Sip in Style With the Best Insulated Tumblers (2024)

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Sip in Style With the Best Insulated Tumblers (1)

The world of insulated tumblers is overwhelming. There are more options than ever, and each one seems to boast some game-changing technology or eye-catching feature. But when it comes down to the basics, what you really need is something that will keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot, prevent spilling, hold up to the bumps and bruises of life, and look pretty good doing so. With those criteria in mind, we went on a journey to find the very best options you can buy.

When it comes to insulated tumblers, the materials are pretty standard. You won’t find many designs straying from stainless steel, as it provides excellent temperature control and is easy to clean. Still, you will want to consider your primary tumbler use. There are different tumblers for different occasions, whether you’re looking to keep your coffee warm on your desk as you finish up a morning of meetings or your wine chilled as you make your way to the perfect spot in the park for an al fresco movie viewing.

Ahead, you’ll find our suggestions for the best insulated tumblers. Each one was researched and tested in our Brooklyn lab for several factors: temperature control for hot and cold beverages, whether or not they’re spill-proof, ease of cleaning, design, durability, and comfort.

Table of contents

  • Our Picks

  • Final Verdict

  • Product Selection

  • How We Tested

  • Other Tumblers We Tested

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust TripSavvy

What We Like

  • Unique design

  • Rich color options

  • Long-lasting temperature control

What We Don't Like

  • Not the best for small hands

  • Too big for some car cupholders

We had high hopes for this tumbler, and it didn't disappoint. The limited-edition color and shape are joyful and eye-catching—it almost looks like an Apple product—and it kept both hot and cold liquids very close to their original temperatures after an hour-long test. The mug stayed securely in an extra-large car cupholder and came out easily, though it is a little short. It also fits nicely into a backpack pouch. "It's really trendy and cute, is great for people looking for a smaller tumbler, fits well in your hand, feels well-made, and the materials look and feel nice," one of our lab testers commented.

The thermos circumference is a little wide—those with smaller hands may have trouble comfortably holding this cup for long periods. But if you can overlook that, there's a big perk: This design-forward tumbler features a ceramic interior that keeps odors and other flavors from long-ago pours at bay. The lid also features a thinned drinking lip, making it easier to sip without spilling.

Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic lid, inner ceramic coating | Weight: 12.3 ounces | Capacity: 12 or 16 ounces

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What We Like

  • Great cold and hot temperature retention

  • Strong and durable construction

  • Travel-friendly size

What We Don't Like

  • Slight metallic taste

  • Could be better looking

RTIC's Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Tumbler does exactly what an insulated tumbler should do. It keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. And although at a lower price point than its competitors, our testers didn't see a drop-off in performance. Our testers found the RTIC tumbler held the same temperature an hour after the liquid was placed in the container for cold beverages. And for hot drinks, the temperature did cool, but it stayed hot enough. This excellent temperature regulation is thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation and the stainless steel construction.

This metal construction and the tumbler's size make it ideal for travel and adventure. Our testers liked how well it fit in standard and extra-large-sized cupholders. They also liked how easily it fits into a travel backpack. What puts this tumbler ahead of others is its splash-proof lid with a straw-compatible flip lid closure.

Material: Stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation | Weight: 11.2 ounces | Capacity: 20 ounces

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What We Like

  • Kept coffee very hot

  • Lid is secure

  • Sleek design

What We Don't Like

  • Requires a brush for cleaning

Transporting coffee and hot tea might be one of the most popular reasons people purchase a tumbler. And of the more than two dozen we tested, our testers liked the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug best for coffee. "I'm afraid to drink it after an hour because it's still really hot—like it was just poured," one tester commented immediately after the test. Technically the temperature of the coffee dropped from 172 degrees to 148 degrees an hour after being poured, but "that's still plenty hot to drink," concluded another tester.

Contigo uses Thermalock vacuum insulation, which claims to keep hot drinks hot for up to seven hours. Auto-seal technology in the lid helps drinks stay securely where they should. The tumbler's shape makes it impossible to clean properly without a brush, however. It also makes it tougher to fit into cupholders since the bottom is wider than the top. Still, for anyone looking to securely transport hot beverages like coffee or tea, the Contigo was as good as tumblers get.

Material: Stainless steel, Thermalock vacuum insulation | Weight: 11.7 ounces | Capacity: 20 ounces

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What We Like

  • Comfortable handle design

  • Low-maintenance cleaning

  • Classic Yeti durability

What We Don't Like

  • Not leak-proof

  • Heavy

Yeti has basically become synonymous with high-quality coolers and tumblers. The Rambler Tumbler is Yeti’s version of a beer mug, but it’s a fantastic option for holding any kind of beverage. That's thanks to Yeti's double-wall vacuum insulation, which does a good job of keeping cold drinks cool and hot drinks warm for long periods of time. Another perk of the Yeti Rambler is that it can go in the dishwasher, increasing the ease of cleaning.

