Buying guide for Best freezer mugs
Whether your beverage of choice is beer, soda, or iced coffee, you will face the same problem: how to keep it cold without watering it down with ice cubes. A freezer mug is the perfect solution. These mugs feature a double-walled design with freezable gel inside. Freeze the mug, and the gel will keep your drink cold without diluting it.
Freezer mugs are great for BBQs, parties, or even just relaxing on the deck. But with the wide variety of options available, how do you know what to buy? Factors such as mug construction, style, and size are all important considerations. In this guide, we examine the features and other options you should know about.
Effectiveness
All freezer mugs work to some extent, but some are definitely better than others. The best freezer mugs freeze evenly and keep beverages cold for as long as needed (that is, as long as you are drinking your beverage). Some freezer mugs are even able to chill room temperature liquids that are added to them. The manufacturer should provide information on how long a mug can keep its contents cold.
Construction
As mentioned, freezer mugs are simple in terms of construction: the sides consist of two walls with a freezable gel in the middle. The majority of these mugs are constructed from plastic, which should be BPA-free. Acrylic mugs can also be found, as can some made from glass.
Plastic and acrylic are more rugged and resist impact better, but they can be susceptible to cracking. Glass is generally more stylish and elegant than plastic or acrylic, but it is also more fragile. If you buy a glass freezer mug, be sure it is lead-free.
Style
Style is a primary area in which freezer mugs can differ. As these mugs are often used in party or get-together settings, you want them to be attractive — perhaps even a conversation piece. Some mugs offer a number of color options; others feature a stylish, elegant, or whimsical shape.
The gel in these mugs is often in a cubed form, so the mug takes on the appearance of cracked ice. Other mugs have fun novelty inserts.
Size
How many ounces should your mug of choice hold? A rule of thumb here is that it should hold a full beer or soda, if that is what you are drinking. A mug that is not large enough will just annoy you with the constant need to refill it; one that is too large can be bulky and awkward to use. An overly large mug will also take longer to freeze, and it may be more difficult to actually fit in your freezer — especially if you’re freezing several mugs at once.
Sets vs. singletons
Some freezer mugs come in sets; others come as singletons. Buying freezer mugs in sets of four or more can be a great way to save money per mug, particularly if you are stocking up for a party.
Lids/covers
If you will be traveling with your mug, be sure that it ships with a lid or cover that is as leak-proof as possible. Any lid should be easy to place and remove, and it should incorporate a vent of some sort so you can drink from it or easily use a straw with it.
Handles
Some freezer mugs have handles and some don’t. Handles exist for aesthetic and practical reasons. If you’re thinking about buying a mug with a handle, verify that it is solidly attached and comfortable to hold.
Freezer mug prices
Freezer mug prices range from under $10 to $20 or slightly more. You will pay a greater amount for a set, but if you do elect to buy a set, the price per mug should be less than if you were to buy mugs separately.
Expect to pay up for mugs that are larger and/or of higher quality. For example, an elegant freezer mug made of glass will cost more than a freezer mug made of plastic or acrylic. A mug with an innovative shape may also be more expensive.
Did you know?
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of freezer mugs are not filled with water. Instead, they are filled with a type of freezable gel.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
● Freezer mugs are a fun and inexpensive gift idea, particularly if you are gifting in the summer. If you are giving one as a present, check whether it ships with a gift box.
● Be sure your freezer mugs are completely dry before placing them in the freezer. Any water on or in the mug will freeze, which could water down your drink or leave you having to chip your mug out of the freezer.
● While a mug that can keep a beverage cold for a long time is preferable, keep in mind that freezer mugs will not keep soda carbonated.
● Some manufacturers recommend storing freezer mugs in the freezer in a particular orientation (for example, upside down). Check your documentation to verify what is recommended for your mug.
● If you are planning a party, place your mugs in the freezer two to four hours ahead of time so they’re ready for guests when they arrive.
● Any fun elements that are part of your mug — a fake beer insert, funky-looking cracked ice gel — should be translucent enough that the level of the beverage remaining inside it still shows through.
● Going with a name-brand freezer mug will generally give you a better assurance of quality (and a better chance of contacting a sympathetic person if something goes wrong).
● Wash your mug carefully prior to using it for the first time to remove any construction or shipping residue.
● The first time you use your mug, do so with a mug cozy to protect your table. Freezer mugs “sweat” to some extent. If you value your table’s surface, protect it until you have sense of whether your mug has a perspiration problem.
FAQ
Q. Exactly how much do these mugs sweat?
A. Anything this cold with a liquid inside it is going to sweat to some degree, but the amount of sweating varies from mug to mug. The double-walled design of a freezer mug helps cut down on sweating considerably. Still, some freezer mugs put out more water than others. Temperature and other environmental factors can affect how much a mug sweats.
Q. Is it safe to store my mug in the freezer all the time?
A. Keeping a freezer mug in the freezer all the time is a great way to guarantee it will always be cold and ready. But should you do this? Check the product documentation, or consult with the manufacturer. Some companies state that leaving mugs in the freezer is fine; others recommend against doing so. Some also warn against leaving a mug for an extended period in a freezer where the temperature is too cold.
Q. How easy is it to clean a freezer mug?
A. Some freezer mugs are dishwasher safe, while others must be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Again, check the documentation that shipped with the mug for care and cleaning instructions.
