A tumbler is one of the most common types of drinkware. It's a type of cup with straight or slightly curved sides.
These popular cups are sometimes made of glass and intended for use at home or in a restaurant. Others are made from durable materials and feature lids for easy travel. The tumblers intended for on-the-go use are frequently called "travel tumblers" or "travel mugs," but most refer to them as simply "tumblers."
While travel tumblers have been around for decades, they have become increasingly popular in recent years. More and more people are choosing these convenient cups because they are incredibly versatile, offering ample storage for both hot and cold drinks. They also frequently feature long-lasting insulation, and some tumblers are even customizable.
In this guide, we further explain the definition of a tumbler, what they're often made from, what they're used for, and the main advantages of owning one. Plus, you'll learn about key features to look for if you want to buy one.
Basic Types of Tumblers
The term "tumbler" dates back centuries and likely comes from the word "tumble." Traditional tumblers usually feature a rounded or pointed bottom, preventing the cup from tumbling over easily.
Sometimes people get confused about the definition of a "tumbler" because the term can refer to both tumbler glasses and travel tumblers. Let's briefly look at the differences between these two types of tumblers.
What Is a Tumbler Glass?
When people use the term "tumbler," they sometimes refer to a traditional tumbler glass. A tumbler glass is one of the most common types of glassware used for everyday drinks.
These glass cups are designed for water, spirits, cocktails, and drinks for special occasions. In addition to featuring straight or slightly curved sides, glass tumblers often feature thick bottoms that make them harder to knock over.
Unlike modern travel tumblers, a tumbler glass is not designed to maintain beverage temperatures, and they're not for enjoying drinks while on the go. Instead, tumbler glasses are typically used indoors for casual drinking, such as enjoying an Old Fashioned cocktail at home or in a restaurant.
Understanding the distinction between a tumbler glass and a travel tumbler helps avoid confusion when comparing drinkware options.
Now that you understand what a tumbler glass is, let’s take a look at the more common modern tumbler.
What Is a Travel Tumbler?
While tumbler glasses have their place, people are typically referring to travel tumblers when using the shortened word "tumbler." Travel tumblers are designed to hold both cold and hot beverages, stored in a container that's easy to carry and comfortable to use.
These tumblers are reusable, portable cups that often feature ergonomic designs, spill-proof lids, and insulation. These qualities make them highly suitable for a wide range of drinks, from ice water to hot coffee.
Travel tumblers are also typically much taller than mugs and other cups. This shape makes it easier to grip and fits most car cup holders.
Tumbler styles can vary between different brands and products, but most of these cups share common characteristics:
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A straight or slightly tapered shape
- A design meant for repeated use
- Compatibility with hot and cold beverages
- Comfortable design for traveling and multi-tasking
- Optional features like insulation, lids, and straws
Overall, the word "tumbler" originally referred to a glass with straight sides and a weighted bottom, but it's now more common to use the term when referring to travel tumblers.
These convenient tumblers provide a balance of comfort, function, and versatility, setting them apart from other drinkware.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how travel tumblers are used, including their benefits for daily routines and on-the-go activities.
What Is a Tumbler Used For?
Tumblers are used for everyday drinking in a wide range of settings. Their designs make them highly practical for both hot and cold beverages, whether at home or on the go. Additionally, many people choose tumblers because they are easy to carry and fit into daily routines.
People frequently use tumblers for:
- Drinking water throughout the day
- Carrying morning coffee or tea to work
- Enjoying iced drinks, like juices, smoothies, and cold brew coffee
- Carrying hot drinks during cold-weather walks or hikes
- Holding drinking for road trips or long commutes
- Keeping drinks cold during sports practice or games
- Bringing beverages to school, classes, or study sessions
- Staying hydrated during outdoor activities and while at the gym
Because tumblers are used in so many different situations, their design and construction are important. The material your tumbler is made of can play a big role in how well it performs on the go and in your daily routine.
Next, let's explore some of the most common materials manufacturers use to create tumblers.
