What You Should Know About Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs

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What exactly is a double-walled glass mug?

For the uninitiated, double-walled glass mugs are transparent and made of glass. What you might not expect is that they’re much thicker than a standard glass cup. The main issue I have with both glass and regular ceramic mugs is that they become heated (when holding coffee). Because the heat goes so smoothly from the exterior to the handle region, it might be difficult to hold at times (too often).

That problem is solved by double glass walls (nearly always with air in between). Very nicely. Double wall glasses look beautiful, feel wonderful, and never make your hand sweat (while holding cold beverages) or get uncomfortably hot.

There is one important fact to remember regarding double-walled glasses: their thickness varies. In comparison to a traditional glass mug or pint glass, the actual glass layer is significantly thinner. Although the total wall is nearly generally thicker, each of the two glass walls is really thinner. That makes them more prone to break in a drop test or under compressive stress.

The Primary Advantages of a Double Wall Glass Coffee Mug

1. They are frequently substantially lighter than ceramic counterparts. In our kitchen, standard mugs are all around the same size and quality of construction: the ceramic one was 370g, while the (thick, single-walled) glass one was 320g. The one with two walls of glass weighed 200 grams. That’s somewhat more than half the weight. If you hold your cup a lot, you’ll notice it.
2. Thermal isolation is enhanced when using a lighter coffee cup.
3. We’ve never compared double-walled glass to the increasingly popular Yeti cup in America. However, they are also far better insulators than we are accustomed to, and will keep your hots hot and colds colder than most mugs.
4. Double-walled glass cups are clear. This is kind of “duh” for most, but because it’s glass (not ceramic), we always know exactly how much coffee we left in the mug we left across the room.
5. Double-walled mugs are beautiful. This is the most subjective, but also the one we feel most strongly: clear, double-walled glasses (on average) look better than comparable single-walled glass or ceramic vessels.
6. They’re often comfortably handle-less. This relates to the above points: because of the thermal qualities of it, a handle-less double-walled glass mug is both possible and common. And no, unlike that old mug you didn’t throw away after you lost its handle, you won’t feel your hand getting uncomfortably hot from the hot beverage inside.

What to Look for in a Double-Wall Glass Mug

• A pleasant form
• There are no strange gathering sites for water/etc. to enter the air-gap.
• Longevity (MUST be dishwasher safe)

The best glass coffee mugs are both durable and stylish, made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass with double-walled insulation to keep your coffee or tea piping hot. We've found your new favorite everyday mug, on-the-go mug (that you won't want to forget!), high-end mug, and more. Keep reading for our top picks for the best glass coffee mugs, from retro-inspired picks to sustainable options that you'll reach for every single morning.

With so many ways to brew coffee and more high-quality beans on the market than ever, coffee enthusiasts want a variety of vessels to sip their beloved caffeinated beverages. And let's be honest: You could probably benefit from an upgraded mug collection, too. That's where sleek and functional glass coffee mugs come into play. Along with our own on-the-ground research, we connected with coffee experts and baristas to find the best glass coffee mugs to add to your drinkware collection.

Best Overall

Bodum Coffee Mug

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$27

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$32

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$42

Pros

• These durable, double-walled mugs hold heat and hold up in the dishwasher and microwave.

Cons

• These glasses only hold 10 ounces. If you're an avid coffee consumer and your average glass is more than a single cup (8 ounces), this mug will need refills.

Many consider the Bodum Bistro glass coffee mug their favorite thanks to its heat-resistant borosilicate glass (perfect for piping-hot coffee) and double-walled construction, which lets you hold the glass without fear of burning your hands. You can use it for cold brew, too, as it resists condensation. It also keeps your coffee tables and nightstands free of water rings. We love this mug's simple design, the thickness and feel of its handle, and smaller size, which makes it easy to hold.

Indeed, many consider the Bodum Bistro glass coffee mug their favorite, including food scientist and barista Melissa Collins of Perfect Brew: "My top pick would be Bodum Bistro Double Wall insulated coffee mug." Anja Wolf of I Love Cookware feels the same way, "When it comes to drinking my favorite hot or iced coffee, nothing beats a Bodum glass."

• Quantity: Set of two
• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: Borosilicate glass
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
• Double-Walled: Yes

Best Everyday

Sweese Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs

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$25

Pros

• These strong, sturdy mugs have a heavy base and are 100% lead-free.

Cons

• Hand-wash is recommended since the dishwasher can leave condensation between the walls and interior of the mug.

