Insulated Travel Tumblers: Keep Your Drinks Hot Or Cold

When it comes to choosing the best insulated travel tumbler, there are several factors to consider, including price, spill-proof capabilities, ease of cleaning, durability, and temperature retention. Here is a list of some of the best-insulated travel tumblers based on these criteria:

- Zojirushi: This tumbler is known for its impressive temperature retention, keeping beverages hot or cold for hours. It has a slim design, is relatively lightweight, and fits comfortably in car cup holders. It is hand-wash only and prone to scratches, but it is highly leak-proof and durable.

- Yeti Rambler: The Yeti Rambler is a popular choice for its durability and temperature retention. It comes in various sizes and colours, and the lid options include a Stronghold Lid and a Magslider Lid. However, it may not fit in all car cup holders, and the Magslider Lid is not leak-proof.

- Fellow Carter Move Mug: This tumbler is ideal for coffee and tea enthusiasts, with a ceramic-lined interior to prevent metallic tastes. It has good temperature retention and a unique splash guard to prevent spills. However, it requires two hands to open and may not be suitable for one-handed use.

- Contigo: Contigo offers a range of travel tumblers with spill-proof and leak-proof features. Their products are generally affordable and durable, but some users find the press-down button for the lid unintuitive and inconvenient.

- Hydro Flask: Hydro Flask tumblers are known for their excellent temperature retention and durability. They offer a wide range of sizes and colours, and some models are dishwasher-safe. However, they are not leak-proof and may dent if dropped.

- Stanley: Stanley tumblers are known for their durability and ability to keep beverages hot or cold. Some models have trigger-action lids, which can be inconvenient for some users. They are affordable and have good temperature retention but may not fit in all car cup holders.

What are the best materials for an insulated tumbler?

Insulated tumblers are designed with double-walled insulation, consisting of two layers of metal or plastic with a vacuum-sealed space in between. This vacuum area is crucial for reducing heat transfer, resulting in slower temperature changes and allowing drinks to stay hot or cold for extended periods. The quality of the insulation material is essential, with the best tumblers designed to effectively inhibit temperature changes.

When it comes to the best materials for an insulated tumbler, here are some options to consider:

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice for insulated tumblers due to its durability and insulating properties. It is easy to clean, resistant to stains, and provides effective insulation. Many tumblers feature 18/8 stainless steel, which is known for its durability and corrosion resistance. Some tumblers may also have a powder coating on the exterior, providing a slip-free grip and additional protection.
• Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel: Vacuum-insulated tumblers typically have double-walled stainless steel construction with a vacuum-sealed space between the walls. This design enhances insulation, keeping drinks hot or cold for longer.
• Plastic: Plastic tumblers are lightweight and affordable. While they may not have the same insulating properties as stainless steel, they can still be effective for maintaining drink temperatures. Some tumblers use BPA-free plastic, ensuring safe and healthy drinking.
• Ceramic: Ceramic-lined tumblers, such as the Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug, offer a neutral flavour and prevent any metallic taste. Ceramic lining is often used in conjunction with stainless steel construction for improved insulation and taste.
• Tritan Plastic: This type of plastic is known for its durability and impact resistance. It is a safe and durable option for tumblers, ensuring that your drinkware can withstand everyday use.
• Recycled Stainless Steel: For an eco-friendly option, consider tumblers made from recycled stainless steel. These tumblers offer the same insulating properties as regular stainless steel while reducing environmental impact.

When choosing the best materials for an insulated tumbler, consider factors such as insulation, ease of cleaning, durability, and taste neutrality. Additionally, look for tumblers with tight-fitting lids and vacuum-sealed designs to maximise temperature retention.

How do you test an insulated tumbler?

To test an insulated tumbler, you can use a variety of methods to assess its performance and ease of use. Here are some common tests and factors to consider:

Temperature Retention Test

Fill the tumbler with boiling water (212°F) or ice water (36°F) and monitor the temperature over time. This will indicate how well the tumbler can keep drinks hot or cold. The best tumblers can maintain the desired temperature for several hours.

