A thermal mug is an essential item for many people who reach for warm drinks on their way to work, school, or on long journeys or trips. Choosing the right model is crucial since differences in thermal insulation quality can make a drink cold after a short while or maintain its temperature for several hours. In this article, we will suggest the features a thermal mug should have to effectively keep heat for a long time.
Not all thermal mugs maintain heat for the same amount of time. Their efficiency depends on the quality of construction, technology used, and materials. Differences between individual models can be significant. Why does this happen? Thermal insulation, construction method, and materials used are crucial factors in determining how long a drink will maintain the appropriate temperature.
High-quality thermal mugs use a double wall and vacuum as the main method of insulation. What does this mean in practice?
The space between the walls of the mug is filled with a vacuum, which effectively prevents heat conduction. The vacuum prevents energy exchange between the interior and exterior of the mug, keeping the drink at the desired temperature for many hours.
Moreover, the use of double walls allows for even better insulation. Using high-quality stainless steel provides additional resistance to dents, and the thickness of the wall affects the delay in the heat exchange process. The vacuum eliminates heat conduction through the material and also minimizes heat exchange due to convection. As a result, the drink inside the mug maintains its temperature significantly longer.
Example: Ambition thermal mugs have a double wall with vacuum insulation and can keep a hot drink for up to 6 hours.
Another factor that is extremely important is the material used to produce the thermal mug. The best mugs are made from high-quality stainless steel, which not only has high resistance to corrosion but also excellent insulating properties. Stainless steel has a low heat conduction coefficient, which means that heat from the drink doesn't escape quickly. Mugs made of plastic or other less resilient materials will not be able to retain heat as effectively. Plastic cannot provide such high insulation and additionally can alter the temperature of the drink in a shorter time, especially if exposed to external conditions, such as cold.
Although stainless steel and vacuum play a major role in maintaining temperature, the cap and seal are equally important. Poor sealing can cause heat loss. Leaky caps allow heat to escape through small openings, and pressure changes can affect the temperature of the drink. That's why good thermal mugs use silicone seals, which provide better sealing.
Click-Clack – the easy opening system of the mug, perfect when you want to drink without having to unscrew the lid.
Twist-Off – a cap that provides full airtightness, preventing the exchange of air inside the mug.
Silicone seals in Ambition thermal mugs fully seal the mug, preventing heat exchange. They also provide leakage resistance, which is important for use during travel.
How long the drink maintains its temperature also depends on its initial temperature. A cold drink in a warm mug can cool down quickly, and a hot drink in a cold mug loses its heat rapidly. The pre-heating effect, which involves heating the mug before pouring the drink, is a simple method to extend the time during which the drink maintains the desired temperature. Simply pour hot water into the mug for a few minutes before pouring the drink, so the walls are already warm. This helps limit heat exchange and keep the drink's temperature for a longer time.
Conclusion: to extend the heat retention time in a thermal mug as much as possible, remember one simple rule: pour a hot drink into a pre-heated mug.
Expert advice: How to temper the mug before pouring the drink?
This way, the mug is pre-heated, allowing better maintenance of the drink's temperature inside.
Although the terms "thermal mug" and "thermos" are often used interchangeably, there are significant differences between them:
A thermal mug is a small, handy product designed for people who want to comfortably drink hot beverages on the go. Most thermal mugs are designed "for single use," which means the mug is ideal for carrying a beverage and drinking it while traveling. It is usually made from materials such as stainless steel and has a lid to prevent spills.
A thermos is much more capacious and is primarily intended for storing beverages for a longer period. Thermoses have a large inner space which allows them to keep warm longer. For this reason, thermoses are often used in outdoor conditions and in situations where the beverage needs to be stored for a long time.
Insulation: High-quality stainless steel body with vacuum insulation. Keeps heat up to 6 hours and cold up to 12 hours.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic. Matte paint in trendy colors.
System: Flip-top lid (or quick button closure), allowing one-handed opening and drinking, minimizing the risk of leakage.
Advantages: Perfect for minimalists who appreciate discreet design and easy drinking while traveling.
Capacity: Large capacity of 500 ml, perfect for longer trips, walks, or all-day work.
Construction: Double walls made of stainless steel with high-quality insulation. The external material is resistant to damage.
System: Innovative Click Clack type cork (push button). This system is Ambition's flagship solution, ensuring 100% leak-proof and fast, safe opening without unscrewing.
Advantages: Comfortable, detachable strap facilitates carrying. Perfectly fits standard car holders.
Design: Royal Ambition line in elegant marble finish, luxurious appearance.
Insulation: Solid metal construction providing reliable thermal insulation, suitable for maintaining high coffee temperature.
System: Features a sealed, screw-on lid with a small drinking opening (secured with a flap), which is the most reliable solution for long-term tightness.
Advantages: Perfect as a stylish addition to office equipment.
Capacity: Versatile capacity of 450 ml, perfect for everyday use.
Material: Combination of inner stainless steel with lightweight yet durable plastic on the outside for easy grip.
System: Equipped with a twist-lock cap (screw lock). This system minimizes the risk of accidental opening, ensuring full control over drinking.
Advantages: Available in trendy pastel colors (e.g., mint, pink).
Design: Smooth, minimalist body with a simple, elegant line, decorated with a trendy black and white stripe pattern.
Compactness: The compact size of 350 ml is easy to carry and optimal for any drink.
System: Features a cork that opens and closes with a Click Clak button, making it a convenient and fast solution, ideal for use in the urban rush.
Advantages: It is lightweight yet solid in retaining heat.
How long does a thermal mug keep its warmth?
It depends on the model, but high-quality Ambition thermal mugs keep warmth up to 6 hours and cold up to 12 hours.
Which material should one choose for a thermal mug?
Stainless steel with double vacuum insulation is best for maintaining temperature.
Is a thermal mug 100% leak-proof? Which closure is the safest?
Many models (e.g. with Click Clack system or screw cap) are designed to be 100% leak-proof, provided they are properly closed.
How to properly clean a thermal mug so it doesn't smell like coffee?
Regular hand washing with warm water and mild detergent is necessary, and baking soda can be used to neutralize odors.
Can a thermal mug be washed in the dishwasher?
Hand washing is recommended because aggressive detergents and high temperatures in the dishwasher can damage vacuum insulation and seals.
