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Short answer: The SM-KHE48 holds 16 oz versus 12 oz, is 1-3/4 inches taller, weighs just 1 oz more, and holds heat slightly better: 154°F versus 147°F after 6 hours. Both have the same 48°F cold rating. The 48 also adds two colors, Deep Cherry and Emerald.
How we compare: every spec in this article comes from official manufacturer specifications and manuals (starting with Zojirushi’s official product page), all listed under Sources below. We don’t run hands-on tests, and if a spec isn’t published, we say so. Last updated: October 2026.
I live in Japan. In Japan these slim flip-lid bottles are called “mug type” (magu taipu) because you drink straight from them. The SM-KHE is Zojirushi’s current US version.
I haven’t tested these side by side. Everything below comes from the manufacturers’ official product pages, linked at the end. If a spec isn’t published, I say so instead of guessing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Spec | SM-KHE36 | SM-KHE48 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 oz / 0.36 L | 16 oz / 0.48 L |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 2-5/8 x 2-7/8 x 7-3/8 in | 2-5/8 x 2-7/8 x 9-1/8 in |
| Weight | 0 lb 8 oz (0.08) | 0 lb 9 oz (0.09) |
| Heat retention* | 185°F @ 1 hr / 147°F @ 6 hrs | 187°F @ 1 hr / 154°F @ 6 hrs |
| Cold retention* | 48°F @ 6 hrs | 48°F @ 6 hrs |
| Interior | SlickSteel 18/8 stainless | SlickSteel 18/8 stainless |
| Colors | 5 | 7 (adds Deep Cherry, Emerald) |
| Made in | Thailand | Thailand |
*Zojirushi rates heat retention with 203°F (95°C) water in a 68°F (20°C) room, and cold retention with 40°F (4°C) water in the same room.
Key differences at a glance
- Capacity: The SM-KHE48 holds 16 oz, 4 oz more than the SM-KHE36’s 12 oz.
- Height: The SM-KHE36 is 7-3/8 inches tall, while the SM-KHE48 is 9-1/8 inches.
- Heat retention: The SM-KHE48 is rated at 154°F after 6 hours, while the SM-KHE36 is rated at 147°F.
- What stays the same: Both share the same footprint, flip-open lid with safety lock, removable stopper, and wide mouth.
The 3 Differences That Matter
1. Capacity
4 oz more in the 48. A US “tall” coffee is 12 oz and a “grande” is 16 oz, so match the mug to your usual order.
2. Height
7-3/8 vs 9-1/8 inches. The shorter 36 fits more easily in small bags and under some coffee-machine spouts.
3. Heat
154°F vs 147°F after 6 hours, and about the same after 1 hour (187°F vs 185°F).
What’s the same
Same footprint, same flip-open lid with safety lock, stopper that comes apart for cleaning, and a wide mouth that Zojirushi says fits full-size ice cubes.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the SM-KHE36 if you:
- Drink a 12 oz cup
- Want the most compact mug
Choose the SM-KHE48 if you:
- Drink 16 oz or refill once
- Want Deep Cherry or Emerald
What Japan Buys Instead
The SM-KHE36 and SM-KHE48 appear on Zojirushi’s US site, while Zojirushi Japan’s current lineup features “seamless” models whose stopper and gasket are one piece to cut down on parts to wash. One example is the SM-VA series, sold in Japan in 600 and 720 mL with navy, mint blue and pale taupe colors. Japanese buyers call these “mugs” (マグ), meaning bottles you drink from directly. If easy cleaning matters most, it’s worth checking whether a seamless model is available in the US.
The handful of Japanese reviews on Kakaku.com mention easy washing thanks to the one-piece lid, that sports drinks are OK, and that ice fits the mouth; one reviewer wished a carrying case were offered. (Third-party reviews, not our own testing.)
If you want a bottle with a leak-proof lid instead, compare SM-KHE48 vs SM-VA60.
SM-KHE36 vs SM-KHE48: Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is the SM-KHE48?
Zojirushi lists 0.09 lbs.oz., which means 9 ounces.
Does it fit ice cubes?
Zojirushi says the wide mouth fits full-size ice cubes.
Is the SM-KHE leak-proof?
Zojirushi’s page mentions a safety lock and tight-fitted lid but doesn’t use the word leak-proof.
Is there a bigger version?
See the SM-VA60/72 (20 and 24 oz).
Check current listings
Prices and colors change often, so check the current listing before buying.
Related comparisons
- Zojirushi SM-KHE48 vs Tiger MMJ-A048: Which 16 oz Travel Mug?
- Zojirushi SM-KHE48 vs SM-VA60: Which Travel Mug to Buy?
- Zojirushi SM-VA60 vs SM-VA72: 20 oz or 24 oz Bottle?
- Zojirushi SM-SHE48 vs SM-KHE48: Which 16 oz Flip-Lid Mug?
Sources
- Zojirushi, Stainless Mug SM-KHE36/48 (official): https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/smkhe
- Zojirushi Japan: SM-VA stainless mug specs (zojirushi.co.jp): https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/syohin/bottle_tumbler/bottle/sm-va/
- Kakaku.com user reviews: Zojirushi SM-VA60 (Japanese): https://review.kakaku.com/review/S0000969601/
Specs checked October 2026. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before buying.
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