Best Beer Mugs: Where To Buy Them

Beer mugs are a great way to elevate your drinking experience. They come in a variety of materials, including copper, ceramic, glass, stoneware, and wood, and can be found on popular online stores such as Amazon, Walmart, and Crate & Barrel. When choosing a beer mug, consider the type of beer you will be drinking, as different mugs can enhance the flavour of your beverage. For example, tulip-shaped beer glasses are ideal for IPAs and other hoppy beers, while pilsner glasses are better suited for lighter beers. Beer mugs, also known as steins, are excellent for keeping your drink cold as the handle prevents your hand from warming the glass.

Online retailers (e.g. Amazon, Walmart, Target)

Online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer a wide variety of beer mugs to choose from. These range from glass and ceramic to wooden and plastic, with different capacities, designs, and features.

Amazon

Amazon offers a vast selection of beer mugs, including:

• Glass mugs with handles, in various sizes, such as 12.7 oz, 15 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, 20 oz, and 34 oz.
• Ceramic mugs, like the Budweiser 91st Anniversary Limited Edition Collectors Series Clydesdale Holiday Stein.
• Stainless steel mugs, including insulated and vacuum-insulated options, with capacities like 24 oz and 18 oz.
• Wooden mugs, such as the 18 oz Large Wooden Beer Mug and the Beer Mug 20 OZ, which combines a wooden exterior with a stainless steel interior.
• Plastic mugs, for example, the Mifoci set of 20 clear plastic beer mugs with handles, each with a capacity of 16 oz.

Walmart

Walmart also provides a range of beer mugs, including:

• Glass mugs, such as the Libbey 15-oz Brewmaster Beer Mugs, set of 6, and the Vikko 13.5-ounce heavy glass beer steins.
• Ceramic mugs, including the Burns Glass Classic German Stein Beer Mug, available in a set of 2 with a capacity of 16 oz or 22 oz.
• Plastic mugs like the Zerone Beer Steins Mug, an environmentally friendly, lightweight, and portable option with a capacity of 500 ml.

Target

Target offers an assortment of beer glasses, including:

• Pilsner glasses.
• Belgian beer glass sets.
• Etched beer mugs with personalised messages.
• Classic beer tumblers.
• Tulip glasses, which are ideal for IPAs and Belgian beers.

Glass vs. ceramic

Glass and ceramic are two of the most common materials used for making beer mugs. While glass is the more traditional material, ceramic mugs have become increasingly popular in recent years. So, which is the better option for you? Here are some things to consider when deciding between glass and ceramic beer mugs:

• Appearance: Glass mugs are typically clear, allowing you to see the colour and carbonation of the beer. Ceramic mugs, on the other hand, can be solid colours or feature intricate designs. They often have a more rustic or elegant look, depending on the style.
• Insulation: Glass is a poor insulator, so it will quickly take on the temperature of the liquid inside it. This can be a good thing if you want to chill your beer mug before pouring a cold drink, as the glass will stay cool for a while. Ceramic, on the other hand, is a better insulator and will keep your drink at a more constant temperature.
• Durability: Glass mugs are more fragile and prone to chipping or breaking if dropped or knocked over. Ceramic mugs are generally more durable and can withstand more wear and tear. However, they can still be chipped or broken if handled roughly.
• Cleaning: Both glass and ceramic mugs are easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher. However, the intricate designs on some ceramic mugs may make them more difficult to clean thoroughly by hand.
• Cost: Glass mugs are generally more affordable than ceramic mugs, especially when bought in sets.

So, which type of mug is right for you? If you're looking for something classic and affordable that showcases the colour and carbonation of your beer, go for a glass mug. If you prefer something more durable, with better insulation and a unique design, a ceramic mug might be the better option. Ultimately, both types of mugs have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Engraved or plain

When it comes to beer mugs, you have a variety of options to choose from, including engraved or plain designs. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two:

Engraved Beer Mugs:

• Uniqueness and Personalization: Engraved beer mugs can be customized with your name, initials, or a meaningful quote. This adds a personal touch and makes the mug unique to you. It also ensures that no one else uses your mug!
• Gifting: Engraved mugs make excellent gifts for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. You can include a thoughtful message, the recipient's name, or a memorable date to create a lasting keepsake.
• Design Variety: Engravings can range from simple monograms to intricate designs, such as nautical themes, military emblems, or humorous quotes. You can also choose from various mug styles, like traditional German steins, modern glass mugs, or rustic wooden mugs.
• Craftsmanship: Look for high-quality engravings that are deep and crisp, ensuring the design can be seen from all angles. Sand engraving and laser etching are popular techniques that result in a 3D look and feel.

