee Mugs?
Why should you invest in higher-priced glass coffee mugs when you already have a cabinet filled with dozens of inexpensive ones? This is a smart switch that you’ll appreciate and use for years to come. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why these mugs are worth a second look.
No Flavor Transfer
Have you ever gone in for a sip of your coffee and smelled an odor that just seemed a little “off”? Maybe you picked up on notes from that tea you made the night before, or the veggie soup you heated up a few weeks ago. Some mugs and tumblers, especially those made of metal, will retain the scents and even flavors of their past lives.
This can lead to an unpleasant mingling, which affects the quality and taste of your latest pour. This is less of an issue with ceramic mugs, but it’s especially uncommon with glass vessels. You can rest assured that as long as you wash yours after each use, it will smell fresh and clean every time you reach for it.
Insulated For Comfort
Worried that a glass coffee mug will be too hot to handle? Don’t be. Most are made of double-walled, insulated glass, so this is never an issue. This makes the mugs thicker and sturdier, too.
This is mostly a problem seen with single-walled metal mugs designed for hiking and outdoor use, although newer releases are more insulated than previous models. Glass is non-conductive, so you don’t have to worry about it “stealing” the heat from your beverage.
Microwavable
While metal coffee mugs are designed to keep your coffee hotter for longer, they don’t work forever. Eventually, the liquid will turn cold, and you might not want to toss it out. To salvage it, you’d have to transfer it to a different mug that’s safe to use in a microwave.
If you’ve ever tried to transfer liquid from one cup to the next, then you know how drippy and complicated that can be! With a glass mug or tumbler, you can simply reheat your drink in the microwave when it starts to cool.
Recyclable
According to research, more than 75% of people want to live more sustainable lifestyles. Does that include you? If so, then glass coffee mugs are an easy choice.
These are recyclable, so you can place them in your bin whenever you’re ready to swap yours out for a few new ones. This is one small way that you can make a difference and life a little greener.
Transparent
Next, let’s talk aesthetics. Glass mugs are simply pretty! Unlike any other type of mug, you can see the contents clearly from the outside. That makes them the perfect choice when you want to photograph your serene afternoon coffee break or showcase your latte art skills.
It’s no secret that we’ve become a nation obsessed with documenting even the most mundane parts of our lives. Food photography is a booming industry, and everyone wants in on the action. Whether you’re sipping solo by the sunrise or toasting with your gal pals over brunch, glass mugs are always ready for a selfie.
Versatile
Kitschy coffee mugs are a dime a dozen. You can find one with virtually any slogan or catchy saying splattered across the front, and many of those play on the lighthearted nature of a coffee addiction. While these are undeniably fun, they also speak to the fact that your mug is solely designed to hold your favorite brew.
On the other hand, glass mugs are beautiful and versatile enough to hold a range of beverages. You’ll reach for yours when it’s time to fill up in the morning, but also in the evening, when your beloved hot tea is calling your name. It’s also a chic way to drink your happy hour red wine!
How to Find the Best Glass Coffee Mugs: Features to Look For
Now that we’ve covered a few of the top reasons why glass coffee mugs are a great addition to your home coffee station, are you ready to start shopping for your new favorite? Before you dive into the options, it helps to make a list of the features that you need in a new coffee mug. Use this list below to help narrow your options to only those that fit the bill.
Double-Walled and Insulated
The best glass coffee mugs are insulated and double-walled for your handling comfort. Not only does this design keep your fingers cool, but it also keeps your coffee hot at the same time. All of the heat stays in your beverage, so you can handle the mug with ease. It will also stay hot for hours, so it’s ideal if you plan to take your java with you on the road.
Another benefit of a double-walled glass mug? The extra layer prevents condensation. This way, you aren’t limited to hot beverages, only. It’s ideal for carrying your afternoon iced latte, and won’t sweat or leave a puddle on your counter or in the cup holder of your car.
Lastly, a double-walled mug is fun to look at! It gives the illusion that your beverage is floating in air, which offers a unique presentation element.