Like most of our top picks, the Sweese Glass Coffee Cup consists of double-walled, heat-resistant borosilicate glass to keep your coffee hot (or cold). Its heavy, wide-bottom base will keep it grounded on uneven surfaces – whether that's a picnic blanket spread over grass or a wobbly breakfast table with toddlers.

For some, however, these upsides (like the mug's heaviness) may seem less desirable. A small silicone vent on the bottom of these mugs allows the glass to breathe, but dishwasher use will leave condensation between the mug's walls and interior. Because of this, hand-washing is best.

• Quantity: Set of two
• Capacity: 12.5 ounces
• Material: Borosilicate glass
• Dishwasher-Safe: No
• Double-Walled: Yes

Best Colorful

Kinto Sepia Amber Mugs

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$33

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Pros

• With their retro amber hue, these mugs check all the boxes for both design and durability.

Cons

• The short mugs hold just over 9 ounces, which is less than a full cup of coffee.

If aesthetics and color play dominant roles in your kitchen, allow these retro amber-hued glass mugs to add some nostalgic vibes to your next brunch or breakfast spread. Choose between short and tall mugs or tumblers, mix and match them to form a set, or gift them. Also, note that just because they're pretty doesn't mean they're not practical. These heat-resistant glass mugs can go in the microwave and the dishwasher.

• Quantity: Set of two
• Capacity: 9.2 ounces
• Material: Heat-resistant glass
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes
• Double-Walled: No

Best High-End

Fellow Glass Mug

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$40

Pros

• They're specifically designed to highlight the flavor notes of coffee. It doubles as a great vessel for tea.

Cons

• You can't put them in the dishwasher or microwave. Some coffee drinkers will prefer handles.

Do you own multiple coffee makers? Do you steer away from chains and seek out single-origin beans? If so, Stagg's sleek, hand-blown Tasting Glasses were designed for you. Made from double-walled borosilicate that's comfortable to hold, these glasses need no handles. Their flared lip design allows flavors to fully hit your palate, making your morning cup of coffee more of an experience and less of a mundane routine.

• Quantity: Set of two
• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: Borosilicate glass
• Dishwasher Safe: No
• Double-Walled: Yes

Best for Travel

KeepCup Glass Cup

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$32

Pros

• It comes in two sizes and several colors. The glass and lid are both dishwasher safe on the top rack.

Cons

• This glass is not double-walled, so you need to handle it carefully. The cork band must be removed before washing or using in the microwaving.

For those who are tired of endlessly contributing to waste with paper coffee cups, the KeepCup Brew stands out as a great alternative. While a glass to-go cup may seem like a risky investment, this one's built to last. It's made from durable, tempered glass and comes with a cork band that takes the place of a pesky cardboard sleeve to spare your hands from hot glass.

The 12-ounce KeepCup Brew fits beneath espresso machines, so ordering your daily latte with this reusable glass won't annoy your local barista. You can also purchase a 16-ounce size for larger orders at your favorite coffee shop. Think of how many paper cups you'll save.

• Quantity: Single cup
• Capacity: 12 ounces or 16 ounces
• Material: Tempered glass, BPA-free plastic lid, cork band
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes (though not the cork band)
• Double-Walled: No

Best Value

Libbey Robusta Glass Mugs

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$43

Pro

• Holding 13 ounces, these lead-free mugs are a generous size for everyday use, and they're inexpensive.

Con

• Without double walling, these mugs are more prone to breaking and can only hold cold or warm (not hot) beverages.

With four mugs costing less than a cup of coffee each, the Libbey Robusta Mug Set would be a great option to stock up on. In addition to the great value, these mugs hold 13 ounces – perfect for big pours on tired mornings and serving guests generous amounts of java. Without a double-walled design, however, the glass can feel hot. That said, these are a comfortable choice for less-than-simmering coffee or cold brew on a hot day.

• Quantity: Set of four or 12
• Capacity: 13 ounces
• Material: Soda-lime glass
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
• Double-Walled: No

Best for Style

Lysenn Iridescent Glass Coffee Mug with Lid

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$10

Pros

• A ribbed design adds visual interest, and the wooden lid limits desk-side spills.

Cons

• It's not meant to stand up to the microwave, dishwasher, or boiling-hot coffee.

Yes, you're allowed to buy mugs for looks alone. This one caught our eye for its vintage style and the cute wooden lid, which can help prevent spills when sipping at your desk. Consisting of a single wall of soda-lime glass (the same material as most glass beverage bottles), it's not an ideal choice for boiling hot liquids. You can, however, safely enjoy warm cups of coffee or iced coffee as you please.

• Quantity: Single cup
• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Material: Soda-lime glass, bamboo lid
• Dishwasher-Safe: No
• Double-Walled: No