(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best mugs

I have a microwave at my office space rental, but I'm on the road a lot with my job, so I've looked into many different solutions. There are a variety of options available.

Non-electronic storage:

They make a squattier version of the Thermos you have from RTIC, which is what I sometimes use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DRP86T1

Spoon for size comparison:

https://i.imgur.com/AR4itKB.jpg

It's not so deep that I can't get a spoon in. It'd be nice if it were a little wider, but it does the job. A bit smaller than your Thermos at 17 ounces. Pinnacle Thermoware sells insulated a pretty nice insulated bowl set, if you specifically want a bowl shape:

https://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Serving-Salad-Soup-Dish/dp/B07RT1X47C/

If you need more food than just one bowl can hold, Ailijin makes a 2-bowl, single-tote insulated solution: (kind of a round bento-style)

https://www.amazon.com/AILIJIN-Leakproof-Insulated-Stainless-Portable/dp/B07QQ9JYG3/

If you need to heat up a soup before you go to put into an insulated storage container, I use one of these vented microwave mugs, so it doesn't explode all over the inside of my microwave when heating up:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F5IC478/

Electronic storage:

Beyond that, there are 3 common electronic options, depending on what power you have available: (12V in a car or an A/C wall plug)

1. Crockpot Lunch Crock (A/C power)
   
2. RoadPro 300F lunchbox oven (12V car power)
   
3. HotLogic lunchbox oven (A/C power, car-compatible A/C, or 75w+ inverter for car power)
   
   The Crockpot unit is basically like your Thermos, except you plug it in to heat it, and it has a pretty nice wide bowl size. My buddy has one & it's pretty dang handy! My brother has the RoadPro, as he's on the road all day long, and it's super nice because it does a pretty decent job (heats up to 300F, basically like a mini oven), so you can heat up burritos, melt cheesy stuff like lasagna, etc.
   
   The HotLogic is nice because instead of just being a mini portable crockpot, it's also a mini oven, and can be used from a wall plug, a newer-vehicle 2-prong car plug, or with a 75-watt (minimum) inverter. There's a good Facebook group available as well! It heats up to 218F & then holds the food at 180F, so it's more for reheating food than cooking food, like the RoadPro can do (HotLogic says you can cook chicken breast in it in about 2 hours, but ehhh...), but it's also a bit more versatile as you can plug it directly into the wall an hour before lunch & have your food ready to go without needing a microwave or toaster oven.
   
   Homemade soup:
   
   If you're into soup & haven't heard of Souper Cubes, it's basically a silicone ice cube tray with 1/2-cup & 1-cup markings (4 per tray) & lids, plus a wire frame around the top to hold it together, which makes portioning out bulk soup cooks super easy:
   
   https://www.soupercubes.com/
   
   I mean, just look at this insanity:
   
   https://www.instagram.com/p/B0cU_UFBSQp/
   
   Also, if you're into making soups at home, the Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) is my BFF...it makes cooking soup a lot faster & more automated (aka easier overall!). Poaching from another one of my posts, here are some soup ideas: (I use the IP for soups, stews, bisques, broths, stocks, etc.)
   
   

• Ham & bean
  
• Vegetable beef
  
• Chili con carne (chili is just thick soup...lol)
  
• Olive Garden's creamy chicken gnocchi
  
• Broccoli cheddar potato soup
  
• Asian chicken noodle
  
  Some ideas for soup toppings & easy no-knead breads:
  
  
• Ranch oyster crackers
  
• Cheese & onion roasted chickpeas
  
• Homemade flavored croutons
  
• Crusty rolls
  
• Ciabatta bread
  
  Also if you're trying to get more veggies in your diet, check out this master guide on making blended soups in the Instant Pot, definitely worth a read:
  
  https://allthenourishingthings.com/make-blended-soup-instant-pot/
  
  I tend to make soup about once a week in my Instant Pot at home, then freeze it in my Souper Cube containers, and keep a stash of different varieties in my freezer so I can just grab one & go. When you have a solid storage system setup (electronic or non-electronic), it makes the whole process pretty dang easy:
  
  

1. Store a variety of soup flavors at home (Souper Cubes or canned soup)
   
2. Heat it up in the vented mug if you need it hot before you leave
   
3. Put it into your container of choice
   
4. Heat up your container (if needed) & enjoy!
   
   For me, it's really about nailing down a solid process & taking care of all of the little annoying details. Like you said, the tall insulated mugs are too small to get a spoon into & eat out of, so you have to find something better that meets the needs of your individual situation better. Then, setting up a system to support convenience means you can always have a variety of soups to grab before you leave the house, whether it's a can that you heat up in a vented mug & store in a food thermos or a frozen Souper Cube that you toss in a Crockpot Lunch Crock & plug in before lunch!

