What Is a Tumbler?
Your on-the-go must-have!
A tumbler is a versatile and practical item that many people use daily, but its function can be a bit unclear. Whether you enjoy bringing your morning coffee on-the-go or sipping a cold beverage outside, a tumbler could be a useful addition to your daily accessories and help you stay hydrated while out and about. Continue reading to learn what a tumbler is, how it is used, and why it’s become a staple in so many homes.
What Is a Tumbler?
(Shop this image: 12 oz. stainless steel tumblers, brown tumblers, and wood coasters)
In broad terms, a tumbler is a reusable, cylindrical cup used to hold beverages. They are made from a variety of materials with temperature-control properties and come in different shapes and sizes – making them useful for practically any type of beverage. Tumblers always include a lid and are often designed to fit in cupholders so they can easily be brought out and about without the risk of spills. The versatility and practicality of tumblers makes them a popular choice for use at home and on-the-go, while their reusability makes them an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable cups.
What Is a Tumbler Used For?
Tumblers are a popular accessory for taking drinks to-go. Their ability to maintain the temperature of liquids makes them compatible with both hot and cold beverages. However, some styles of tumblers are intended for use with a particular drink. For instance, small tumblers that resemble a stemless wine glass are most often used for wine or cocktails outside of the house – like at the beach or on a picnic. Tumblers with straws may be more useful for iced drinks, while those with sip-lids are more compatible with hot beverages like tea or coffee. Often, the shape and material of a tumbler dictates what it is best used for.
Tumblers are most often made of stainless steel, glass, plastic, or ceramic – each with its own distinct properties that make it useful for carrying beverages. Below are some of the benefits and recommended uses of each type of material:
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel tumblers are portable and convenient because of their durability and lightweight nature. Stainless steel is a great material for temperature-retention and will keep drinks both hot and cold for long periods of time.
Glass: Glass is an eco-friendly, nonporous material that insulates both hot and cold beverages. Though it can be heavier and more fragile than other materials, it is dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, and offers a sleek aesthetic.
Plastic: Plastic is a lightweight and cost-effective material that is convenient for taking drinks to go. Plastic tumblers are most often used for iced beverages, though their double-wall design makes them capable of insulating hot drinks as well.
Ceramic: Ceramic tumblers, like glass, are not as lightweight as stainless steel or plastic cups and are more prone to breakage. Ceramic tumblers are typically designed to be used for hot beverages like coffee or tea, and they often come in beautiful patterns that offer a timeless aesthetic.
Tumbler Sizes
Small: 12 –16 oz.
Small tumblers are used for single cups of coffee or even a glass of wine, depending on the style. They are extremely portable and lightweight – making them ideal for taking your drinks to go.
Medium: 20 – 24 oz.
Medium tumblers are more useful for bringing beverages on-the-go for extended periods of time because of their larger liquid capacity. This size is designed to fit in standard cup holders while still carrying a fair amount of liquid.
Large: 30 – 32 oz.
Large tumblers have the highest liquid capacity. Some large tumblers are designed with a narrow bottom so they can fit in cupholders, while others may be too large to be conveniently carried on-the-go.
Tumbler Accessories & Features
While all tumblers are designed to bring drinks to go, they are made with different accessories and features that make them practical for different lifestyles. Some tumblers, for instance, have built-in filters for those who enjoy infusing their water with tea or fruit. Others come with a straw or handle for added functionality. Many tumblers are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and have anti-spill lids, making them especially versatile and easy to care for. When deciding on the style you need, consider what beverages you will use it for and in what scenarios.
