Why Invest in a Good Travel Mug
If you take a drink on the go — whether it’s your morning coffee, tea for the office, or iced water for the gym — the right travel mug can genuinely improve your day. With hybrid working, commuting, and increased focus on sustainability, a reusable cup has become a daily essential across the UK.
At Redber, we don’t just sell travel mugs — we use and test them ourselves in the roastery, on the school run, at events, and on the road. That means we know what actually performs, what stays leakproof, and which mugs genuinely keep drinks hot or cold for hours.
This guide will help you choose the best travel mug for your lifestyle, featuring the most popular and highest-rated brands in the UK right now: Stanley, Frank Green, KeepCup, Bodum, Kinto, Black+Blum, and Huskee.
The Benefits of Using a Reusable Travel Mug
✔ Keeps Drinks Hot or Cold for Longer
A high-quality insulated mug can keep coffee hot for hours and cold drinks chilled throughout the day — ideal for commutes, road trips, gym sessions and day-to-day use.
✔ Saves Money at Coffee Shops
Many cafés reward customers for bringing their own cup, and making your coffee at home quickly adds up to noticeable savings.
✔ Better for the Planet
Millions of disposable coffee cups end up in UK waste streams each week. A reusable mug cuts that waste dramatically — and some brands, like Huskee and Black+Blum, use materials that reduce environmental impact even further.
✔ Matches Your Lifestyle
There’s a travel mug for every need:
• Leakproof for bags
• Lightweight for city commuting
• Barista-friendly for café refills
• Insulated for long journeys and outdoor days
✔ Designed for Modern Life
Lids now sip smoothly, fit cup holders and minimise spills — so your drink fits around your routine, not the other way around.
What to Look for When Choosing a Travel Mug
Choosing the right cup depends on how, where and what you drink. Before picking based on colour alone, consider the following:
-
Insulation
Stainless steel double-wall insulation is the standard for long-lasting temperature control. If you want hours of heat or cold retention, look for this feature. -
Leakproofing
If the mug will live in a handbag, work bag or backpack, choose one with a secure leak-resistant lid. Some are “spill resistant” (fine for desks and car cup holders) and others lock fully. -
Material & Taste Experience
When choosing a travel mug, the material makes a real difference to both performance and taste. Stainless steel is strong, long-lasting and well-insulated, making it a reliable choice for keeping drinks hot or cold. If you prefer a cleaner flavour with no metallic notes, ceramic-lined stainless steel options, such as those from Frank Green, offer a more neutral taste. For a café-style feel, glass with a cork or silicone grip (like the KeepCup Brew) provides a pure flavour and a lighter drinking experience. If sustainability is a priority, eco-materials such as coffee husk or recycled blends, found in brands like Huskee and Black+Blum, are an excellent choice. -
Ease of Cleaning
Simple parts make it easier to keep hygienic. Check whether it’s dishwasher-friendly and how many small components the lid has. -
Size and Cup-Holder Fit
Consider if it needs to fit in a car holder, under a coffee machine spout, or in a bag.
8–12 oz works well for espresso-based drinks; 16–20 oz suits tea, long coffees or hydration.
The Best Travel Mugs & Reusable Cups – Our Top Brands
Stanley – Best for Heat Hold, Durability & Busy Days
Stanley’s reputation is built on reliability. If you want a mug that can handle everything from a daily commute to a full outdoor day, this is a top choice. Stanley mugs are known for keeping drinks hot or cold for extended periods and for lids that feel secure.
Why we recommend Stanley:
• Outstanding insulation
• Hard-wearing and dependable
• Great for commuting, road trips and outdoor use
Frank Green – Best for Style, Flavour & City Life
Frank Green mugs combine design, performance and a premium feel. The ceramic-lined interior prevents flavour transfer, even if you switch from coffee to tea. The lids make one-hand sipping easy, ideal for commutes or errands.
Why we recommend Frank Green:
• Modern colourways and sleek style
• Ceramic lining helps keep flavours clean
• Feels premium and fits perfectly into urban life
KeepCup – Best for Café Culture & Barista-Friendly Design
KeepCup built its name in the coffee world. Designed for baristas and café service, these cups offer a true café drinking experience in reusable form. The glass Brew Cup range offers a pure taste and comes with a cork or silicone band for comfort.
