Beer is meant to be enjoyed and consumed fresh and cold, and one of the oldest types of mugs designed for beer was beer steins. They are beautifully crafted and decorated mugs containing a lot of different themes that are everything but not boring.
These mugs come in different styles, materials, sizes and colours and it is believed that they appeared during the age of the Black Plaque to prevent flies and insects from getting into the beer. Nowadays, the most traditional area that produces beer steins is the Kannenbäckerland in the Westerwald region in Germany. These mugs are traditional mugs to Germany and generally, they are made from German clay or glass with or without lids. However, they can also be made from some other materials like wood, silver, porcelain, crystal glass and stoneware. The technical name of these mugs are Bierkrug (Beer Jug), Steinzeugkrug (Stoneware Jug) or just Krug (Jug).
Function
Well, the one and main purpose of a beer mug with lid is to protect the beer from external elements. Even though in the past the main purpose was to protect them from flying insects, aside from this, this lid also serves to protect the beer from dust, debris and many other things that can contaminate the beer. A beer mug with lid serves a good purpose in keeping the beer's temperature constant as well which is another reason why so many people decide to invest in one. Given the fact that these mugs are decorative, some people also love the idea of using such mugs for decorative purposes.
Different Types of Stein Lids
Conical
These beer steins with lids come in cone shape and are mainly made from pewter which is a metal allow – a blend of different metal blends like copper, antimony and tin. The surface of these steins is usually plated with nickel in order to create a shiny finish.
Ornamental
The ornamental lids on steins are usually made from pewter and they are mainly used on limited-edition steins. The shape of the lid looks like a cone but with a final top with lots of details on it.
Flat
Even though not entirely flat, these lids are still known as flat and they are usually made from pewter with a surface that allows them to be engraved easily.
Figurine
These lids are known as top-of-the-line lids because they usually have a figurine mounted on the top. Just like the rest, the figurine lids are mainly made from pewter.
Inlay
The last but not least types of stein lids are the inlay ones made from pewter. They also have a figurine made from stoneware placed in the centre.
Common Beer Stein Materials
As you may already know by now, you can choose from a large selection of materials for the actual mug, so make sure to go over them in order to make the right choice.
Pewter
Pewter is a material that combines tin, copper and antimony as already mentioned, and in Europe. 92% are added to harden the actual metal. The silvery colour of these mugs is obtained with the use of more tin in comparison to copper and antimony.
Ceramic
The most appealing and commonly used steins by beer lovers are the ones made from ceramic. Speaking of ceramics, you should know that they can be made from five different materials, so going over them will help you make the right choice.
Ceramics
This material allows for being fired at about 1050 °C – 1080 °C, it has a lighter colour and is slightly porous. An important thing you should know is that ceramic steins need to be glazed over time.
Earthenware
This material is fired at around 1000°C, and it should be glazed in order to become non-porous.
Creamware
Creamware steins should be fired at around 1150 - 1180°C without a glaze, after which they allow for being decorated. When done, they should be fired once again at around 900 – 1000°C and you can enjoy its white colour. This material also needs to be glazed in order to get the most out of it.
Stoneware
Stoneware is a material that needs to be fired at around 1200 – 1400 °C. It is a hard material that will obtain a glass-like appearance, however, glazing is also mandatory because it is considered to be porous.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a material that allows being fired at 1300 – 1400 °C. If the porcelain is true, it will obtain a white almost translucent-like colour.
Crystal
If you're interested in more luxurious-looking types of mugs for beer, then you should have a look at the selection of sophisticated and high-quality crystal glasses. These steins also allow for being engraved and they usually have a transparent exterior.
Glass
Glasses for beers are considered the least expensive types and they are made with the help of a mould.
