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Staying hydrated has never been easier. vacuum flask
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 and tested out several of the options on this list. Each was evaluated based on design, closures, size, value, and more.
Spill-proof lid does not budge
Powder coating keeps exterior sweat free
Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for a long time
Does not include a straw
We love the Hydro Flask All-Around Tumbler for its press-in lid that prevents spills, as well as the powder coating that keeps it sweat free. It survived minor falls without injury, and the press-in lid never budged, even when we dropped it.
The tumbler is also a comfortable size to hold in one hand and easily fits in most cup holders. And most importantly, the double-wall vacuum insulation kept beverages at the right temperature 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.
Capacity: 12,16, 20, or 28 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Ounce markings to keep track of water intake
Three-in-one lid offers multiple ways to sip
Narrow base fits most cup holders
Lid has lots of nooks and crannies to clean
Lid can be difficult to remove
Nothing is worse than having to cram your tumbler into your car’s cup holder. Fortunately, the Reduce tumbler has a narrow base that slid easily into our cup holders. In fact, the open-ended handle was able to accommodate more cup holders than tumblers with closed handles.
The double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks ice cold for a long time—we found it took several hours for the ice to melt. And 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.
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. But while we appreciate the lid’s tight seal, we did find it somewhat difficult to remove at times.
It 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 the tumbler is dishwasher safe, it’s important to deep clean the straw and lid with a brush to avoid residue buildup.
Capacity: 24, 40, or 50 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
DuraCoat finish resists chipping, cracking or fading
Keeps drinks cold for hours
Lid is not straw compatible
The Yeti Rambler kept our water ice cold for hours, thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation. While this tumbler is priced a bit higher than average, it’s a worthy investment. 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. However, keep in mind that the tumbler will feel even heavier when a beverage is added. And given its weight, we wish it had a handle for easier carrying.
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.
Capacity: 30 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Fits into most car cup holders and chair cup holders
The Everyday Tumbler from RTIC lives up to its name. The slim profile is easy to take on the go and slide into cup holders and water bottle sleeves. And we especially love the straw (it comes with two) for taking small sips throughout the day.
Even if your hand is a little sweaty post-workout, the tumbler will stay dry and condensation free thanks to the no-sweat exterior. And with the spill-resistant lid, your drink will always stay inside the tumbler. Even better, the vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for hours.
The tumbler has a ceramic lining that prevents the metallic taste you typically get from stainless steel. It’s also available in a dozen color options and can be personalized with text or a monogram of your choosing on the RTIC website. Our only complaint is the capacity—it comes in both 20- and 28-ounce versions, but we’d like to see it in an even larger size for fewer refills. Capacity: 20 or 28 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Compatible with most cup holders
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.
The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps hot or cold for 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).
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.
Capacity: 14, 20, 30, 40, or 64 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Can be laser engraved with two lines of text
Powder coating protects from chips and scratches
Only available in 20-ounce size
It’s always nice to find a tumbler you can personalize. Meet the Lifetime Creations Engraved Skinny Tumbler—a tumbler that allows you to sip in style. This cup can be laser engraved with up to two lines of text, such as a name and a significant date or vacation destination.
It also comes with a powdered coating that makes it more resistant to chips and scratches and a slim construction that fits most cup holders. Plus, it keeps drinks at temperature for hours thanks to the double-wall insulation.
Just keep in mind if you’re drinking a hot drink, there is no closing tab for when you’re not using the straw, so spills are more likely to occur. We also wish it was available in large sizes, too. Capacity: 20 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Flip-top lid with airtight seal
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 over 20 different colorways.
Capacity: 20, 30, or 40 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
Vacuum insulation keeps coffee hot for hours
Suction seal and flip-top lid
Doesn’t fit all cup holders
With this vacuum-insulated tumbler from JoyJolt, you won’t have to worry about your coffee getting lukewarm before you head out the door. Not only will it keep your hot beverages warm for hours, but the handle will allow you to easily tote the tumbler to and from the office or while running errands. This tumbler has a suction seal and a leakproof, flip-top lid to keep heat trapped inside and prevent spills. Unfortunately, this tumbler does not run on the smaller side so it’s not suitable for larger beverages, and the handle may prevent it from fitting in some cup holders. And keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends hand washing to preserve the insulation. Capacity: 12 ounces | Care: Hand wash
Wide straw accommodates thick beverages
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.
Capacity: 24 or 32 ounces | Care: Hand wash (lid is dishwasher safe)
Interior copper coating keeps beverages at the right temperature for hours
Right size for one to two glasses of wine
Lots of fun patterns and colors
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 of 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 a glass of rosé by the pool, it offers more than enough insulation. And it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, too.
Capacity: 12 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe
20-ounce capacity is just right for a pint
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.
Capacity: 20 ounces | Care: Hand wash only
Can also work for hot drinks
Not all colors 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% 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.
Capacity: 12 ounces | Care: Some colors are dishwasher safe, others are hand wash only
Our Best Overall pick is the Hydro Flask All Around 28-Ounce 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. Plus, it survived minor falls without injuries and kept our drinks cold for hours.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Reduce Cold1 Tumbler With Handle fits comfortably inside most cup holders and the handle makes it easy to tote around. Plus, it 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 and the JoyJolt vacuum-insulated 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, JoyJolt, and BrüMate Rocks tumblers), which is ideal for wine and spirits, to 64 ounces (the largest size of 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.
When it comes to tumblers, it’s important to consider each type of insulation. Most of the time, you’ll notice that tumblers have double-wall vacuum insulation. BrüMate founder Dylan Jacob says, “This comprises two layers of steel with a small gap in between them. The mug or tumbler has a small hole in the bottom, which is sealed by welding after the air between the walls is removed in a vacuum chamber.”
While double vacuum insulation is the best type, other kinds of insulation exist. One type is air insulation—this is when there’s air in between the inner and outer walls that work to keep your drinks hot or cold. Another type is foam insulation, which is when the manufacturer uses foam in between the walls to keep the drink temperature regulated. The last type is copper insulation, which is used to enhance performance by applying a copper coating to the inner wall layer.
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 LaMont, “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. 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% ice.
steel flask bottle 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 tumblers. She also spoke with two product designers: BrüMate founder Dylan Jacob and RTIC Outdoors product marketing manager Hillary LaMont.