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Tea and coffee are two of our favorite things to talk about at Wirecutter (only our other favorite topic: our pets). So it's no surprise that we have a lot of opinions about the cup. As the weather became more refreshing and colder, we decided to share our favorites, from classic dinner styles to beautiful glassware to handmade stoneware cups. We started recommending 8 to 10 cups, but in the end our staff gave us nearly 50 suggestions. Passion has a long history.

We already have more practical mug guides, including heated mugs, travel mugs and tumblers (some of our employees like the 14 oz Yeti Rambler mug, which is a version of our 20 oz Yeti tumbler mug). But the cup in this guide is not so practical, but closer to our hearts. Of the 34 brands mentioned in the entire article, 20 are currently owned (or founded) by women and people of color, and we hope to continue to add more. These are the cups we dream of-cups worth giving to others (and yourself), cups that make us feel good, and cups that make our morning tea an experience.

Kinto Unitea Cup 15 oz ($9 at the time of publication)

In seventh grade, I decided that my entire character would be based on drinking tea in an oversized transparent glass. (I must have seen this in a movie or something else.) For a few weeks, I begged my mother to take me around and we finally found some at Pier 1 Imports. Thirty years later, I still like a big glass. Although we often recommend Bodum's Pavina double-wall glasses for tea and coffee, I also like these exquisite beauties from the Japanese brand Kinto. They are thin, beautiful, simple, and affordable, and can be replaced if they break (because, trust me, glasses often break). They are also available in two sizes, 12 ounces and 17 ounces, and Kinto can be shipped very quickly. I especially like the version with a matching glass filter, which is a must for true tea lovers.

Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware Super Latte Cup ($10 at the time of publication)

These stoneware cups are absolutely huge and can hold 25 ounces (most oversized cups we have seen hold about 15 ounces). They are available in black or white and can be used in dishwashers and microwaves. If you only buy a single cup, you can pick it up at your local Pottery Barn; the four-piece set can only be purchased online. You can eat a bowl of pasta, or just take the morning latte seriously.

IKEA Dinera ($2 at the time of publication)

Everything about the IKEA Dinera mug is useful to us-Scandinavian style dinner mugs (see more below), cheap prices and three soft color options. "I'm very picky about my cups," said Michael Hession, Wirecutter's head of photography and video. After searching for the perfect cup for a long time, he found Dinera while browsing at IKEA. "It has beautiful proportions, looks modern, and doesn't make a fuss, [and] its size is perfect for me, 10 ounces." And since they are very cheap, if you break one, it's no big deal .

Hasami mug (starting at approximately $25 at the time of publication)

Japanese ceramic company Hasami has been making porcelain for more than 400 years, and the Hasami mug is Wirecutter's favorite. We like that no matter which color you choose, these items always look like a set when you put them together. These cups, as well as the company’s sugar bowls and milk jugs, are also stackable. Full-time writer Katie Okamoto also has a teapot. Katie recently discovered that flat lids happen to be the perfect heating point for chocolate chip cookies. We also like that Hasami's porcelain can be used in dishwashers and microwaves.

Our employees have a soft spot for old-fashioned American dining car cups, whether they are ordinary classics or souvenirs purchased from their favorite coffee shops. Originally manufactured by the Victor Company, it was used to ride the rough seas on U.S. Navy ships during World War II. The original cup was very indestructible. Over time, the dining cup has evolved from a new company and a new design. However, the basic element we like is the same-a heavy cup that can hold 8 to 12 ounces of liquid, made of thick ceramic (originally porcelain) to help isolate the drink. My personal favorite is Tick Tock Diner, my childhood restaurant in New Jersey. You must purchase these little gems yourself (if you are nearby). But below we have listed some other dining cups that you can order.

