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'm currently lusting after this. I need a thin rim. But as my mate said "€96 and it hasn't even got a bloody handle". She may have a point.

Oh I put these on my wedding list! Love them. Also love Emma Bridgewater mugs, have ones from a variety of different collections from her and find that they all go well together

I can’t stand the thought of a matching set of mugs, not my scene at all. We don’t stand on ceremony so much that we need to have a matching set for guests. There are - way at the back of one of the cupboards - some boring navy politely small mugs that I might get out if I felt the need. Otherwise there are a random selection of mugs suitable for various hot drinks - small for the black coffee drinkers, medium for tea and white coffee drinkers and a bit bigger for when hot choc or ovaltine is required.

to be fair, my parents still have their 'blue and white' (royal copenhagen) that they were given as a wedding present, and it's mostly all survived the 55 years and one international move, so it's build to last. I do lust after this relatively new macro version of the design too

ooh, I hadn't realised that there were in fact different shapes to the le creuset. must investigate further

@Librarybooker , me neither. I use a mix. Have a few favourites.

I was just coming on to recommend these!

Perfect mugs indeed.

I don't like the LeCruset ones, they're too thick.

Nicest ones we had were some Tesco Denby-esque ones. DH was under orders to "buy a set of 6 mugs but ideally extras for breakages that they've got a lot of in stock so we can replace them".... he returned with 10 of the buggers and we stored 4 away (DD2 is severely dyspraxic so crockery is never pricey in our house). Hold a good quantity of coffee and people comment how nice they look.

That was probably 4 years ago now, and we're still running at 8 mugs with one having a chip in it, which is some going for my kids (and husband). When they all move out I shall have lovely, totally matched crockery.

I have quite a few, they are all handwashed and we don't have a microwave but the glaze very often goes crackly inside. Much as I love them I won't be buying anymore

I have these and love them - https://www.clarebaird.co.uk/collections/mugs

@Babysharkdoodoodood Thanks for that I think I've found my next mugs to buy. I love some of the patterns. Just need to break a few old ugly mugs Dh is hanging onto.

I absolutely love my EB mugs as they're just the right size.

I did spot these which might be right for you??

amzn.eu/d/1uhF5sV

Dawsons Living Multi-Coloured Stoneware Mugs Set - Wide Tea Coffee and Hot Chocolate Cups - Set of 6-11 oz / 312ml https://amzn.eu/d/2toCkiH
I have these in my basket for when I find my voucher from Christmas.....

I totally get what you mean about the size of mug and how you like to hold them @iontheprize ! I have similar mug needs.

We bought a job lot from the John Lewis basic/main range when we got married 10 odd years ago and were given some gift vouchers. They’ve lasted. We went for a few in a pale/duck blue and others in a taupe/brown plus a few of a slightly smaller size in some nice bolder colours. Just had a look on the JL site now and nothing quite like ours but the JL design has been good and durable.

I recently threw out a whole lot of mismatched mugs and replaced them with these Mikasa mugs. Perfect size, I love them.

Can often be found cheaper on ebay.

Completely agree with @AnneLovesGilbert the Le Creuset ones are great and a bit cheaper if you have an outlet nearby.
I have a few Emma Bridgewater but I find they 'craze' quite quickly. We also have Emma Ball counties mugs but they're devils for chipping (especially when in the vicinity of DH strangely).

I like the Polish pottery mugs which come in a variety of sizes, patterns and shapes. Easy to mix and match them and they always look like a set despite having different patterns.
They go in the microwave and the dishwasher and don’t chip easily.

https://countrytraditionals.co.uk/mugs/

Agree, lovely ones from people will always need plates

I’ve had several EB handles drop off, but they’re my husband’s favourite mug.

I said upthread I liked CK mugs, I can fit three fingers in the handle-having looked at the Cornish larger size, it looks a similar handle.

Bought a set of these from Sainbo’s years ago and hands down the best mugs ever.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266755586966?chn=ps&_ul=GB&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=266755586966&targetid=1817264051275&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045126&poi=&campaignid=19097525516&mkgroupid=147591788601&rlsatarget=pla-1817264051275&abcId=9303861&merchantid=113582294&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Lr1frf-T8VaAlZf5M9buHVBewK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745AAhSFj-STWAqA7vWmNMRWPsE6lfCJeIo-_wZm-pLQMtjmmnwCUPEsaAuszEALw_wcB

These are really lovely, bone china and go in the microwave

https://www.florencesuper.co.uk/chinaware/p/mackerel-mug

It's become an ongoing source of hilarity for my kids that I would really like some nice initialled mugs from Tesco but they have decided to never ever do my initial - which is NOT an obscure one like X or Z... they find it hilarious how increasingly annoyed it's making me.

I love my Sophie Allport ones. Has to be the large size though. I add to them when she brings out a new one I like.

Just find a set you like and buy two more sets to go in the loft as spares?