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Short answer: They’re almost the same height (9-1/8 vs 9-1/4 inches), but the SM-VA60 holds 4 oz more, is rated hotter after 6 hours (163°F vs 154°F), has a nonstick interior that’s OK for sports drinks, and an official leak-proof claim. The SM-KHE48 is slimmer and lighter (9 vs 10 oz) and has an uncoated SlickSteel interior.
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. Both are current Zojirushi flip-lid mugs, and people often get stuck choosing between them. Here are Zojirushi’s numbers side by side.
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-KHE48 | SM-VA60 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 oz / 0.48 L | 20 oz / 0.60 L |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 2-5/8 x 2-7/8 x 9-1/8 in | 2-7/8 x 3-1/8 x 9-1/4 in |
| Weight | 0 lb 9 oz | 0 lb 10 oz |
| Heat @ 1 / 6 hrs* | 187°F / 154°F | 190°F / 163°F |
| Cold @ 6 hrs* | 48°F | 46°F |
| Interior | SlickSteel 18/8 stainless | Nonstick coated |
| Leak-proof claim | Not stated | Yes (per manual) |
| Sports drinks | Not stated | OK |
| Cup holder | Not stated | Designed to fit most |
*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
- Interior finish: The SM-KHE48 has a polished SlickSteel interior, while the SM-VA60 has a nonstick coating that Zojirushi says is OK for sports drinks.
- Capacity: The SM-VA60 holds 20 oz, 4 oz more than the SM-KHE48, for only 1/8 inch more height.
- Heat retention: The SM-VA60 is rated at 163°F after 6 hours, while the SM-KHE48 is rated at 154°F.
- Leak claim: Zojirushi calls the SM-VA60’s lid leak-proof, while the SM-KHE48 page does not use that word.
- What stays the same: Both have a flip lid with a safety lock, are made in Thailand, and carry a 5-year US/Canada thermal warranty.
The 4 Differences That Matter
1. Interior finish
SlickSteel is polished stainless, which Zojirushi says resists corrosion and repels stains. The SM-VA’s nonstick coating resists odors and stains, and Zojirushi explicitly says it’s OK for sports drinks.
2. Capacity per inch
For only 1/8 inch more height, the SM-VA60 holds 4 oz more. It’s 1/4 inch wider.
3. Heat
163°F vs 154°F after 6 hours.
4. Leak claim
Only the SM-VA page uses the word leak-proof.
What’s the same
Both have a flip lid with a safety lock, are made in Thailand, and carry Zojirushi’s 5-year US/Canada thermal insulation warranty.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the SM-KHE48 if you:
- Want the slimmest, lightest mug
- Prefer a bare stainless interior
Choose the SM-VA60 if you:
- Want more volume at nearly the same height
- Carry sports drinks
- Want the leak-proof claim
Seamless Lids: The Japan Trend
Zojirushi Japan has pushed hard on its “seamless” stopper, where the lid and gasket are one piece. Zojirushi says it launched the design in 2020 and expanded it to bigger sizes after customer requests, which led to the SM-VA60 and SM-VA72 in 2023. The SM-KHE48 uses a different flip-open lid with a disassembling stopper. Japan-market SM-VA colors are navy, mint blue and pale taupe, and the SM-VA60 is rated at 73 °C after 6 hours on Zojirushi Japan’s spec sheet.
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.)
Sizes compared: SM-KHE36 vs SM-KHE48 and SM-VA60 vs SM-VA72.
SM-KHE48 vs SM-VA60: Frequently Asked Questions
Which holds more?
The SM-VA60, 20 oz vs 16 oz.
Which has a coated interior?
The SM-VA60 is nonstick coated; the SM-KHE48 is SlickSteel stainless.
Which keeps drinks hotter?
The SM-VA60: 163°F vs 154°F after 6 hours.
Can both hold ice?
Zojirushi says the SM-KHE’s wide mouth fits full-size ice cubes, and the SM-VA’s 1-7/8-inch opening is easy to fill with ice cubes.
Check current listings
Prices and colors change often, so check the current listing before buying.
Related comparisons
- Zojirushi SM-KHE36 vs SM-KHE48: 12 oz or 16 oz Travel Mug?
- Zojirushi SM-VA60 vs SM-VA72: 20 oz or 24 oz Bottle?
- Zojirushi SM-KHE48 vs Tiger MMJ-A048: Which 16 oz Travel Mug?
- Zojirushi SM-VH48 vs SM-KHE48: GoCafe or Classic 16 oz Mug?
Sources
- Zojirushi, Stainless Mug SM-KHE36/48 (official): https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/smkhe
- Zojirushi, Stainless Mug SM-VA60/72 (official): https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/smva
- Zojirushi Japan: SM-VA60/72 and SM-VS95 press release (zojirushi.co.jp): https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/corp/news/2023/230124/SMVA.html
- 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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