Coffee on the go – you can spend the cash at your corner coffee shop, get a take-out cup and deal with a drippy lid and the guilt of throwing the empty cup into the garbage. Or, you can save your dime and the planet by brewing it at home, filling a reusable coffee tumbler, and sipping your hot liquid caffeine as you go about your business.
A coffee tumbler, or travel mug as it’s sometimes referred to, is an insulated, reusable container that keeps coffee hot for hours. Most coffee tumblers will also keep cold drinks cold for hours, too, but we’re talking coffee here, home-brewed and hot. Coffee tumblers are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, so there is something for everyone.
While choosing one is not difficult, there are differences between them that may give you pause on deciding which one is best for you. Below is a list some of the best coffee tumblers you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that satisfies your coffee craving.
1. Editor’s Choice: Civago 20oz Coffee Tumbler
We recommend this 20-ounce coffee tumbler from Civago as out top pick for a number of reasons, not the least of which is its price point. It’s within the reach of most budgets and for its quality and durability, is a great value.
The sturdy tumbler is made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel and is electro polished on the inside to ensure it remains rust-free. The powder coated finished on the outside is available in 21 different colors and patterns, although some options may cost a couple of dollars more.
The coffee tumbler’s tapered shape is designed to fit into most car cup holders, and some neat features include a BPA-free, spill-proof sliding lid, a reusable straw, and a wide-mouth opening for easy cleaning and a quick fill. The sweat-free design offers an easy grip and the tumbler’s double-walled vacuum insulation prevents heat transfer to its outer walls, keeping your hands safe from burning temperatures. To maintain the thermal insulation, hand washing is recommended, then air dry.
Pros:
- Large color selection
- Made from 18/8 food grade stainless steel
- Comes with a sliding lid opening and reusable straw
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Not dishwasher safe
- Do not use cleaners containing bleach, chlorine, abrasives and/or harsh chemicals
2. Runner Up: BEAST 30oz Black Tumbler
There’s a big cup of coffee, and then there is a BIG cup of coffee. For anyone who needs a lot of hot, delicious liquid caffeine in the morning, we recommend this 30-ounce coffee tumbler from BEAST.
Aside from its generous size, this coffee tumbler doesn’t disappoint in keeping your coffee hot for hours. This model is made from premium quality 304 18/8 food grade stainless steel with a copper lining for extra insulation. The splash-proof lid has been upgraded from earlier models, has an easy slide opening and is constructed from unbreakable and shatterproof BPA-free Tritan plastic.
The coffee tumbler has a smooth sweat-free design and a long-lasting powder coating on the outside. As for the inside, the electro-polished interior will not retain odors, giving you a clean tasting beverage every time, which is especially helpful if you will also use the tumbler for something other than coffee.
As a bonus, the tumbler comes with two reusable straws, a straw-cleaning brush and since it is packaged in a cute gift box, you can pick up one for yourself and one for a friend. Choose from 17 different solid colors.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Fits most car cupholders
- Non-slip finish
Cons:
- Size may be too large for some people
- Heavy
3. Best Unique Lid Design: Contigo Snapseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
Most coffee tumblers have lids with an opening that you slide to take a drink. These work well but depending on the quality of the construction, they can end up leaking whatever liquid you’re drinking.
The lid on this unit from Contigo has a unique Snapseal design. Instead of sliding open the cover on the drinking spout, this lid is designed for an easy one-handed drinking experience. You just have to pop the top to drink your coffee. There’s no lid to unscrew, slide or remove. To make sure it doesn’t leak, you then need to make sure to snap it closed when you’re done taking a sip.
The tumbler has Thermalock vacuum insulation to keep your coffee nice and hot for up to seven hours. And if you choose instead to fill it with a cold brew or water, it will stay cold for up to 18 hours. The slim silhouette makes it easy to hold and slip into a cup holder in your car, stroller or backyard lounger.
Available in 40 different colors and patterns, the BPA-free tumbler is made of stainless steel, and you can clean the lid on the top rack of the dishwasher. To maintain the integrity of the painted body of the tumbler, it should be hand washed.
Pros:
- SnapSeal lid
- One-handed drinking experience
- Slim silhouette
Cons:
- Hand wash tumbler only
- Rubber gasket around the rim can deteriorate
4. Best Slim Design: FineDine Insulated Skinny Stainless Steel Coffee Tumbler
Not everyone needs a mega-sized coffee tumbler to take on the road, and not everyone has hands large enough to comfortably grip and 20 or 30-ounce tumbler. We like this “skinny” model because it has a nice capacity – up to 18 ounces – and a super slim build so it’s easy to wrap your hand around it in a firm hold.
We also like it because the leakproof lid screws into the tumbler. You won’t have to deal with another frustrating attempt to pull it off and then over-compensate, only to have it suddenly come off, spilling coffee everywhere. It also has a comfortable mouthpiece, which comes with a protective cover to keep the dust out when it’s not being used.
The 18/8 stainless steel coffee tumbler has a double wall of insulation. Your beverages will stay hot for up to six hours, and chilled for up to 12. The double wall feature also prevents condensation and burns, since the temperature of that hot, fresh coffee stays inside the tumbler. Available in 10 different colors and designs, this coffee tumbler should only be hand washed.
Pros:
- Fits all cupholders
- Slim design
- Double wall insulation
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Narrow design could wobble in some cupholders.
5. Best for Iced Coffee: Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Tumbler
While most of the coffee tumblers on this list are for hot coffee, we didn’t forget all the people who love a cold brew on a hot day. Iced coffee is a thing, and if it’s your thing, we imagine that when you make one for yourself, you’d like it to stay cool and it take it with you on your drive or walk.