Hi there! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! =D

1. My favorite recipe in the whooooole wide world (mainly because I can't really cook a whole bunch of things yet! ;D) is what I like to call a Happle Bagel Sandwich. Take half a bagel, slap a nice slice of cheddar on there, and then put a slice of green apple (in the round) on top. Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top and then pop in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees F.
   
   
2. What keeps me going...I just want to be the best person I can be. I want to make my friends, family, and myself proud. It's really just as simple as that. I want to live a good life, and make people happy. Yay!
   
   
3. The byline for the dust flap of a stereotypical young adult novel: "rambopandabear is a typical teenage panda bear just trying to live his life in the bamboo forest and going to bamboo forest school. After school's out, rambopandabear turns into a total badass and makes awesome movies. Maybe he isn't so typical after all...." This of course would be accompanied by a super smiley picture of a rambo-like panda bear.
   
   
4. This green travel mug is doubly green and awesome! Not only is it green in color, but it's environmentally green as well! =D Made out of recycled materials and BPA free, it seems like a pretty awesome and green product to me. =)
   
   Thanks for sharing your birthday joy with us via contest, and thanks again! You rule and I hope you have a great day!! =D

!!

Getting started with matcha is so awesome! I've been drinking it in the morning with breakfast for almost a full year now, and knock on my fake-wood desk, I haven't gotten sick at all (except for that one sinus infection when I stopped drinking it for two weeks...whoops).

I think you are selling yourself short if taste isn't as important to you. I feel high quality matcha is better for you, but maybe I'm just overthinking things. I would give this one a shot since it claims to be ceremonial grade, it's 4oz, AND it's barely over $20. That sounds like a steal.

I have matcha every morning. Tea ceremony purists would probably faint over my routine, but it's pretty quick for me and it still tastes lovely.

Tools:

• A little sifter/strainer/whathaveyou
  
  
• Chasen whisk and chashaku scoop (I prefer to use the chashaku scoop over the little spoon because I find it's easier to scoop out of my matcha tins.)
  
  
• Big ol' soup mug - You don't need a fancy schmancy special bowl. My mug is some weird soup mug from the 70s with Garfield on it.
  
  
• Matcha powder! (This one is my favorite, but it might be too much money if you're just getting started)
  
  __
  
  

1. Take your clunky soup cup and fill it with hot water. I use hot tap water. Let it sit in the sink.
   
   
2. Put the kettle on to boil. When it has reached a boil, pour the water into a one-cup liquid measuring cup and let it sit.
   
   
3. While the hot water is sitting, remove your cup from the sink, dry the inside with a paper towel.
   
   
4. Place your strainer atop your tea cup. Take out your matcha tea and scoop as much as you'd like onto the strainer. Here I use the chashaku scoop to press it against the strainer. This is what breaks up the clumps, leaving me with very fine, powdery matcha.
   
   
5. By the time you've finished adding the powder to your cup, the hot water in the measuring cup should be ready. Keep in mind you want the water to be between 155-180F in temperature.
   
   
6. Pour in the hot water and whisk it to death until it's lovely and frothy.
   
   
7. While waiting for it to cool (if you're like me and are a wuss), eat your breakfast!

Pretty soup mug all of me, loves all of you. It's funny you chose that song because I totally relate it to my relationship with /u/danthegoon! We're a couple of nuts but I love him a ton. It has been a good year being with him. He brings out my crazy but be brings out the best in me as well. That is why I love him. :)

Here is what I use, and I love it. This strainer actually lets the loose leaf tea expand, unlike little tea balls. It's also easy to clean. I get a pot because I like to brew 2-3 cups at once. I pour one in an insulated mug so it's drinkable by the time I finish the first. This set also comes as a brew-in-cup system for singles.

