Thom Cannell Takes a Look at One of the Most Essential Pieces of Driving Equipment: the Travel Mug

If you're one of those drivers who can't get into their vehicle without a cup of coffee, this is for you.

By Thom Cannell
The Auto Channel
Detroit Bureau

We receive all kinds of PR offers at TheAutoChannel. Most involve hot cars or hot industry news. Today we’re checking out something scalding, hot coffee.

Oddly, a new search for a better, less fragile commuter coffee container coincided with an offer to test exactly such a device, a Contigo Autoseal stainless steel, double walled insulated travel mug that the company says is 100% drip proof and capable of keeping our favorite cuppa’ hot for four hours.

Out of the proverbial brown cardboard UPS container we tested the Contigo in a way you would; we needed a coffee mug and it was handy. That’s how we figured, without benefit of science, that it kept coffee hot and, after dropping it, that it’s rather dent-proof and its spill proof claims are true. Next, we applied a bit of science pitting our favorite Biggbie signature stainless steel-lined ceramic mug, a traditional Peets Coffee ceramic mug, the Contigo Autoseal, and a cheap generic plastic tumbler with stainless exterior cladding against the clock.

The test was designed to simulate a familiar two-hour commute to Detroit. Thus we filled each container with near-boiling water to about half an inch below the rim and measured the internal and external temperatures. This is the result. One surprise was the heat of each surface; most were too hot to hold comfortably, obviously the reason we have evolved to the use of handles and properly elevated pinkies whilst imbibing. (Note that the Contigo and generic are tumblers with no handles.)

Left-to-right (Compare photo at top with chart below):

The Contigo tumbler won the contest easily, staying cooler to the touch and keeping liquids hotter longer.

Other positive attributes are ruggedness, an easy to screw on lid, ease of cleaning, and stainless models are completely dishwasher safe. The only downside is the spill proof design itself. It takes somewhat sturdy pressure to open the drinking orifice, perhaps more squeeze than a weak, injured, or arthritic hand could produce. It is available at Sears, Target, and other retailers for under $20.