What Are Mugs Made Of?

Most coffee mugs are made of ceramic, but "ceramic" covers several materials, from everyday stoneware to fine porcelain. Others are made of glass, enamel or stainless steel. Here's what each material is, how it behaves and what it's best for.

Ceramic

Ceramic is clay that's shaped, fired in a kiln and usually covered in a glaze. The glaze makes the surface smooth, non-porous and easy to clean. Glazed ceramic is the most common material for coffee mugs because it's affordable, keeps the taste neutral and is usually microwave and dishwasher safe.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from fine kaolin clay and fired at a very high temperature. The result is dense, smooth and slightly translucent. Porcelain mugs feel thinner and more refined than standard ceramic.

Porcelain vs ceramic mugs

All porcelain is ceramic, but not all ceramic is porcelain. Porcelain is harder and less porous; regular ceramic is thicker, a bit heavier and usually more affordable. For a daily coffee mug, both work well.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a heavier ceramic fired at a high temperature. It's thick, durable and often has a rustic, speckled or handmade look. Stoneware mugs hold heat well.

Bone china

Bone china is porcelain with bone ash added. It's very light, thin and strong for its weight, and is mostly used for teacups rather than mugs.

Glass

Glass mugs, usually borosilicate glass, let you see your drink. They're popular for lattes and tea. Double-wall glass mugs keep the outside cooler.

Enamel

Enamel mugs are steel coated with a glass-like enamel layer. They're light and tough, which makes them popular for camping, but they can chip and are not microwave safe.

Stainless steel

Insulated stainless steel mugs keep drinks hot for hours and are nearly unbreakable. They can't go in the microwave. Read our full comparison: stainless steel vs ceramic coffee mugs.

Which material is best for a coffee mug?

For coffee or tea at home or at your desk, glazed ceramic is hard to beat: neutral taste, good heat retention, easy care and plenty of room for a printed design. Make sure it's labeled lead-free and microwave safe. Read more in are ceramic mugs microwave safe?

What are our mugs made of?

All our mugs are glossy, lead- and BPA-free ceramic, printed with dye sublimation so the design won't peel or fade. Browse our ceramic mugs.