Mugs, by definition, have handles and often hold a larger mint of fluid than other types of cup. In exceeding formal settings a mug is usually not fond for serving hot beverages, with a teacup or coffee cup being preferred. Shaving mugs can be used to assist in drizzling shaving.

The mug stores some calefaction from the beverage, and so prevents it from cooling too quickly. The form of a mug helps insulation: (i) thick walls apart the beverage from the air-conditioned external air, and (ii) an indented base separates the beverage from the surface upon Photo Mugs which the mug is set. The shape of the abject forms the characteristic O-shaped stain, so often seen upon desks and documents.