While much speculation surrounds the exact date, many historians agree that, mugs came into existence nearly 12,000 years ago. However, before that time, drinking vessels similar to cups and bowls were in use. The difference between a cup and a mug can be summarized in one phrase - the handle. It is estimated that wooden mugs were the first in use, and since such materials cannot be preserved till the present, an exact point of inception cannot be arrived at. The Chinese were the first to produce a ceramic mug (600 CE), and up until that time mugs were made of clay, making them unfit for both hot and cold drinks.
The mug’s basic design purpose is intended for thermal insulation. Compared to the thin walls of a cup, the mug, with its thick walls, insulates the liquid stopping it from warming or cooling rapidly. The base of a mug is usually concave, making the distinguishing O-shaped ring on surfaces. Combining a mug’s handle feature, and a vacuum flask’s superior thermal insulation properties, the travel mug was born in the 1980s.
Travel mugs generally come in 3 different volume categories: < 16 oz, 16 - 24 oz, and > 24 oz. 24 oz travel mugs are usually produced with stainless steel insulation and foam insulation. The vacuum insulated 24 oz travel mugs are reputed to keep beverages from cooling or warming rapidly. On average, a vacuum insulated 24 oz travel mug can keep beverages hot or
cold between ranges of 5-9 hours; while foam insulated 24 oz travel mug’s range is from 1- 2 hours.
Insulation matters aside, the lid mechanism of a 24 oz travel mug are also essential to user satisfaction. Since a travel mug is primarily used when on the move, its ability to keep the liquid from spilling or leaking is what makes it useful to many individuals. The spill-proof lid is designed with several unique mechanisms, each having its own pros and cons.
A 24 oz travel mug which comes with an automatic seal, otherwise known as auto-seal, is easier to use since only a push of a button is required for the user to consume the beverage, and closes once the finger is released from the button. Certain travel mugs come with an easy-to-use latch type lids. The user releases the latch to open the lid to consume the drink, and the lid is locked back thanks to the latch’s spring mechanism. The screw-on lid, the progenitor of lids, is considerably the best lid of all 24 oz travel mugs. Air tight as it may be, it requires the both hands to screw and unscrew the lid.
Stainless steel lined 24 oz travel mugs are ideal since they are easier to clean, and don’t deteriorate to give an odd-tasting beverage.
Friday, March 4, 2011
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