Because of the size and heft of this insulated tumbler, our testers found the handle helpful, but it made it hard to fit the tumbler a car cupholder. (Yeti says on its site the handle isn't necessarily designed with cupholders in mind.) "Nice to have a handle, but in the cold,ho you have to keep your hands outside [your gloves] to hold it. It also would take up more space in a bag," one tester pointed out.

If you're set on the Yeti Rambler but also want something more cupholder-compatible, Yeti makes a travel version of the same mug with a higher-placed handle and thinner bottom. There's also a straight tumbler with no handle.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 1 pound, 6 ounces | Capacity: 24 ounces

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What We Like

  • Doesn't leak

  • Modern design

  • Great travel size

What We Don't Like

  • Bulky lid lock can interfere with drinking

The Flip Traveler tumbler from MiiR is sleek. With minimal branding, classic color options, and a lid that features a flip top that locks in place, this bottle is just as easy to sip from as it is to show off on your morning commute. After lots of use, there was no notable odor or "extra flavors" clinging to the interior. This is the insulated tumbler you gift a friend (or yourself) who spends way too much time agonizing over various design details and product silhouettes—it's an insulated tumbler for those who don't want to look like they're imbibing from an insulated tumbler.

No surprise, MiiR's insulated tumbler is an ideal travel companion, fitting easily into standard-sized cupholders and a backpack. It also performed very well in our cold insulation and leak-proof tests. "This fits great in a backpack pocket," a tester noted. "It was easy to slide in and is smaller in diameter than the pocket, so it feels secure."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Capacity: 12 ounces

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What We Like

  • Durable design

  • Travel-friendly

  • Stainless steel interior prevents flavor transfer

What We Don't Like

  • Lid can be hard to remove

If your hikes and camping adventures aren't complete without a midday sip of ice water—yes, actual cubes—you've found your match. Hydro Flask is a beloved brand for a reason. The double-insulated design (which is also BPA-free) keeps water cold for hours and will withstand any drops or bumps it may face as you head out into the wilderness. One thing to keep in mind: Removing the lid can be a bit unwieldy, so make sure you've got a good grip on the base of the cup before popping off the lid (especially if you have hot liquids inside). This is an excellent option for tossing water in your hiking daypack or enjoying some hot chocolate at the end of a long day.

Our testers enjoyed the design of Hydro Flask's tumbler and found it easy to fit in a backpack but a bit snug in a standard-sized cupholder. While the cold insulation was solid, testers noted the taste of cold water wasn't as crisp after an hour as some other tested tumblers. Overall, if you're looking for a solid camp mug that can go from coffee to water to beer in one day—while also showing the resiliency to take a few falls along the way—this Hydro Flask tumbler is a solid option.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Capacity: 22 ounces

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Best Stainless Steel

Bubba Envy Insulated Tumbler

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Our Ratings

  • Size

    5/5

  • Design

    3.5/5

  • Insulation

    4.5/5

  • Value

    4/5

What We Like

  • Clean, attractive aesthetic

  • Very good cold insulation

  • Great value for money

What We Don't Like

  • Too big for standard cupholders

If you're looking for another budget option, look no further than Bubba's double-walled, vacuum-insulated, BPA-free stainless steel tumbler. We were thoroughly impressed by the insulating capabilities of the Bubba Envy, as the cold temperature test basically saw no change an hour after we filled it with ice water. Our testers also liked how this tumbler looked and how easy it was to carry around.

While it did fit well in a backpack, it didn't fit in a standard cupholder. We also didn't love that the only lid option has a straw hole. But if you can live with those two minor issues, this is an excellent tumbler option, especially considering the price.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Capacity: 24 ounces

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What We Like

  • Good insulation

  • Easy to clean

  • Versatile

What We Don't Like

  • Some may prefer a taller, thinner profile

Like many other tumblers on this list, the Maars Bev Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler is constructed of 18/8 stainless steel with double-walled vacuum insulation. Unlike many other tumblers on this list, the Maars tumbler is explicitly designed with wine enthusiasts in mind. (Just because it's a wine glass tumbler doesn't mean you only have to drink wine in it—we envision this being good for any setting where a smaller tumbler is preferred.)

