Large Mugs

Who Makes Large Mugs?

A few UK-based mug manufacturers make some very good Large, Giant and even Huge novelty mugs.

The majority of Large Mugs are ceramic. Choices include Earthenware, Fine Bone China, Porcelain and Stoneware. There is a wide range of sizes, colours, designs and themes. You can be sure to find the ideal match for your home and kitchen.

• Bodum
• Cath Kidston
• Cornishware
• Denby
• Dunoon
• Emma Bridgewater
• Keith Brymer Jones
• Le Creuset
• Maxwell & Williams
• Orla Kiely
• Pip Studio
• Royal Doulton
• Scion
• Sophie Allport
• Sophie Conran
• Villeroy & Boch
• Wedgwood
• Whittard
• WM Bartleet & Sons
• Wrendale

Bodum

Bodum’s famous across Europe for their Iconic coffee press. They also make high-quality mugs. Bodum Mugs are made from a wide range of materials, including porcelain and borosilicate glass (which is breathable thanks to an intelligent design spawned by the Bodum engineers).

Bodum’s range is vast, with mugs and cups ranging from 100-400ml, covering hardcore espresso drinkers and the big tea and coffee lovers.

Designs are modern and minimal. Some do away with the use of handles and use a handleless silicone or cork grip instead. Anyone with a modern kitchen who wants complimenting mugs should take a look at the Bodum range.

If you want a large mug on the move, look no further than the Bodum Travel Mug, one of the UK’s most popular travel mugs (if not the most popular). Capacities are available from 350 to 400 ml in stainless steel or plastic.

Every mug has a non-slip silicone grip (on the body and the base)available in different colours. A slightly peculiar but useful mug is the Bodum Travel Press, a combination of travel mug and coffee press enabling a filter coffee on the move.

Cath Kidston

We like Cath Kidston’s Stanley Mug range. All have a 500ml capacity, the top end size for a large mug. These mugs are Earthenware, have a tapered shape and are available in many design ranges.

Cath Kidston also offers the ‘Crush’ range, like the Stanley shape, but with a different handle. These mugs also hold 500ml.

Cornishware

The British have been drinking from Cornishware Mugs for nearly 100 years. Iconic blue and white striped mugs that are instantly recognisable. Various colours and sizes are available with personalisation options also.

Denby

Denby has been making large mugs for over 200 years and has a huge offering with over a dozen collections. Denby uses many different glazes, which are combined to create truly one-off finishes.

Most mugs are made from stoneware produced from locally sourced clay, although Porcelain and China mugs are also available. Popular designs include Halo and Imperial Blue.

Dunoon

Dunoon makes beautiful large bone china mugs at their pottery in Staffordshire. Dunoon Glencoe Mugs are very large (and tall) and also have a 500ml capacity.

Dunoon mugs will not only serve you a big Tea or Coffee, but they are also designed to entertain and educate you. The first time you set eyes on a Dunoon, you can’t but help study it.

Every mug has been hand decorated with lots of images and writing around a particular theme. Such as weather forecasts, the world map, the human body, traffic signs, the universe and lots more. Is half a litre not big enough for you? Try The Dunoon Henley Mugs, which are 600ml.

Emma Bridgewater

Emma Bridgewater 1 Pint Mugs have a very generous 568ml, double the size of a regular mug. All Emma Bridgewater Mugs are constructed from classic cream-coloured Earthenware.

The company is another famous Staffordshire pottery. The most notable designs include ‘Black Toast’ ‘Polka Dot’ and ‘Polka Hearts’. There are many other hand-decorated designs available, with 56 in total. All mugs can be custom written with a handpainted name of your choice.

Keith Brymer Jones

Keith Brymer Jones offers two large sizes with his best selling ‘Bucket Mug’ range. Standard Bucket Mugs have a 350ml capacity, while large Bucket Mugs have a capacity of 500ml—Minimal ‘ simple yet practical’ design made from white ceramic.

Each mug includes a name, word or message. ‘Love’ ‘Daddy’ ‘Overpaid/Underworked’ ‘Cat Lover’ ‘Big Drink’. These are a few. There are many to choose from. All wording is in small lettering and single colour.

Le Creuset

If you want some high-quality stoneware to drink from, look no further than the large mugs from Le Creuset. Made from a specialist clay that’s fired at a high temperature.

