Coffee mugs are essential pieces for coffee lovers. When buying, you should choose the prettiest on the shelf and pay close attention to the material. Both ceramic and porcelain are popular options among coffee lovers.
But which is the best handmade mug for drinking coffee? Both materials have their own set of benefits and setbacks. Here is a closer look at the two materials to help differentiate them and make it easier to choose the most ideal.
Porcelain Mug Overview
Porcelain mugs are ideal for hot and cold drinks. They are made of a clay mixture baked in a kiln. However, the clay is more refined and delivers denser, classy, and elegant pieces. Their fancier look and elegant touch make them ideal for gifts.
Porcelain mugs do not retain flavors or smell, making them suitable for coffee. However, it is essential to ensure they are made of quality glaze. Nonetheless, porcelain mugs have their setbacks.
The mugs are thinner, making them fragile and less durable. They are also expensive compared to their counterparts.
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Ceramic Mugs Overview
Ceramic mugs are also made from clay baked in a kiln. They are relatively cheaper and come in various designs and colors than porcelain mugs.
They are the ideal everyday coffee mugs with a casual look and are thicker, more durable, and less expensive than porcelain ones. Ceramic mugs do not retain flavor. However, they should be coated with a quality glaze to avoid corrosion with hot substances.
The downside of ceramic mugs is that they are less appealing and rougher than porcelain mugs.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Coffee Mugs: The Differences
Porcelain and ceramic coffee mugs have several differences, as explained below.
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Look and Style
Porcelain mugs are crafted fancier and tend to look more admirable due to their design. They are ideal for people who need a touch of class and elegance. They also have a glass-like quality, making them more appealing.
On the other hand, Ceramic mugs are average with a casual look. They come in different forms, such as earthenware and stoneware. They also come in various designs and colors, hence easily customizable.
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Durability
Porcelain mugs are sometimes made very thin, which makes them fragile and less durable. However, depending on the design, they can also be denser and smooth. Ceramic mugs are less fragile and exceptionally durable. Nonetheless, both materials are relatively dense; hence, durability depends on how well a handmade mug is crafted.
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Ease of Cleaning
Ceramic mugs are easier to clean compared to porcelain mugs. They are dishwasher friendly but require extra care during washing, especially if they are not glazed. Some porcelain mugs are dishwasher-safe. However, it is advisable to handwash the mugs to avoid corrosion, especially if they are hand-painted.
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Heat Retention
Ceramic mugs allow one to enjoy a hot cup of coffee as they retain heat much longer. The material is more porous, which makes the conduction process occur slower than in other materials.
Conduction is heat loss when two materials, one cooler than the other, come into contact. Ceramic material develops little air pockets that act as heat insulators, slowing the conduction process.
Porcelain mugs also retain heat as they are also non-porous. However, being fragile and thin puts them at a disadvantage because this reduces their heat stability levels.
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Cost
Porcelain is unquestionably more expensive than ceramic. Porcelain undergoes a burning process of temperatures as high as 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a little more challenging to create.
The smooth texture, gorgeous shine, translucent property, and other high-quality features add to the cost. However, the cost of a handmade mug is worthwhile if the goal is to achieve class, elegance, and luxury more than durability.
Also Read: Cappuccino vs Latte – The Bucket List of Differences in These Coffee Types
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Safety
Both materials are safe for drinking coffee. However, it is essential to take more emphasis on their production process. Both materials require professional baking, heating, and painting to guarantee safety.
If the processes are interfered with, they can cause lead poisoning. When hot, acidic drinks such as coffee can corrode with the materials causing lead leaching, which can harm the body.
Buy the Best Handmade Coffee Mug Today
Coffee becomes more enjoyable when you take it from a handmade mug that suits you. Although ceramic and porcelain mugs are ideal for coffee, they are different in terms of heat retention, price, durability, ease of cleaning, and design. Understanding these differences makes it easier to choose the most ideal.
