The search for the perfect travel mug

March 4th, 2008

Sadly, the search for the perfect travel mug continues. I had hoped that I had found the ultimate in form and function with the Brugo mug, but alas, this was not the case. Luckily though, the Contigo Extreme is about as close to perfection as it comes, so I will be satisfied for now.

Brugo Mug starblank starblank starblank star
Brugo Mug The Brugo mug was a bit of a disappointment. This mug claims it has the ability to be spillproof and to regulate the temperature of the liquid on a per sip basis so that it it at the perfect drinking temperature. Note: I was only able to test this mug for about an hour (see below).

  • Upon testing, the mug passed the temperature regulation claim with flying colors. You tip the mug to allow some of the liquid to enter the “temperature control chamber,” where it is instantly cooled to a lovely, hot, but not scalding temperature. The rest of the liquid stays a nice hot temperature for a decent amount of time. Sadly though, this is about where the positives end.
  • The mug relies on the user aligning the lid so that a bit of plastic interlocks with another bit on the miug. Unfortunately, within an hour of owning the mug, I managed to misalign the interlocking pieces in such a way that it became impossible to open the mug. Huge design flaw. Their website refers to aligning “hash marks” on the lid and mug. This would have been a much better design (far less prone to user error), but the interlocking plastic allowed me to render the mug useless.
  • I also found that any claims to be spillproof were false, even using the loosest definition of spillproof. The website and manual indicate that when the lid dial is in the “locked” position it should be spillproof and caution the user that the temperature control chamber should be emptied after putting the mug into the locked position. Originally I thought that it might be leakproof. I tested this by setting the lid dial to the locked position, emptying the temperature control chamber and holding the mug upside down. The mug steadily leaked fluid. Next I figured that spillproof meant that it wouldn’t leak if you knocked the mug over. So, I once again I set the lid dial to the locked position, ensured that the temperature control chamber was empty, then knocked the mug over and gently rolled it over a few times. There was definitely fluid leaking from both the mouth opening and the lid dial itself.

Contigo Autosealstarstarstarblank star
Contigo AutosealThe Contigo Autoseal has a great concept behind it, a self sealing lid. You press the “autoseal” lid to drink and release and the lid is locked and the mug is leakproof. Unfortunately, it ended up having a few too many other small design flaws for me to go with it. Overall though, it performs MUCH better than the Brugo mug. Note: I was able to test this mug for weeks.

  • I noticed a lot of minor spillage - from the autoseal button, from the air vent, from opening the unit when it is full of hot liquid. Contigo specifically claimed that the mug eliminated steam spray, but I encountered it every time I first used the mug after filling it with hot liquid. The autoseal button also had slight leakage, as did the air vent. The mouth opening always retained a couple of drops of liquid which would often leak as well.
  • iI found it hard to vent the fluid to a tolerable temperature. Hot coffee is usually too hot to drink. The unit keeps the fluid at that temperature for so long that you need to find another way to cool it off (a strength and weakness). I attempted to solve the problem by venting the liquid by holding down the autoseal button. Continuing to hold the mouthpiece open by holding down the autoseal button is just impractical. The only recourse you have is to remove the lid. I have tried to remove the lid immediately after filling the unit with hot (scalding) coffee. If I attempt to remove the lid without venting the unit first then the coffee spills over and out onto your hands. OUCH. Otherwise, leaving the mug sitting on your desk without a lid is a risk in itself (watch out keyboard!).
  • The mouth opening in the lid is awkward to use. It is hard to find the opening without looking at the mug and you have to tilt your head pretty far back before fluid will actually come out. If there were a slight depression above the hole it would be easier find the hole and use it.
  • The lid comes off and goes on a lot easier than the Contigo Extreme (see below).
  • The lid is so weird on the inside that i have no idea how to clean it. Either I have never been able to clean it well enough or the lid absorbs flavor because after switching to tea my coffee was tea flavored for about 3 refills.
  • The autoseal button is poorly designed for practical use - because the unit has no handle, I have tucked it under an arm or on top of a pile of stuff I was carrying and have accidentally pressed the button and had the unit leak. if the button were flush with the unit it would be a lot more difficult to accidentally activate the autoseal.

Overall though, these are minor design flaws. For someone who sits at their desk and doesn’t move around much, this is a great mug. Not having a handle and the inherent problems with the autoseal button caused me to think twice about filling it and throwing it into my bag on the way to work.

Contigo Extremestarstarstarstar
Contigo ExtremeThis mug is the Cadillac of travel mugs.

  • Truly leakproof. I have had my mug for about 4 years now and the lid has only now started to fail. This only occurs when I fill the mug with hot liquid and shake it. Easy enough fix since they sell replacement lids, just haven’t gotten around to ordering mine yet.
  • Super cool handle with carabiner. Having a handle is infinitely useful in my opinion. Having a carabiner makes it even more useful. Now you can fill the mug up, clip it to your backpack and get going.
  • Keeps liquids hot for a long time. Of course, you need to flip open the mouthpiece in order to vent the fluid to cool enough to drink. Leaving the mouthpiece open is a bit of a risk, but in my 4 years with the mug, I’ve been able to catch the mug before any real spillage has occurred since the mug isn’t fully open.
  • The only disadvantage this mug has is that the liquid stays hot, so you burn your tongue until it hits the right temperature.

Really, I dare you to suggest a better mug. Leave a comment and I’ll test the mug.

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