Highwave Classic Coffee Cup ($10 at the time of publication)

If you like the feel of a heavy, sturdy meal cup, we like the stoneware Highwave Classic Cafe Mug. It weighs a little over 19 ounces when unloaded and can hold 10 ounces of liquid. It is a slightly updated version of the classic dinner. My Highwave survived a few drops on the kitchen floor, only to make a loud bang. This is the last cup in my cupboard, and I am worried about breaking it. I tend to drink my hot drinks all day long, long after they have cooled down, and this keeps the liquid hot for an amazingly long time. Available in two colors-bright white (modern look) or iconic off-white-this cup can be used in dishwashers and microwaves. A set of four will make your cost less than $50.

Bubby's Pie for Breakfast Doodle Mug ($12 at the time of publication)

What's more interesting than a meal cup in a pie shop? Bubby's in New York City offers three graffiti designs drawn by the owner Ron Silver, but the breakfast mug is our favorite. If you can't buy that cup, we have many other suggestions for restaurants and coffee shops. Consider a cup of coffee in Old Town Philadelphia; Leelanau Coffee Shop in Glen Arbor, Michigan; Carolines Coffee Roasters in Grass Valley, California; and Café Du Monde in New Orleans. Contributing writer Katie Okamoto has a cup from Hart's in Brooklyn, New York. Software engineer Jacob Baker is a fan of East Pole's From Atlanta mug. "My partner and I have about 20 more cups than we need," he said, but this cup from his favorite coffee shop is his first choice. "I'm considering buying another one as a spare!" We couldn't buy the bowl-shaped coffee cups from Junior's in New York (even if it doesn't have the classic dining car cup shape). This makes us crave the restaurant’s famous cheesecake and a cup of Joe.

Second-hand vintage dining car cups (prices and availability vary)

"I really like the overweight vintage meal cups that can be found on eBay," said senior writer Tim Heffernan. Victor, Shenango, Ventura and Rego are the most common manufacturers. If you prefer vintage mugs, it is not difficult to find a suit, which is mainly brown or off-white. "My Venturas weighs 19.5 ounces unloaded and 26.5 ounces fully loaded, dare you dare," he said. Why does Tim love them? "Because on a cold morning, if you fill them with boiling water for a few minutes before pouring the boiling water and adding the drink, they will absorb the heat and keep the drink - and your hands - warm for an hour," he said . "Also, you can put them on hard tiles and they won't break."

Sometimes we find companies that produce seasonal or limited series of mugs, and we want to collect them all. For my husband, this means that you can get your Starbucks cups wherever he goes, or receive them as gifts from traveling friends and family. Below we list our favorite cups to start your own collection or share with your favorite people.

Emma Bridgewater ½ pint mug ($35 at the time of publication)

During the pandemic, when editor-in-chief Daniela Gorny and I discovered The Great Pottery Throw Down on HBO Max, we fell in love with Emma Bridgewater's pottery. Our weekly meetings may now be 40/60 work talks and cup talks, especially when announcing new product lines. Many mugs (as well as bowls, plates, kettles, and various other cute things) are limited editions, so you have to get them as much as possible. I collect Emma Bridgewater's chicken cups, Daniela's goal is to collect all the flower themes. "This snowdrop cup [pictured above] is on my wish list!" she said. The half-pint size is perfect for morning coffee, but the company also has larger cocoa cups. My daughter also has a personalized cup, the size is just right for the child, it has become her favorite hot chocolate. This kind of pottery is easy to mix and match, and is suitable for casual English cottage style series placed in a cabinet.

Vietri Maccarello Mug (approximately $40 at the time of publication)

Vietri was founded in the 1980s by an American family inspired by travel in Italy. The company is owned by women and the products are still made by Italian craftsmen, which is absolutely delightful. "I treat myself with Maccarello mugs," said editor Gabriella Gershenson. "It's big and beautiful. The painted mackerel pattern looks very comfortable, and the glaze is smooth and smooth." We also wanted a matching kettle. We also like the Campagna and Wildlife mug series. "My only complaint is that the fish are only painted on one side, so I have to tilt the cup in a certain direction to enjoy them," Gabriela added.