These mugs are very tough; you will have a hard time breaking one if you were to drop it. Le Creuset mugs are not the largest but are still big enough with a capacity of 350ml.

Microwave, dishwasher, grill and oven safe. Mugs come with a 5-year warranty, something most other mug makers don’t offer. There are 16 cheerful colours in the range.

Maxwell & Williams

Maxwell & Williams have a range of well designed and sizable Porcelain, Stoneware and Bone China Mugs. Mugs vary from basic and minimal to highly colourful and intricate. Australian plants and animals inspire many.

Orla Kiely

A range of Retro patterned mugs from Irish designer Orla Kiely. Patterns are symmetrical with the ’60s feel—colourful patterns based on animals, flowers and plants.

Pip Studio

Pip Studio Mugs are bright and colourful with designs featuring birds and flowers. The intricately detailed porcelain mugs have gold detailing, creating a luxury look and feel.

Royal Doulton

Royal Doulton has various ranges of mugs with several designs in each range. Royal Doulton Mugs are made from Porcelain, Stoneware and Finebone China and are available in sizes up to 500ml.

Some ranges have been made in collaboration with Gordon Ramsay and Ellen Degeneres if you want something extraordinary. Mug Gift sets are available also.

Scion

A bright and colourful collection of mugs from Scion featuring animals and birds. Each animal has a name such as Mr Fox, Marty Moose, Spike Hedgehog and Colin Crane. Each animal is available in a range of cheerful colours.

Sophie Allport

Many different designs are on offer from Sophie Allport, all inspired by the English countryside and the wildlife that lives within it. Mugs are made from fine bone china and stoneware. Some are handwritten on the inside also. Supplied in gift boxes and available in two sizes, standard and large.

Sophie Conran

Interior designer and author Sophie Conran have a small range of porcelain mugs featuring distinctive lines within the body. Shapes include ‘classic’ ‘tall’ and ‘honeypot’. Mugs in the range are available from 170-350ml.

Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch have been making tableware for over 250 years. Quality’s assured with their ranges of ceramic mugs, including the old classic ‘Old Luxembourg’ (an original design from the early years) or the modern favourite ‘New Wave’.

There are another 33 mug collections to choose from, from the subtle ‘Cellini’ to the bright and bold ‘Samarkand’.

Wedgwood

Got a few quid to spend on a mug? Do you want absolute class and luxury? Then Wedgwood Mugs are definitely for you. Intricate designs on the highest quality fine bone china, an absolute pleasure to drink from.

Each design’s unique and not something you’ll find on other brands of mugs. Inspired by classic traditional patterns from across the globe.

Wedgwood has been making mugs for around 250 years. Their tableware is truly ingrained in English culture and, over the years, has been used by royal families and celebrities. All Wedgwood mugs are made in Staffordshire, the pottery capital of the United Kingdom.

Whittard

Want a proper English mug? Then you want a Whittard Mug. Whittard of Chelsea, a much loved English company, started in 1886 by Walter Whittard and still going strong to this day despite being bombed in the war and family tragedy.

Whittard mugs complement the superb tea, coffee and cocoa imported and sold by the London merchants. Popular mugs include the Alice in Wonderland range released to commemorate the 150th anniversary Of Alice’s Adventures And the Whittard latte mugs.

WM Bartleet & Sons

WM Bartleet & Sons have a white porcelain mug that holds a large 700ml. Or 1.3 pints or 24 fluid ounces (this mug belongs in the Giant Mug category). Mug Bug has the ‘Simple Plain El Grande Mug’, which is ceramic and 425ml. While ‘Crackin China’ sell the 1 pint fine (that’s big at 568ml) bone china mug.

Wrendale

Fine bone china Wrendale Mugs designed by the award-winning artist Hannah Dale and made by Royal Worcester. Every design’s been inspired by the natural life of the Lincolnshire countryside. With over 50 designs to choose from, these mugs are popular for gifting.

Plain Large Mugs

So we have gone through our favourite Large Mugs. We like them because of their high quality and large capacities. All the above mugs feature a pattern or design of some sort. Some people prefer good old plain mugs which are a single colour.

We have lots to show you, there are far too many to list here, but we will go through some of them by colour.