Borosilicate Glass
As mentioned, only shop for mugs that are made of borosilicate glass. This type of glass is extremely durable, so you can avoid dinging and scratching your new mug as soon as you buy it. In addition, it’s also dishwasher safe!
It can be a challenge to scrub a coffee mug completely clean, especially if you leave your beverage inside it for hours at a time. Choosing a mug that you can easily pop in the wash for a thorough deep-clean is a smart move.
The Right Size
When shopping for a glass mug, consider the size that you need. Are you someone who nurses a small cup of coffee all day? If so, then a traditional, 8-ounce mug will be a great choice. A latte mug is a little larger and holds around 11 to 15 ounces.
If you need a bit more volume, then look for a travel mug that you can take with you on the go. These are designed to be just a little bigger than a standard coffee mug and usually fit well in your cup holder. Most will hold between 15 to 20 ounces of liquid. If you rely on a jumbo-sized tumbler of coffee to power through your day, then you’ll likely need one that holds more than 20 ounces. Make sure yours has a lid to avoid spills on potholes and rough terrain.
Thankfully, you can find glass mugs in all of these ranges. Just be sure to check the dimensions on the manufacturer’s label before you add one to your cart.
Versatility Ease of Use
High-quality glass mugs aren’t just dishwasher-safe. You can also place them in the freezer or microwave without worrying about whether or not they’ll burst. This can expand the use of your mugs, tenfold. Consider all of the delicious mug cakes you can make now!
Plus, these mugs are easier to clean and protect. They’re less likely to show signs of wear and tear, even after years of daily use.
Set or Single
When you start to shop, you’ll find that you can purchase individual glass coffee mugs or full sets that contain between three and five mugs. Usually, these mugs are available in a few different sizes, so you can stock up and prepare for any occasion.
If you’re not sure which one to pick, think about the times that you anticipate using your mug the most. Do you love to host brunches and get-togethers? If so, then a collection makes sense. Otherwise, you might need only one if you just plan to use it as part of your everyday coffee routine.
Decorative Touches
Think you have to give up your fun and fancy embellishments once you go glass? Not at all! Today, you can find tons of different options that are glammed up with everything from etched phrases to gold rims.
If decoration is high on your list of features you want, then look for one that fits your personal style! Glass mugs don’t have to be boring, but remember that your coffee will become part of the art, too.
5 Top Options for Glass Coffee Mugs
It’s time to add a glass coffee mug to your kitchen collection. Below, we’re sharing five of our top choices, all available online with just a few clicks! As you browse the available models, keep in mind that this is just a small sample of what’s out there.
Use the list of features above to guide your purchasing decision. Ultimately, the best mug for you is one that you’ll use on a regular basis! If it’s just gathering dust in the back of your cabinet, then the investment wasn’t worth it. These five options are as practical and durable as they are beautiful, so you can’t go wrong.
Kook Glass Coffee Mugs
Available as a set of six, you can overhaul your entire mug collection with these Kook Glass Coffee Mugs. Each mug is made of borosilicate glass and is designed to hold 15 fluid ounces. They’re five inches tall with a 3.8-inch base and 5.25-inch rim.
The thick handles make these mugs easy to grasp, and the wide-footed bases mean they won’t wobble around on your tabletop. Talk about durability! You’ll also enjoy the slightly curved rims, which make for easy, enjoyable sipping.
Safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, they’re the rugged mugs you’ve been looking for. Yet, they’re also surprisingly lightweight. Thanks to the Kook Promise, you can be confident that yours will arrive in superior protective packaging.
LUXU Glass Coffee Mugs
Nearly 2,000 reviewers can’t be wrong. The LUXU Glass Coffee Mugs are incredible.
These are available in a few differently-sized sets, and each mug is made of hand-blown borosilicate glass. The options include:
- Set of four mugs, 13 fluid ounces each
- Set of four mugs, 14 fluid ounces each
- Set of two mugs, 15 fluid ounces each
- Set of four mugs, 16 fluid ounces each
- Set of four mugs, 17 fluid ounces each
Crystal clear and lightweight, these mugs are great for sipping a variety of beverages, from cappuccinos to smoothies. They’re also highly transparent, delivering an excellent view of your beverage. The glass is dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator-safe, and is highly resistant to both heat and explosions.
