What is a Counterbalance Handle?

Counterbalance handles are specifically designed to give you an easier grip through better leverage.

The Problem with Traditional Handles

You know how many traditional mugs tend to tilt forward?

That's because the handles are curved almost perfectly to slip through your fingers. To keep the mug level, many people do one (or more) of the following:

  • Pinch the handle tightly, which can be a problem if your hands are wet or you have limited grip strength (like with arthritis)
  • Twist your wrist to compensate
  • Press a finger against the outside of the handle, but the thin handles can bite into your finger and create a pain point

  • Teardrop (Half-Heart)

    These handles are easy to manufacture and have a classic look, so there's a reason why you see them everywhere. Often times they have very thin handles, which can create pain points on your fingers.

  • Half-Circle

    These are also easy to manufacture, and they have a nice, balanced, symmetrical look. Unfortunately, these do not give you good leverage, and they're curved almost perfectly to slip through your fingers.

Why Counterbalance Handles Can Be Better for Many People

With counterbalance handles, you don't have to pinch the handle or twist your wrist. Instead, your grip is almost entirely based on leverage, which gives you an easier hold that won't slip.

And with Momnt Mugs, we contoured the bottom half to spread out the weight of the mug against your outside finger. The result is a ridiculously comfortable grip that doesn't slip.

The examples listed below are other examples of what we call "counterbalance handles."

Examples of Counterbalance Handles

  • Corelle

    Corelle refers to this as their "hook" handle. Your index/pointer finger loops through the top part of the handle, while you middle finger presses against the vertical part of the handle a little lower. We're not sure if they're making these anymore, and most often we've found this style on eBay or Etsy.

  • Kruzhkus

    Designed for one finger looped through the top, while your middle and ring finger and press against the outside.

    See Kruzhkus 

  • Old Forge Creations

    Old Forge Creations is an amazing ceramicist based in the UK. In 2022, right around the same time we had our attempted Kickstarter for Momnt Mugs, Joe released his Deep Dive on Handles, which you can find here. In it, he came to the same independent conclusion that we did; that counterbalance handles are a good handle for a more comfortable grip that never slips. He calls it a "stepped D-shape" handle, and he makes them in batches. Follow him on Instagram or check his shop to learn more.

    See Old Forge Creations 

Momnt Mugs

Our patent-pending design uses a wider and contoured bottom half of the handle to make it even more comfortable to hold.

By increasing the surface area between your finger and the handle by roughly 4x as much, you effectively feel 1/4 the pressure.

More questions?

We realized this handle is different, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions about it. Or if you're ready to try it out yourself, click the link below!

Shop Momnt Mugs