Le Creuset Mug ($20 at the time of publication)

I have been longing for the Le Creuset stoneware cup for a while, and when I finally got one, it did not disappoint. Le Creuset is probably famous for its enamel-coated cast iron Dutch oven (I like mine very much). However, the surprise star in my Le Creuset life is a set of small company molds, which someone gave to me in 2007, and has been indestructible ever since, perfectly maintaining heat to melt butter or heat pancake syrup. These cups are made of the same stoneware as the ramekins (no scratches or fragments on them). After getting my first Le Creuset mug, I think they will be equally fun and durable in the kitchen. So many colors, so good to hold! I can see myself collecting a complete rainbow over time, or giving a bright and happy gift to a friend, my daughter’s teacher, or even exchanging gifts at work.

Royal Copenhagen Alphabet Mug ($105 at the time of publication)

These porcelain cups are definitely a splurge, but imagine the expression of your loved one when they open the cup. Royal Copenhagen has been making Danish clothing since 1775, and some of the company's original prints are still in production. Scandinavian design is clean and elegant, subtle but shimmering (Blue Fluted Mega mugs are also charming). We think these Royal Copenhagen mugs are perfect as wedding and housewarming gifts, or just to make someone smile. You can collect the entire alphabet. The company's mugs and cups can be mixed and matched, so a gorgeous alphabet mug and a simple white mug look like at home. We also see that these products are priced at approximately US$85, so please pay attention to these offers.

Taylor & Ng Elephants Animates Mug (approximately $10 at the time of publication)

"When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents' house, and I never understood why my grandmother would laugh when I asked to drink from these cups," contributing writer Dolly Scheff Said Dorie Chevlen. "After many years, I observed carefully and finally understood." She said her grandmother bought these cups when she started working in sex education. "For a mother of three children in the 1960s, this was no small feat!" Dolly said. When she moved into a New York apartment with her sister, she and her sister bought a set that was exactly the same as their grandmother's. These cups are still produced by the same company. "Like her, we are happy to serve our guests coffee in these crafty sexual containers, waiting for their happy or fearful response."

Franca Finca Tatas Mug ($45 at the time of publication)

At first glance, these cups designed by Jazmin de la Guardia and Sierra Yip-Bannicq seem to have a simple abstract design. But continue to search, and it suddenly became clear-there are Tata everywhere. The designer who owns a design studio and ceramic shop Franca in New York City is accepting pre-orders for these handmade porcelains (it will take three to four weeks to ship). The company has fans in Wirecutter-these women designed recessed T cups in the New York Times store, which are roughly the same size, shape, and material. "I am notorious for not having finished my cup of coffee or tea," said Marilyn Ong, editor-in-chief of T mug. "So I like smaller cups, and for me, they are correct. "She said she thought the Tatas cup would be just as cute (and more naughty).

Ambition Mug in the clothing area ($14 at the time of publication)

Clothing areas owned by black women are everywhere on my Instagram, full of authorized memes and Trust Black Women T-shirts created by founder Dionna Dorsey. I ordered this ambitious container as soon as I saw it-inspired by the song "Nine to Five" by idol and national treasure Dolly Parton. When I am dealing with a huge to-do list, when I am facing a difficult deadline, or when I just need to remind that I have already got this, this is the cup I reach for.

Just Funky Golden Girls keeps the golden coffee cup ($20 at the time of publication)

I can’t tell you why I scrolled Target’s website late last night to check Golden Girls’ merchandise, but I am. I found this incredible cup and ordered it immediately (and two sets of Golden Girls Mad Libs). Everything about it—the sunny colors, the four gorgeous ladies smiling at me, and the 20 ounces of tea in it—makes me smile, especially when I have to go against my will early in the morning. This cup is not technically dishwasher safe, but I have used it dozens of times (now it has a small fragment on the edge). It is still one of my favorite cups to buy. I hope to use it to raise a glass to the last surviving golden virgin Betty White when she is 100 years old in January 2022.

