Sizes
They come in a range to match different consumption habits. If you like ordinary coffee or want the standard size, something around 350ml is perfect.
You can also buy ones around 120ml for espressos and shots, or over 450ml for long drinks or an extra long-lasting coffee boost.
We have listed all of the above in their millilitre equivalent, but bear in mind most are made in Australia or the US so come in fl. Oz. 4oz is the espresso size, 12oz is standard and 16oz is long.
Materials
Above, we have reviewed cups made from coffee husk, rice husk, silicone, glass, bamboo, plastic and metal. There are some other materials floating about out there too, and we fully expect further innovations as people start to become more aware.
The latter two are usually the best as retaining heat, so great if you need your coffee to last. The former two are seen as the best eco-friendly options, as they take by-products of food manufacturing to make the cup so really do reduce the impact of waste. Bamboo is the world’s most sustainable crop so is pretty friendly, too (for the moment).
If you travel a lot and need something substantial, glass or metal could be problematic as they may get damaged or break. But they’re seen as the easiest to clean and least likely to retain flavours, so could be best for those who like alternative hot drinks or the real flavour.
It can mostly depend on the design of the cup, too, as opposed to the material. You may need a firm grip sleeve, or the drinking hole to be covered. You may even prefer a cup sans drinking hole to emulate an ordinary mug, or need something lightweight.
In the end, it is down to personal choice, but choice is something you have a lot of when it comes to which reusable coffee cup to buy.