Plain Beer Mugs:

• Simplicity and Versatility: Plain beer mugs offer a classic and straightforward design that complements any drinking experience. They are suitable for everyday use and can be used by anyone, making them versatile and timeless.
• Affordability: Plain mugs often come in sets and are generally more affordable than customized options. This makes them ideal if you're looking for a cost-effective way to stock your home bar or purchase gifts for a large group.
• Ease of Maintenance: Depending on the material, plain mugs may be dishwasher-safe, making them more convenient and low-maintenance compared to engraved mugs, which often require handwashing to protect the design.
• Design Variety: While plain, these mugs still offer a range of styles, sizes, and shapes to suit different preferences. You can find plain glass, ceramic, metal, or stoneware mugs in various capacities, from standard pints to oversized mugs for generous servings.

Whether you choose engraved or plain beer mugs, several retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and specialized gift stores, offer a wide selection to meet your needs. Consider your personal preferences, the intended use, and the level of customization you desire to make the right choice for your next beer mug purchase.

Different volumes

Beer mugs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from around 12 ounces to over 40 ounces. Here are some options in different volume categories:

12-16 Ounce Mugs

These mugs are on the smaller side and are typically suitable for a standard can of beer.

• Libbey offers a set of six 15-ounce beer mugs, available at Walmart.
• Target offers etched beer mugs with messages, as well as classic beer tumblers.
• Amazon has a wide range of 16-ounce options, including insulated mugs, glass mugs, and steins.

20-25 Ounce Mugs

This size is perfect for those who want a bit more beer without committing to a full pint.

• The Stanley Classic Beer Stein is a popular option, available in a 24-ounce size on Amazon.
• For a personalized touch, Amazon also offers a 25-ounce sports mug that can be customized with two lines of text.

30-40 Ounce Mugs

If you're looking for a mug that holds multiple beers, this size range is ideal.

• Amazon offers a set of two 34-ounce glass beer steins.
• For an even larger option, Walmart offers the Gibraltar Mug Super, which holds an impressive 34 ounces.
• Amazon also has a variety of 40-ounce options, including glass mugs, wooden mugs, and plastic mugs.

No matter what volume you're looking for, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

Sets or singles

When it comes to buying beer mugs, you can opt for a set or single mugs, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some options for both:

Sets

Beer mugs often come in sets of two, four, or six, offering a cost-effective way to stock up on drinkware for entertaining guests or everyday use. Sets typically range from packs of two mugs to larger packs of up to eight. Some standard options include:

• Libbey offers a set of six 15-ounce Brew master beer mugs, an excellent choice for those who need a larger set.
• Anchor Hocking's set of six clear glass beer mugs, with a capacity of 20 ounces each, is a classic and elegant option.
• For a more unique style, PARNOO's set of four 15-ounce beer mugs features handles and a simple design, perfect for a contemporary look.
• QAPPDA provides a set of eight 16-ounce glass mugs with handles, ideal for a variety of beverages and suitable for both the freezer and the dishwasher.
• KooK's set of four 12.7-ounce clear beer mugs with handles is another durable and versatile option for tea, coffee, or root beer floats.
• For a more festive and decorative option, consider Bormioli Rocco's set of four solid, heavy 17.1/4-ounce beer mugs with handles, perfect for everyday use.

Singles

If you're looking for a unique gift or simply want to add a special mug to your collection, single beer mugs are a great choice. Some distinctive options include:

• A personalized 25-ounce sports mug from Executive Gift Shoppe, allowing you to add two lines of text with up to 15 characters each, is an ideal gift for sports enthusiasts.
• For a touch of elegance, consider the Amlong Crystal lead-free beer mug, available as a single 16-ounce mug or a set of two 12-ounce mugs.
• The Stanley Classic beer stein, with a capacity of 24 ounces, features a big grip handle and a built-in bottle opener, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• For a truly special gift, the Budweiser 91st Anniversary Limited Edition Collectors Series #45 Clydesdale Holiday Stein is a ceramic beer mug that doubles as collectible room decor.
• For a natural and rustic feel, opt for a wooden beer mug, such as the 20-ounce stainless steel mug with a wooden exterior or the 18-ounce large wooden beer mug with a unique Viking-inspired design.

Frequently asked questions