Our testers liked the insulating capability of this tumbler and that there was no metallic taste in the water during testing. One tester noted they'd like to see this model be a bit taller and thinner and with a cover to close the lid's drinking hole. "This wine tumbler style isn't something I'd recommend to a friend, although the quality of this one is good," concluded another tester. "If you like wine-style tumblers, this one is the one to buy."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 6.4 ouncess | Capacity: 12 ounces

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What We Like

  • Large variety of colors

  • BPA free

  • Huge capacity

What We Don't Like

  • Bulky design

  • Not super durable

If you've never sipped suds from an insulated tumbler, it's time to give it a try. Seriously. You can thank us later. And if you're going to partake, you might as well do it with the Beast Stainless Steel Tumbler. Available in over a dozen colors, the tumbler comes in three sizes: 20, 30, and 40 ounces. We find that perfect for beer drinking as froth does tend to be more of an issue in insulated tumblers, so the extra space for a 12- or 16-ounce beer is helpful. Not necessarily relevant to beer drinking, each tumbler also comes with two straws (one curved design for water and one straight design for thicker drinks like smoothies) and a lifetime guarantee. The lid has a flip spout, which is surprisingly easy to clean.

We were only able to fit this tumbler in the extra-large cupholder. Our testers were very impressed with its leakproofness (it didn't leak when held upside down or shaken)—suitable for consuming beer. And they weren't impressed with its ability to insulate heat—also suitable for consuming beer. Our testers did say the separately sold handle would be a bonus. "The Beast was a little large in my hand, and while it was easy to grip the external material, it could benefit from a handle," one tester noted. "But a great value considering the capacity and its stellar performance preventing leaks."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Capacity: 20, 30, or 40 ounces

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Final Verdict

For an insulated tumbler that checks all of the boxes, go with the Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug—the sleek look is just as appropriate at the office as on your travels. The MiiR Flip Traveler is another excellent option if you want something more minimal and stylish.

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Product Selection

Tumblers were selected based on our extensive knowledge of tumblers and tumbler brands and the popularity of products on major e-commerce sites like Amazon. Products were chosen by editors from TripSavvy, Serious Eats, and The Spruce Eats. We also chose products with a range of price points and intended uses.

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How We Tested

Products were tested in our Brooklyn testing lab. Tumblers were tested for cold insulation, heat insulation, comfort in hand, the taste of liquid in the tumblers, and how much they leaked. We tested the mugs with ice water and hot coffee. A temperature reading of each mug was taken when a liquid was poured into it and an hour later. Tumblers were also tested for their ability to be transported. For this, we placed tumblers in cupholders and backpack pockets.

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Other Tumblers We Tested

CIVAGO Tumbler with Lid and Straw: This attractive tumbler comes in various colorways. We liked its cold-holding ability and the seal was pretty solid as well, but the heat-holding wasn't as good and the shape of the tumbler is just a little too bulky to be completely comfortable in hand.

Ello Campy Water Bottle with Slider Lid: The full-sized handle on this pick is divisive; it protrudes out and some find it unnecessary, though it does make for a comfortable carrying experience. It held temperature well (both hot and cold), but you'd probably need a bottle brush to clean the bottom effectively.

What to Look For in an Insulated Tumbler

Price

Generally speaking, insulated tumblers are relatively inexpensive. The larger they are and the more liquid they hold, the more expensive they will be. More design-forward tumblers (like the options from MiiR and Fellow above) will also run a higher price. Don't expect to pay much more than $40 for your insulated tumbler. No matter the product, how much you're willing to spend is personal. We tried to include a range of prices on this list to offer options for different budgets.

Style

Consider how you’re going to be using your tumbler. There are lighter options for hikers and campers, but they may not hold as much liquid or keep it as cold or hot. Going on a super-long road trip and need enough coffee to fuel you for a day straight? Go for something a bit larger that you may not be toting around very often. There are also plenty of minimalist options for those who may have their insulated tumbler on display throughout the day (like in an open-plan office).

Material

Stainless steel is the standard for insulated mugs since it’s easy to clean, doesn’t hold on to odors, and has fantastic temperature control compared to other materials, such as plastic.

Size

There are insulated tumblers of all sizes, but the most common ones are 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, and 24 ounces. You can undoubtedly find larger ones (like the Beast option above) that will hold 30 ounces and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a BPA-free tumbler?

    First off, let’s define BPA—it stands for the chemical bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical that is often used to create plastics.Some medical studies have found it to be an endocrine disruptor in large quantities, simply meaning it interferes with the body’s hormones. Given this risk, many people prefer to purchase tumblers and water bottles made from BPA-free materials.

  • How do I wash my tumbler?

    Many insulated tumblers are dishwasher-friendly, but it’s best to check the washing instructions on the manufacturer’s website. Some insulated tumblers come with design details that can be hard to clean without scrubbing them yourself, like built-in straws.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Erika Owen is a big fan of super cold water. A simple water bottle doesn't pass the temperature test. She's been testing insulated tumblers for years and is constantly searching for the perfect travel-friendly option that doesn't eat up (too much) precious carry-on space.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He knows from too many personal experiences how frustrating it is to finish a bike commute with coffee all over the bottom of your backpack. While he prefers a Nalgene for water and hydration, he exclusively drinks coffee and beer from insulated tumblers. His current rotation includes tumblers of various styles and sizes from Klean Kanteen, Yeti, and Hydro Flask.