Choosing The Colour Of Your Large Mug

You could pick a set of mugs that compliment the colour of your kitchen, dining furniture or existing tableware. You might pick your favourite colour, or you can go deeper. Different colours have different meanings. You may pick a colour to suit your personality.

The personality of the person you are buying a gift for. Or the mood of your home (the current mood or the one you want to create). Here are the main colours to choose from (various shades of each colour are available). And what they represent.

Beige

A neutral colour that’s calm and relaxing

Black

Authority, power, seriousness and strength

Blue

Confidence, intelligence, trust and wisdom

Brown

Strong & reliable

Gold

Illumination, compassion & wealth

Grey

Conservative and sophisticated

Green

Energy, life and nature

Orange

Creativity, happiness, health, success and warmth

Pink

Friendship, peace and love

Purple

Extravagance, independence, mystery and magic

Red

Courage, love, passion, romance and strength

Silver

Sleek and modern

White

Pure & Innocent, lightness, goodness and purity

Yellow

Clarity, honour, intellect, loyalty and positivity

Glass Mugs

What about Glass Mugs? Some of us like to see what we’re drinking through the mug. Well, we have a few options for you. The double-walled 470ml mug gives the impression of the liquid ‘floating’.

The double-wall will keep your drink hotter for longer. These are a regular coffee cup shape and are also available in 400ml sizes. Next, we have a 400ml glass mug which is also an ordinary shape but only single-walled.

Ceramic is a better insulator than glass. If you’re going to go for glass mugs, please be aware your hot drink will cool down quicker, unless you go for the reputable Bodum Coffee Cups, which will keep your drink hotter for longer than any other glass mug.

Not into white or clear and want some colour? We have a couple of mugs which are available in various colours. If you like your ceramic glossy, you could choose a Price & Kensington 14oz (400ml) mug.

And if you like matt finished ceramic, then there’s the ‘Barcelona’ Ceramic Latte Coffee Cup, which is 400ml.

Large Mug Shapes

Mug shape is important, especially if you drink coffee. Recent studies have confirmed the shape of your coffee mug can change the way your coffee tastes. If you like your coffee intense and aromatic, go for a tall one.

The latte mug is a classic example. If you want your coffee sweeter, go for a shorter and wider mug. If you’re not that fussy and like your coffee large (or any other hot drink for that matter), then read on.

There are many different large mug shapes to choose from. One thing they all have in common? They will all hold a lot of hot beverage.

Are you a Tea or Coffee drinker? Maybe you’re neither. When picking a Mug shape, one thing to bear in mind is that the best Mugs For Tea differ from the best Mugs For Coffee.

Standard, Bell and Tapered mugs are preferred for Tea, while tapered mugs are nearly always preferred for Coffee. This is for brewing and taste reasons.

Classic Coffee Mugs

A classic coffee mug is short, with a uniform diameter, stackable, and ‘C’ handle. Found in commercial premises because of durability and storage friendliness. Classic coffee mugs are standard and hold about 300ml. Larger versions for the home are available.

Latte Mugs

Latte mugs are tall with a tapered ‘V’ shape and a flared handle. This design will keep your drink hotter for longer and is a favourite with big coffee drinkers.

On the other end of the scale, you have a large coffee cup. Short and stout with a small base, large tapered body and extra-wide rim. A mug of the sweet coffee drinker.

Glass Latte Mugs

Latte Glasses add an element of sophistication and class to your kitchen and coffee experience. Traditional Latte glasses are conical in shape with a round base and a small ‘C’ handle near the mug’s bottom. The average size for this style is around 280ml

Other Glass Latte Mugs are available in various shapes with and without handles ranging from sizes 220-385ml. While Glass Latte Mugs are a pleasure to drink from the drinks cool rather quickly (faster than ceramic), great if you’re in a rush, not so great if you like to drink your Latte slow, it’s, for this reason, the true coffee connoisseur avoids them.

Standard Mugs

A standard mug is the same diameter at the top as it is the bottom with a ‘C’ handle. A lot of large mugs are bigger versions of standard mugs. The large versions will hold 450ml, while the giant versions will hold 600ml.

Large enamel mugs also have a uniform diameter ‘C’ handle but always have a tapered lip at the top. Indestructible Enamel mugs with a 550ml capacity are favourite with campers.

