Choosing a drinking cup: practical tips for home, on the go and during exercise

A drinking cup may seem simple to choose, but small differences can determine whether you use it every day or leave it in the kitchen cupboard after a few weeks. A travel mug, for example, may be too large for your cup holder, while an attractive ceramic mug may not be suitable for taking out and about. A sports water bottle with lots of parts can also be difficult to clean.

So don’t focus only on colour and price. Pay particular attention to material, capacity, closure, ease of cleaning and when you’ll use it. This will help you avoid paying for features you don’t need.

Common pitfalls when choosing a drinking cup

1. Choosing a capacity without considering how you’ll use it

A 480 ml drinking cup is often a practical choice for coffee or tea on the go. For a long working day or a workout, a 750 ml drinking cup may be more convenient. A smaller 200 ml model fits easily in a bag or coat pocket, but needs refilling more often.

Think about the dimensions, too. A wide cup may not fit as well in a car or bike holder, even if its capacity seems right.

2. Assuming insulation guarantees a certain temperature

Words such as “thermal” and “insulated” don’t automatically tell you how long a drink will stay hot or cold. Check whether the product information gives a specific insulation time. If it doesn’t, don’t assume a particular level of performance.

With an insulated drinking cup, the lid, seal and opening matter too. You can’t assume a cup is leakproof just from how it looks. Check the description and product information before carrying it in a full bag.

3. Underestimating how fiddly a lid can be

A drinking cup with a straw, spout or push-button lid can be convenient for drinking while walking or exercising. At the same time, silicone rings and narrow channels can mean extra cleaning. A lid that doesn’t come apart fully may be more difficult to keep clean.

Choose a design that suits your routine. A simple opening is often enough for home or the office. For cycling, walking or exercise, a spout or handle may be more practical.

Which specifications matter?

Material: stainless steel, plastic or ceramic

• Stainless steel drinking cup: sturdy and suitable for everyday use. On models with 316 or 316L in the product name, this refers to the stated grade of steel. Always check the full product specifications.
• Plastic sports water bottle: often lightweight and easy to carry. Check the closure, material and care instructions.
• Ceramic mug: suitable for home or the office. Ceramic mugs are generally less convenient to carry around because they can break.
• Highball glasses: practical for soft drinks, squash and cocktails at home. A plastic set may be a different option from glass ones, so check exactly what the product specifications say.

Capacity and size

The right capacity depends on where you’ll use the cup:

• 200 ml: compact for a small coffee, espresso or a small amount of another drink.
• 340 ml: a popular size for a mug at home or in the office.
• 480 ml: suitable for a larger coffee or tea on the go.
• 550–580 ml: a medium size for everyday use and longer journeys.
• 720–750 ml: more capacity for exercise, walking or a long working day.
• 1200 ml: particularly useful if you want to refill less often and keep the cup on your desk.

As well as the capacity in millilitres, check the height, diameter and weight. A 750 ml capacity doesn’t tell you whether the cup will fit in a bag or cup holder.

Lid, handle and care

Before buying, check:

1. Is the opening suitable for hot and cold drinks?
2. Can the lid be cleaned properly?
3. Does the product description say the cup is dishwasher-safe?
4. Does the model have a handle or carrying loop if you’ll take it out often?
5. Does the drinking opening suit the way you’ll use it: standard opening, spout or straw?

For children’s use, pay particular attention to size, grip and components. Don’t assume a model is a children’s drinking cup just because it has a colourful design; check the product description and age information.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Excellent Houseware Stoneware Mug Set - 340 ml, 4 pcs

Why it suits this profile: A set of four mugs is practical for households, student accommodation or a shared office. The 340 ml capacity is well suited to everyday coffee and tea.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications state the capacity, the pack of four and that the mugs are suitable for the dishwasher and microwave. So you don’t have to judge them on looks alone.

Main benefit & key features

Ceramic material, four mugs in the pack and, according to the product information, dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

BUFFi5 JOY 316 Stainless Steel Travel Coffee Cup, 480ml, White Gold

Why it suits this profile: This travel coffee cup combines a 480 ml capacity with 316 stainless steel, as stated in the product name. It’s a good match for daily commutes to work or study.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity and stated material are easy to identify. Before buying, check the closure, dimensions and care instructions on the product page.

Main benefit & key features

480 ml capacity and 316 stainless steel construction, as stated in the product listing, designed for use on the go.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

BUFFi5 JOY Double mouth sports insulated cup 750ml white

Why it suits this profile: The name identifies it as a 750 ml insulated sports cup. That capacity is suited to longer workouts, walks or a working day with fewer refills.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity is clearly stated in the product name. Before use, check how the two openings work and which parts can be removed for cleaning.

Main benefit & key features

750 ml capacity and a sports design with a double opening, as stated in the product listing.

Frequently asked questions about drinking cups

Which drinking cup is suitable for taking out and about?

A travel mug or coffee cup with a well-fitting lid is a practical choice for taking out and about. Check the diameter, closure and capacity. A 480 ml model offers more room than a small 200 ml cup, but takes up more space too.

How long does a reusable cup last?

Its lifespan depends on the material, how you use it and how well you care for it. Stainless steel can withstand everyday use, while ceramic is more prone to damage if dropped. Check the lid, sealing rings and any cracks regularly. Replace parts if they’re damaged or no longer close properly.

Are drinking cups dishwasher-safe?

It depends on the product. The Excellent Houseware mug set is listed as dishwasher-safe. For other drinking cups, check the product page. If the instructions allow it, remove the lid and sealing ring for a thorough clean.