Infusing
1:Water temp. Either get an electric kettle like this that you can set to heat to a certain temperature, or bring to a boil and let cool to the right temperature. For greens that is always BELOW boiling. 170-190 degrees F, and it can vary by the type of tea.
2: Preheat your brewing vessel, be it cup or pot, by swirling some of the water inside and dumping that out. Starting with a preheated pot keeps the water temp. stable during brewing. You want a lid for the same reason.
3: Add loose tea leaves to the infuser.
4: Pour in your water.
5: Let steep. For green tea that is going to usually be 2-3 minutes, but it can vary by strain. Overbrewing green tea makes it bitter.
6: Remove the infuser. A good quality loose leaf tea can be brewed 2, and sometimes three, times! Let it cool between brewings, and you want to use it the same day.

7: Pour and enjoy! I like to brew in one cup/pot and drink from another. Pouring into a cold cup drops the temp of a green tea to almost drinkable right away.

Brands
I tend to order online and in bulk. I like to buy 8-16 oz of loose leaf at a time. I've enjoyed Republic of Tea, though they can be expensive and some of the flavors are a big miss. Their Vanilla Almond is to DIE for! Right now Rishi Tea is my favorite. They do greens very, very well. I recommend the Green Flight sampler pack to get started. The name is a play on taking a vacation across regions of the world by sampling greens from each.

I just ordered some Numi jasmine green tea, but I haven't gotten it yet. I'll update you when I do.

Hi honey! Splendifferous is what you are! I actually do have a suggestion - I love Contigo mugs. This one is ceramic/stainless. I use the autoseal stainless ones... why do you prefer ceramic on the inside, if I might ask? I have the feeling that you and I both try and avoid disposable stuff, so I probably would like yours better. Now that I'm looking, I'm not even sure my lids are BPA free. :) Great!!

Saturday afternoons means iced tea for me.... I make a pitcher every day and I'm forever running out. My happiest feeling is sitting outside on the grass or the sand, sipping iced tea and reading a book while the kiddos tear around in circles around me.

If you want a nice looking Japanese tea set you can find some authentic Japanese tea pots at Den's tea
. The cheap one's use metal strainers rather than ceramic but they would still be good quality. If you have any Chinese tea shops near by you can find some cheap ceramic cups to go with it and probably not go over budget.

Instead of the tea ball look into a cup with a strainer. It is so much easier and it makes much better tea. (and when you do multiple infusions it makes it easier to save the leaves as they are less likely to roll off)I found this on amazon but there are probably cheaper options. Especially just buying a well made strainer that fits a cup you already have.

I use this one. Chan teas is unfortunately closing but that cup and strainer set works great and it is a good price. The strainer is more than $12 on amazon [by it self] (http://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Extra-fine-Infuser-Porcelain-Dish/dp/B001JP1KPO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) probably because it is so well made.

Haha thanks, very appreciative of the offer. If I ever stock the bar with a liquor order that breaks a grand I'll drop a line.

I've just decided to go to the MoCo stores. For the glassware I went via the tried and true route: Amazon

I liked the look of Libbey's glassware so I ordered the box party pack - 4x Martini, 4x Poco Grande (which I will also use as Hurricane glasses for now), 4x Zombie (which I will also use as ghetto Collins/Highball glasses), 4x Shot glasses and a boston glass w/hawthorne strainer (don't really care about these things). I also separately ordered 4x of Libbey's Irish coffee glasses because I like how they look.

Irish Coffee glasses

Libbey Bar in a box

It all came out to about $4 per glass which I think is a bit high, but I'm willing to pay that if it looks good and the bases fit in the stemware rack (which it looks like they will)

Out of curiosity, what bar do you run in DC?

I like forlife infusers which are similar to what you linked, but a bit cheaper and don't come with the accessories (cocktail shaker lid??!?). They have the stand alone infusers as well as ceramic and glass mugs and small teapots in a variety of colors. These type of filters don't catch as much small particles as the mesh, but I find them sturdier and easier to clean.

Mug that I have:

https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Curve-Infuser-ounces-Graphite/dp/B00178RRJG/ref=sr_1_12?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1493584169&sr=1-12&keywords=tea+infuser+for+life

Note, the lid will slide off this mug since it's ceramic on ceramic so if you want something you can walk around with go for one of the models with a metal/silicone lid.