Tapered Mugs

Tapered mugs always have a narrower base than the top. There are but some conical mugs on the market which are the other way round. Dumpy at the bottom and smaller at the top.

Flared handles are standard on tapered mugs. Unfortunately, conical mugs or any mug with a small base are easier to knock over than other mugs. Handleless mugs are always tapered to avoid slippage.

Tall Mugs

Tall Mugs always have a large capacity. A tall mug is longer than it is wide. You can find all types of a handle on a tall mug. Some tall mugs have a tapered or flared top, while others are uniform. Designed to go with square crockery and cutlery.

Bell Mugs

Bell mugs are inverted bell-shaped with a small base and a tapered edge near the top. Turn the mug upside down, and it looks like a bell. Right way up, the Bell Mug has a small base, wide-body and a flared lip.

Most Bell Mugs are large, 350ml plus. Bell Mugs cool the drink at a medium rate. Drinks taste the same as standard sized mugs. The flared lip allows you to take a sip with a small tilt.

Square Mugs

Square Mugs are modern designs with four flat sides, a refreshing change to the traditional cylindrical mug. Square mugs work well in modern kitchens. They also stack nicely in the cupboard.

The square shape doesn’t offer any advantages when it comes to drinking. The experience is very much like a tall latte mug.

Cube Mugs

Cube Mugs are precisely that, a cube with a handle and a circular inner for the liquid. Cube mugs fall under the novelty category while they are fun cubes; they are not ideal for drinking from and only holding a small drink. Cube mugs are mainly purchased as gifts.

Large Mug Handles

Large Mugs have the option of many different handles. Designed for an optimal grip. The handle you choose is down to your personal preference. In some instances, the type of handle depends on the shape of your mug.

Now let’s go through the handles available. There are nine different types of handle.

• C Handle
• D Handle
• Square Handle
• Open Handle
• Flared Handle
• T Handle
• Double Handle
• Handleless
• Novelty Handles

C Handle

The C shaped handle is the most common found on most mugs, big or small. The C handle is the strongest of all grips. The C shape handle accommodates all fingers on a large mug. On a regular mug, the index and middle finger grip the handle. The ring finger on the outside helps steady the mug.

D Handle

The D shaped handle is more significant and squarer than a C shaped handle. The D will accommodate all fingers on a large mug. On regular mugs, the D handle will accommodate the index middle and ring finger. At the same time, the little finger or ‘pinkie’ will steady the mug.

Square Handle

A square handle is a more pronounced version of the D handle. The square edges appeal to those with minimal contemporary kitchens. The amount of fingers used in the grip depends if the handle is square or rectangular. (Rectangular shaped handles are also known as square handles).

Open Handle

An open handle mug has no bottom section. Thus all fingers grip the mug. Some prefer this design, but the open handle is the weakest of all mugs and is more prone to breaking off.

Flared Handle

Flared mug handles are close to the mug at the bottom and ‘flare away at the top’. Three fingers grip the mug while the pinkie provides extra support.

T Handle

T handle mugs attach with a single section in the centre. Your index and middle finger sit at the top while your ring finger and pinkie sits at the bottom. T handle mugs aren’t the most comfortable to grip and are more prone to breaking off.

Double Handle

Double handle mugs have two handles. The handle can be any of the shapes above. Double handle mugs are very safe—an excellent choice for children and older people.

Handleless

Handleless mugs have no handle. Ergonomic design allows the hand to grip the body without the risk of slipping. Handleless mugs are stackable, a great space saver.

Novelty Handles

There are thousands of mugs with novelty handles made for the gift market. Novelty handles amuse. First, ergonomics comes second in the design. Some grips work well. (like the knuckle duster mug, for instance, which will accommodate four fingers). Others have dubious grips (like the angel wings handle mug).

What are large mugs made from?

Most are ceramic. That shiny new mug in your hand may not look over a day old, but the clay used to make it took millions of years to form. Ceramic is derived from granite rock. Alumina and silica from decomposing rock have mixed with water to form clay.

Different types of clay are blended to create clay mixes and then shaped into large mugs, then fired in a furnace at 1100-1300 degrees Celsius. There are four types of ceramics used in mug production.

Large Mugs are available in four different types of ceramic.