Why we recommend KeepCup:
• Barista-friendly sizing
• Glass option for pure coffee flavour
• Lightweight for everyday carry
Bodum – Best for Coffee Lovers & On-the-Go Brewing
Bodum offers strong value and is a popular choice for coffee-focused customers. Their most unique product is the travel press, which lets you brew fresh coffee directly inside the cup — ideal for offices, hotels or camping.
Why we recommend Bodum:
• Great value for money
• Smart options for on-the-go brewing
• Good choice for coffee enthusiasts
Kinto – Best for Minimal Design & “Slow Living” Style
Kinto travel tumblers are known for their thoughtful Japanese design, smooth finish and elegant simplicity. These cups feel calming and intentional — ideal for those who appreciate clean aesthetics and mindful drinking.
Why we recommend Kinto:
• Minimalist, stylish and well-balanced design
• Comfortable to hold and sip
• Ideal for work, study, and gentle weekend routines
Black+Blum – Best for Eco-Design & Practical Everyday Use
Black+Blum products combine sustainability with practical design. Their travel cups are well-insulated, smartly shaped and designed to reduce environmental impact through material and longevity focus.
Why we recommend Black+Blum:
• Thoughtful eco-friendly design
• Lightweight and practical
• Works well for active urban lifestyles
Huskee – Best for Sustainability & Circular Reuse Schemes
Huskee cups are made from coffee husk, a natural by-product of the coffee industry. They’re durable, comfortable to hold, and designed for reuse programmes, making them a brilliant option for those prioritising sustainability.
Why we recommend Huskee:
• Made from coffee husk, reducing waste
• Durable with a distinct ribbed design
• Stackable, lightweight and ideal for cafés or offices
Which Travel Mug Is Right for You?
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a quick guide:
| Best For | Choose |
|---|---|
| Long heat hold & durability | Stanley |
| Pure flavour & modern style | Frank Green |
| Barista-style café experience | KeepCup |
| Coffee brewing anywhere | Bodum |
| Minimalist, design-led feel | Kinto |
| Eco-design & active lifestyle | Black+Blum |
| Sustainable material & reuse scheme | Huskee |
Comparison Table
| Brand | Heat Retention | Leakproof | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley | Excellent | Strong | Stainless Steel | Commuting, outdoors, busy days |
| Frank Green | Very Good | Very Good | Ceramic-Lined Stainless | Stylish daily use, clean flavour |
| KeepCup | Low-Medium |
Low-Medium | Glass or Plastic | Café refills, short trips |
| Bodum | Medium-Good | Good | Stainless/Plastic | Coffee lovers, brewing on the go |
| Kinto | Very Good | Good | Stainless Steel | Stylish, minimal living |
| Black+Blum | Good-Very Good | Very Good | Stainless/Eco Materials | Eco-focused daily use |
| Huskee | Low-Medium | Medium | Coffee Husk | Sustainable, home/office use |
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Buying based on colour alone
❌ Choosing a mug that doesn’t fit your car holder or bag
❌ Ignoring lid design (common cause of leaks)
❌ Buying cheap with poor insulation
❌ Not cleaning lid seals properly
Pro Tips for Maintenance & Maximum Use
Rinse or wash immediately after use especially if you switch drinks (coffee → tea → water).
Use a bottle brush for lids with seals.
Don’t overfill if the lid is a push-button type — pressure may build.
For cold drinks, pre-chilling the mug can improve ice-time.
Check seals and gaskets periodically; replace if worn.
Some stainless steel mugs should not go in a microwave. Always check
If you invest in a quality travel mug, you’ll get years of use, better drink experiences and less waste. Focus on lid, insulation, material and fit for your lifestyle. Whether you go for a rugged Stanley for outings, a stylish Frank Green for the city, or a practical Bodum for everyday use, you’ll be making a smart purchase.
Now go ahead — pick the mug you’ll want to carry every day and make it your go-to. Your coffee (or tea) deserves it – and your planet does too.
FAQs
How do I clean a travel mug properly?
Hand-washing is often recommended, especially for lids. Check if dishwasher-safe. Remove seals occasionally to avoid build-up.
What size should I buy?
12–16 oz suits most coffee drinkers. If you mainly drink espresso-based drinks, 8–12 oz works well.
Which is best for tea?
Frank Green or Kinto for clean flavour; Stanley if you want to keep it hot for hours.
Which mug fits under coffee machines?
KeepCup, Huskee and smaller Frank Green sizes fit well beneath most home and café machines.