Fran Sales, Taylor Rock, Meg Lappe, and Jalyn Robinson tested tumblers together in our Brooklyn testing lab.

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Sip in Style With the Best Insulated Tumblers (2024)

FAQs

What does insulated tumbler mean? ›

It's what reduces the transfer of heat, both in and out of the tumbler. This impact results in significantly slower temperature changes, meaning drinks stay hot or cold much longer than in other types of containers. The quality of the insulation material in the tumbler plays an essential role as well.

What are the different types of insulated tumblers? ›

All of the Insulated Tumblers Kept Water Cold
Insulated Tumbler Testing: Cold Retention
Stanley IceFlow35°F48°F
Yeti38°F52°F
Hydro Flask36°F51°F
Owala38°F49°F
7 more rows

Do insulated tumblers stop working? ›

DO INSULATED TUMBLERS WEAR OUT? Yes, double walled tumblers without vacuum insulation do wear out depending on various factors, but mostly how frequently it's used. However, double walled tumblers with vacuum insulation do not wear out.

What not to put in insulated tumbler? ›

Please do not put in dry ice or carbonated beverages as the product may expand and break. You can use it with dairy products and fruit juices, but we recommend not leaving the drink inside for too long as it may spoil or cause rust on the inside of the tumbler.

Can you put hot drinks in an insulated tumbler? ›

If you're wondering if you can put hot drinks in a tumbler, the answer is yes! Tumblers are designed to sustain drink temperatures, whether hot or cold. Beyond water, here are a few examples of cold beverages that you can carry around in your tumbler: Fruit-infused water.

What is the best insulated tumbler for all inclusive? ›

In 2023, The New York Times' Wirecutter compared 16 tumblers and named the 20-ounce Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler as the best overall choice. Aside from providing great insulation and protection, this drink holder garnered praise for its appearance as well as having a comfortable grasp.

Can you refrigerate insulated tumblers? ›

This means that if your tumbler is stored in a cupboard and then filled with a cold drink from your fridge, you're already starting to warm up your drink when you pour it into a room-temperature tumbler. Instead, store your tumbler in the fridge and you can keep your drinks cold for up to two additional hours!

Can you put hot coffee in a tervis tumbler? ›

The perfect travel tumblers - for coffee at home or work - are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and have a quiet, nonslip base to keep them in place. Take your favorite hot or cold beverage along, so you're never without coffee, water, iced tea, lemonade or your other favorite drink(s).

Is it okay to put soda in insulated tumbler? ›

Because a regular insulated tumbler has a plastic lid that snaps and locks in place, often with a mouthpiece, any gas pressure that does build up inside the tumbler will more than likely disperse through the lid. If any significant pressure from a carbonated beverage did begin to build up, the lid would just pop off.

Can you wash insulated tumblers? ›

Most likely, the manufacturer of your favorite insulated cup has placed the words "hand wash only" on the label or bottom of the cup itself and not "dishwasher safe." This means cleaning it with warm, soapy water in the sink and allowing it to dry is the only way to go.

Can you put coffee in insulated tumbler? ›

If you think insulated tumblers and bottles are just for cold beverages, think again! They are great for coffee, tea and other warm drinks too.

Why do Yeti tumblers work so well? ›

A double wall insulated tumbler or mug minimizes the heat transfer using a vacuum between the layers. Having a vacuum between the two walls of metal slows down the heat transfer process. Why is this good? Your drinks, hot or cold, will maintain the appropriate temperature longer.

Why is my ice melting in my Yeti cup? ›

If you leave the lid open, more heat might go into the tumbler, making the ice melt faster. The plastic cover will add more insulation as well as preventing the hot air from entering. If you want your water to stay cool for a longer time, please leave the lid on after drinking from your Yeti cup.

Why is my insulated tumbler sweating? ›

Sweating on the outside of the drinkware is affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment in which it is used. Condensation should not regularly appear between the two walls. However, it can occasionally occur after the drinkware is washed in the dishwasher.

What is the difference between insulated and non insulated bottles? ›

Insulated bottles are often made with double-walled construction, meaning they have an outer layer of stainless steel and an inner layer of insulating material like copper or aluminum. This makes them more durable than regular plastic water bottles and less likely to break if dropped.

Does insulated mean hot or cold? ›

While heat insulation is concerned with reducing heat loss, cold insulation is concerned with keeping the loss of cold air as low as possible.

How to tell if a cup is insulated? ›

After filling with boiling water, tighten the stopper or the thermos cup lid clockwise. After about 2~3 minutes, touch the outer surface and the lower part of the cup by hand. If you feel warm, it means the insulation performance is not good enough.

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