What Is a Tumbler Made of?
Tumblers can be made from several different materials, each offering distinct advantages depending on your drinking preferences.
Stainless steel is the most common material used in modern tumblers. These tumblers are known for their strength and long lifespan. Many stainless steel tumblers also feature double-wall vacuum insulation, keeping drinks hot or cold for extended periods. Stainless steel is also the best material if you value portability.
While stainless steel is by far the most common type of tumbler cup, other materials include glass and acrylic.
Glass tumblers, not to be confused with "tumbler glasses," often have a clean appearance and elegant designs that work well for water, juice, smoothies, and mixed drinks. These tumblers excel in showcasing the beverages inside, making them ideal for displaying your favorite drinks. While glass tumblers have their advantages, they're typically not ideal for travel.
Acrylic tumblers are lightweight and durable, making them a practical choice for outdoor activities or casual settings. They are also resistant to breaking and come in a variety of colors and designs. While durable, acrylic tumblers are typically less insulated than stainless steel tumblers, so they're often best for short-term drinking.
For some, another important material consideration is whether the tumbler's surface is customizable. In the next section, we'll discuss why tumblers are great for crafters and the type of tumbler material you need for customization.
Why Tumblers Are Perfect for Crafters
Tumblers are a popular choice for crafters because they combine function with creative potential. Many tumblers work well with crafting methods like sublimation, vinyl application, engraving, and epoxy finishes.
You can use tumblers to create personalized gifts with names, initials, monograms, and dates, or you can craft drinkware to celebrate different holidays. It's also common for crafters to imprint photos and unique artwork onto tumbler cups.
Stainless steel tumblers, in particular, are widely used in crafting because they are highly durable and hold coatings effectively. This makes them suitable for long-lasting custom designs.
Additionally, straight-walled tumblers are ideal for customization. Their consistent shapes make them easy to customize, empowering both beginner and experienced crafters to get clean, professional results.
Whether you want to create custom drinkware for personal use or start a creative business, tumblers offer a fantastic starting point.
However, not all tumblers are customizable. To get professional results, you should buy sublimation tumblers.
What Is a Sublimation Tumbler?
A sublimation tumbler is a type of cup specifically designed for sublimation printing, a process that uses heat and pressure to transfer special dye to a surface.
Sublimation tumblers feature special polymer coatings that make them ideal for sublimation. The sublimation process fuses ink directly into the tumbler's surface, creating highly durable and eye-catching designs. Because the designs are part of the surface itself, they're smooth to the touch and won't chip or peel.
These customizable tumblers are typically made from stainless steel, but sublimation glasses, ceramic cups, and acrylic cups are also available. Regardless of the material, the cup must feature a specialized polymer coating to receive the specialty ink. Otherwise, the sublimation ink will not transfer, wasting your time and money.
Crafters and creative entrepreneurs often utilize sublimation tumblers to create personalized gifts and one-of-a-kind drinkware. Their durability and professional finishes make them a reliable choice for both personal projects and commercial use.
You can learn about how to get started with sublimation crafting by checking out our complete beginner's guide for sublimating tumblers.
Whether you're interested in crafting drinkware or simply want a tumbler for personal use, knowing what to look for in a tumbler will help you pick the best option. In the next section, you'll discover which features matter most.
Important Features to Look for When Shopping for a Tumbler
Knowing which features to prioritize can help you choose a tumbler that fits your needs. Certain qualities can make the tumbler more convenient to use while ensuring it lasts for years.
Here are some key features to consider:
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304-Grade Stainless Steel: While there are different tumbler materials available, 304-grade stainless steel is the undisputed champion. These stainless steel tumblers are food-safe and highly durable.
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Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation: Double-wall vacuum insulation is known for keeping drinks hot or cold for longer than other insulation types. Single-walled tumblers are lighter, but provide less temperature control.
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BPA-Free Components: When shopping around, ensure the lids, straws, and other components are completely BPA-free. This helps ensure that the tumbler is safe for long-term usage.