Leak Test

Fill the tumbler with water and secure the lid. Shake the tumbler vigorously or knock it over to see if any liquid escapes through the lid or straw. A good tumbler should be leak-proof or at least leak-resistant.

Ease of Use

Evaluate how easy it is to open and close the tumbler, drink from it, and carry it around. Consider the design of the lid and whether it is comfortable to sip from. Also, check if the tumbler fits in standard car cup holders.

Durability Test

Subject the tumbler to drop tests by dropping it from a certain height, both upright and on its side. Observe if it dents, scratches, or shatters upon impact. A durable tumbler should be able to withstand multiple drops without significant damage.

Cleanability

Assess how easy it is to clean the tumbler, including the lid and straw (if any). Some tumblers are dishwasher-safe, while others may require hand washing with a bottle brush to reach all the nooks and crannies.

Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of the tumbler, especially if you plan to carry it around. Larger tumblers hold more liquid but can be bulky and heavy. Smaller tumblers are more portable but may require frequent refills.

Lid Design

Examine the lid design and whether it is secure and leak-proof. Some tumblers have twist-on or press-in lids, while others have sliding or pop-on lids. The lid should be easy to open and close, and preferably leak-proof to prevent spills.

Straw Placement and Size

If the tumbler has a straw, check its placement and size. Straws located closer to the edge and at a slight angle are generally more intuitive to drink from. Wider straws provide a smoother sipping experience.

By conducting these tests and considering various factors, you can evaluate the performance, durability, and ease of use of an insulated tumbler to determine if it meets your needs and preferences.

What are the best tumblers for hot drinks?

There are many insulated tumblers on the market, and it can be hard to know which is the best for your hot drinks. Here is a list of some of the best tumblers for hot drinks, tested by various sources.

The Simple Modern Classic Tumbler is an affordable, leak-resistant tumbler that keeps hot and cold drinks at an ideal temperature for hours. It is the only tumbler that comes with two different lids: a straw lid and a flip-top lid. It also comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so you can choose one that suits your style.

The RTIC Everyday Tumbler is another great option, especially if you prefer drinking with a straw. It kept beverages cold for nine hours in testing, longer than any other tumbler. The lid seals tightly to prevent leaks, and it fits in most cupholders. However, it only comes with a straw lid, so it might not be the best option if you also want to use it for hot drinks.

The Yeti Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid is a good choice if you prefer a sipping port over a straw. Its sloped lip makes sipping easy, and the smooth lid-locking mechanism is simple to operate. However, it does leak more when knocked over, and it doesn't keep drinks as cold as some other tumblers.

The Stanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler is a good option if you want a leak-proof lid with a built-in straw that can be tucked away when not in use. It has a contoured body for easy grip and a handle that makes it easy to carry around. It also fits easily into a backpack's water bottle pocket. However, the lid doesn't come apart for cleaning, which can make it a bit tricky to get into all the nooks and crannies.

The Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug is a stylish, limited-edition tumbler that kept hot and cold liquids at their original temperatures after an hour-long test. It has a ceramic interior that keeps odours and flavours at bay, and a thinned drinking lip to prevent spills. However, its circumference is a little wide, so it might not be comfortable for people with smaller hands.

The Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug is great for securely transporting hot beverages like coffee or tea. It uses Thermalock vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot for up to seven hours, and its autoseal technology in the lid prevents spills. However, its shape makes it difficult to clean without a brush, and it may not fit in all cupholders.

The Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler is another good option, especially if you're looking for something to keep your drinks cold. It has double-insulation and a BPA-free design, and it fits in most cupholders. However, the lid can be a bit unwieldy, so make sure you have a good grip on the base before removing it.

So, if you're looking for a tumbler to keep your hot drinks hot, these are some great options to consider. Each has its own unique features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

What are the best tumblers for cold drinks?

