YETI 14oz mug - PERFECT for coffee lovers
the ultimate caffeine vessel!
💵 → $30
Build is absolutely solid with all stainless steel and a durable powder coat on the colored models. But even though these are technically dishwasher-safe, I like to handwash them anyway to protect the colors. And definitely don’t drop these onto tile…it’s stainless steel, but it’ll still dent or scratch if you give it the chance.
Something YETI likes to tout on their drinkware is the “Triple Haul Grip” which is basically just a fancy way of saying “big handle.” But whatever they call it, I definitely find it comfortable to hold, even though it isn’t contoured like a typical porcelain mug. The flat surface I think gives me a bit more leverage, and it has plenty of finger room.
Also, this mug made me realize just how much I can’t live without a lid on my mugs. I like brewing a 12oz cup in the morning, and porcelain mugs tend to fill up pretty quickly with coffee and milk, and that just makes it so much easier for it to slosh out. I mean, the last thing I want to do after I wake up is clean up a hot mess. But the lid isn’t just for spills. It also helps trap the heat, because this is an insulated mug. Plus, I feel way less funny about putting the lids in the dishwasher. And the lids have magnets, and magnets are fun!
So, it's an insulated mug. Does it insulate? Well, I haven't run any scientific tests on this, but just from day-to-day usage, I tend to notice that with milk or creamer or whatever cold liquid you put in your coffee, it can stay at a drinkable temperature for about 1-1.5 hours (probably a bit closer to the 1 hour mark). And the less drink you have left in your mug, the quicker it will begin to cool off. That being said, if all the liquid inside is hot from the get-go, I tend to get closer to 2 hr.
So no, it won’t keep your coffee hot all day--not even all morning—but I’ve found that it just makes coffee more “sippable.” I can actually enjoy it in the morning without having to finish it before the room temperature does.
What about porcelain mugs?
Now with all the great things I have to say, you might be thinking, “Well man, I guess it’s about time to grab about fifty of these and start smashin’ up my old mugs. I guess I won’t need ‘em anymore, huh?"
Well…I’m afraid that’s not entirely the case.
These do tend to trap heat really well, but that doesn’t mean they trap it forever. If your coffee gets too cold, you gotta microwave it in a mug that’s safe for doing so. And metal isn’t exactly known for being microwaveable…
So even with how great these are, if you decide to get like this for yourself, I still recommend keeping a porcelain mug on the side in case you ever need a reheat.
What about other insulated mugs?
Also, there’s the competition factor: what about cheaper alternatives?
Well, I honestly can’t speak to the competition because I haven’t tried any of it myself. That being said, I personally think the design alone is worth the price—the big ol’ handle and the MagSlider lid really set it apart. And it definitely helps if you’re already in the YETI “ecosystem” since you can just swap out lids and such if need be. I mean, I literally have three of these. I think that kinda speaks for itself.
So even though they tend to run for $30, I still recommend it. It’s durable, easy to wash, comfortable to hold, retains heat well, and comes in fun colors! Plus, there are other sizes depending on what your needs are. There’s a 10 oz for more space efficiency, and there’s even a 24 oz for a big load o’ coffee! Really, the only downside is the high price tag.
Anyway, that’s all for now. Adios!