Coffee mugs: types, brands, selection and care
Coffee is rightfully considered one of the most popular drinks in the world, which is consumed by a huge number of people every day. To this day, a wide industry related to coffee continues to develop, recipes for new drinks are often invented, which invariably surprise true gourmets.
Of course, in order to enjoy the taste of a product, a person needs a high-quality and beautiful "shell" so as not to spoil the overall impression. The history of the pot for drinking coffee is as multifaceted as the taste of the cereal drink. Let's figure out what kind of mugs are still needed so that the taste of coffee is felt by us from the first to the last note.
Peculiarities
Many people prefer to have one mug for any kind of drink, without thinking about the purpose of one or another form of glassware. With coffee, however, things are different. For true gourmets or ordinary lovers to cheer up in the morning, it is extremely important that the vessel in which the liquid is located before use is practical and meets the aesthetic preferences of a person.
There are basic characteristics that a coffee mug must meet:
- made of thick-walled ceramics or high-strength glass for reliable and long-term operation;
- keep warm so that the hot drink does not become cold after 15 minutes;
- have a certain volume, the indicators of which depend on the characteristics of the drink and the preferences of the owner himself;
- meet some standards from the point of view of aesthetics, that is, please the eye of the owner and fit into the surrounding space.
According to tradition, there are several options for coffee mugs, the varieties of which depend on the drink itself. For example, a frappuccino mug is considered the largest capacity: its volume is usually 300-500 ml. It is made of transparent glass so that you can see the beauty of the drink, there is a handle.
The smallest is the mug required for an espresso: it holds from 35 to 90 ml of liquid. These utensils are made of thick-walled material, usually porcelain, and are shaped like a cone to keep the coffee hot for as long as possible.
The demitasse mug is made of ceramics, and its volume also does not exceed 90 ml. Ideal for serving Turkish brewed coffee. Industry professionals often refer to this mug as a half cup.
Mugs are popular, the volume of which varies from 170 to 220 ml. If earlier only cappuccino was poured in them, now they are adapted for many other types of coffee. It is worth noting that such a mug always has an extended top, which helps to spread the foam or whipped cream.
A tall latte glass is considered original, it is narrow, and in volume is about 350 ml.
If you consider yourself a coffee lover, then, as experts say, you must have a coffee service at home: cups in it are from 180 ml, the walls of the dishes are thick, made of white glossy porcelain.
Materials (edit)
Various materials are used for the production of coffee mugs. The most popular are glass, porcelain and ceramic cups. They are the most practical for everyday life and always look stylish in any interior.
Ceramics are commonly used as tableware for cafes and restaurants. Porcelain looks exquisite as a home service, decorating the shelves of kitchen shelves or a festive table. The glass is suitable for the daily ritual of drinking coffee in the morning or evening.
Manufacturers also create metal mugs. Of course, they are not as elite, so to speak, as the ones listed above, but nevertheless they are popular. They are taken on hikes. If a metal vessel has thick walls and a bottom, as well as a well-screwed lid, then it is called a thermo mug.
Bamboo mugs are considered to be eco-class cookware, which is suitable for those who care about the high quality of materials used for food consumption.
Shapes and sizes
As mentioned above, the nominal volume of a coffee mug depends on what kind of drink it is intended for. Very small mugs - about 40 ml - are ideal for standard black coffee, brewed from a certain type of coffee, without the presence of all kinds of additional products that make the drink more varied.
If the container is more voluminous - often the size reaches 0.5 liters - the vessel is great for more complex types of coffee. Such mugs are made mainly of glass, which allows you to carefully examine the interesting layers of the drink, foam, cream, any decorations.
Thanks to modern technologies, manufacturers develop a huge number of options for coffee mugs, create various designs, from which you can choose exactly the one that will successfully fit into your interior.
Coffee mugs come in a variety of shapes. By far the most popular are the standard round cups. Not so long ago, square varieties appeared, but already in demand, they look spectacular both in white and in other colors.
If we talk about thermo mugs, then they can be made in a standard form, like a mini thermos, and there are more practical and convenient, such as folding vessels. They can be folded effortlessly while you are not using the dishes for their intended purpose. Coffee mugs with a lid are also convenient: they are easier to clean than those that do not open.
Color spectrum
Like any utensil, coffee mugs come in a wide variety of colors. Perhaps the most popular are the white ones. It is known that coffee in white dishes causes a greater appetite, as the drink contrasts well with the light tone. Transparent mugs are also in demand, symbolizing a certain purity and purity, through which we can easily see the drink “from the inside”.
The mugs made in various colors do not go unnoticed either. There are also plain options, and brightly painted with all kinds of patterns. Designs are constantly being created with strict minimalistic fragments or with funny and instructive images. You can find circles with funny phrases and quotes from famous people.
Manufacturers overview
There is a tradition that the manufacturers of coffee machines are also engaged in the creation of mugs for him. The DeLonghi brand was no exception here. The cups from this company have thick walls and excellent design, which allows them to remain in demand in the market.
Turkish coffee mugs are unconditionally popular. They are truly high quality and can be used to adhere to many of the Turkish coffee traditions. Also, real gourmets and connoisseurs of the drink respect Italian producers.
How to choose?
The main factor that you should rely on when choosing a coffee mug is your personal preference. What coffee you like to drink in the morning will largely determine your choice, especially the size of the cup.
For example, latte lovers will need a larger container than cappuccino lovers.
It is also necessary to take into account the nuances of the quality of the dishes. Glass, ceramic or porcelain mug should be checked for chipping, its structure - on the so-called purity of the material.
If we talk about thermo mugs, then it is better to choose them with double walls. To keep the warmth of the drink during, for example, a conversation, the presence of heating does not interfere.
Creative and funky coffee mugs are often presented as an addition to a birthday present or any other occasion. Unusual products can be found in many online stores, but here it is important to make sure that the dishes are of good quality, since the company does not professionally manufacture coffee containers.
Terms of use
The procedure for treating guests to coffee always resembles the same meal with tea, but in the second case, the main part of the table is a samovar. With coffee, all the attention is paid to the service, so the cups should be perfectly clean, free from chips and scratches. The same goes for the saucer if you are using steam.
When it comes to daily coffee consumption, you should also not forget the basic rules. You should always carefully pour the coffee from the turkish into the cup so as not to stain the dishes. If you are using a filter, be careful too.
As for the thermo mug, it is important to ensure that it is always tightly closed. Monitor the quality of the device. Depending on the quality level, the mug may no longer keep the drink hot.
Care features
While glass mugs can be washed in a dishwasher, then before loading ceramic and porcelain items, you need to think carefully about whether they can withstand this cleaning procedure. Read the rules for using mugs on the packaging. After washing, it is better to wipe the cups with a towel in order to preserve their original appearance.
As for the thermo mug, it is important to ensure that it is always tightly closed. After use, rinse the vessel well by passing a sponge through all the cracks.
Track the quality of the mug: if it is not made of the best materials, it is likely that the drink will soon cool much faster than before.
See below for the thickness of the coffee mugs.