If you're anything like me, just trying to function as a normal human without a regular top up of caffeine at key intervals throughout the day is almost impossible.
So I get it. Keeping yourself caffeinated has become priority number one, especially those of you running around trying to keep up with your hectic schedules. The school runs, stuck in rush hour traffic or squeezing in an hour or two at the gym, whatever it may be, a travel mug can literally be a lifesaver.
But for anyone jumping on the travel mug bandwagon, picking out a suitable mug can be a challenge, especially when you're deciding on which material is going to be the most beneficial.
I'll make it easy for you. The best material for an insulated travel mug is one that has been coated in a thin layer of ceramic.
Still unsure? Keep on reading, and I bet I can convince you.
The Problem With Regular Travel Mugs
The problem that plagues steel or plastic travel tumblers or mugs is that they almost always affect the taste of the beverage being kept inside. It doesn't matter if you have one that cost a few bucks or one that came with a hefty price tag, this issue will still be apparent.
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing inherently wrong with regular insulated travel mugs such as those made from BPA free plastic or durable stainless steel.
By the way - Stainless steel is the better of the two.
But what if I told you that you could take a regular insulated stainless steel travel mug and make it even better. Have I got your attention?
By adding a ceramic layer, you elevate a regular stainless steel travel mug and tumbler.
Let's take a closer look.
What's So Special About Ceramic Coated Travel Mugs?
With ceramic coated travel mugs, you get the durability and the insulation properties of stainless steel but with the added benefit of a dual-layer hardened ceramic coating.
But what's so special about a ceramic coating, I hear you say? Well, it all comes down to taste.
A ceramic coated mug offers everything you love about your favorite insulated travel mug without sacrificing taste. The ceramic coating forms a barrier that stops any metallic tastes from leaching into your beverage.
You don't drink out of a metal cup when you're at home, so there's no reason why you should when you hit the road with your travel mug.
Also, another plus is that the ceramic material does not absorb flavors or aromas, which makes mugs coated in ceramic an excellent long-term choice.
Especially, If you are someone who enjoys switching between coffee, tea, or cold beverages, then resilient materials such as ceramics are going to be the best option.
Ceramic Coated Mugs Provide Better Durability
One of the problems with regular stainless steel mugs and tumblers is durability. Sure, they're strong and can withstand knocks and bangs on your daily commute, but when it comes to cleaning, you have to be careful not to scratch the surface.
Nothing looks worse than a scratched and scuffed metal tumbler. Not only that, but those microscopic scratches can actually harbor germs and bacteria.
This is where a durable thick ceramic coating can come to the rescue. It prevents scuffs and scratches on the steel surface, and the non-porous coating eliminates areas for bacteria to collect. It's a win-win!
Are Ceramic Mugs Safe To Drink From?
Absolutely.
Ceramic materials have a long history stemming back thousands of years. The material itself does not contain any harmful ingredients. However, some manufacturers add various chemicals during production that can be toxic.
These chemicals are commonly used in the glazing and decorating stage of production.
It's worth noting, however, that these issues are directed more towards traditional ceramic cups, plates, and other kitchenware and not modern ceramic coated travel tumblers which I am talking about in this article.
Take our insulated ceramic coated tumblers as an example. All the ceramic coatings used on the Taste The Earth range are completely safe, and they have passed rigorous testing and are FDA, Ca. Prop65 and RoHS compliant.
So you can grab one of our travel tumblers and have peace of mind that your drink not only tastes how it should, but you're also not getting any unwanted chemicals unknowingly leaching into your drink.
How About Heat Retention?
Ceramic coatings do provide some additional insulation properties to travel mugs and tumblers. But it's the double walled insulation found inside the body of the tumbler or mug that provides most of the beneficial heat retention.
The tight fitting lid supplied with the tumbler or mug also helps retain a lot of the drink's heat.
A few travel mug insulation technologies are used in many of the best travel mugs. These include: a simple double wall, an internal foam layer, or vacuum insulated.
A vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel tumbler or mug will keep your coffee the hottest - always. The insulated vacuum layer does not conduct heat from the inside of the tumbler or mug to the outside.
A simple "double wall" mug has an air layer that conducts some heat. A foam-insulated mug has foam that conducts heat - not much, but it's a noticeable amount compared to vacuum insulated mugs and tumblers.
So, to summarize. Double walled or vacuum sealed technology coated in a durable ceramic layer is going to be your best option.
Even though ceramic has a slight impact on heat retention, it ultimately comes down to the inner technology used to manufacture the travel mug or tumbler on just how long your drinks stay piping hot or freezing cold.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, if you've gotten this far, you now understand the benefits of ceramic coated travel mugs.
You can see that they are a far superior option to just a regular stainless steel travel tumbler or mug. I'm certainly a fan, and I have been sipping away on my coffee in a ceramic coated mug as I sit and write this.
Just remember, If you've ever noticed an unpleasant metallic taste when using a regular travel tumbler, it's actually a reaction with the metal and your drink.
But be warned, an unpleasant metallic taste could be the least of your worries - depending on the quality of the stainless steel, the tumbler or mug could be slowly leaching toxic chemicals into your drink.
That's what makes a ceramic coated tumbler far more superior. You have a protective layer that shields your drinks from the stainless steel body, ensuring that your favorite beverages always taste as they should.
Mark Morphew is a freelance writer specializing in digital marketing and the hospitality sector. He helps coffee, catering, and food tech businesses create better content that drives more traffic and increases customer engagement.
