ideas for "timeless" mugs

[iontheprize]

We use our mugs a lot. We work from home, and drink several cups of coffee and tea between us. The problem is we buy sets of mugs and over the years one or two break, so then we get more so we can have a complete set, meaning we have 3 or so from the previous set that thus far we've just carried on using. But we need to rationalise the amount of room our mugs are taking so I'd like to clear the slate and start afresh.

What I'd really like is to find a mug that fits my criteria and that also is part of a collection that means we can get a replacement if one breaks (as opposed to buying a whole new set.)

I really like a non-frilly, classic 'tin can' shape mug with full, slightly upturned handle - the actual penguin book mugs are pretty perfect shape wise for me: https://shop.penguin.co.uk/collections/mugs (the knock offs less so, but they aren't bad)

• They must be microwavable
• Preferable they come in different colours or patterns so we can remember whose coffee is whose
• Points if they are sturdy and hold heat - my favourites have been bone china but I'm open.

But the real kicker I'm coming up against is finding ones that are part of an ongoing line, so that I can buy replacements. Here's what I've found, and why they aren't quite right for me...

• The penguin ones - though, while I'm a reader I don't know that I love enough of those books to make that a statement
• The pantone colour ones - again, I like colours but... (can you tell I've overthought this a but??) also a bit pricey
• Le Creuset - but the handles look a but fiddly to me
• Sophie Conran Portmeiron and Emma bridgewater -- I really like these but I'd prefer something with more of a tin can shape / less cottage core

What else? Something must fit the bill and I'm just overlooking it. Doesn't need to be fancy (the ones above are all pricier than I what I've spent previously, but if I only need to replace one every year rather than the lot, it will be worth it.

Any ideas?

I would just find a reasonably priced set I like and buy several sets and store them in the attic for when needed.

I really like this shape of mug which is one of Denby's newer ones, not straight sided but sturdy and generous. There are plenty of seconds/outlet shops.
https://www.ecookshop.co.uk/ecookshop/product.asp?pid=024010615
Alternatively try a catering supplier like Nisbets.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ikea-365-mug-white-20282942/ have been in production for many years and are unlikely to be discontinued.

We have Le Creuset in lots of different colours. We’ve had them for years and they never seem to stop doing them and so if one gets damaged you can just replace without buying a new set. They don’t damage that easily though, we’re quite clumsy and use them a lot but have only ever had one small chip on a base.

We have 8 of the le cruset rainbow ones. Long-lasting & pretty much bomb proof.

I recently broke my puffin mug and miss it - good volume, thin enough to feel special but lovely to wrap your hands around. I also like the designs https://www.amazon.co.uk/Churchill-China-parb00331-Paradise-Puffin/dp/B08DNX9FYC/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2LWGWTLKG1G6Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.euVfL-rWLe_eIopoE1zzNOoUkNCdgsdqRk1_4CSfXu0kFpJj9R52a_nqT5rLMo4GZRbYznWH2yBUsf2S7NXJ_m9TBB8G8BEPn1x3br3Pv_CyzARmQZF41JzsLj6FIZyD0lZjJu0heN07IaLgryhPcUjLhlnvU2rHNsvmEpghXpp32vMHNKZd201xVxSkEnhwSURM0jQ-edHN9IeIdoTwSLCJn-7D1722hPFXuXQ-RqWpREk8vPyOwFqkcLrtqnkRm4JsfiGDrHZerLZ0or4wqXwYHr5gMWPcQMe-4KLFU4g.AZhmHPO_-3yKPaJe8VZuvcxQcP2pGNok6YuAqNzakOg&dib_tag=se&keywords=puffin%2Bmug&qid=1713684613&s=kitchen&sprefix=puffin%2Bmug%2Ckitchen%2C96&sr=1-12&th=1

I love the 12oz cornishware mugs and have a collection of different colours. They're not cheap though (£19 per mug). They're sturdy, hold a nice amount of tea and feel good in my hand. I've also had people comment on what nice mugs they are. My favourite is the Turkish blue.

Exactly what I came to say! Mine have worn beautifully.

Agree with other pps that the Le Creuset mugs are great and have good handles. They've been doing the same colours for years so should be replaceable if one breaks.

Yet another shout out for Le Creuset!

We were given a rainbow set of 6 about 10 years ago. Of (very) mild interest, I always think my tea tastes better in the orange or red mug. Never tastes quite right out of the blue ....

Mine too. They must be about 10 years old now, but still look perfect, and I'm a prolific tea drinker.

Same (although we use the Grand Mugs).

What I like is that if a colour gets discontinued, it doesn't really matter. There will be a new colour to add to the collection. We smashed a side plate in a green colour that's no longer made, but because we have about ten different colours on the go, it all matches in its rainbow wonder.

Thanks for all the ideas here. I see there are a lot of votes for the le creuset but I should have clarified what I meant by fiddly. I like to put my hand around the mug and 2-3 fingers through the handle so something like the ikea fargrik is mug-hell for me. It looks to me from pictures that the le crueset handle is maybe more of a 1-2 finger handle and it sits a little high up for me. I may have to find one in a store and test it out though to see.

Love the Mclaggan Smith, Keith Bremerton Jones, Lush and People need Plates ideas. I think this is the sort of thing I have in mind but worry when i see them in shops that they are one-season-wonders so good to know there is some longevity. I don't mind (and kind of like) mix and matching colours and patterns, as long as the physical shape of the mug is consistent so any brands that do that would be fab.

I have some of these but they don't hold the heat well at all.

Sorry Keith!

On the plus side, I first bought one about ten years ago so I think it's safe to say they have become an established line.

I used to like having all matching mugs, but ij the last couple of year have gone in the opposite direction due to breakages.
Now when I find a nice shape and sized china mug I buy it. So I have a cupboard of all different ones. Saves anyone forgetting which one is there's when we are sitting about drinking tea.
I recently got a few in M&S over about a month, one with a badger on, one with a flag etc. Then last week one in Sainsbury's a habitat one with a scandi flower pattern.
This is the next one

We have Denby.... craftsman's mugs and coffee beakers. The beakers are more recent but don't keep my tea as hot as the mugs (which have a "belly" and handle that is really nice for holding). The mugs are the ones we got for our wedding 25 years ago... still going strong. The beakers we bought last year thinking we'd update... but they are not so good for us... so we have both.

Tk maxx often have Denby

Another vote for Denby.
I got 4 of a classic design on the basis if any broke they’d be replaceable. So far, none have.
They are lovely looking, big solid mugs. I’m currently drinking tea out of one @iontheprize. I’ve just tested the handle and I can easily fit 2-3 fingers in it!

I think the Le Creuset colours are lovely but they’re a bit wide and the Denby holds the heat much better, imo.

Pictoral evidence for you @iontheprize !!

I feel your pain. We have a plethora of odd mugs. I'm slowly getting rid and getting these instead: endless patterns and designs, plus giant ones available too in some of the shapes. I love them. Not chunky, not tiny handles. (Not cheap either but so worth it).

www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

I don't like the patterns on Dunoon but I think their bone china is fantastic. It keeps the contents really hot and feels nice to use. Stoneware and other materials feel weird on my teeth/lips. I much prefer fbc but it has to be the right quality.