Over the last 3 years or so, its become a daily habit to fill up my Chilly’s coffee cup and bring a cuppa to work each day. A reusable, and insulated cup is actually one of my must have travel items. They are super handy for road trips, standing pitch side at the boys football matches or for taking on a crisp winters stroll.
Also, spending less on takeaway hot drinks enables me to put that saved money towards far better things; like home décor or topping up the holiday fund! It’s a little alarming how quickly the Costa and Starbucks orders tally up throughout the course of a month. Sure, we still treat ourselves to one now and then, especially when the seasonal hot chocolate flavours come out to play. But for 90% of the time we will use our wallet, and planet friendly travel cups instead.
Like I said, I use my Chilly’s series 1 cup daily. Nevertheless, theres a new kid on the block; the new “improved” Chilly’s series 2 coffee cup.
But is the Chilly’s series 2 cup actually better than its older big bro?
Well, I’m not entirely convinced it is. Here’s why.
In this article...
The design of the original Chilly’s cup
The OG chilly’s cup has a really straightforward design. Consisting of a slim tapered tumbler cup and simple push on lid. The rim of the lid has a slight lip making sipping easy and comfortable. It also keeps unwanted dribbles minimal – because that’s never a desirable look!
It’s worth noting that there’s no option to close off the opening on this cup, so if it toppled on its side it would obviously spill out through the sipping hole.
As you cant close off the opening, its not really possible to put this cup inside your handbag when its full. Which means it’s not the most portable, unless you’re happy just holding it of course.
Chilly’s series 2 coffee cup design
The new series 2 cup is ever-so slightly elongated, with a more rounded shape. This model comes complete with a securely fitting screw top lid and new closing mechanism. A quick twist of the very top section of the lid closes over the small opening. This welcome addition makes this cup a little more transport friendly inside a backpack or handbag. Although you may still encounter leaks if you’re throwing it around or holding it upside down.
A soft touch material has also been added to the base of this cup, which magically dampens the clanging sound when placed down on a table, or desk. I have to say, it’s actually pretty satisfying. It wasn’t something I thought I would care for, but now I get it. It’s comparable to flicking an indicator on in a Citroen vs an Audi. If you know, you know.
Because the series 2 has a couple extra components (thanks to its new closing lid mechanism) this brings me on to its first downfall; cleaning. It’s not hard by any stretch, it’s just an extra step that the original Chilly’s cup doesn’t require. You’ll need to twist a blunt knife into the dial inside the lid to unlock it. This will then remove the inner section to gain access under the drinking hole. Fail to do this and it will soon turn all dirty and gross inside. Not to mention the bacteria feeding ground it would become.
Sadly, this cup also loses the little angled drinking lip and instead takes on a completely flat face. Because of this, I find the chilly’s series 2 cup an awkward angle to drink from.
What are the colour options?
Series 2 wins hands down in this department. This Chilly’s cup really shines with a far larger selection of colours, totalling an impressive array of 23 different options. This consists of 8 pattered options, 3 ombre designs, and 12 solid colour-ways. However the possibilities don’t end there, you also have the option to customise your cup design. All you need to do is select a different colour for the body, head and lid to create your own unique colour combination.
In comparison, the original chilly’s cup has a far inferior selection with only 8 measly options to chose from. Four solid colours, and 4 patterned designs. The colours aren’t half as nice as the muted series two offerings either, and you can’t mix and match it either.
Do chilly’s cups taint the taste of your drink?
So many travel cups can add an unwanted twang to your favourite brew, which is never welcome. Thankfully, Chilly’s cups are different because they are made from a durable, high-grade 304 stainless steel. This material preserves the flavour and freshness of your drink, with zero tainting. Meaning you can enjoy your drink tasting exactly as it should.
How long do Chilly’s coffee cups keep your drink hot?
With no preheating, I’ve found both series of Chilly’s cups keep my cup of tea warm for roughly 2.5 hours. (depending on how much milk went in!) If you warm your cup up first with boiling water, prior to making your brew. Then you might be able to stretch it out a little longer.
How much do Chilly’s cup’s cost?
