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Insulated cups are a mainstay in our society as they not only help protect our environment by using less plastic and distributing less waste but they also provide a fast and easy way to carry around your coffee or any other beverage of choice and can help to ensure you get your daily water intake.
If you haven’t looked into getting a new insulated cup in a while or simply need a new one to round out your already large collection continue reading. We have found some great options below on Amazon that fit the bill on everything an insulated cup should have: easy to wash and use, double and even triple-walled insulation to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold and they fit in most regular-sized cup holders.
Other handy amenities include strong, stainless steel construction, no sweat designs to keep your fingers dry, and some even offer multiple lid options with bonus straws and straw cleaning brushes for an easy-to-clean and long-lasting cup.
Our Favorite Insulated Cups Worth Considering in 2024
ALBOR Stainless Steel Tumbler — Best Overall
Albor’s 30oz Tumbler uses triple-insulated technology (instead of the standard double-insulation) including an inner layer of copper which prevents heat transfer to the outer walls giving you additional hours of insulation. This BPA-free, feature-filled trailer tumbler is 100% leak-proof, comes with two lids and its stainless steel core has a durable color coating that will not fade, peel or crack while also being rust-resistant.
Pros
- Two stainless steel straws, a cleaning brush, and a linen storage bag are added bonuses
Cons
- This might not fit in all car cup holders
YETI Rambler Mug — Runner Up
The ever-popular Yeti is known for its quality insulated cups and their 14-ounce Rambler travel mug will go the distance. Made from 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, these cups are tough and can take a beating. Puncture and rust-resistant, the Rambler is also made from thick gauge steel which makes for a stronger, more durable drinkware that also resists dents and dings. Lastly, their double-walled insulation will keep your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip.
Pros
- The Rambler is available in over 15 color options and is dishwasher safe
Cons
- This insulated cup presents at a slightly higher pricepoint than other options
VAHDAM Insulated Mug — Honorable Mention
The VAHDAM Insulated Mug is an attractive stainless steel cup that is both durable and environmentally conscious. With a generous 300 ml/10.1 oz capacity and a sliding lid that prevents spills, it is perfect for any hot or cold beverage. Plus, this stylish green mug is BPA-free and sweat-proof. Therefore, you don't have to worry about slippery hands as you carry your drink on the go. Not to mention, the mug comes in a plethora of design options, making it a perfect gift idea for your favorite person.
Pros
- Compact size, suitable for outdoors and camping
Cons
- Comes in one size option only
RTIC Insulated Tumbler — Most Notable
The Insulated 30 oz. cup by RTIC is another durable stainless steel tumbler option. Comprised of double-walled vacuum insulation, this tumbler will retain maximum temperature and even insulates your hands from the cold. This easy-to-clean tumbler also has a narrow and tall design with an easy-grip base and a no-sweat exterior. Also included is a shaded, splash-proof lid that lets you know exactly how much drink you have and a flip-top closure lid resists spills and is straw-friendly.
Pros
- This tumbler will hold ice for up to 24 hours
Cons
- The double wall of this tumbler is thick and may require a little getting used to
Juro Insulated Tumbler — Contender
Juro’s Insulated Tumbler holds 20 ounces of any hot or cold liquid. Built for the outdoor enthusiast, this tumbler is convenient to use, durable with its stainless steel outer wall and double-walled insulation will keep your drinks hot for up to six hours and cold for up to 12. This tumbler also comes with two different lids – a slider lid to help you enjoy coffee and a flip lid which helps prevent splashing and spilling. In addition, a steel straw is provided with a straw cleaner to help keep your straw fresh and make it easy-to-clean.
Pros
- Juro offers a lifetime guarantee on their 20oz. tumbler
Cons
- This does not come with a handle
Atlin Stainless Steel Tumbler — Also Consider
Atlin’s 30oz. Tumbler is another great travel mug with dual insulation that keeps your favorite liquid hot or cold for hours, no matter the outside temperatures. With its grip-friendly design, this tumbler has a sleek design is able to fit in most standard size cup holders and comes with a transparent lid that is weather-proof and allows you to see how much of your drink is remaining. In addition to the tumbler, this set also includes a tumbler lid, a stainless steel straw, and a straw cleaning brush.
Pros
- This tumbler is BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Cons
- There is no handle included
Homestead Choice Insulated Tumblers — Another Option
The 4-pack of tumblers by Homestead Choice has high-quality construction and are made of a specialized material that is made to last and won’t scratch, crack or leak. These tumblers are slightly different than our other options as they are not meant to be on-the-go travel mugs and are an ideal addition to your everyday glassware. These insulated cups are a great option for all your cold or hot drinks as they have a double-walled design and are sweat-resistant. These cups are also a great option to keep in your freezer as an always-ready cold glass for your favorite beer or soda.