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The Right Size and Shape: The ideal shape and size for you will depend on your preferences. Those wanting a tumbler for personal use often choose 40-oz tumblers with tapered designs. Crafters, on the other hand, usually prefer straight-walled tumblers in 20-oz or 30-oz sizes, as they are easier to customize.
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Tumblers with Handles: If you want a cup that's 40-oz or more, it's best to shop for a tumbler with a handle. These handles make oversized drinkware far easier to carry and use.
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Polymer Coatings (for crafters): If you want to customize a tumbler, make sure it features a smooth surface designed for sublimation, vinyl decals, epoxy, or other crafting techniques.
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Wholesale Options (for crafters): Finding a supplier that sells bulk tumblers is important for crafters, as it can reduce the cost per unit. This means you can offer your drinkware at more competitive prices without hurting your profits.
Looking for these features and characteristics before making a purchase can save you from frustration later. You can select a tumbler that meets your needs and provides reliable performance for years to come.
Get High-Quality Tumbler Cups at The Stainless Depot Company
Tumblers are widely available at retail stores and online marketplaces, but not all are high-quality. Plus, finding the right tumbler is even more challenging if you intend to customize it.
If you want high-quality tumblers that can be customized, The Stainless Depot Company has you covered. We provide tumblers built for crafting and long-lasting use.
Our selection features tumblers in a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes, including stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and acrylic options. Many of our tumblers are designed for sublimation and come with high-quality polymer coatings for professional, long-lasting results.
Whether you are buying for personal use, gifts, or a crafting business, The Stainless Depot Company has the tumblers and support you need to create long-lasting, professional results.
Countless drinkware crafters rely on The Stainless Depot Company for our:
- Individual and Wholesale Options
- Various Sizes
- Tumblers in Stainless Steel, Glass, Ceramic, and Acrylic
- Polymer-Coated Surfaces for Crafting
- Free Shipping On Orders Over $99
- Rewards Program for Extra Savings
With our wide selection of high-quality tumblers, The Stainless Depot Company makes it easy to create professional, one-of-a-kind drinkware.
Tumbler FAQs
Can I Customize Any Tumbler?
No. Not all tumblers are ideal for customization. To customize a tumbler, it should feature a smooth polymer coating intended for sublimation, UV DTF, vinyl decals, epoxy, or engraving. If you're interested in crafting, always buy from a trusted supplier that specializes in customizable tumbler blanks.
Tumbler vs Water Bottle: What’s the Difference?
Tumblers are typically designed for hot and cold beverages, often with insulation and a lid to maintain temperature. They usually have a wider opening and are shaped for easy sipping. Water bottles, on the other hand, are primarily designed for hydration on the go. They often feature a narrower mouth, a leak-resistant cap, and are usually designed for cold drinks.
Are Tumblers Good for the Environment?
Yes. Switching from disposable plastic cups to reusable tumblers can be good for the environment. By choosing a reusable tumbler, you help cut down on the demand for disposable cups and reduce your environmental footprint. Using reusable tumblers is a more eco-friendly option that helps reduce plastic waste.
Get the Best Tumblers for Daily Use and Customization
Tumblers are versatile drinkware designed for everyday use, travel, and, sometimes, crafting projects. When shopping for a tumbler, consider features such as material quality, insulation, size, and overall durability. The right combination of these features ensures your tumbler performs well for daily routines and holds up over time.
For those interested in crafting, The Stainless Depot Company offers high-quality tumblers that are perfect for sublimation, epoxy, vinyl decals, UV DTF, and other crafting methods. We also provide tools and equipment to help you get started with sublimation, including heat press machines and sublimation printers. Plus, we feature a variety of other sublimation blanks, including t-shirts, mugs, water bottles, and more.
Whether you’re creating personalized gifts or starting a crafting business, The Stainless Depot Company provides the quality products and resources you need to bring your creative ideas to life.
