Insulated Travel Mugs and Tumbler Guide FAQ

There are scores of competing brands of travel mugs and tumblers on the market which makes it difficult for consumers to compare different models, so we've put together a brief article explaining some of the marketing features you'll come across when shopping for the best travel mug and insulated tumbler.

Difference between a travel mug and insulated tumbler

When you think of a regular coffee mug, you'll probably think of a thick cup with a handle, and the handle is one of the differences between a travel mug and a travel tumbler. The travel mug may or may not have a handle, but a tumbler doesn't have a handle. An insulated travel mug usually only has screw-on lid which allows for better heat retention because of its tight fitting lid, but the travel mug lid doesn't accommodate a straw.

What is an insulated tumbler?

Unlike the travel mug, an insulated coffee tumbler doesn't have a handle and sometimes includes a lid with a straw. Maybe it's called a tumbler because it 'tumbles' around if it gets knocked over, whereas a travel mug won't tumble around as much because of the handle. The terms insulated travel mug and insulated travel tumbler are used interchangeably, so be sure to look at the product image to see whether it has a handle.

What's the difference between 18/8, and 18/10 stainless steel?

You'll probably come across the numbers 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel when buying insulated coffee mugs and tumblers, so here's a quick explanation of what 18/8 and 18/10 means so you can compare the two.

Stainless steel alone doesn't provide optimal heat retention, so alloys such as chromium and nickel are added. Chromium is the alloying element that makes the steel 'stainless' and improves the corrosion and heat resistance. Nickel also provides corrosion resistance while adding luster (the silver-ish shine) to the steel's surface. The terms 18/8 and 18/10 refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel of the insulated mug or tumbler. The number 18 refers to the chromium content, and the numbers 8 or 10 refers to the nickel content.

Which is better 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel?

When it comes to insulated travel mugs and tumblers, there's no real difference between 18/8 and 18/10, so the chromium/nickel percentages shouldn't impact your buying decision to any great degree.