The original chilly’s cup is a smidge cheaper than the newer updated model. Plain cups are £20 and patterned options will cost you £23. Whereas the series 2 start at £30 for a plain cup, or £36 for a patterned design. If you wanted to get either cup engraved, that will be an additional £10. They do sometimes come up a little cheaper on Amazon.
Are Chilly’s cups dishwasher safe?
Neither options are marked as dishwasher safe. However I have put my series 1 through the dishwasher countless times and it still looks and preforms as good as it did on day one.
Because series 2 has a plastic lid, I wouldn’t risk putting that one inside the dishwasher. The intense heat may deform its shape and in turn, ruin the seal.
Its best to wash them by hand with some hot soapy water, but don’t leave them soaking as this can affect the paint and cause it to chip off. Although, both of our series 2 cups have begun to chip, even though we’ve cared for them correctly. We now have a slither of silver showing, which is such a shame as they aren’t cheap and now they look a bit scruffy!
Does the coffee cup get hot in your hand?
Unlike a lot of cheaper travel cups on the market, the chilly’s cup doesn’t get hot to the touch. Thanks to its clever double walled technology all the heat stays inside the cup, whilst keeping the outside cool and easy to hold.
What size options are there?
Both cups come in two sizes, although this doesn’t seem to be available on all colour-ways. You can chose between 340ml and 500ml. I have the smaller of the two, which is a normal cup of tea sort of size.
Does a Chilly’s cup fit under a Nespresso coffee machine?
It sure does! Series 1 and series 2 Chilly cups both fit under our Nespresso coffee machine.
Are Chilly’s cups leakproof?
Because the Chilly’s series 2 cup comes with the new twistable closing lid, you’d think it would have zero issues with leaks. Disappointingly, I found mine kept leaking out from around the side, resulting in tea trickling over my hand every time I used it. I’m unsure if the plastic lid had become misshapen somehow, or perhaps I just got unlucky and landed a bad one. James has never had this problem with his series 2 cup.
The lid on the series 1 Chilly’s cup will prevent major spills, but we can’t expect zero leaks as there is a sip hole opening. I’ve never had an issue with it leaking out from the point where the lid meets the cup though.
Are Chilly’s cups worth it?
Although Chilly’s cups are expensive, and both series have their pro’s and cons. I still think they are worth the rather expensive price tag, mainly because they don’t taint the taste of your drink. Which is something I’ve had with all other cheaper travel cups that I’ve tried. If you’re not that affected by flask tasting tea, then perhaps they wouldn’t be worth it for you. However, as they are quite spenny, the longevity of the series 2 version is a little disappointing.
Pros and cons between the original cup and series 2
Let’s quickly compare the pro’s and con’s between the two different models of Chilly’s cups.
| Features | Series 1 | Series 2 |
| Lockable Lid | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Sipping Spout | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Keeps Drink Hot | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Easy To Clean | ✔️ | ❌ |
| No Tainting | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lots of Colour Options | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Customisation | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Sound Dampening Base | ❌ | ✔️ |
Conclusion: Which Chilly’s coffee cup is best?
It’s a shame really, as both cups have pro’s and cons. The series one seems far better for longevity and has stayed looking in pristine condition for years. Whereas our newer series two cups already look scruffy with their annoyingly chipped paint.
I love the sleek design and ability to close the lid on the series two Chilly’s coffee cup. It’s also nice to have so many personalisation and colour options available. However, drinking from the original Chilly’s cup is far nicer thanks to its raised lip.
It’s like Chilly’s need to invent a third model which blends the best of both. Hopefully they get it just right on their next try!
For now, I have switched back to my original Chilly’s cup. It looks neater, is easier to drink from and it doesn’t leak. Even though the series two looks nicer, until Chilly’s have ironed out the flaws. I would advise to stick with the original Chilly’s cup.
Which option do you prefer?
2 comments
I don’t understand why so many people rave about the Chilly cup when it doesn’t keep drinks hot for more than 2-3 hours. My old Nesspresso Touch mug impressed me that much at keeping drinks hot overnight at up to 10 hours, I bought another one when they brought the gold version out. Their Nomad model is very similar too. Both types still look like new despite being ‘old’ now. The fact the Chilly is so awkward to clean and chips goes against it even more so considering the price.
Hi Pauline, thanks for your comment. I’ll look into your travel cup recommendation, thank you.