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Tumblers can be used for just about anything, including water, coffee, tea, wine, cocktails, and more. But what distinguishes tumblers from standard mugs or cups is the vacuum insulation that keeps beverages hot or cold for hours. “Vacuum insulation is the very best and most efficient way to keep the contents of your drinkware either cold or hot for the longest time,” says Hillary LaMont, product marketing manager at RTIC Outdoors.
To narrow down the many options on the market, we spent hours researching tumblers, evaluating them on design, closures, size, and more. LaMont also weighed in with expert insight on what to look for in tumbler, as did BrüMate Founder Dylan Jacob.
The lid prevents spills, and the powder coat keeps the exterior sweat free.
It does not include a straw.
We love the Hydro Flask All-Around Tumbler for its press-in lid that prevents spills, as well as powder coating that keeps it sweat free. It’s also a comfortable size to hold in one hand and easily fits in most cup holders. And most importantly, the double-wall vacuum insulation ensures your beverages stay hot or cold for hours.
Thanks to the pro-grade stainless steel construction, you won’t have to worry about the transfer of flavors from one drink to another. While you can purchase the press-in straw lid in addition to the tumbler, the lid is compatible with any type of straw. The tumbler comes in over a dozen color options and multiple sizes (although we like the 28-ounce size that allows you to hydrate with fewer refills). And when it’s time to clean, all pieces are dishwasher safe.
Height: 5.7, 5.8, 7.2, or 7.3 inches | Weight: 7.5, 8.8, 12.3, or 12.8 ounces | Capacity: 12, 16, 20, or 28 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
There are ounce markings inside to help you keep track of your water intake.
The numerous flaps on the lid mean there are more nooks and crannies to clean.
For those that like to keep track of their water intake, the Reduce Cold1 tumbler has ounce markings inside, so you can easily know how much water you’ve had throughout the day. It can keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours and comes in both 24- and 40-ounce versions. This tumbler also comes with a three-in-one lid with an included straw, meaning that you have the option to sip using the straw and the small flap, use the large flap for a slow pour, or use both flaps for a fast pour.
This tumbler comes with a handle and a narrow base, so you can easily grab it from your car’s cup holder after your commute. Plus, the soft-sit base prevents scratches on your furniture. While this tumbler is dishwasher safe, it’s important to deep clean the straw and lid with a brush to avoid residue buildup.
Height: 10.3 inches | Weight: 15.5 ounces | Capacity: 24 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
The durable construction will give you years of use, and the MagSlider lid uses magnets for an easy open and close.
The magnet slider is not leakproof.
While this tumbler is priced a bit higher than average, it’s a worthy investment. With its double-wall vacuum insulation, it can keep beverages hot or cold for long periods of time. This tumbler is rust-resistant and puncture-resistant, and the lid cannot be easily shattered. Plus, the tapered base is intended to fit in most cup holders. Finally, the “No Sweat” design makes the tumbler easier to grab, and the DuraCoat coating is intended to hold up against years of use without chipping, cracking, or fading.
While the MagSlider uses the power of magnets for a smooth open and close, please know that the slider is not leakproof. The Rambler is the second heaviest of those on our list (only behind the 40-ounce Stanley tumbler), a small trade-off of its durable construction. But both the tumbler and the lid are dishwasher safe, and you can easily pop off the MagSlider magnets to scrub the top of the lid. Like all Yeti products, the Rambler comes in a plethora of color options.
Height: 7.8 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Capacity: 30 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
It comes with silicone-tipped stainless steel straw.
It is only available in a 16-ounce size.
In addition to coffee, this tumbler is great for cocktails, water, iced tea, and other hot and cold beverages. But it really stands out for the included stainless steel straw. Compared to silicone, stainless steel is easier to clean, more durable, and doesn’t hold onto odors or flavors. The Klean Kanteen straw comes with a removable silicone tip for safety, so you get the best of both worlds. You can also purchase additional straws separately. The small, minimalist cup fits in most cup holders and comes with a splash-proof lid. The tab on the side of the lid makes it easy to remove for cleaning. The exterior coating helps to prevent chipping and the interior has been specifically designed not to hold onto flavors and odors.
The tumbler has double-wall vacuum insulation, so drinks retain their temperature for a long time. Just keep in mind that the lid is not leakproof. And since this tumbler only comes in a 16-ounce size, it’s not suited for long commutes or road trips.
