Jam and jelly. Alligators and crocodiles. Emojis and emoticons. There are many things in the universe that seem like they’re exactly the same, but are actually quite different. Now there’s one more pair to add to that list – travel mugs and tumblers.
Let’s get a good understanding of how you would define a tumbler vs. a travel mug.
Travel Mug
A travel mug is a type of drinkware that is designed for easy portability. It’s usually made from metal, comes with a screw-on lid that slides to open, and may or may not have a handle on the side.
Best with hot drinks
Tumbler
A tumbler is a type of drinkware that is also designed for easy portability, but the lid isn’t as leak-resistant as that used on a travel mug. Tumblers are often made from BPA-free plastic, comes with a lid and straw, and are completely handle-less.
Best with cold drinks
If it’s made from metal, you can drink hot or cold drinks from either a travel mug or a tumbler*.
However, for the best taste results, you’ll want to use stainless steel or aluminum drinkware for hot drinks and plastic drinkware for cold drinks.
Disclaimer
The tumbler or travel mug’s product description will usually specify whether the drinkware is designed for hot or cold drinks or both. If you have any questions or are at all unsure, it’s best to check with the manufacturer.
Travel Mugs Vs. Tumblers
Travel mugs and tumblers are pretty similar, but there’s one big difference between the two – the handle! A travel mug may or may not have a handle, while a tumbler never will.
The infographic below shows you everything you need to know about a travel mug compared to a tumbler.
TRAVEL
MUGS
- Can hold cold or hot drinks, but better for hot drinks
- Variety of lid styles, but typically includes one that pushes on and slides to open
- May contain a handle
- Usually made from stainless steel or aluminum
- Not dishwasher safe
- Keeps drinks at the right temperature for longer amount of time
TUMBLERS
- Can hold cold or hot drinks, but better for cold drinks
- Lid usually screws on with a straw fitted on top
- Handle-free
- Usually made from BPA-free plastic
- Maybe dishwasher safe (check the label or description)
- Keeps drinks at the right temperature for shorter amount of time
It can sometimes be tricky to tell the difference between a travel mug and tumbler, especially since the manufacturer chooses how to describe their drinkware. As a general rule, though, it’s safe to call a plastic cup with a straw a tumbler and a metal mug with a press-on lid a travel mug.
Most people use these terms interchangeably, so no worries if you mix them up! No one is going to laugh at you.
Did You Know?
Starbucks is famous for their tumblers and travel mugs. New designs and styles come out almost every season and for special events like Halloween and Christmas.
Custom Tumblers You’ll Love
Metal Tumblers
Keep your drink at the right temperature.
Plastic Tumblers
Stay on budget and sip in style!
Stemless Wine Tumblers
You won’t have to worry about spilling!
Custom Travel Mugs You’ll Love
Steel Travel Mugs
Insulate your coffee, so it’s piping hot all day long!
Plastic Travel Mugs
Skip the line at Starbucks! Reuse these to-go style mugs.
Travel Mugs With Handle
Grab one of these travel mugs by the handle on a busy day.
You’re supposed to drink at least 8 cups of water every day, and coffee is said to fight depression and make you happier. A tumbler or travel mug helps you have easy, on-the-go access to these drinks and many more!
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