Plus, the manufacturer mentions that the glass in these mugs has proven chemical stability, which makes it resistant to acids, alkalis, and preservatives that might be in your drink. This helps keep you safe from ingesting harmful chemicals.
One feature to note? While the handles are insulated for comfort, these mugs are single-walled. That means they will lose their heat a little more quickly than double-walled alternatives.
PunPun Clear Coffee Mugs
Available in a set of two, the handmade PunPun Clear Coffee Mugs each hold around 13 fluid ounces.
Some of the most versatile on our list, they’re double-walled, insulated and made of borosilicate glass. In addition to being safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave, they’re also fine to pop in the freezer! Safe in hot temperatures up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit and cold temperatures that reach to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re sure to become your go-to mugs.
We especially love the thoughtful features built into the design of each mug. The oversized handle is great for gripping, while the tiny hole in the inside of the base helps the mug balance with ease.
The lead-free glass is durable and scratch-resistant, so you’ll feel great about taking it everywhere and using it for everything. The manufacturer also took the look of the glass into account and created a lightweight drinking vessel with smooth, sleek lines and ultra-clear transparency.
PunPun offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy. If you don’t love your new mugs, then they’ll replace them or return your money, no questions asked. The brand follows strict packaging and quality control standards, so you can be sure that yours will arrive intact.
JoyJolt Declan Glass Coffee Mugs
Ready to add a brand-new set to your mug collection? The JoyJolt Declan Glass Coffee Mugs come in a set of six, so you’re all set for your next big gathering. Each mug holds 16 fluid ounces and measures 4.85 inches tall with a sturdy 3-inch base. The base features a small conclave that ensures it won’t tip over if you set it down absentmindedly.
Made of shatter-proof, lead-free glass, these mugs feature a generously sized handle and wide, rolled-edge rim for comfy sipping. In fact, the handle was designed to be ultra-wide, allowing you to wrap two or even three fingers around your mug without pinching them. They can withstand hot temperatures of up to 295 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as cold beverages.
Safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave, these mugs are solid and built to last. They’re also lightweight, with each empty mug weighing in at just 0.1 ounces! If you prefer to hand-wash your mug, then you’ll enjoy the 3.9-inch-wide top, which allows you to easily fit your hand inside.
One of the best parts? We love the JoyJolt Lifetime Guarantee, which promises that you’ll love your mugs for years to come. They’ll arrive packaged in a sturdy box with a polyfoam inner for extra protection.
Eparé Store Glass Coffee Mugs
Sometimes, you just need a set of two mugs. These 12-ounce Eparé Store Glass Coffee Mugs would make a great gift, but they’re also just right for you and your partner to share.
Each mug holds 12 fluid ounces and is made of clear, hand-blown borosilicate glass. Including the handle, they measure three inches across, 4.5 inches tall, and 3.5 inches across the bottom. There’s no visible seam, and the only aesthetic detail is a small plug on the bottom, which designates the vacuum seal.
Double-walled for extra insulation, they are designed to keep your beverages at a consistent temperature for hours. In addition, they’re not prone to condensation, so the outside of the glass never gets wet or sweaty. You can expose them to hot temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius (752 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit).
Though they’re rugged enough to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer, these mugs are also thin and lightweight for easy portability. Keep in mind that they aren’t insulated though, which means you’ll need to use extra care and caution when handling them.
This set is backed by the Eparé Store’s lifetime guarantee, so you know it’s a great-quality product.
Find the Best Glass Coffee Mugs Today
Your morning routine is about to experience a major revamp. Glass mugs are gorgeous, durable, and more versatile than the ceramic ones you’ve been stockpiling for years.
Now that you know how to find the best glass coffee mugs, it’s time to get shopping! The ones we’ve highlighted today check every box in terms of dependability, quality, and performance.
Along the way, keep checking our site for more helpful buying guides and kitchen advice! We’ll keep you stocked with the cookware, serveware, and beverage tips you need to enliven the heart of your home.