Height: 9.9 inches | Weight: 11.1 ounces | Capacity: 16 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
The extra-large handles and cup holder-compatible design make it easy to bring from place to place, and the built-in straw allows you to take small sips throughout the day.
It’s the heaviest on our list, and it’s not spill proof.
Of all the tumblers on our list, The Quencher likely has the largest fan base. Its extra-large, comfort-grip handle makes it easy to carry with you throughout the day, and the narrow base means it can even sit comfortably in most cup holders. Similar to the Reduce Cold1 tumbler, this tumbler gives you multiple ways to drink your beverage. You can either use the straw opening for taking small sips or the drink opening for faster pouring. However, the lid is not spill-proof and will leak if knocked over.
According to the manufacturer, the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps hot drinks for up to seven hours and cold drinks for up to 11 hours. Thanks to its 40-ounce capacity, this tumbler will easily carry you through your commute and beyond, allowing you to hydrate with fewer refills (although, it is also available in 14-, 20-, 30-, and 64-ounce sizes) — an ideal gift for moms you know who are always on the go. The Stanley tumbler is available in a wide variety of colors and is dishwasher-safe. Additionally, if you visit the Stanley website, you can add a custom engraving, such as a monogram, graphic, or text of your choosing.
Height: 12.3 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Capacity: 40 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
The lid has an airtight seal that locks in the temperature and prevents spills.
It doesn’t come with a straw or handle.
This affordable tumbler from RTIC has a spill-proof lid, which is a feature you don’t always find, even with more expensive tumblers. The flip-top lid has an airtight seal that both locks in your beverage’s temperature and prevents spills.
The exterior coating also keeps the tumbler free of excess moisture, so you don’t have to worry about using a coaster. And with its narrow design, this tumbler can easily fit into most cup holders. Although it doesn’t come with a handle, the taller base makes it easy to grip.
The tumbler is dishwasher safe, but the lid must go on the top rack. Whether you want to use the tumbler for hot coffee or iced tea, the double-wall vacuum insulation will allow the drink to retain its temperature for a long time. Choose from 13 different colorways.
Height: 8 inches | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Capacity: 30 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
The wide straw makes it easy to sip on smoothies and thicker beverages.
Only the lid is dishwasher safe.
With the Ello Tumbler, your cold drinks stay cool for up to 12 hours while your hot drinks stay hot for six hours. Even if you accidentally knock the tumbler over, the splash-resistant slider on the lid will help to keep the liquid inside the cup. You can use this tumbler for smoothies, coffee, juices, or any kind of drink—although it’s particularly well suited for smoothies thanks to the wide straw that can accommodate thicker beverages.
Thanks to the powder coating and vacuum-insulated stainless steel, the Ello tumbler is very durable. If you ever need to take this tumbler on the go, take the straw out and push the slider upward to protect your drink from outdoor elements. Then, once you get to your destination, push the slider downward, and drop the straw in. The two-in-one lid helps you to easily access and protect your beverage. While the lid is dishwasher safe, the tumbler needs to be washed by hand. Every once in a while, we recommend taking a brush and cleaning the lid to get rid of any leftover residue.
Height: 10.5 or 11.5 inches | Weight: 13.4 ounces or 1 pound | Capacity: 24 or 32 ounces | Care: Hand wash (lid is dishwasher safe)
This double-wall tumbler comes with an interior copper coating to help keep beverages at the right temperature for hours.
The wide-mouth opening does not come with a closing slider.
Like the other tumblers on our list, this one comes with double-wall vacuum insulation, meaning you can keep wine chilled for hours. For extra insulation, the Simple Modern tumbler also has a copper layer. And at 12 ounces, it’s just the right size for a glass or wine or two. Since the lid is crystal clear, it’s easy to check on the contents of your tumbler.
Unfortunately, the mouth opening does not come with a closing slider, so this is not one you want to toss in your bag. This also means that the tumbler won’t lock in the temperature as well as others on our list. But for sipping wine by the pool, it offers more than enough insulation. And it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, too.
Height: 5 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Capacity: 12 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
The built-in bottle opener makes it great for beer drinkers.
The tumbler is hand-wash only.
Not only does the Coleman tumbler keep your drink ice cold for 15 hours, but it comes with a bottle opener integrated into the bottom of the cup, too. Like most of the tumblers featured in this roundup, you won’t feel any excess moisture when you grab the tumbler due to the exterior coating. As you’re walking around the tailgate or campsite, you can easily check on the content of your drink by looking through the clear lid. Plus, the 20-ounce capacity is just right for a pint. Just keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends that you wash it out by hand.
