Usable Review: I've finally found my (nearly) perfect travel mug
By Eddie Lopez. Thursday, 11. June 2009, 03:54:04
My friend Dan, having read and heard about my quest for the best travel mug (see this and this) bequeathed unto me the best gift ever... (which I just realized he hinted at in the comments of the Brugo review)
The Stanley outdoor travel mug. It meets just about every requirement I have- namely, thermos-like temperature, sealable, and ability to drink from like a regular mug:
This Stanley mug is the only one that I actually use on a daily basis. The Bruno mug I reviewed a while back? It's on my "close but no cigar" shelf of failed coffee mugs.
...but there are a few catches. First, the lid assembly requires the prowess normally reserved for US Marine's piecing together their rifle:
My fiancee had a hard time figuring out how the whole thing went together when she pulled it from the dishwasher.
Second, the first mug I received had a poor rubber seal somewhere in this assembly and it leaked coffee at inopportune times (ie- all over my white work shirt). I'm happy to report however, that when I notified Stanley PMI about the leaky cup, they promptly shipped me a brand new one, free of charge, no questions asked. It turns out this one leaks as well, but diligent "reseating" of the rubber seals seems to (literally) stem the flow.
But these minor problems don't take away from the fact that thing keeps my coffee freakin' scalding throughout the day. You know that tepid first sip you take of a hot cup of coffee? I roll like that all the way until 2:00 in the afternoon! (even if I leave the lid in "drink mode") That also means I drink significantly less coffee as I'm nursing this single cup all day long.
Operation is simple once you figure out the moving parts, you just twist the ring as you would on any regular mug and you have a small opening, twist it back to seal it up and throw in a bag. Of course, there's likely a small amount of coffee still caught up in all those rings, seals, and compartments, so use caution when tossing into a bag. It's metal inside and well insulated, and you can tell the lid has insulation -it looks like a bank vault.
Two (spoon) thumbs up. And thanks to Dan for the gift- you know me well. Granted I've had this mug for a year and a half now, but I like to really give'er a go before I write a review
The Stanley outdoor travel mug. It meets just about every requirement I have- namely, thermos-like temperature, sealable, and ability to drink from like a regular mug:
I'm looking for a thermos that I can easily drink from (without pouring) and get access to coffee with one hand, or at least that doesn't require "unscrewing" the lid to get access. Or, if we go the other way, a standard travel mug that I cant put in a bag and not worry about spilling and doesn't have the goofy handle.
This Stanley mug is the only one that I actually use on a daily basis. The Bruno mug I reviewed a while back? It's on my "close but no cigar" shelf of failed coffee mugs.
...but there are a few catches. First, the lid assembly requires the prowess normally reserved for US Marine's piecing together their rifle:
My fiancee had a hard time figuring out how the whole thing went together when she pulled it from the dishwasher.
Second, the first mug I received had a poor rubber seal somewhere in this assembly and it leaked coffee at inopportune times (ie- all over my white work shirt). I'm happy to report however, that when I notified Stanley PMI about the leaky cup, they promptly shipped me a brand new one, free of charge, no questions asked. It turns out this one leaks as well, but diligent "reseating" of the rubber seals seems to (literally) stem the flow.
But these minor problems don't take away from the fact that thing keeps my coffee freakin' scalding throughout the day. You know that tepid first sip you take of a hot cup of coffee? I roll like that all the way until 2:00 in the afternoon! (even if I leave the lid in "drink mode") That also means I drink significantly less coffee as I'm nursing this single cup all day long.
Operation is simple once you figure out the moving parts, you just twist the ring as you would on any regular mug and you have a small opening, twist it back to seal it up and throw in a bag. Of course, there's likely a small amount of coffee still caught up in all those rings, seals, and compartments, so use caution when tossing into a bag. It's metal inside and well insulated, and you can tell the lid has insulation -it looks like a bank vault.
Two (spoon) thumbs up. And thanks to Dan for the gift- you know me well. Granted I've had this mug for a year and a half now, but I like to really give'er a go before I write a review
- Pros: Easy travel mug, fits in most cup holders, WELL insulated, easy to drink from
- Cons: A bit tall and lean, rubber grommets and rings are prone to slight leaks, requires basic training to figure outthe assembly of the lid.
WIDGETIZE
kmaage # 11. June 2009, 09:46
That twist/untwist is ok, but I'm sure I would mistake which mode the cup is in. Is there a strong visual cue, like orange through the opening or something, when it is in sip mode?
BTW I can see from the picture background that you have a small child, and like to grill.
Eddie_Lopez # 11. June 2009, 13:35
I agree, a "press to sip" would really make it perfect. Ideally, anything I could do with one, single movement. The ring twist is a two or three count maneuver to fully get it open or sealed. A press to sip type of control would get you down to just a single button push.
....and, yes inspector Holmes
WillYum # 3. August 2009, 22:38
Though Mister Holmes would be offended at the implication of "inspector" that he worked for Scottland Yard. He considered them buffoons of the highest caliber and would never wish to be associated with them.
Yours Truly,
Dr. Watson.