Ceramic cups can provide the weight that some look for or desire while drinking coffee, which in turn can bring a reassuring level of comfort and therefore higher perceived quality, says Yeekai Lim, founder of Cognoscenti Coffee Roasters, a Los Angeles-based coffee shop.
But the material can also impact the temperature of a brew. The more mass it has the more heat it will absorb, eventually reaching a point of equilibrium where it’s able to retain enough heat to keep the coffee warmer for a longer period, says Lim—in which case, a thicker ceramic cup would fare better.
In fact, Kaleena Teoh, co-founder of Coffee Project NY, prefers ceramic mugs for their texture and the ideal warmth that comes with holding a hot cup of coffee. When you compare glass, ceramic, and metal, chances are that ceramic options are better at heat retention, says Teoh. “Given the thickness of mugs made using those three materials, ceramic would probably be more comfortable to hold as well given that the material doesn’t heat up as much as metal or glass when you pour hot liquid into the cup.”
Shop ceramic mugs: Amazon, Wayfair
Glass mugs may be popular for aesthetic purposes. They’re usually a little more delicate and great for when you want to showcase the drink’s color and intensity, says Teoh. Their ability to retain heat is another plus, more specifically with the double-walled kind, where the space between the two layers of glass acts as an insulator. But while they may give off a refined look and feel, the material can also alter the perception of the coffee served.
Coffee brewed using thick paper filters by way of a Chemex will look quite lovely in a glass cup, says Latourell, while the same coffee brewed in a French press will appear slightly dirtier in the very same glass. Tasted blind, the coffees will differ in flavor because of their brew methods. “Yet, many people will be turned off by the murky French press coffee if they get a chance to see it clearly in the glass,” says Latourell, adding that they will most likely prefer it in a mug.
Interestingly enough, Lim has found that more expensive pour-over brews tend to be served in a glass carafe with a smaller glass cup, which can help dissipate the heat and reach optimal flavors more quickly.
Shop double-wall glass mugs: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart
Want more information on best glass mugs? Click the link below to contact us.