Pros
- These tumblers are top-rack dishwasher safe, microwave-safe and sweat-resistant
Cons
- These do not come with lids
Dealz Frenzy Lightening Deal Insulated Tumbler — Editor's Pick
The Insulated Tumbler by Lightning Deal is an extremely affordable, double-walled stainless steel travel mug. This tumbler contains all the features of our other options including its ability to hold hot or cold liquids, vacuum insulation for easy filling and cleaning and a no sweat, no condensation outer layer. This easy-to-carry travel mug is also BPA-free and made from food-grade material for piece of mind had come with leak-proof silicone sealed caps.
Pros
- These tumblers have a lifetime warranty
Cons
- This tumbler does not come with a handle
Buying Guide: Insulated Cups
Insulated cups are one of the most useful innovations to have come into mainstream use in the past few years. Whether you are going on a picnic or traveling long hours, a good quality insulated cup will keep your beverage as hot or as cold as you want it on the go. In addition to being functional and easy to use, insulated cups can also be a style statement, with so many different designs and colors available on the market for you to choose from.
There are countless types of insulated cups made by all kinds of brands out there, and we know figuring out which one will be your best choice can be a challenge. With these tips and tricks from our guide, you should be able to buy an insulated cup that is perfect for you!
Sizing and Capacity
Most of the time, you are looking to buy an insulated cup to keep your drinks hot or cold while you are on the go. This is why the size and dimensions of your insulated cup are very important. Always look for a cup that is compatible with your car’s cup holder. A too-small insulated cup runs the risk of sloshing and spilling its contents all over your car, while a cup that is too wide may not even fit. Take note of what kind of cup will fit in your car’s cup holder perfectly for an ideal experience.
The next important factor to be on the lookout for is capacity. The ideal capacity for you depends on a few things, The first is the beverage you are planning to use the insulated cup to store, and how much of it you usually consume. Men and women usually consume about 2.5-3 liters of water each day, so if staying hydrated is your reason for buying an insulated cup then investing in a larger capacity product would be your best choice. If you are only looking to buy something to keep your cup of coffee warm while traveling, then something more compact will be just fine.
The Importance of Material and Construction
The material with which it is made and the method of how it was constructed are both very crucial elements that determine an insulated cup’s quality. Different types of materials have different strengths, and the overall method in which an insulated cup has been created has a great effect on its overall functionality. When browsing through the different insulated cups available on the market, you should take note of these factors.
You will find many different materials, but the most commonly found ones are plastic and stainless steel. Both have their positives and negatives. Plastic insulated cups are usually on the cheaper side and are more lightweight. However, they are not so durable and may wear down in some time. Stainless steel is the better choice when it comes to quality, but the tradeoff is in terms of price as they are much more expensive. Still, stainless steel insulated cups will last you years and be insulated better, so it is a good one-time investment if you don’t want to compromise on quality.
How Do Insulated Cups Work?
When it comes to travel mugs, there are many different types of options available on the market. So, why choose insulated cups specifically? Insulated cups have a number of benefits that other travel mug options do not, which make them a better choice for keeping your drinks at the right temperature.
Insulated cups employ a condensation-eliminating technology that does not allow heat or cold to escape from your cup. There are multiple types of insulation that achieve this, such as foam insulation, air insulation, and vacuum insulation. The best type of insulation is double-walled insulation, where there is an extra layer in the construction of the cup. Heat and cold cannot be transferred anywhere without air, which is what this extra layer eliminates from the cup. Depending on the brand and make of your insulated cup, this can keep your drinks hot or cold for anywhere between 6 and 12 hours.
Additional Features to Look For
Lid design
Many insulated cups come with a lid design that adds more functionalities to them. Some insulated cups have lids that slide upon the press of a button, others have built-in straws for convenience. Some even have no-spill technology as an added feature. Depending on how you plan on using your insulated cup, this extra feature can be positive or negative, so make sure to take note of it while shopping.
BPA free
Bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA is a harmful toxin that can be found in many items that are made out of plastic. The consumption of food in products containing BPA has been linked to the disruption of hormones so it is best to avoid it. Look for products that claim to be BPA-free for a healthier experience.
Dishwasher-safe
Most of the time, insulated cups are not dishwasher safe, and can be ruined if placed in the dishwasher because it can affect the airtightness of the product. It is best to always hand wash your insulated cups for maximum longevity unless it is mentioned on the container that it is dishwasher safe.