We like to support small pottery companies, and Instagram is a treasure trove for potters to sell their works. Scrolling #handmademug is a good starting point, if you want to shop locally, there may be a tag. I use #seattlepotter and #pnwpotter to find artists near me in Washington, either online or at the local craft market (this is the best time of the year for them). Potters on social media use several different methods to sell their cups online. Some people will announce in advance store updates for limited-edition items, which are usually sold out within a few minutes (Senior editor Christine Ryan marked on her calendar the spotted mark from Lolly Lolly Ceramics in Milwaukee, which was recently launched in late November. Cups sold out quickly.) Some let you sign up to receive email notifications when they restock popular items. There are also reservations for favorite designs. Some people just post their work on Instagram. If you want to buy something, you can send them a message. Therefore, even though not all the products you see below are in stock, it is still worth paying attention to your favorite potter so that you can buy it next time. These are our favorites, and they mix these sales methods.

Gray Lane Ceramics In Nature mug (prices vary)

Canadian potter Erin Seeley’s tree-shaped cup is my favorite handmade cup right now. I bought a pair in her very popular store update this fall (I did mark my calendar so I won't miss it). My husband gradually likes the matte cups, and now he likes the simple and modern design of Gray Lane Ceramics. The mug is low-key and unpretentious. It contains 16 ounces of coffee, which is very suitable for our wooden farmhouse. Shipping is not cheap, but if you are starting a series and want something modern and special for daily use, please set an alarm for her next update.

Mt. Washington Pottery Facet Carved Mug (approximately $75 at the time of publication)

Facet Carved Mug from Mt. Washington Pottery is the favorite of editor-in-chief Daniela Gorny. "I received a pair as housewarming gifts, and they have become my favorite cups," she said. The size and shape of the handle fit her way of drinking coffee. “I usually just grab the cup like a cup instead of grabbing it from the handle. The small ring is great for inserting a few fingers.” Although these cups can be washed in the dishwasher, Daniela washes them by hand. For most handmade cups, this may be a good rule of thumb, if you want them to be used for many years. You can usually go to the website to see if there are cups for sale; if you are in the Los Angeles area, this store also sells its cups through various stockers and local craft fairs.

Under the Tree Earthy Blue Glaze Mug (approximately US$95 for two at the time of publication)

Cups produced in small batches can be expensive, but they can also create lasting memories and special liking for manufacturers. “I’m 21 years old this year. It’s art. It’s a connection between time and place,” said senior author Lauren Dragan of her life from under a tree when she lived in Ithaca, New York decades ago. Said when buying the cup from the artist. "They made it with clay from the creek where I live. So I really grasped part of that time and place." The shop is still open today, and some of the cups can be purchased online. This pair of earthy blue glazes is different from Lauren's, but we like the big, round shape.

Amelia Wrede Davis Field Tumbler ($40 at the time of publication)

The color and glaze of Amelia Wrede Davis Field Tumbler change from time to time, but the design itself does not seem to have changed. "I like the little thumbprint instead of the handle," said update writer Nina Farrell. The tumbler style can make the cup hot at first, but it can hold 14 ounces. "It makes my cup of tea in the morning feel like squandering in a cool coffee shop," Nena said. Her version has no spots, "but I'm seriously considering adding a spot to my collection."

Sublime Pottery Mugs (prices vary)

I recently bought a Stein-sized cup from Sublime Pottery (mine is 27 ounces, but each cup is slightly different), and I can’t stop watching it. The colors and details of the shiny rainbow-colored surface are so beautiful, I can't decide whether to drink tea with it or put it on a shelf. The company releases new products every few weeks, and they sell out very quickly. In fact, there is a full page of instructions on how to navigate replenishment on the website. These cups are a splurge, especially for larger size cups, but the glaze is too gorgeous to be missed.

Martina Thornhill's Okay Cup (approximately $55 at the time of publication)

Martina Thornhill's ceramic Okay Cup is designed to look like a cup taken out of a coffee shop and has a considerable following. "[They] are so popular that she now has to pre-order them on a monthly basis," said Wirecutter photo editor Rozette Rago. They come with a silicone cover and heating band to protect your hands. "They have the most beautiful color combinations," Rozette said.

Since 2015, Jackie Reeve has been a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, covering bedding, tissue, and household items. Before that, she was a school librarian and had been quilting for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and other written works have appeared in various publications. She manages Wirecutter's employee book club and makes the bed every morning.

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