Lets go ahead and admit it. We all have a favorite cup lying around the house. You know what I mean. That jealously guarded one we often drag around, from car to cubicle and back again. Sometimes we spend more than our fair share of time trying to locate it for a refill. Price isn’t always the benchmark where our coveted drink mug is concerned but you might want to learn more about what types are best and why the one you use is adored.
Size is Real Important
No matter how much you like a drink cup, size is a primary consideration. If you are a 6 ft. kind of guy with a grip that can hug a bowling ball, well then, let's face it, a dainty little 10 oz. carry cup isn’t going to light your fire. Bigger is definitely better in this case. Matching the size to fit the job is mandatory. This is also true if you are an avid java drinker. You want that 16 oz. mug full to get the gray cells going every day.
Does It Fit the Holder
Don’t forget to make sure the cup will fit properly into the base of the car cup holder, if you normally take it with you. Believe it or not, this is very important and can keep you from tipping over the beverage accidentally. Don’t make do with one you have to sit on top of the holder. Of course you don’t want it to tip or leak. It is one less thing to worry about.
Like it Icy Cold?
If you adore your drinks arctic chilled, try out the new and inexpensive “gel” type containers. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from wine stems to beer mugs. These insulated mugs carry a special gel between the double walled plastic construction. Freeze them and the gel expands to actually keep the drinks cold for hours. Great for hot pool parties or anywhere extra cool down is necessary. Also eliminates the need to keep adding ice which also dilutes the drink, of course. Tip, don’t buy the water-filled ones. They are not as good as the gel filled ones.
Like it Piping Hot?
Pricy wins out here. The stainless-steel coffee drink cups are usually head and shoulders above the plastic fabricated ones. Also, buying one without the handle can assure proper auto cup fit and may not be as expensive depending on where you purchase it. Some mugs without handles are a couple of bucks cheaper than those with the handles. In the stainless versions, the handle has to be tacked on specially as it is plastic fitting onto stainless-steel.
Bottom Line
Don’t just buy a mug because it has a cute saying on it or is a favorite color, not if you want longevity. Next time you need to purchase a new drink mug, think about it. Analyze it and buy the right one. If you are like a lot of folks I know, you’ve probably got a stash of NFL logo drinking mugs on the top shelf gathering dust. You will covet a cup that cups the palm of your hand and is the proper size that can accommodate easily that special beverage . You’ll probably dash around the house, frantically trying to locate your “favorite” mug like Linus and his blanket; not wanting to leave home without it. Bottom line? Its more important than you think. After all, it’s part of your daily liquid routine. Enjoy.
Source:
- The Good Housekeeping Research Institute
Brenda K. Oswalt - Brenda Oswalt is a French trained cook, writer, businesswoman/inventor who holds several medical patents.
