They have a lot of great benefits, but how well do ceramic travel mugs keep coffee hot?
We know they impart no flavor on your drink and the also don’t leach any chemicals.
We know they look and feel more like a real coffee mug.
We know they are microwave safe.
On the other hand, we also know they are not as durable as plastic or metal. They are also heavier.
But how do they do in keeping your drink the temperature you want?
Does A Ceramic Mug Keep Coffee Hot?
Yes, it does. But how well depends on the insulation.
And no matter how well it is insulated, a ceramic mug will never keep your coffee hot as long as a vacuum insulated steel mug.
Any good ceramic travel coffee mug has two layers. They are usually referred to as double walled ceramic mugs. These mugs do a goo job of insulating your drink, meaning hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold. And you hands do not feel the heat or the cold.
That said, stainless steel mugs still do better.
Ceramic travel mugs that are not insulated are basically like a regular coffee cup. They do not retain heat well. Most are lidded, which helps, but these are not the cups you want for coffee. If you go ceramic, definitely go with a double layer insulated mug.
The double insulation does a good job of retaining heat and it makes ceramic a viable material for a travel mug. While not as good as an insulated stainless steel mug, porcelain mugs are usually cheaper and they don’t flavor your drink (neither do good metal ones).
Another bonus: you can put them in the microwave to reheat your drink. You can not do that with any metal mug and plastic ones often leach chemicals when microwaved (there are microwave safe plastic mugs available, however).
Finally, ceramic mugs just look and feel cooler. Plus, a regular coffee cup is made out of ceramic as well. Obviously, it is a good material for the purpose. It only makes sense to take it on the road with you.