Height: 6.5 inches | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Capacity: 20 ounces | Care: Hand-wash only
This leakproof tumbler keeps drinks cold for 12 hours, preventing ice from diluting your cocktail.
Only certain colorways are dishwasher safe.
The Rocks tumbler by BrüMate keeps cold for up to 12 hours, ensuring your cocktails are never watered down. Not to mention, the 100 percent leakproof design prevents unhappy accidents. If you choose to take this tumbler on the go, use the magnetic opening mechanism to keep everything sealed. And there’s no need for a koozie, since the Rocks tumbler is designed to prevent condensation. What’s more, it doesn’t have the metallic taste of many stainless steel products.
While we love this tumbler for chilled cocktails, it also keeps hot drinks hot for up to three hours. Most—but not all—of the colorways are dishwasher safe, so be sure to double check when you choose.
Height: 3.9 inches | Weight: 10.5 ounces | Capacity: 12 ounces | Care: Hand-wash only
Our best overall pick is the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler because it comes with a press-in lid which helps to reduce splashes and a powder coating that reduces the amount of sweat on the outside of the tumbler. For a more budget-friendly option, the Reduce Cold1 Tumbler With Handle has ounce markings on the inside to help you keep track of your water intake.
From stainless steel to powder coatings, several types of materials go into making tumblers. All of the tumblers on our list are made of vacuum-insulated stainless steel. Stainless steel is a great choice for tumblers because it’s long lasting, safe to drink out of, and easy to clean. It’s also important to pay attention to the exterior coating, too. Many of the tumblers on our list come with a powder coating that prevents excess moisture on the outside of the cup and makes for an easier grip. When it comes to lids, most tumblers have plastic ones. A clear lid makes it easy to check on the contents of your tumbler.
Standard tumbler lids have a mouth opening on one side, but many also come with sliding, rotating, and flip covers to keep the contents sealed (or mostly sealed) inside. Others even feature multiple drinking options, so you can choose between slowly sipping through a straw or gulping through a wide-mouth opening. Just be mindful of cleanup—more opening and flaps also means more crevices to clean.
Excluding the Simple Modern tumbler, most of the tumblers within this roundup have narrow bases that are compatible with car cup holders. The tumblers on our list range in size from 12 ounces (the Simple Modern and BrüMate Rocks tumblers), which is ideal for wine and spirits, to 40 ounces (the Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate tumbler), which is best for sipping water throughout the day with fewer refills. The most popular tumblers fall somewhere in the middle—around 20-30 ounces—perfect for everything from coffee to water.
Before you throw your tumbler into the dishwasher, it’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean it. Even with dishwasher-safe tumblers, you need to be aware of where you place them in the dishwasher. According to Hillary LaMont, product marketing manager at RTIC Outdoors, “Lids should go on the top rack, away from the heating elements.” But, if you prefer to wash your tumblers out by hand, LaMont recommends using a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the tumbler, especially if you drink a lot of sugary drinks.
While it’s important to clean the inside of the tumbler, don’t forget about the lid and the inner compartments. This is where residue can build up over time. BrüMate Founder Dylan Jacob says, “Remove any gaskets on your lid to clean underneath them, and scrub your tumbler with a brush to remove any build-up from hard water or residue from your drinks.”
Tumblers are not just for beverages. LaMont says that you can use tumblers to store your hot or cold soups and your favorite snacks. Make sure to keep Jacob’s tip in mind as you’re using your tumbler to store liquids, especially hot ones like soup. He says, “You'll want to make you have a leakproof lid if you're using it for any liquids.”
It’s because of vacuum insulation that your coffee stays hot inside your tumbler for hours. Vice versa, vacuum insulation is also the reason why your iced drink stays cool for a long time. Tumblers with double-wall vacuum insulation have two walls of stainless steel, creating a vacuum in between the interior and exterior wall. This vacuum-sealed gap is what keeps your hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. But, even with this technology, Jacob recommends that you fill a tumbler with 50 percent ice to keep drinks cold.
This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living with over a year of experience writing lifestyle content. For this roundup, she spent hours researching what makes the best tumbler. She also spoke with two product designers: BrüMate Founder Dylan Jacob and RTIC Outdoors Product Marketing Manager Hillary LaMont.
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