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Many consumers have been concerned lately about reports that some makers of insulated tumblers use a small amount of lead during the manufacturing process. While that might sound scary, the lead is in a pellet concealed beneath a layer of stainless steel. Therefore, the chances of anyone actually consuming lead while using these tumblers is very unlikely, according to experts at Northeastern University.
That said, there are many quality tumblers on the market from brands that have committed to never using lead and do an equally excellent job keeping your drinks hot or cold. To help you find the best lead-free tumblers, we did a deep dive into the alternatives, studying their insulation, durability and overall design.
Our favorite is the brightly colored Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler, which stood out in our tests for its durable build, excellent insulation and attractive design that you’ll love showing off.
Which lead-free tumbler is best?
Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler
Best Lead-Free Tumbler
Sizes available: 40 oz | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic | Weight: 1.6 lb | Dishwasher-safe: Top-shelf lid, hand-washing recommended for tumbler
Trending on social media, the Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler caught our attention for being made with a proprietary lead-free solder. After putting it to the test for over a week, we were thoroughly impressed with its triple-layer insulation, which consistently kept the ice in our drink from melting for 12-plus hours.
During testing, the durable build, strong handle and splash-resistant lid all performed as expected. Our tester also loved the straw that is height adjustable as well as the opening for sipping. “My favorite feature is the ergonomic handle,” our tester said. “It’s locked in with industrial screws, making it secure even if knocked against a car door.”
This 40-ounce tumbler also impressed us during testing for its durable, stainless steel build and attractive finish that hold up well to daily use. The base fits most car cup holders, which makes it suitable for taking along to school and work. Our tester also found that this tumbler is a good value for the price, considering all it has to offer.
Keeping this tumbler clean is also a snap. Although hand-washing is recommended, this is a simple process thanks to the smooth interior — wash it with mild soap and water and dry it with a soft towel. The BPA-free straw and lid are dishwasher-safe on the top shelf, which is effective at cleaning their small crevices. Overall, this tumbler exceeded our expectations, even when compared to pricier brands.
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Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 24-Ounce Travel Tumbler
Great Value
Sizes available: 24 oz | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic | Weight: 13.3 oz | Dishwasher-safe: Top-shelf lid, hand-washing recommended for tumbler
If you don’t need a large tumbler like our Best of the Best pick, but still want something from Owala, there’s the Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 24-Ounce Travel Tumbler without a handle. It offers similar features and capabilities as our top model but at a more budget-friendly price.
This streamlined tumbler is easy to hold, cup holder-friendly and preferred for those who don’t need a larger cup with handle. However, it still offers features we love, including a well-made stainless steel triple-layer design and vacuum insulation. It comes with a removable straw and an opening for sipping, so you can enjoy your favorite drinks with or without the straw. This lid also resists splashing. It keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, so you can enjoy beverages the way you like them.
Just like the 40-ounce Owala tumbler, this model is almost effortless to keep clean. The lid and straw are BPA-free and top shelf dishwasher-safe, while the tumbler is simple to wash by hand. We think it’s an excellent lead-free option that’s affordable, durable and practical for daily use, whether you’re heading out with your first cup of coffee or taking a cold drink along with you to the gym.
Hydro Flask All-Around Tumbler
Best Midsized Lead-free Tumbler
Sizes available: 20, 24, 32, 40 oz | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic | Weight: 1.4 lb | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
A midsized tumbler works for many shoppers who need a cup that’s not too big but will hold an ample amount of their favorite beverage. The 32-Ounce Hydro Flask All-Around Tumbler fits the bill with its versatile middle-of-the-road size. It also comes in numerous colors and patterns so you can choose one that you’ll enjoy carrying.
Made of double-walled stainless steel, this lead-free tumbler maintains heat or cold for hours. The lid resists splashes and includes a flexible straw that’s made of silicone. The handle is durable and comfortable to hold so you’ll be able to carry the cup wherever you go. And you can feel good knowing no BPA was used to make any of its components.
Other reasons to love this Hydro Flask tumbler include how simple it is to keep it clean. The cup, lid and straw are dishwasher-safe so there’s no need for hand-washing. The tapered base fits nicely in most vehicle cup holders. And if the 32-ounce size doesn’t work for you, it also comes in three other sizes so you can pick the perfect size for your needs.
Simple Modern’s 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler
Affordable and Colorful
Sizes available: 30, 40 oz | Materials: Stainless steel, plastic | Weight: 1 lb | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Simple Modern’s 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler won’t strain your budget, but it will look great while keeping liquids warm or cold. We tested it and found that it’s a stylish option that comes in fun colors and cool patterns. It holds as much as 40 ounces, but a 30-ounce model is also available.
There are no potentially dangerous chemicals used in the making of this lead-free tumbler, as it’s also free of BPA and phthalates. Although our tester found that the lid may leak a bit if the tumbler is tipped, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Our tester also loved the flexible straw and large, contoured handle and commented that it’s compatible with any car cup holder.
In analyzing this tumbler, our tester found that cleaning it is easy, too, thanks to the dishwasher-safe materials. Good looks, an appealing price and practical features are all reasons that this lead-free tumbler is worth considering.
Best Glass Tumbler
Sizes available: 12, 16, 20 oz | Materials: Glass and Tritan plastic | Weight: 1.1 lb | Dishwasher-safe: Top shelf
Do you like the idea of drinking out of glass instead of metal? If so, you may like the KeepCup Cold Cup, which is made of durable tempered glass and comes in several colors. Similarly to metal insulated tumblers, this one has a double-wall construction that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
The removable sleeve is a nice bonus that locks in temperatures and has a silicone grip band that makes the cup easy to hold. Additionally, it’s made with BPA- and BPS-free recycled materials that make it an outstanding choice for eco-conscious consumers. We think the 20-ounce size is the most versatile, but it’s also available in 12- and 16-ounce sizes.
