Coffee Cup vs. Mug

More times than not, the terms coffee cup and coffee mug are used as synonyms. But are they actually the same? Well, the answer is no.

So, what is the difference between coffee cups and coffee mugs? Well, the main differences are their structures and the type of drinks they are conventionally used for.

Generally, coffee mugs have a larger capacity than coffee cups. Their shape differs, and even their handles also differ.

The article does not end here! In the rest of this post, we will expand on the differences between coffee cups and mugs.

Differences Between Coffee Cups and Mugs

As we mentioned already, the structures of coffee mugs and coffee cups differ. Below, we explain how they do:

Shape

The bases of coffee cups are typically smaller than the brim. But the base of a coffee mug is usually the same size as the brim.

Sometimes, some coffee mugs may have bases that are smaller than their brims. However, the difference is usually not more than an inch.

Coffee mugs with bases smaller than brims usually have arched or short-sloped sides. But those with equal brims and bases are usually straight-sided.

Additionally, some coffee cups come with a saucer. But coffee mugs are usually on their own.

Handle

With the new types of coffee mug and cup designs we get these days, the handles are not reliable features to use for differentiation.

Nonetheless, between the two, coffee mugs usually always come with a handle. Contrarily, some varieties of coffee cups have no handle.

Also, the handles on coffee mugs are usually wider than those on coffee cups. A coffee mug handle should be able to fit 2-3 fingers. But coffee cups cannot.

Thickness

Coffee mugs are almost always thicker than coffee cups. Perhaps this contributes to their ability to keep coffee warmer for longer.

Holding Capacity

Coffee mugs generally hold more liquid than coffee cups. On average, a coffee mug in the US will hold around 8 to 12 ounces of liquid.

Cups, on the other hand, hold around 6 ounces of liquid, on average. Although some of the varieties used for to-go coffee can hold as much as the average coffee mug.

Some extra-large mugs can even contain up to 20 to 25 ounces of liquid. The relatively larger capacity of mugs makes them less suitable for small meals.

Conventional coffee cups, on the other hand, are great for small meals.

Portability

Some coffee cup varieties are portable. These types are made from disposable materials and used for to-go coffee. On the contrary, coffee mugs are almost always used in place.

Type of Drink They Are Conventionally Used For

You will find that by convention, some types of coffee are served in either mugs or cups. The truth is, you can use either a cup or a mug for any type of coffee. There is no rule, just custom or preference.

Generally, espresso-based drinks are served in mugs. This is understandable because such drinks require many ingredients, and mugs can contain them.

Coffee cups, on the other hand, are typically used for macchiatos and cappuccinos. They may also be used for tea and Con Panna.

Material Used in Making Them

Both coffee mugs and coffee cups may be made from ceramic. But some coffee cups, like the to-go coffee cups, are made from disposable materials like paper.

In rare cases, you may also find coffee mugs made from other materials like stainless steel.

Durability

Coffee cups made from ceramic are more likely to break than coffee mugs made from ceramic. Naturally, this holds because mugs are thicker than cups.

Heat Conservation

Coffee mugs keep coffee warm for longer. With their thickness and reduced surface area, heat loss is slower.

So with cups, coffee may get cold faster. The thinness and wide brim of coffee cups contribute to the quickness with which its content gets cold.

	Coffee Mug	Coffee Cup
Shape	Coffee mugs are shaped like cylinders. They typically have straight sides with their brims and bases having equal diameters. In some cases, the base might be smaller than the brim. But the difference is rarely over 1 inch.	Coffee cups are typically shaped like conical frustums. Their bases are usually smaller than the brim.
Handle	Coffee mugs come with larger handles.	Coffee cups come with small handles or no handles.
Thickness	Coffee mugs are thicker.	Coffee cups are thinner.
Holding Capacity	Generally, coffee mugs hold more liquid.	Coffee cups do not usually hold as much liquid as coffee mugs.
Portability	Coffee mugs are usually not portable.	Varieties of coffee cups made from disposable material are portable. They are used for to-go coffee.
Drink Types	By convention, coffee mugs are used for espresso-based drinks.	Coffee cups are typically used for cappuccinos, macchiatos, tea, and Con Panna.
Material	Coffee mugs are usually made from ceramic. But they may also be made of other materials like stainless steel and glass.	Coffee cups are made from ceramic too. But some varieties are made from disposable material like paper.
Durability	Coffee mugs are more resistant to breaking.	Coffee cups break easily.
Heat Conservation	Coffee mugs can keep liquids warm for longer.	Liquids get cold faster in coffee cups.

Our Favorite Coffee Mugs and Cups

Away from comparing coffee mugs and coffee cups, here is a list of some of our favorite products for each type of container.

Our 3 Favorite Coffee Cups

BTaT- Tea Cups and Saucers

This cup is perfect for not just tea but cappuccino, latte, and even macchiato. It is sold as a set of 6, and each cup comes with a saucer.

This white cup is ribbed and lined with gold – a classic design, all in all. It can hold up to 7 ounces of fluid.

 Amazingware Royal Tea Cups and Saucers

When you get this product, you get 6 cups and 6 saucers. The cups have a capacity of up to 8 ounces and are made of high-quality porcelain.

This cup comes in 3 colors: dark green, watermelon red, and white. Each one of these color varieties is ribbed and lined with gold. The product finds application at various occasions, including tea parties, weddings, and even gatherings.

Hefty Disposable Hot Cups with Lids

This product is a disposable coffee cup. It is pretty lightweight – weighing just 1 pound, and it can hold 16 ounces of fluid.

A pack of this product comes with 20 cups and 20 lids. The lids fit tightly, so if you want to move around with your coffee, you can do so without worries.

Also, you do not have to bother too much about disposing of these cups. They are eco-friendly and can be recycled.

Our 3 Favorite Coffee Mugs

YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug

This mug is unlike the usual ones. For one, it has extra layers of insulation and a lid to keep its contents warm for longer. It also comes with a handle tailored to fit some pretty wide hands.

The YETI Rambler mug is made of stainless steel, has a 14-ounce capacity, is available in 19 colors, and is dishwasher safe.

Lifecapido Set of 6 Coffee Mug Sets

This pack contains six 16-ounce coffee mugs with a simple design. Each one of the mugs has a colorful inside and a dark outside, giving them an attractive yet simple look.

The mugs are made from lead-free porcelain, they are comfortable to handle, and they are suitable for hot and cold coffee. You can use them in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and even oven.

Joyjolt Declan Coffee Mug

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This mug is made from transparent glass, which gives you a crystal-clear view of your dark coffee as you drink it. You could say the transparency gives it a unique aesthetic.

With this mug, you can enjoy up to 16 ounces of coffee. The handle offers comfort and can take up to 2-3 fingers for easy grip. It also comes with a base rim that reduces the chances of tipping, falling, and shattering.

You can wash this in a dishwasher if you do not want to wash it by hand.

Resources

• https://thecoffeebuzz.co.uk/coffee-mug-vs-cup/#Drink_Type
• https://coffeesesh.com/cup-and-mug-differences-explained-visual/
• https://www.roastycoffee.com/standard-coffee-cup-sizes/
• http://www.mugs.coffee/coffee-mug-knowledge/difference-between-cup-and-mug/