Keurig K-Mug Review
Last year, Keurig Green Mountain sold more than nine billion of its traditional single-serve plastic coffee pods. Almost all of those could not be recycled. Now, however, the company says it is ready to start selling K-cups that are recyclable.
The best way to avoid the risk is to use reusable pods. These are easy to clean, have a lower environmental impact and cost less per cup of coffee.
Reusable
This mug can accommodate most Keurig K-Cup pod sizes, and it is compatible with all Keurig 2.0 brewing systems. Its exterior and interior are made from premium stainless steel, so it holds hot and cold liquids well. It also has a lid that seals tight, making it easy to carry or store your coffee.
In our tests, the insulated cup kept hot coffee warm for more than three hours and iced coffee chilled for more than 10 hours without a drop. The cup was also easy to hold, and the handle stayed comfortable even after it got very hot.
While the mug is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing it to avoid stains. The narrow opening of the lid can be tricky to clean, so we recommend using a long-handled brush or sponge and running it under hot water after every use. Vinegar can also be used to clean a mug, but it takes much more effort and will leave behind a vinegar smell.
Easy to clean
Stylish and functional, these mugs are an easy and affordable way to reduce the number of disposable K-cups you throw away. These mugs are made of sturdy, dishwasher-safe materials that can withstand heat and abrasion. They also have lids that are easily cleaned, making them a great choice for busy commuters.
CR’s take: With styling that hints at enamel splatterware, this handsome mug is a standout performer with excellent temperature retention (it kept a cup of coffee hot for more than 6 hours in our test) and an easy-to-clean top. Its one downside: The lid has numerous crevices where odors can camp out, and its two gaskets aren’t replaceable.
This slender mug has a tapered shape that may not fit in some car cup holders. Its handsome styling and good performance—it earned a Very Good rating in our test for temperature retention—mean it’s worth the sacrifice. The lid is easy to clean and features a spring-loaded sipping mechanism that’s easy to open one-handed.
Stylish
Mugs are functional, but they can also be stylish. Some mug designs are simple and minimalist while others feature a splash of color. Mugs are a popular gift for friends and family, so consider using a product personalizer to create a custom design for each person on your list.
If you’re looking for a minimalist mug, check out this sleek, stylish 12 oz cup. It has a sleek, lightweight design that fits comfortably in your hand and features a snap-on lid to prevent spills and mess. It’s perfect for coffee drinkers who are on the go or who like to use a travel mug.
Another cool mug is this one from East Fork Pottery, which has a minimalist style that’s suitable for any kitchen. It offers plenty of volume for your beverage and is dishwasher safe. You can also get a set of four for a great value. This mug is not insulated, however, so it’s not ideal for people who like to drink their coffee slowly or for long periods of time.
Affordable
This model is the least expensive of the self-heating mugs we tested, but still keeps drinks hot for an impressive time. The manufacturer backs it with a limited lifetime warranty. The mug is available in several colors, backed by the color-last coating that the company claims resists scratching and fading over time. The lid and body are dishwasher safe, though handwashing is recommended due to the narrow opening. You can easily disassemble and reassemble the numbered lid parts for a thorough cleaning.
The short size makes this mug ideal for small Keurig reservoir machines like the K-Mini and the K-15. It also fits well into cup holders in most cars. The lid is easy to open and close with one hand, while the base is designed to resist tipping over. It also has a spill-proof lock and a nonslip grip material on the handle. It isn’t as thermally insulated as other models but still keeps liquids hot for about 3 hours.