This tumbler also comes with a Tritan plastic lid and straw that resists splashes and spills.Those who enjoy boba drinks will love the straw’s wide opening that’s made for sipping these on-trend specialty drinks.
When it comes to fitting in car cup holders, this glass tumbler is no different than those made of stainless steel, as the base is designed to be compatible. Plus, the tumbler, lid and straw are dishwasher-safe on the top shelf for fuss-free cleaning.
How we analyzed
Because some tumblers have a small amount of lead due to the soldering process, our first step in analyzing those that are lead-free began with researching manufacturers to determine if their products are lead-free. We found this information on company websites and other online sources that alert consumers about concerning materials and chemicals.
After narrowing down the top companies that don’t use lead to make their tumblers, we looked at around 50 models before creating our list. We assessed their features, design, leak-proofing and size, and checked out customer feedback. We also studied our testers’ notes on the Owala 40-ounce model, which ultimately earned our Best of the Best spot on our list, and Simple Modern’s 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler.
Why do some brands make tumblers with lead in them?
Many consumers love their vacuum-sealed tumblers but have been concerned to discover that some contain lead. The source of this potentially harmful element is the sealing pellet found at the base of the bottle. Beneath a small metal dot or button is where the vacuumed layers are soldered, a process that seals them to create the temperature-preserving capabilities.
Some companies, such as Stanley, have used lead in the sealing process. While these tumbler manufacturers have assured consumers that neither their beverages nor their skin will come into contact with the enclosed lead solder, exposure can occur if the button were to fall off and leave the lead sealant uncovered. Though this scenario is unlikely, if you want total peace of mind, a lead-free tumbler is your best bet.
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Key features to consider
Materials
Most lead-free tumblers are made of stainless steel. A less popular insulated material is glass. Both materials are safe to use in drinkware. When it comes to the sealing material that’s used in vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles, some companies use lead-free solder; these include proprietary materials or silica.
Many lead-free tumblers also have lids and straws that are made of rigid plastic or soft silicone that’s free of chemicals, such as BPA, BPS and phthalates.
Our top picks: Materials
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler: Our top stainless steel lead-free tumbler is vacuum sealed with a proprietary material. The lid and straw are made of BPA-free plastic.
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 24-Ounce Travel Tumbler: Made by the same brand as our Best of the Best pick, this tumbler is stainless steel with a plastic lid and straw and proprietary lead-free solder.
- Hydro Flask 32-Ounce All-Around Tumbler With Straw Lid: We like that Hydro Flask uses TempShield, a proprietary solder, to seal this popular tumbler. It comes with a plastic lid and flexible straw that are BPA-free.
- Simple Modern 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler: Also sealed with a proprietary soldering material, the Trek tumbler includes a plastic lid and silicone straws are made without BPA.
- KeepCup Cold Cup: We recommend the glass solder-free KeepCup for anyone looking for an alternative to stainless steel. This lead-free option includes a lid and straw made of Tritan plastic that’s durable and made without BPA or BPS.
Design
Size and weight
Lead-free tumblers that hold as little as 12 ounces and as much as 50 ounces are available. Most brands offer a selection of sizes to fit different needs. They range in weight from about 12 ounces to almost 2 pounds. The more a tumbler holds, the heavier it will be.
Lid and straw
Most lead-free tumblers have lids that are made of BPA-free plastic. Because spills are a concern if the cup is knocked over, many lids are designed to resist splashes and leaks. Some tumblers include a plastic or silicone straw that’s flexible and reusable. A few brands make lids that have both a straw and sipping spout.
Handle
While some small lead-free tumblers have a handle-free design, many larger ones have a handle. These handles are typically made of plastic and large enough to easily grip and carry. Some also have contoured design for added comfort.
Our top picks: Design
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler: We love this feature-packed tumbler’s large capacity, straw and sip spout, and easy-to-grip handle.
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 24-Ounce Travel Tumbler: This 24-ounce tumbler feels nice in the hand. The straw is easy to remove for sipping from the lid.
- Hydro Flask 32-Ounce All-Around Tumbler Straw Lid: If you need a medium-sized tumbler with a lid and handle, we recommend considering Hydro Flask’s 32-ounce option.
- Simple Modern 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler: A flexible straw and contoured handle are selling points of this attractive large tumbler.
- KeepCup Cold Cup: Boba lovers will appreciate this tumbler’s large straw and practical size.
Washability
Lead-free tumblers are easy to clean, but some must be washed by hand for best results. Many models are dishwasher-safe, but it’s usually recommended to place them on the top shelf. It’s also safe in most cases to place lids and straws on the top shelf or in the flatware basket. To keep your tumbler clean and looking its best, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Our top picks: Washability
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 40-Ounce Travel Tumbler: While the straw and lid are top-shelf dishwasher-safe, it’s best to wash the tumbler by hand.
- Owala Stainless Steel Triple-Layer Insulated 24-Ounce Travel Tumbler: This tumbler should be cleaned by hand, however, the lid and straw are dishwasher-safe on the top shelf.
- Hydro Flask 32-Ounce All-Around Tumbler Straw Lid: We love that this easy-to-clean tumbler is dishwasher-safe.
- Simple Modern 40-Ounce Trek Tumbler: Pop this tumbler in the dishwasher, and it will be clean and ready to use when you need it.
- KeepCup Cold Cup: Tumblers like this glass model that are top-shelf dishwasher-safe are also easy to clean.
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