I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Getting me to stop using my Yeti Rambler Mug as my daily driver coffee container seemed nearly impossible, as I thought it was the best of the best. That is until Klean Kanteen released their Rise collection, and this underdog won over the title as my large capacity, favorite coffee mug.
In this article, I am going to let you know everything you need to know about this coffee mug, including what I like and what drives me crazy. It’s not perfect, but this is my favorite coffee mug right now, and hopefully, by the end of this, you’ll be able to make the right decision for you.
Why should you trust my review? I am a huge fan of coffee mugs and take them quite seriously. If a coffee mug doesn’t work for me, it finds its way into my cupboards or gets donated. After years of trying dozens of coffee mugs, I have had enough experience to know what makes a great mug and what doesn’t.
This product was sent out to me free of charge by Klean Kanteen to check out. However, coverage was at my discretion; all opinions are my own!
Table of Contents
What is the Klean Kanteen Rise 14oz Mug?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- My favorite styling for any camp mug
- Great build quality
- The perfect capacity
- Thinner, sloping lip is great to drink from
- Not a fan of the lid
- High-price point
- Capacity: 14 ounces
- Construction: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
This 14-ounce mug is an entrant into a competitive market for high-quality and high-priced camp coffee mugs. Klean Kanteen has opted for retro styling with its colors in its Rise mugs lineup. With 18/8 stainless steel and Climate Lock vacuum insulation (courtesy of its included flip-up lid), this coffee mug is meant to be easy to drink from and to keep your coffee hot, regardless of where you are.
How did I test this mug?
Whenever I test a product, I like to put it into my daily life before making any assumptions. When it comes to coffee mugs, it goes onto my coffee mug shelf with the other mugs. I grab the coffee mug that I want to use that day and do not just test the mug that I am reviewing. This means I can try this specific mug alongside my regulars to compare it directly to my favorites.
What did I like about this mug?
1. My favorite styling for any camp mug
When this coffee mug was first sent my way, I was hesitant and unexcited about the styling of the Rise lineup. However, once I got it out of the box, it quickly became my favorite mug in terms of the aesthetics of any coffee mug on the market.
I enjoy the “nature-inspired tonal color palette” (as Klean Kanteen would call it) Autumn Glaze color I was sent out. It does a great job of looking bright and cheerful while also being subdued. Its dual-tone coloring gives it a unique styling that you don’t see from other brands.
Its strangely shaped handle has grown on me, as it takes a bit of a different grip from your hand than what I am used to.
2. Great build quality
You can’t go wrong with an 18/8 stainless steel coffee mug. These mugs are always well-built and high quality. The dual-tone paint on the mug is flawless, and I have not had any form of chipping yet.
I consistently use this in its harshest environment: the dishwasher, and I have had no issues at all. That said, the lid is the biggest drawback in this department, but we’ll discuss that in a moment.
3. The perfect capacity
I like 14oz capacity coffee mugs! These are the sweet spot between being too large and too small. You can easily use a 12oz setting on most coffee makers and then add that last bit of milk to give your coffee to get that additional creamy texture without overfilling the mug.
4. The thinner, rounded lip is excellent to drink from
When differentiating itself from the competition, it’s the small things that count. This 14oz Rise Mug has an awesome feeling lip to it, where it comes to a point on the top; however, it is rounded on the interior. This makes for a comfortable drinking position for your mouth and a pleasant drinking experience. You will commonly find these taper-mouthed mugs on glass coffee, but it is also great to see this one.
What did I NOT like about this camp mug?
1. I’m not a fan of the lid.
The lid on this camp mug is by far its biggest detractor. Not only does the lid itself feel cheap (a big contrast to the rest of the mug), but the wide mouth (which I’m sure was meant to be a benefit) causes the coffee to make its way around your mouth and onto your lap. While this is much more annoying on their Tumbler (which they also gifted me, and I reviewed it here), it is still a concern here as well.
2. High-price point
The fact that a coffee mug costs over $30 is a difficult pill to swallow. However, this aligns with the competition, with other offerings such as the Yeti 14oz Rambler and Hydro Flask offerings being around this price. You get what you pay for, and it’s worth every penny.
What should you look for in a product like this, and how does it stand up to it?
1. Get the suitable capacity for you.
I have had too many coffee mugs that lack capacity for the cup of coffee I enjoy. While everyone is different, you should decide exactly what that capacity is for you. This 14oz is perfect for 12 ounces of coffee and a bit of milk.
However, if you prefer an espresso (on its own) in the morning, this coffee mug will be far bigger than needed and can cause it to cool down quickly and make it bitter.
2. Keep an eye on the material.
I prefer the stainless steel that Klean Kanteen uses in their Rise series of coffee mugs. However, when it comes to taste, isn’t for everyone. Other material options are ceramic (like is found in this coffee tumbler) and glass and plenty of different materials. While stainless steel keeps your coffee hot the longest, glass tastes better overall. You’ll want to decide for yourself what works for you.
3. You need a usable lid.
These camp mugs tend to come with lids to help keep the coffee hot at home and the campsite and keep things like dirt and leaves out of your beverage. There are plenty of different styles out there; however, the flip lid found on this Rise Mug is not the star of the show.
4. Stay under budget.
I am a big fan of staying on budget! Take your time shopping for something to drink coffee out of. However, if your budget is in the $30 to $40 range, this is one of the best options out there, and I would recommend it, even over a Yeti (which I like a ton).
5. Is it dishwasher-safe?
Always, always get a coffee mug that is dishwasher safe. Even if you don’t have a dishwasher, it is nice to know that it isn’t delicate and that you don’t have to worry about damaging it. Dishwashers are a fantastic invention, and being unable to place your camp coffee mug into one could be a considerable drawback. The Rise coffee mug in this article is dishwasher safe, thankfully!
Who is the Rise Mug from Klean Kanteen meant for?
Klean Kanteen may not have quite the same name recognition as Yeti; however, it sits in the same arena. This coffee mug is for those willing to spend more to get a higher-quality product.
This coffee mug is also great for people that like a little softer styling than Yeti’s utilitarian look. This coffee mug is meant for someone like me.
You should steer clear of this mug (and all mugs like this) if you can taste the metallic taste of stainless steel in your coffee. A few people can taste the metal from the coffee mug’s build. I am not one of those, but you should be aware of this!
Has this coffee mug changed over the years?
The Klean Kanteen Rise, coffee mug series is an entirely new product for the company. The company makes every effort possible to build a more youthful style brand. Its website has recently been overhauled, and its products are beginning to have the “nature-inspired tonal color palette” we discussed earlier in this article.
Conclusion
The Klean Kanteen is the best-looking camp coffee mug on the market today. I enjoy the colors (especially the Autumn Glaze color I have), and the mug handle is unique.
While the lid is a main drawback, if you don’t use lids often, this is a fantastic option for someone looking for a coffee mug that keeps coffee hot for an extended period, is great to drink from, and doesn’t mind its hefty price tag.
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
