Hot coffee for cold days — what should you carry it in?
On the way to work or university, during morning errands or while reading the paper, coffee to go has become increasingly familiar. You can stop at a café or bring your favourite aromatic — and importantly, hot — coffee from home. What should you carry it in to enjoy it at its best?
Paper cup, insulated mug or vacuum flask?
Each option has advantages and drawbacks. Paper cups are most familiar from takeaway cafés. They are convenient when you plan to drink the coffee soon after buying it, but the drink cools fairly quickly.
Some people feel that paper cups affect the taste. For others, they are part of the familiar morning ritual and a practical way to enjoy a first coffee while rushing to the next stop.
Which insulated travel mug should you choose?
A walk through an autumn park with your favourite hot coffee? Why not? Travel mugs are also common on buses, trams and trains, or in the car on the way to work or university.
A good insulated mug keeps the drink warm for longer — particularly welcome when days turn colder, darker and greyer. You can fill it at home or ask a café whether they can serve your coffee in your own clean cup.
Metal or plastic?
We particularly recommend well-made double-walled metal mugs. Good insulation helps maintain temperature, while a suitable food-safe interior avoids unwanted tastes and odours.
They can cost more than basic plastic models, but inexpensive plastic cups may cool quickly, be less durable or impart an unwanted flavour. Some designs combine a metal interior with a plastic exterior; check that the joins and construction are robust.
Whatever the material, look for a mug that is comfortable, reasonably light, leak-resistant and easy to clean. If carrying it inside a bag, check whether it is genuinely leakproof rather than merely splash-resistant.
Heated mugs powered from a car socket or USB are another option for people who want to maintain warmth. Follow the device's instructions and make sure it is suitable for the intended use.
Coffee in a vacuum flask
A flask is useful if you want to enjoy hot coffee over a longer period, for example throughout a working day. It is less convenient for drinking directly while moving than a purpose-designed travel mug.
It is an excellent companion for a journey or a hike in the mountains. A warm, aromatic cup on the trail or at the summit can feel priceless.