Travel Mug vs Tumbler: 14 oz, 15 oz or 20 oz?
A travel mug seems simple until you try to choose one. Do you want it in the dishwasher? Does it need to fit a cup holder? Does a handle matter? And how big is big enough for a long commute?
We sell three drinkware options with different strengths: a 14 oz mug with a handle, a 15 oz vacuum-insulated mug and a 20 oz tumbler. Here’s how they compare, using the specs on each product page.
At a glance
| 14 oz mug | 15 oz mug | 20 oz tumbler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Stainless steel, glossy white enamel, inner plastic insulation | Vacuum-insulated stainless steel | Double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel |
| Lid | Spill-resistant snap-on cap with silicone string | Screw-on flip-top lid, BPA-free | Clear push-on lid with rubber gasket |
| Handle | Yes | No | No |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only | Dishwasher safe | Dishwasher safe |
| Price | $27.99 | $31.99 | $36.99 |
The 14 oz mug: for short trips and tidy people
The “With Love, Me” mug is the smallest and the only one with a handle, which makes it easy to carry between rooms. It has an inner plastic layer to help keep drinks at a comfortable temperature longer. It’s hand wash only, so choose it if you don’t mind rinsing it after each use.
The 15 oz mug: for commuters
The “Make This Day Count” mug is a 15 oz (0.44 L) vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug with rounded corners and a flip-top lid. The listing describes the lid as leak-proof, but any mug lid can fail if it’s not fully closed, so keep it upright in a bag. It goes in the dishwasher, which is the main reason many people prefer it for everyday use.
The 20 oz tumbler: for long days
The “Choose Progress Over Perfection” tumbler holds the most. It’s double-wall and vacuum-insulated, so it keeps coffee hot and iced drinks cold, and the push-on lid with a rubber gasket reduces spills. It’s dishwasher safe. Read our guide to cleaning a stainless steel tumbler to keep it fresh.
How to choose
- Cup holder size. Most car cup holders fit a 14 or 15 oz mug easily. Check yours before choosing the 20 oz tumbler.
- Dishwasher or hand wash. If you want to use the dishwasher, skip the 14 oz mug.
- How long you drink. A big tumbler is better for a long day. A smaller mug is better if you finish your coffee in 30 minutes.
- Handle or no handle. Only the 14 oz mug has one.
A quick tip
For a gift, the 15 oz mug is the safest choice: it’s dishwasher safe, holds a standard serving and is easy to understand. For a desk mug, our 11 oz vs 15 oz ceramic mug guide may help. For more drinkware ideas, see gifts for coffee and tea lovers.