Earthenware

Earthenware, as used by Emma Bridgewater, is a porous clay mix. Glazed to ensure no water (or tea) absorption occurs. Earthenware has been about for centuries—way before stoneware and Porcelain.

Earthenware mugs are the thickest of all mugs and are the most chip prone. Earthenware is a cheap ceramic. You will discover that cheap mugs are usually made from this easy to form clay.

Stoneware

Unlike earthenware, Stoneware is non-porous, so it doesn’t need glazing. You will find large stoneware mugs in matt (not glazed) or gloss (glazed finishes).

Stoneware is hard as nails. A stoneware mug is near impossible to scratch. Stoneware offers the ultimate in durability, so if you’re known to break a mug or two, then stonewares for you. A Le Creuset mug is an excellent example.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a superior (in price and quality) ceramic to Earthenware and Stoneware. Like stoneware, it’s non-porous even when not glazed. It’s also hard and sturdy as well. The natural fine white colour makes this an easy ceramic to decorate.

The most striking large mug designs? Usually printed or painted onto Porcelain. Porcelain is more natural to form than Earthenware and stoneware. So thinner, more exciting shaped mugs are possible. Check out the Royal Doulton Porcelain mugs for some examples.

Bone China

The strongest of all ceramics is Bone China. A version of Porcelain with added bone ash derived from animal bones. Invented in the UK, bone china is also known as English China. Vitrified Bone China is non-porous.

Thanks to the very high strength of bone china, desirable fragile mugs are on the market. The excellent translucency properties ensure mugs to a high standard. Dunoon makes some excellent large bone china mugs.

Metal

Large metal mugs are primarily for outdoor activities. However, some metals complement modern kitchens very well, so they are used indoors for these instances. Metal mugs include stainless steel, matching cutlery and many appliances, and Enamel, a metal mug coated in ceramic. Enamel Mugs are extremely tough and a favourite with campers.

How To Take Care Of Your Large Mugs

Earthenware is a common material for the cheaper large mugs on the market. It’s the most affordable of all ceramics and, compared to the other ceramics, are fired at a low temperature. Therefore most earthenware mugs are glazed to make them waterproof.

Earthenware Mugs Are Prone To Chipping

As a consequence of the low-temperature firing, earthenware mugs are prone to chipping, so be careful when stacking them in the dishwasher with the cupboard stack. Slowly be careful not to knock against the other mugs.

If your mug’s unglazed Earthenware (this type of mug is rare), always dry thoroughly and store in a dry place.

Stronger Ceramics

Stoneware, Porcelain and Fine Bone China are all stronger than Earthenware and less prone to chipping. It still won’t hurt to Stack your mugs carefully, though, as no mug is indestructible.

Most Mugs Are Microwave & Dishwasher Safe But Always Check

Most mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe; some will even work in the oven or freezer. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure.

How To Wash Your Large Mugs

Please be aware that all mugs, whatever they are made from, will suffer some discolouration after several washes in the dishwasher.

Hand washing Followed by hand-drying (with a soft cloth) is always the best option if you have the time. If not, please the best possible dishwasher tablets you can afford.

Use Coasters

Always use mug coasters when putting hot mugs on polished wood (such as a coffee table). Mugs leave rings, some of which (depending on the surface) will be very difficult to remove.

Beware Boiling Water

The worst thing you can do with a ceramic mug is to expose it to a sudden change in temperature. Sudden exposure to boiling water can and does cause some mugs to crack.

Always fill the bottom with milk or cold water before pouring boiling water into the mug.

Large Mug Safety

• Burns from hot drinks are the cause of many hospital admissions for children. Never, ever leave hot drinks where children can reach them (such as low tables), not even for a second
• Always use milk or cold water in hot drinks before filling with boiling water; this will cool the drink a little. A slightly cooler drink reduces the risk of scalding the mouth, and you can start drinking quicker
• Don’t fill mugs right to the top. This will prevent hot liquid from spilling and burning hands
• Always fill mugs on a stable surface. Never fill mugs with hot water that’s being held by you or someone else

Now Get Your Large Mugs

We have gone through a few of the favourite UK mug brands here. There are thousands of large ceramic Mugs in many different designs and many different shades of the main colours to choose from. We’re sure you’ll find the one you’re looking for.

Click Here For All Large Mugs