Buying guide for Best coffee mug trees
Do you have mugs galore and not enough space? There’s no need to downsize your cup collection or take drastic measures — simply invest in a coffee mug tree.
These nifty little storage solutions are an easy way to optimize space by stacking mugs. Coffee mug trees have multiple levels of branches from which handles can hang. Made from metal or wood, coffee mug trees have a low center of gravity to prevent them from tipping over when removing mugs. As a result, you can take a mug from the top or bottom of the tree worry-free.
Believe it or not, coffee mug trees can save as much as a square foot of counter space. In a kitchen, that’s nothing short of monumental. Some designs even feature baskets or compartments to hold sweeteners, coffee pods, saucers, or napkins.
Key considerations
Type of storage solution
Coffee mug trees are obviously storage solutions, but for each person, their motivating purpose varies. Those with small kitchens in apartments, dorms, offices, or studios often use mug trees to store all their mugs since counter and cupboard space can be extremely limited. Individuals with large mug collections often have everyday mugs on countertop trees with the “good” mugs stored safely away. Mug trees are also used as decorative displays in restaurants, hotel breakfast rooms, and similar situations.
Branch types
Coffee mug trees have branches to hold mug handles, and this is where design varies the most. Wood-crafted styles typically have straight arms, though they can be embellished with knobs, metal hooks, or stoppers. Metal trees almost always have hooks, which can be curvy, straight, or even zigzag. There are also some metal trees with branches that don’t hold mugs by their handles. For these, you simply place the mug upside down over the branch.
Mug size
Most coffee mug trees accommodate average-size mugs, which typically range from 8 to 16 ounces. Some specialty mugs in this range may not fit on a mug tree, however, particularly — those in unusual shapes or tall and narrow styles. Mugs larger than 20 ounces rarely fit on trees. They’re usually too wide or too long to fit comfortably on a tree and tend to crowd the space.
Accessory storage
There are coffee mug trees that take storage and organization to another level — literally. These trees feature compartments and baskets to hold sweeteners, coffee pods, napkins, and other coffee or tea accessories. They tend to take up more space than standard mug trees, however. But since they do the job of other small storage units, you can sometimes actually end up saving space by consolidating with a coffee mug tree that includes built-in storage.
Features
Colors
Coffee mug trees are intended to blend in with the decor, so they stick to the basics of black, brown, white, silver, and gold. Some metal styles feature various finishes, like brushed, shiny, distressed, or speckled for a hit of style. Wooden trees generally stick to their natural shades, though some people see them as blank canvases and paint them to mesh better with their kitchen style.
Materials
Coffee mug trees are typically made of wood or metal. The natural finish of wood, particularly bamboo, gives them great versatility to blend into virtually any space. Quality varies drastically with wooden models. Lower-quality styles have a tendency to splinter or break, whereas well-designed trees are smooth and sturdy. Wooden mug trees are easy to care for, but since they’re porous, it’s important to keep them dry to avoid mold, mildew, or rot.
Metal coffee mug trees are slightly more popular than wood models. They’re durable and easy to maintain, as most of them are simply wipe clean. Another perk of metal coffee mug trees is that the majority of them come already assembled, unlike their wooden counterparts. With metal styles, you get what you pay for, so expect to spend a little more to get a sturdy, properly weighted coffee mug tree.
Accessories
Mug set: Sweese Porcelain Mugs — 16-Ounce Set of Six
If you’re getting a new coffee mug tree, why not treat yourself to new mugs, too? We like this six-piece porcelain set from Sweese, which is safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer. These durable mugs are solid and thick, ready to last through hundreds of cups of your favorite brew.
Coffee pods: Keurig Entertainers Variety Pack, 40-Count
Since your coffee station is undergoing a style overhaul with a new coffee mug tree, it’s time to try some new coffee and tea blends. We like this variety pack of K-cups, which includes samples from top brands like Krispy Kreme, Celestial Seasonings, and Cinnabon. With so many blends at your disposal, every cup of coffee or tea will delight you.
Coffee mug tree prices
Coffee mug trees cost between $10 and $50, which mostly depends on their materials and how much storage they offer.
Inexpensive
For a budget-friendly coffee mug tree, you’ll spend between $10 and $15. These styles typically hold fewer than six mugs and don’t offer much in the way of storage.
Mid-range
Spend between $15 and $30, and you’ll end up with a well-built tree made from quality wood or metal. Models in this price range often include baskets or compartments to hold coffee and tea accessories.
Expensive
If you’re willing to spend up to $50 on a coffee mug tree, you’ll encounter a variety of ornate style options offered by premium designers. These often hold eight mugs or more and have stronger, heavier bases to accommodate the extra weight.
Tips
- Give as an accessory gift. If you’re giving someone coffee mugs, add a coffee mug tree as an accompanying gift.
- Measure the space. Before falling in love with a coffee mug tree, measure the space where you’d like to use it to make sure it fits properly in your kitchen.
- Keep one in a guest room. If your guests tend to be early risers, keep a coffee mug tree in their bedroom so they can help themselves to coffee in the morning with their very own mug.
FAQ
Q. Won’t a coffee mug tree attract dust and dirt?
A. Like anything you might leave out on the countertop, coffee mug trees, and the mugs on them, are exposed to dust. It’s a good idea to dust your coffee mug tree during your regular kitchen cleaning. If mugs on the tree haven’t been used in a while, wash them thoroughly when expecting guests.
Q. Where is the best place to keep a coffee mug tree?
A. In most kitchens, coffee mug trees are simply placed where they can fit. If you have more than one option, you might be able to set up an entire coffee and tea station. Place your coffee mug tree next to your coffeemaker and coffee accessories for a one stop shop on your counter.
Q. Can I use more than one coffee mug tree?
A. Absolutely, and some people invest in two or three to place them around a dining room so guests can serve themselves. Coffee mug trees typically hold four to eight mugs, so it’s not unusual to need more than one in a larger household.
