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Many of us find starting the day without a jolt of energy from a cup of hot, fresh coffee nearly impossible, but mornings are usually busy, so you can't always enjoy that cup of joe before you leave the house. That means taking some of your homemade brew with you or buying coffee on the way to the office. If you want your coffee to stay hot no matter how long you’re stuck in traffic, an insulated tumbler can be a lifesaver.
While choosing an insulated tumbler may seem pretty straightforward, not all tumblers are created equal. You have to figure out the best size, material, lid design, and other features for your beverage-drinking habits. Considering the sheer number of insulated tumblers on the market, it can be tough to make sense of all the options.
Here are some of the reasons to use an insulated tumbler.
Temperature retention: The main reason to use an insulated tumbler is its ability to maintain the temperature of whatever beverage you put in it. That means your coffee will stay hot even if you’re cooling your heels in traffic. And it works the same way for cold beverages – your iced tea will stay chilled all the way to the office.
Portion control: Insulated tumblers come in various sizes, so you can limit your coffee intake for the day or bring along two servings to help you make it all the way to lunch.
Versatility: An insulated tumbler works with both hot and cold beverages, so there’s no limit to what you can carry in it, from hot chocolate to iced lemonade.
Convenience: Insulated tumblers have secure lids that make it easy to bring your favorite beverages along without worrying about spills while you drive or walk.
Eco-friendly: You can use your insulated tumbler both for coffee from home and beverages from your favorite coffee shop, which means you won’t be using as many disposable cups that will wind up in the landfill.
Air insulated
These tumblers have an air-filled space between the cup’s inner and outer walls to help maintain the interior temperature and prevent condensation on the exterior. This type of tumbler can usually keep drinks hot for up to 2 hours or cold for up to 4 hours.
Foam insulated
These tumblers have a layer of foam between the inner and outer walls to effectively maintain the temperature of the beverage. This type of tumbler can usually keep drinks hot for up to 3 hours or cold for up to 6 hours.
Vacuum insulated
Vacuum insulated tumblers maintain a beverage’s temperature by providing an airless gap between the cup’s inner and outer stainless-steel walls. This type of tumbler can usually keep drinks hot for up to 8 hours or cold for up to 12 hours.
Copper vacuum insulation
These tumblers maintain a beverage’s temperature with an airless area between the cup’s copper-plated inner wall and stainless-steel outer wall. This type of tumbler can usually keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 16 hours.
Insulated tumblers are available in a wide array of sizes ranging from 8 to 30 ounces. If you travel by car, make sure that the diameter of the base of the insulated tumbler you choose will fit in your car’s cupholder.
8 to 10 ounces: Opt for this size if you want to bring a single serving of coffee or another beverage with you on the go.
12 to 16 ounces: Choose this size if you want to bring two servings.
18 to 20 ounces: Select this size if you want to bring three or more servings.
24-ounces or larger: Choose this size if you want to bring four or more servings.
Most insulated tumblers are made of either plastic or stainless steel.
Plastic: If you opt for a plastic tumbler, look for one with a stainless steel interior to provide more effective temperature retention and prevent the absorption of flavors and odors.
Usually less expensive
Not as durable as steel
Less effective at maintaining temperature
Can absorb flavors and odors of beverages
Can be easier to clean
Stainless steel: For the most effective temperature maintenance, choose a double-walled stainless-steel tumbler.
Usually more expensive
Highly durable
Shatter-proof
Highly effective at maintaining temperature
Doesn’t absorb flavors and odors of beverages
Not microwave safe
May not be dishwasher safe
Whether you’re driving or walking to work, you want to be sure that your insulated tumbler won’t leak or spill. In most cases, that comes down to choosing a tumbler with the right lid. For the most security, opt for a model with a screw-on lid that locks in place and won’t come off even if you drop the tumbler. Snap-on lids can pop off if dropped, leading to a messy spill.
Insulated tumblers are available either with or without handles. Some users find that a handle can get in the way and make the tumbler more difficult to carry, while others find it easier to keep a secure hold on a tumbler if there’s a handle to grab.
Because the exterior of most insulated tumblers is smooth, it can sometimes be difficult to get a good grip on a tumbler without a handle. If you don’t want a handle, look for a tumbler that has a rubberized section around the exterior to make it easier to grip.
For an insulated tumbler to be really portable, it should be easy to use while you’re on the go. Look for a model that you can use with one hand, so you can drink your coffee even while driving. Many tumblers have openings that easily slide open and closed, so you can sip your coffee or tea while still keeping a hand on the steering wheel.
Once you’re finished drinking your coffee or tea, you want an insulated tumbler that’s as easy to clean as possible. For the lowest maintenance, choose a dishwasher-safe tumbler that you can wash on the top rack of the dishwasher.
If you opt for a tumbler that requires hand-washing, look for a wide opening so it’s easy to clean inside, as well as a lid that you can take apart for cleaning.
Insulated tumblers vary in price based on the size and the material. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $5 and $50.
Budget-friendly: Small plastic insulated tumblers that hold approximately 8 to 10 ounces usually range from $5 to $9. Small stainless-steel insulated tumblers that hold approximately 8 to 10 ounces usually range from $10 to $16.
Mid-range: Midsize plastic tumblers that hold approximately 12 to 20 ounces usually range from $9 to $12. Midsize stainless-steel tumblers that hold approximately 12 to 20 ounces usually range from $16 to $25.
Expensive: Large plastic tumblers that hold more than 20 ounces usually range from $12 to $22. Large stainless-steel tumblers that hold more than 20 ounces usually range from $25 to $50.
Q. Can I put an insulated tumbler in the microwave to heat up my beverage?
A. Many insulated tumblers cannot be heated in the microwave. Putting a tumbler made of stainless steel in a microwave can damage the microwave. Some plastic insulated tumblers can safely be heated in the microwave, but always check the bottom of the cup or the manufacturer’s specifications to see if it’s safe to do so.
Q. Can I fill an insulated tumbler directly from my single cup coffee brewer?
A. Most midsize and large insulated tumblers are too tall to fit beneath the spout on a single-serve coffee machine. Smaller tumblers may fit, but first, check the height of any tumbler you’re considering to see if it will clear your machine’s spout.
Q. What type of insulated tumbler is most effective in keeping hot beverages hot?
A. When it comes to heat retention, you can’t beat an insulated tumbler made of stainless steel. Look for a model with double-walled construction. You may also want to look for a copper vacuum insulated tumbler, which uses a copper lining to boost the heat-retention properties.
