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Best Insulated Tumblers

Updated March 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
YETI Rambler 30 oz Insulated Tumbler w/MagSlider Lid
YETI
Rambler 30 oz Insulated Tumbler w/MagSlider Lid
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Unique Design
Bottom Line

Comes in a variety of stylish colors with unique features.

Pros

Tumbler with stainless-steel interior holds liquid temperature for hours. Features a unique YETI MagSlider lid to prevent leaks. This dishwasher-safe tumbler is easy to clean and does not collect condensation.

Cons

Some users complained that this tumbler leaks.

Best Bang for the Buck
Bubba Brands Envy Insulated Tumbler
Bubba Brands
Envy Insulated Tumbler
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This option is easy to clean and comes with removable straw.

Pros

Body of the tumbler is made with double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel. Spill-proof lid is made with a BPA-free material that also prevents odors and stains. Dishwasher safe, and comes in multiple colors.

Cons

The opening for the straw allows for larger spills if the cup is knocked over.

Hydro Flask Tumbler 32 oz.
Hydro Flask
Tumbler 32 oz.
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Best Temperature Control
Bottom Line

Insulated tumbler with impressive capacity and temperature control.

Pros

This insulated tumbler can keep liquid cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. Stainless-steel interior is high-quality and easy to clean. Comes with a BPA-free lid, and is available in a variety of attractive colors.

Cons

The lid on this model does not latch.

IRON FLASK Classic Hot/Cold Tumbler
IRON FLASK
Classic Hot/Cold Tumbler
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Includes Accessories
Bottom Line

Double-walled insulation keeps drinks sweat-free and comes with both hot and cold drink accessories and cleaning brushes.

Pros

Hot drinks stay hot for 4 hours, cold drinks stay cold for 16 hours. Sleek design fits in most cup holders and comes in an array of bright colors. Company stands behind their products.

Cons

Hand wash only, though cleaning brushes are provided.

Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler Cup
Simple Modern
Insulated Tumbler Cup
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Versatile
Bottom Line

This insulated tumbler comes with 2 types of interchangeable lids.

Pros

Double-walled and vacuum insulated. Made with stainless steel material. Both the flip top and the straw lid help prevent spills, are dishwasher safe, and twist and lock into place for a secure fit. Comes in a 24-ounce size, and is available in many color options

Cons

The lid can be difficult to get off.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

33
Models
Considered
187
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best insulated tumblers

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.

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To help an insulated tumbler maintain your beverage’s temperature for as long as possible, fill it with either hot or cold water ten minutes before you plan to add your beverage. The water will warm or cool the cup, so it’s the right temperature before you add your iced or hot drink.

Insulated tumbler benefits

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.

Economical

An insulated tumbler enables you to skip the coffee shop because you can bring coffee from home. If you still want coffee from your favorite barista, bringing your own reusable tumbler could get you a price break on your beverage, too.

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Caution
Wash an insulated tumbler as soon as possible after use. If the residue from coffee, tea, or another beverage is allowed to sit on the surface, the cup can start to absorb the flavor and odor.
STAFF
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Types of insulated tumblers

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.

"If your insulated tumbler requires hand-washing, a bottle brush makes cleaning it much easier."
STAFF
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Insulated tumbler features to consider

Size

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.

Material

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 the flavors and odors from beverages

  • Not microwave safe

  • May not be dishwasher safe

Lid

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.

Handle/grip

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.

Ease of use

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.

Washability

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 tumbler prices

Insulated tumblers vary in price based on the size and the material. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $5 and $50.

Inexpensive

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.

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Insulated tumblers with handles may not fit inside a car’s cupholder.

FAQ

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.

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