This reusable iced coffee tumbler from Mr. Coffee is double-wall insulated to keep your beverage cool and refreshing on even the hottest day. The double-wall insulation also prevents the tumbler from sweating, so you don’t have to worry about moisture getting on surfaces like your car cupholder or your desk.
The transparent 22-ounce tumbler is made of durable BPA-free plastic and the inside of the tumbler has an integrated measurement system to show you how much water and ice to use, so you can have a great-tasting ice coffee every time. The tumbler also comes with a lid and reusable straw. This coffee tumbler should not be used for hot coffee or other hot beverages.
Pros:
- Made of BPA-free plastic
- Comes with a lid and a straw
- Double-wall insulation
Cons:
- Cannot be used for hot coffee or hot beverages
6. Best Splurge Buy: YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
When it comes to shopping, you always prefer to spend a little more to have the best quality. Finding a good coffee tumbler is no exception. If you’re looking for a durable, top-quality tumbler that will last a long time, then this product is for you.
A bit pricier than the other recommendations on our list, the YETI Rambler holds up to 20 ounces of hot coffee or tea, if you prefer to switch up your hot beverage choices. The double-wall insulated tumbler is constructed with an 18/8 stainless steel body, so your drink will keep its temperature for a long time whether you want it to stay hot or to stay cold.
The unique MagSlider lid uses magnets to keep your beverage shut safely inside. BPA-free and dishwasher safe, the no-sweat design ensures your hands stay dry. This coffee tumbler stands 6-7/8 inches high and has a lip diameter of 3 1/2 inches and is sized to fit nicely in standard cup holders. And with 27 different colors to choose from, you can match it up to your own personal style.
Pros:
- Wide range of colors
- Dishwasher safe
- Constructed from 18/8 stainless steel
Cons:
- More expensive than other coffee tumblers
7. Best with Handle: SUNWILL 14 oz Coffee Tumbler
Coffee tumblers are so convenient – they are a great reusable option for taking home-brewed coffee on the go in the car. The thing is, to make them compatible with car cup holders, most models have a similar shape — a long body that you grip in one hand as you sip coffee from a spout in the lid.
There’s something nice about a coffee tumbler that has an easy-to-hold handle, like this one from Sunwill. The 14-ounce vacuum insulated mug is made of premium food-grade 18/8 powder coated stainless steel that will keep your coffee hot for up to three hours as you sit in the backyard reading a book on an autumn morning. It will never rust, is lead-free and unbreakable.
It comes with an eco-friendly BPA-free lid and silica gasket seals to be as spill proof as possible. There is a wide drinking hole on top with a sliding cover and if you choose to have a cold beverage instead, it will easily accommodate a straw. It is available in 20 different colors and has a full loop handle design that fits mitts. It makes a great outdoor camping coffee tumbler, too.
Pros:
- Has a wide loop handle
- BPA-free lid with sliding cover
- Insulated
Cons:
- Not leak proof
- Will not fit into a cup holder
- Hand wash recommended
8. Also Consider: HAUSHOF 24 oz Tumbler with Handle
The final recommendation on our list is another coffee tumbler with a handle, however, with its tapered bottom and handle located higher up, it has the added benefit of fitting into the cup holder in your car. Genius, right?
This large capacity 24-ounce coffee tumbler from Haushof is ideal for the true coffee lover who wants enough brew to last the commute to work and through the start of the day in-office. Constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, it has double-wall insulation and a copper layer to ensure your beverage stays hot for up to six hours. And if you choose to fill the tumbler with a cold drink, it will remain cool for up to 24 hours.
The wide-mouth design measures 3 3/8 inches, which fits full-sized ice cubes if you’re thinking of iced coffee, and it’s also wide enough to safely pour hot coffee or tea without spilling. The lid has a flip-top design that provides a high water flow but won’t splatter or drip as you sip. This coffee tumbler is only available in two different colors: black and seafoam green.
Pros:
- Has a handle
- Fits most cup holders
- Leakproof lid
Cons:
- More expensive than other tumblers
- Limited range of colors
What to look for when choosing a coffee tumbler:
Most coffee tumblers are designed with insulation to keep your beverage hot for a few hours. The majority will also keep a cold drink cool, if you want to be able to use the tumbler for more than coffee. Below are some of the things you should consider before choosing a coffee tumbler that works best for you.
Use: As mentioned, a coffee tumbler can be used for hot and for cold beverages. How you intend to use your coffee tumbler should determine your choice. If you want to keep your coffee hot for more than a couple of hours, then make sure you choose a model with double-walled insulation, preferably with a copper layer. Not only will this keep your drink hot for as long as six hours, but it will keep the heat inside the tumbler so your hands will be protected from excessive temperatures.
As well, where you will use the coffee tumbler is something to think about. If you want to take it with you in the car or when you are out pushing your child in a stroller, make sure it will fit into a standard sized cup holder. If you prefer to have a tumbler with an easy-to-grip handle, make sure it can also fit into the cup holder if you want to take it in the car.
The lid: The area that most people complain about with a coffee tumbler is the quality of the lid. No one wants a dribbling, drippy situation while sipping hot coffee and driving. Or worse, putting a full tumbler in a bag, backpack or briefcase only to find liquid has seeped out onto your papers, laptop or tablet. Sadly, the lids on many coffee tumblers are not leak proof. Consider how and where you will use the coffee tumbler and then do some research on the different types of lids available.
For the best leak proof design, a lid that screws into the tumbler and has a snap opening works very well, as long as you make sure you snap it closed correctly after each sip. This can be a bit inconvenient when you are driving, since you may need two hands to do it. Another good option is a lid with a sliding opening, which is easier to manipulate but may not be 100 percent leak proof.
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