If you are planning on buying a new coffee mug set there are a few tips that may make your choice easier. Your first consideration will probably be price. Fortunately coffee sets are usually fairly inexpensive, and while they come in a range of prices most moderately priced mugs are great for drinking coffee from. In fact, many people enjoy other beverages such as Chinese teas, or even soup, out of a coffee mug. As they do tend to get a lot of use, it is important to buy ones that will last well.

One important detail is whether or not they are both dishwasher and microwave safe. This should be noted on the bottom of the set, however even if it says it is microwave safe you may want to do a simple test before putting the mug into daily use. Mugs not safe to use in the microwave will heat up to the point that it is impossible to grasp the handle without being burned.  To test a mug, place it in the microwave filled with hot water and heat it up for one and a half to two minutes. When you go to take the mug out you should be able to easily grasp it by the handle. If not, it is not really microwave safe despite what the markings say. Be careful when performing this simple test, and leave the cup to settle for a minute before taking it out of the microwave. Water has been known to explode when jolted, especially in cups that are not safe.

Finally, if you are buying a matching set look for extra mugs with the same pattern. It can be very difficult sometimes, to find matching mugs after a few months. If you happen to drop and break any, you will want to have a replacement, thus buying a few extra in advance and setting them away somewhere will ensure you that you can keep your full matching set.

If you find a great coffee mug set you will want to keep it intact. Store it carefully, be careful when washing the mugs not to chip or bang them against the side of the sink, and do not leave them laying around where they may be knocked over and broken. Coffee mugs are not limited to being used for coffee only these days either.