The reusable coffee cup guide (and why we still recommend Fressko first)

Quick answer

A great reusable coffee cup has a glass or stainless inner (never plastic), a twist-off or fully disassemblable lid, and a sleeve to protect both your hand and the cup. In our long-term testing, the Fressko Bino 227ml (for espresso drinkers) and Fressko Camino 340ml (for larger milk-based drinks) are the two we recommend most often.

Sizing without regret

• 227ml — piccolo, flat white, short black. Buy the Bino.
• 340ml — large flat white, small latte. Buy the Camino.
• 500ml+ — long black + water combined. This is bottle territory, not cup.

Materials, ranked

1. Borosilicate glass. Cleanest taste, thermal-shock safe, dishwasher fine.
2. 304 stainless steel. Durable, insulated versions available, slight metallic note.
3. Ceramic. Beautiful, fragile.
4. Plastic/bioplastic. Skip. Retains flavour, stains, ages badly.

Lid types, ranked

1. Twist-off — most hygienic, easiest to clean, best for taste.
2. Flip sip lid — convenient but harder to clean thoroughly.
3. Straw lid — great for cold, not for espresso.

Care

Dishwasher top rack. Replace lid gaskets every 12-18 months. Do not microwave with the sleeve on.