Well, is it? Yes, it could be!
I've used a good number of travel mugs and I've been disappointed an equal number of times. That is, until I discovered the Contigo West Loop v2 travel mug.
I've used a good number of travel mugs and I've been disappointed an equal number of times. That is, until I discovered the Contigo West Loop v2 travel mug.
The problem with most travel mugs is that they fail in one or more of the following areas;
In my opinion, to be a great travel mug, your mug needs to hit ALL of these points, not just some. The Contigo is rated to keep your coffee hot for up to 5 hours, well, it keeps it warm for 5 hours, but hot for 3 - and that's fine.
It is built like a tank, using food grade stainless steel and possibly the best quality lid I've ever used. It employs a firm Autoseal button so your coffee doesn't spill and opens only when you are sipping your coffee. It also has a lock function so you can toss it in your bag if you want.
- they dont keep your drink hot for long enough to be useful
- they are too fragile
- they spill
- they leak
- they are hard to clean
In my opinion, to be a great travel mug, your mug needs to hit ALL of these points, not just some. The Contigo is rated to keep your coffee hot for up to 5 hours, well, it keeps it warm for 5 hours, but hot for 3 - and that's fine.
It is built like a tank, using food grade stainless steel and possibly the best quality lid I've ever used. It employs a firm Autoseal button so your coffee doesn't spill and opens only when you are sipping your coffee. It also has a lock function so you can toss it in your bag if you want.
The lid is VERY easily cleaned; they've designed the lid so it will release the entire internal mechanism onto a hinge so it can be rinsed out clean - AWESOME!
The lid is VERY easily cleaned; they've designed the lid so it will release the entire internal mechanism onto a hinge so it can be rinsed out clean - AWESOME!
The main difference between the original and the new model is that the new model will keep your drink hot for about 20% longer and the lid has a locking mechanism, plus the internals can be released for easy cleaning. Id say each one is a great upgrade.
Depending on where you buy your Contigo, they will cost between $27 (currently at Officeworks in Silver only) up to $76 at various other places. Its also worthy to note that I originally wanted the Matt Black version, though there is a disclaimer that all the coloured versions should be hand washed - only the all silver, natural brushed stainless steel model is completely dish washer safe.