Edit: just saw you like glass.
https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Teapot-Infuser-15-Ounce-Graphite/dp/B00UT5HJ5K/ref=sr_1_11?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1493584703&sr=1-11&keywords=forlife+glass
https://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-NewLeaf-Glass-16-Ounce-Infuser/dp/B003F7B83S/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1493584703&sr=1-2&keywords=forlife+glass

I'm new here, love the community, had a few hiccups with my first gifting since the seller cancelled my order but I got something else to replace it.

I really love the community and it's great seeing people giving and the response they get from the people receiving...

Oh and I broke my coffee mug.

My favorite Home Sweet Home item is this adorable octopus lamp:

http://www.amazon.com/Crackle-Glass-Octopus-Accent-Bronzed/dp/B004H6RR0O

But that's way over $15. This cute little mug, however, is right in range :)

http://www.amazon.com/ACC-12207-Octopus-Surprise-Mug/dp/B005STC6EG

congrats on moving!

I had another Chewbacca jacket on my wishlist, but they stopped selling it. This one wasn't able to go on my wishlist, but I'd like to buy it sometime.

MAYTHE4THBEWITHYOU

...but since the Wookie hoodie is pricy, I put this mug on the list. =)

Thank you for the contest! May the 4th be with you!

I like to have something nice to drink from whether I'm having coffee or tea. I can't take any pictures of my own since I'm traveling, but these are some of my favorite for coffee:

• notNeutral LINO mug (Intelligentsia has a few versions like their 'Filter Mug')
  
• Any of the Mazama Wares mugs, such as their 'Large Mug'
  
• Bodum's double walled glasses such as the 'PAVINA'
  
• The classic Diner Mug. I've picked up several logoed versions from different coffee shops.
  

I make a ramen type meal for lunches at work,

ingredients
1 oxo vegetable stock cube
a handful of cooked chicken
1 sliced chili
a handful of frozen peas
1 carrot (grated)
1 sliced spring onion
instant noodles
corrieander
soy sauce
boiled water

I prepare the vegetables & chicken & keep the stock cube wrapped until it's time to add the boiling water
The noodle I use are the Maggi chicken flavour ones but I just throw away the flavour pack that comes with them. here in the UK you can also use the Asda/Tesco own brand ones that only cost about 20p a packet. the soy sauce I take in a little sauce bottle & just add it after the water.

I use a systema noodle bowl, it's good for keeping the steam in to make sure they're fully cooked
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sistema-Microwave-Noodle-Bowl-940/dp/B009SD35IO

Makes a decent meal for really cheap

you can also play about with different spices/meats etc

I'm got an alcohol stove, GSI Tea Kettle, and a titanium spork. I take a little aluminum cup that I use for instant coffee/tea but I've been thinking about getting a sea to summit xmug because they pack down nice. One of my favorite things is a little table by cascade wild.

I like this one. The umbrella top broke but it's still my favorite. It's really cute.

My girlfriend and I took these on the jmt. Super useful and pretty light, especially for the price.

Olicamp Hard Anodized Space Saver Mug (Black Handle) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S3N5PE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_RXgNub0J1GYDG

This is really cool!
Decole Otogicco- Little Red Riding Hood Mug that's in another language, does it count?
If not Dead Sea Salt Scrub
Thanks! :)

omg post migraine zombie mode. That is a perfect way of describing it. I always feel like my brain's been smushed around.

You should gift me because this mug should be mine.

Some sort of fun coffee gift basket you put together with yummy coffees, some sort of cute cat mug, some sort of coffee cookbook, etc.

Get some quality silicon cookware. I use this bowl several times a day, both for mixing and for cooking. Things slide right out. And Sistema carries all kinds of sizes and shapes.

I microwave my cream cheese pancakes in that bowl and call it a "Big Bowl of Custard". :)

It's great for omelets and "dump" soups in the microwave. Or heating up frozen veggies.

I don't have a suggested water bottle holder, but this travel mug fits in all the standard water bottle holders I've tried: http://www.amazon.com/Aladdin-16-Ounce-Transform-Recycled-Recyclable/dp/B004Y3E5T6 Great bike commuting coffee cup.

