Twenty years ago you couldn’t move for Aladdin insulated mugs. They were ubiquitous. If you went into a petrol station or outdoor store they were on sale. Made of lightweight plastic and foam, they were virtually indestructable in normal use, which was one of the reasons that one by one I got rid of them until all I was left with was my favourite: the blue and white 12oz one. At one point I had one which held about a litre (yes, a litre) of tea! As I no longer drink tea it was just a bit too big, a litre of hot chocolate would make me sick.
I’ve had my remaining mug for around 20 years now, and had a small crack not appeared on the body I’d hope to have it another 20. The most successful designs are often the simplest and this is simple. The mug is hard plastic with a layer of insulating foam inside. It has a clip on lid with two holes to allow a smooth pouring action. And that’s it. There are no locks, levers, sliding parts, no crevices to allow anything to build up. Just two simple, easy to clean, completely functional parts. I thought I’d have a look around and simply buy a replacement but was dismayed to find that they were now out of production. I was advised to try Ebay or Amazon and was shocked to find that pretty much all that was available were old mugs from the Unisted States and they are often collectible, which would explain why they were priced at upwards of $50 each. Thanks, but no thanks.
New style mug on left, original Aladdin Mug on right
Then last week I stumbled upon a website which sells items which are designed as aids for the elderly and infirm, Complete Care Shop, and they sell a pretty good copy of the Aladdin Insulated Mug. At just over a fiver I thought it would be ideal and ordered one up.
The lids. The new white one has some plastic ribs. Lids are interchangeable.
Apparently Aladdin sold off the licence for the design and this appears to be almost identical. The gap between the cup and the handle is slightly narrower but otherwise the cup is the same. The main difference is the lid. It’s slightly bigger and is white (as opposed to the original blue) which apparently aids visibility. The drinking hole is a half moon shape rather than a full circle and the inside of the lid, while still one piece, has some plastic ridges which mean it’s not quite as easy to clean as the old style and it does allow “grot” to build up which isn’t easily cleaned without using something sharp and pointed. Having said that the old style lid is a perfect fit so you can interchange them.
I can’t vouch for it’s durability or longevity yet. Come back in 20 years and I’ll let you know…
Current Price (September 2016): £5.34
Direct Link: HERE
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