When it comes to keeping your morning coffee or tea piping hot for hours, few brands deliver like Contigo and Zojirushi. These two juggernauts dominate the market for insulated drinkware, with passionate fans on both sides of the aisle.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at the key strengths and weaknesses of Contigo and Zojirushi to help you decide which brand is right for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Contigo | Zojirushi |
| Price | $10 – $30 | $30 – $60+ |
| Heat Retention | 6 – 8 hours | 6 – 12+ hours |
| Cold Retention | 12 – 24 hours | 24 – 72+ hours |
| Durability | Decent | Excellent |
| Lid Design | Leakproof | Not leakproof |
| Ease of Cleaning | Difficult due to narrow mouth | Easy due to wide mouth |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Popular Models | Autoseal West Loop, Autoseal Chill | SM-SA, SL-NCE, SM-KB48 |
Contigo Overview
Founded in 2004, Contigo is a popular brand owned by Ignite USA that focuses on innovative drinkware products. Their thermal mugs use a double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction to maintain temperatures.
Some of the key features and benefits of Contigo mugs include:
- Affordable Pricing – Contigo mugs retail between $10-$30, making them budget-friendly options compared to premium brands.
- Leak-Proof Lids – Most Contigo mugs have AUTOSEAL technology, a leak-and-spill proof lid that seals between sips. No more messes during your commute!
- One-Handed Drinking – The AUTOSEAL button lets you easily take a sip without removing the lid. Convenient for driving or multitasking.
- Variety of Styles – From basic cylindrical shapes to tapered mugs and even travel cups, Contigo offers many styles and sizes.
- BPA-Free Materials – Contigo mugs are made from BPA/BPS-free plastic and stainless steel for safe contact with foods and beverages.
- Dishwasher-Safe – All parts on Contigo mugs are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleaning easy.
While Contigo mugs get high marks for convenience and affordability, some downsides exist:
- Durability Issues – Some complaints of leaks or broken lids after a year or less of use.
- Not as Hot/Cold – Maximum temperature retention around 6-8 hours. Not as long as premium brands.
- Narrow Mouth Openings – Can make cleaning difficult and frustrates some users.
Overall, Contigo is a solid option for anyone wanting a convenient, affordable insulated mug that keeps drinks hot or cold for school, work, or travel.
Also Read: Is Cafe Bustelo Supreme Better Than Original?
Zojirushi Overview
Known for its rice cookers and other small appliances, Japanese brand Zojirushi also produces exceptional vacuum-insulated mugs and bottles. Their Thermoses (short for thermal flask) are legendary for their ability to retain heat or cold.
Here are some of the advantages of Zojirushi mugs:
- Superior Heat/Cold Retention – Zojirushi mugs keep beverages hot up to 6 hours and cold up to 24 hours, even beating Yeti and other premium options.
- Innovative Lid Designs – Unique lid mechanisms like the SLIDING LOCK and Twist and Lock keep drinks secure while remaining easy-to-use one handed.
- Durable Construction – Made from high-quality, BPA-free stainless steel interiors and exteriors. Mugs feel very solid and sturdy in hand.
- Various Sizes Available – Ranging from 12 oz up to 20 oz capacities, Zojirushi makes mugs tailored for all uses from coffee to soup.
- Broad Mouth Design – Wider openings and non-tapered bodies make Zojirushi mugs easy to clean by hand.
Of course, the superior performance and quality of Zojirushi mugs comes at a price:
- Expensive Pricing – Zojirushi Thermoses retail from $30 on the low end up to $50+ for larger capacity or premium editions. Definitely an investment.
- Heavier Weight – The durable stainless steel build makes Zojirushi mugs weigh significantly more than plastic-lined options.
- Not Leakproof – Zojirushi lids seal tightly but are not gasketed to be fully leakproof, so taking them on the go can be risky.
For serious tea or coffee drinkers willing to pay a premium for the best heat and cold retention, Zojirushi delivers an exceptional drinking experience that can’t be matched.
Also Read: Comparison Between Iron Flask and Yeti
Best Contigo And Zojirushi Mugs
Now let’s look at some of the top-rated mugs from Contigo and Zojirushi to get a sense of the specific models and features available.
Best Contigo Mugs
- Contigo AUTOSEAL Chill: A narrow-profile stainless steel mug with a screw-on lid, unique dual wall for keeping drinks icy cold for 28+ hours. Great for water, iced tea, etc.
- Contigo AUTOSPEL West Loop: A classic 20 oz mug with handle that fits in car cupholders. Keeps drinks hot up to 5 hours or cold up to 12. One of Contigo’s most popular models.
- Contigo Shake & Go Fit: A shaker-bottle style Contigo mug perfect for blending protein shakes and smoothies on-the-go thanks to a wire whisk built into the lid.
Best Zojirushi Mugs
- Zojirushi SM-SA48: Zojirushi’s 20 oz flagship mug, which keeps beverages steaming hot for 6+ hours. Comes in a variety of colors and finishes.
- Zojirushi SL-NCE: A tall, slim 12 oz mug designed to fit underneath commercial coffeemakers for directly filling your Zojirushi mug. Great for minimalists.
- Zojirushi SM-KB48: A premium 16 oz mug featuring Zojirushi’s new SLIDING LOCK mechanism, which securely seals the lid between sips. Excellent for travel and commuting.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contigo is one of the most popular and trusted brands for insulated mugs and bottles. They offer very solid performance at affordable price points. The majority of customers are satisfied with Contigo’s quality and convenience features like one-handed drinking lids.
Zojirushi insulated mugs and Thermoses are considered the gold standard for heat and cold retention. If you demand the absolute best performance and don’t mind the higher cost, Zojirushi is an excellent choice. The mugs reliably keep drinks at optimal temperatures for hours longer than competitors.
For holding Japanese drinks like green tea, oolong tea, or cold-brew coffee at optimal flavor temperatures for hours, Zojirushi reigns supreme. The Japanese brand focuses obsessively on heat insulation innovations, making their mugs ideal for Japanese-style drinks.
With proper care, most Contigo mugs will last 1-3 years or more before needing replacement. Avoid dropping the mugs, clean gently by hand, and replace seals/gaskets when leaks develop. Higher-end Contigo mugs tend to have greater longevity than cheaper models.
Also Read: Differences Between Owala And Hydro Flask.
The Verdict
When it comes to insulated coffee mugs and thermoses, both Contigo and Zojirushi make fantastic options. Contigo mugs deliver convenient features perfect for everyday use at very wallet-friendly prices. For more demanding users, Zojirushi mugs justify their premium pricing with best-in-class thermal retention that keeps drinks deliciously hot or cold for hours longer.
Ultimately, choosing between the two brands comes down to your priorities. Casual users on a budget will be very satisfied with Contigo’s quality and performance. But hardcore coffee geeks or tea aficionados may want to invest in a Zojirushi mug that truly unlocks the full flavor potential of their favorite brews. Either way, you really can’t go wrong giving Contigo or Zojirushi a try for your next insulated mug!