Keeping your cold drinks cool and your hot drinks hot is the name of the game when it comes to tumblers. Here are some of the best tumblers for cold drinks:

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

This 20-ounce tumbler is a great option for those looking to keep their drinks cool or warm. It can keep hot beverages warm for up to six hours and cold drinks at their optimal temperature for up to 24 hours. The tumbler also prevents condensation, has a splash-proof lid, and fits in most cup holders. It's made of stainless steel, BPA-free, and is dishwasher-safe.

Corkcicle Triple-Insulated Stemless Glass

If you're looking for something more suited for alcoholic drinks, the Corkcicle's 12-ounce stemless wine cup is a perfect choice. It comes in stylish colours and is triple-insulated, making it ideal for both hot and cold drinks. It can keep drinks cold for up to nine hours and hot for up to three hours. The cup also features a spill-resistant lid and a non-slip silicone bottom to prevent spills. However, it is not leakproof and needs to be hand-washed.

Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler

The Stanley Quencher FlowState is a popular choice for a reason. With a capacity of 40 ounces, it takes care of your hydration needs with just one refill. The vacuum-insulated design keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, and ice cubes last for at least a day. The tumbler has a handle and a tapered base that fits into most cup holders. It also comes with a reusable straw and is dishwasher-safe. However, it is not spill-proof and can be cumbersome for long walks.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

The YETI Rambler is a durable and well-insulated option to keep your drinks at their desired temperature. It has double-wall insulation and is made of stainless steel, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The tumbler includes a MagSlider lid that uses magnets to lock in your beverage. It is sweat-proof and dishwasher-safe. However, the lid is not leakproof.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

The Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug is a stylish and functional option, especially for coffee lovers. It has a wide-mouth opening that allows you to fully enjoy the aroma of your coffee. The interior ceramic coating prevents any metal taste, and the leakproof seal keeps liquids inside. It boasts a triple-walled vacuum seal, retaining heat for 12 hours and keeping drinks cold for 24 hours. The mug is available in six matte colours and is recommended to be hand-washed.

Simple Modern 40 oz Trek Tumbler

The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler offers excellent cold retention and is leak-proof, even when tilted on its side. It has a comfortable handle, a wide straw, and comes in a range of colours. The screw-on lid has a low profile, which may make it a bit tricky to twist off. It is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe.

What are the best tumblers for driving?

Driving can be a bumpy experience, so a good travel tumbler should be leakproof and fit in your car's cup holder. Here are some of the best tumblers for driving:

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

This tumbler is a viral sensation on TikTok, and for good reason. Its lid has been redesigned with a silicone seal, preventing the spills and splashes of its predecessor. It has solid cold retention and feels well-balanced. The silicone portions on the handle are also nice to hold. While it does leak a little, it's not enough to be a dealbreaker. It comes in a 40-ounce size, but other sizes are available.

Simple Modern Trek Tumbler

The Simple Modern Trek Tumbler has the best cold retention of all the models tested. It's also leakproof, with not a single drop coming out even when rested on its side. It's comfortable to hold, with a large handle, and has a wide straw at a slight angle for easy drinking. It comes in a range of colours and is reasonably priced at around $30.

Owala 40-Ounce Tumbler

The Owala tumbler is another leakproof option that performed well in the cold retention test. Its handle has an indent that provides a comfortable place for your thumb to rest. Its straw is located in the centre of the lid, which some may find less convenient.

Yeti Rambler with MagSlider Lid

If you prefer a sipping port over a straw, the Yeti Rambler is a good option. Its rim has a sloped lip for easy sipping, and the smooth-operating MagSlider lid reduces spills. However, it leaks more when knocked over and doesn't keep drinks as cold as other options. It comes in a 20-ounce size, but other sizes are available.

Stanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler

The Stanley The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler is leakproof, with a built-in flip straw that can be tucked away when not in use. It has a contoured body for a simple grip and a handle that makes it easy to carry around. It comes in a 20-ounce size, but other sizes are available.

Frequently asked questions