When it comes to branded merchandise, branded mugs remain one of the most effective items for getting daily brand exposure. But the choice between ceramic mugs and thermal mugs isn’t always straightforward. Both serve very different purposes, and the right decision depends on your audience and your brand’s goals.
Our business has supplied thousands of mugs to companies and organisations across Australia. We’ve seen firsthand how ceramic mugs shine in workplace and community settings, while thermal mugs excel when mobility and longevity are priorities. To help you decide, let’s compare the two—complete with real case studies from Australian organisations.
Why Businesses Love Ceramic Mugs
Ceramic mugs are timeless. They’re the mugs you’ll find in almost every office kitchen, meeting room, and community centre. How do we know? Well, this is our sink in our office (it’s filled with kitchen custom printed ceramic mugs):
The appeal lies in their familiarity, affordability, and large branding area.
- Everyday usability: They’re designed for repeated use in kitchens and break rooms.
- Cost-effective in bulk: Ideal for large-scale orders that won’t strain budgets.
- Brand visibility: A generous print area makes logos and messages pop, especially with full-colour printing.
Case Study: Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation
When the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation ordered branded ceramic mugs, they required a design that catered to both internal staff and community programs. The mugs were distributed at events and used daily in their offices.
These were standard promotional ceramic mugs, but with a cork base. This design prevents the clanking noise typically associated with ceramic mugs when placed on tables. At community gatherings, this small yet practical feature allowed conversations to flow more naturally without distractions. Staff members loved having them in the workplace. Guests and event attendees appreciated the sturdy and comfortable design.
The result? A beautiful gift appreciated by everyone. Quality, low. By providing people with a valuable, well-designed item, the corporation increased its visibility and ensured its brand was associated with warmth and reliability.
Why Businesses Choose Thermal Mugs
If ceramic mugs represent tradition, thermal mugs symbolise modern practicality. These mugs are built for mobility, featuring insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. For businesses whose teams or clients are constantly on the move, thermal mugs are a higher-value promotional gift.
- On-the-go functionality: Perfect for commuters, travellers, and outdoor workers.
- Premium perception: Seen as a quality gift rather than a standard giveaway.
- Long-term use: Recipients are more likely to keep them for months, even years.
Case Study: Main Roads Western Australia
Main Roads WA required merchandise that aligned with their public-facing road safety events. They chose custom thermal mugs because they aligned perfectly with the message of safety and practicality.
At road safety marketing campaigns, guests received mugs that weren’t just souvenirs. They are tools for everyday life. The insulation feature meant recipients could use them on commutes or while working outdoors, all while being reminded of Main Roads WA’s role in keeping them safe.
By opting for a higher-value item, the organisation ensured stronger brand recall. Thermal mugs have this image of being modern and dependable. This suits many organisations perfectly.
Branding Opportunities Compared
Both ceramic and thermal mugs offer excellent branding surfaces, but the branding methods differ slightly:
- Ceramic mugs work best with wrap-around screen prints or full colour printed sublimation printing. The smooth, white surface ensures crisp results.
- Thermal mugs often feature laser engraving for metal mug options or screen printing for plastic surfaces.
If your brand identity thrives on intense colours and photo-finished designs, then ceramic mugs are the natural choice. If you want something sleek and understated, thermal mugs with laser engraving deliver that polished, professional look.
Cost vs Perceived Value
When comparing, it’s not just about unit price—it’s about perceived value.
- Ceramic mugs are affordable in bulk, making them perfect for internal stocking or budget-conscious giveaways. Their value lies in mass visibility.
- Thermal mugs (that retain temperatures well) cost more per unit, but recipients see them as a premium gift. This makes them ideal for client gifts, executive events, or campaigns where long-term brand recognition is crucial.
Both approaches are valid—it depends on whether your priority is scale or impact.
Which Mug Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Choose ceramic mugs if you want:
- Affordable staff kitchen supplies
- Giveaways where you need volume for community events
- Bright, colourful designs that stand out
- Choose thermal mugs if you wish to:
- A premium client gift
- Merchandise for commuters or outdoor workers
- Longevity and daily visibility outside the office
Many of our clients order both ceramics for staff and community use, as well as thermals for clients and VIPs. It’s a smart way to cover all bases.
Our Perspective
From what we’ve seen, ceramic mugs deliver consistency in workplace and community settings, while thermal mugs carry prestige and long-term value. Both Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation and Main Roads WA achieved visibility and engagement, but in very different ways.
The lesson? Think about where your audience will use the mug. Around a meeting table? Ceramic is king. On the road, train, or worksite? Thermal wins.
Final Word
Ceramic mugs and thermal mugs both have their place in promotional marketing. The right choice depends on whether your audience values affordability and familiarity or mobility and premium appeal.
If you’re still deciding, our team can guide you based on your budget, target audience, and branding goals. Don’t hesitate to contact us for custom branding options, a quote, or to set up a meeting with our experts.
About the Author
Charles Liu
Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products industry in Australia. With over 17 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 10,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using promotional products to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of promotional product strategies that deliver tangible, measurable results.