I just bought this teapot. I got it because the infuser fits in cups as well. I've tried it and it works great. The same company also makes a single tea cup brewer with the same infuser.

hnnggggg. yes. YES.

I went to get my first star wars related tattoo 4 years ago and have been running at a solid +1 per year since then. Alliance. Empire. 2x Galactic Basic. And planning for a mandalorian inspired one this year.

That being said. THIS MUG WOULD MAKE MORNING A GALAXY LOAD BETTER

Not the same mug, but I kinda like it better.
https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Climbing-Mug-Oblong-Blue/dp/B01JDKY238

You can also get a cuisinart burr grind and brew all in one machine. Works pretty damn well, my in laws have one and I just ordered one. There are also personal French press all in one cups like this one from Bobble that works well. Presse by bobble, On The Go Brewer, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T088TTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LBF7xbGDGJTVN

Amazon link

This one's also pretty cool. Link.

BINGO!

This is perfect for smoothies or ice cream!

Freakin awesome.

GAMAGO Kitty Condo Mug
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008HDAEV2/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8

This is the one I have . Works great.

I like this! Does the glass get hot? On amazon, alongside this one, I also one by ForLife - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003F7B83S/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

These things are live savers btw.

Not only do you not have to worry about the top spills due to air ventilation, it has a handle so no need to burn your hands. Eat straight out of it.

I have one similar to this that i got at an asian market in my town
It's pretty convenient and the inner infuser part fits into my travel mug too.

http://www.amazon.com/Steeping-3-Piece-Handcrafted-Ceramic-16-Ounce/dp/B00117Q456/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1302777269&sr=8-6

1 case of beer, 2 bottles of good port, 1 handle (1.75L) Sailor Jerry's Rum, and of course mixers.

BTW, if you want to keep your drink cold, pick up one of these bad boys at Walmart for $5.

This fits a pocket rocket delux and 110 fuel perfectly.
SPACE SAVER MUG HARD ANODIZED https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S3N5PE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Amazon has them, but they're kind of expensive. I use collapsible silicone cups for watercolour painting. They'd work well for cleaning, too, I think. https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-X-Mug-Grey/dp/B00HXA3C9Q Except I got them cheap on ebay from China and waited 8 weeks.

Large mug

A thermos is recommended as well. Also socks. And a cooler. And a comfy chair.

I also make Aeropress as work. The mug I use is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00250VWB4?cache=8bd7ecc2868522c4aac239b1da545471&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1406070364&sr=8-5#ref=mp_s_a_1_5

It is nice because the coffee is only in contact with ceramic and you still get added heat retention from the stainless steel.

I really like the thick lip of these mugs.

Irish creme mugs!

maybe Grape juice?

Making tacos and playing in the creek with my pup made this week great!

Here's a link to the above product clean of any affiliate linking

Any particular one? I found this interesting but it seems that there's issues with the lip conducting a lot of heat, low flow, and being easily cracked.

In my opinion, this has been my best investment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XFUKWM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_YFcpub1HMVQ2Y

Its a little bigger than 40 ounces but the seal is tight still after about 6 months of daily use and it keeps things hot or cold for hours

Camera Lens Cup!

You can usually find these for under $10 if you wait for a sale or something. They'll go for about $15 or even $25 if you want a really high quality one.

http://www.amazon.com/Marck-Associates-Diner-Coffee-Mug/dp/B000P3UQ4W/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1406072624&sr=8-6&keywords=Plain+Coffee+mug

Unicorn!

http://www.amazon.com/ACC-12207-Octopus-Surprise-Mug/dp/B005STC6EG/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

I use the following:

• This to microwave the water
  
• An aeropress
  
• This mill

This!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T088TTM/ref=sr_ph_1?qid=1457141145&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bobble

I'm highly considering getting one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Contigo-Thermo-Ceramic-14-Ounce-White/dp/B00250VWB4

I've used this for years:

Sistema 21141 To Go Collection Soup Mug, Large, Varied, 1 count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F5IC478/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0uj0Db05ZCSXP

Here's what /u/StrangerMind was talking about. I got one of these for each person's go-bag. There are a bunch of brands out there to pick from, though.

a nalgene cup on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JDKY238/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lNbRAb0T7AF6W