With the growing demand of reusable drinkware, tumblers have become increasingly popular for everyday use. People are often seen carrying different types of tumblers to the gym, workplace, or even while traveling. They are preferred over plastic water bottles because of their sustainable and reusable nature, and temperature retention properties.
This increasing demand for tumblers also provides businesses with a great opportunity to use them as impactful branded items. By offering custom tumblers as promotional products, small to mid-size businesses can enhance brand visibility, increase customer loyalty, and boost sales; while staying within budget.
However, with so many types of tumblers available, choosing the right one has become difficult. In this blog, we will go through 10 must-have tumblers types that customers from all over the world rave about. In addition to that, we have also discussed the price range of these different types of tumblers, to help you choose the right one to suit your budget and individual or business branding requirements.
Types of Tumblers: Based on Material
There are different types of tumblers based on the material. These materials include stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, acrylic, and more. Read on, and find the right type of tumbler for your requirements.
Stainless steel tumblers are among the most durable types of tumblers. These tumblers are typically double-wall insulated, and also feature additional insulation technologies, such as vacuum insulation or copper lining to further enhance temperature retention.
Stainless steel tumblers also make a premium promotional product. They are perfect for corporate gifts or giveaway at trade shows, employee recognition, and client appreciation.
When recipients use your branded stainless steel tumblers, it increases brand exposure, creates a lasting impression, and positions your brand as one that values quality and sustainability.
Price Range: $15 - $50
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to rust and stains
- BPA-free
- Retains temperature well when insulated
Cons:
- Heavier than plastic alternatives
- May alter the taste of certain drinks if not coated
- One of the most expensive tumblers among all the tumbler types
Acrylic tumblers are a popular choice because of their lightweight, affordability, and portability. These types of tumblers are typically BPA-free, which makes them safe for daily use. By choosing reusable, BPA free acrylic tumblers, individuals can help reduce the demand for single-use plastic bottles, making these types of tumbler a win for the planet. Custom acrylic tumblers are a cost-effective promotional product to distribute at sports and fundraising events or company picnics and other formal settings.
They help create a positive impression on recipients, promote sustainability, and increase brand's visibility.
Price Range: $5 – $20
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons:
- Doesn’t maintain temperature for long hours
- Prone to staining
- Can absorb flavors or aroma of beverages over time with prolonged use
If you’re someone who love aesthetically pleasing tumblers, this tumbler type is for you! Glass tumblers combine aesthetics with functionality, showcasing the colors of your smoothies, infused waters, or specialty teas while keeping them insulated.
While these types of tumblers are quite fragile, their elegant appearance gives them a luxurious touch, making them perfect for cocktail parties, hotel welcome kits, or VIP client gifts.
Glass tumblers engraved with logos can also be offered as impactful and memorable promo giveaways for a long term keepsake.
Price Range: $10 - $20
Pros:
- Doesn’t absorb the taste of beverages even after multiple uses
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
Cons:
- More fragile than other tumbler materials
- Less travel-friendly compared to all other tumbler types
Ceramic tumblers are another popular type of tumblers that are loved for their thermal properties. They are often double-wall insulated for improved heat retention, although they are not as effective as double-wall insulated stainless steel tumblers. Unlike metal or plastic tumblers, ceramic tumblers preserve your drink’s flavor. Additionally, they are also microwave and dishwasher-safe. Ceramic tumblers make excellent gifts for loved ones. They can be designed with names and given to friends or family on special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
These types of tumblers are also perfect for business branding and promotions. Offering custom ceramic tumblers as giveaways can enhance customer loyalty and foster a strong emotional connection with the brand.
Price Range: $10 - $40
Pros:
- Doesn’t affect the taste of beverages
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Microwave-safe
Cons:
- Fragile and prone to breaking
- Limited temperature retention compared to stainless steel tumblers
Types of Tumblers: Based on Design
Below are the different types of tumblers based on design. These tumblers are perfect for traveling, going to the gym, or any outdoor adventure.
Tumbler mugs are designed with leak-proof lid to prevent your beverages from spilling. They feature a wide opening, a space for a straw, and a narrower base. These types of tumblers are usually made from stainless steel, acrylic, or plastic, and include double-wall insulation to maintain drink temperatures for up to 12 to 24 hours. Tumbler mugs are typically used while traveling. They are great to use for carrying cold drinks like lemonade, iced tea, smoothies, or summer cocktails, as well as hot beverages like coffees.
Additionally, these tumbler types are also an excellent promo product for corporate events, conferences, or employee onboarding kits. Whenever your recipients use your logo-engraved tumbler mugs, they’ll be reminded of your brand, resulting in increased loyalty.
Price Range: $10 – $40
Pros:
- Spill-proof lids prevent leaking
- Keeps drinks hot or cold for extended periods
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than regular tumblers
Stemless tumblers are a great alternative to wine glasses. Originally designed for wines, stemless tumblers have evolved into versatile, multi-functional drinkware items, suitable for wine, water, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
These types of tumblers are typically made from stainless steel, making them durable enough to last a long. Most of them also have double-walled stainless steel, which helps maintain the temperature of your beverages.
Stemless tumblers can be used as branded merchandise at wine tastings, outdoor events like picnics, or cocktail parties. They help keep your logo visible while keeping your brand in the minds of users.
Price Range: $9 - $50
Pros:
- More durable than traditional wine glasses
- Easy to hold and less likely to break
- Often comes with a spill-resistant lid
- Ideal for informal occasions or outdoor settings
Cons:
- Not a preferred choice for formal settings
A double-wall insulated tumbler consists of two layers of material (plastic, glass, or stainless steel). This double wall helps prevent the transfer of heat, both in and out of the tumbler which keeps your beverages hot or cold for up to 12 to 24 hours.
Double-wall insulated tumblers are perfect for hikers and athletes.
Brands that sponsor a marathon or fitness event can gift branded double-wall insulated tumblers to participants to increase their logo exposure.
Price Range: $11 - $50
Pros:
- Keep drinks at the desired temperature for hours
- Reduces condensation, and prevents sweat rings around the tumbler
Cons:
- More expensive than other types of tumblers
Types of Tumblers: Based on Insulation
Insulated tumblers are a popular choice for keeping drinks at the desired temperature for extended periods. Below mentioned are the different kinds of tumblers based on insulation:
Vacuum-insulated tumblers are considered the best for maintaining the temperature of beverages; often for up to 12 to 24 hours. These types of tumblers use double walls with an airless vacuum-sealed space between them, which helps minimize heat transfer. They are typically made of stainless steel which makes them more durable and long-lasting. Custom vacuum-insulated tumblers make a perfect promotional gift for corporate clients, loyal customers, or executive giveaways. The extended use and visibility of these types of tumblers offer long-term brand exposure and loyalty.
Price Range: $15 - $35
Pros:
- Superior in temperature retention compared to other tumbler types
- Sweat-proof exterior (no condensation)
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great to use while traveling or during outdoor activities
Cons:
- More expensive than other insulated tumbler types
- Not microwave-safe
Air-insulated tumblers feature double-walled construction with an air gap between the walls. This air barrier slows down heat transfer, helping maintain drink temperatures for a moderate amount of time, typically between 3 and 6 hours.
One drawback of air-insulated tumblers is that they are not as effective in temperature retention as vacuum or copper insulation options.
However, they are budget-friendly, which makes them a great choice for personal gifts or low-cost giveaways. By distributing these types of tumblers for your brand promotions, you can ensure high brand reach and make a memorable impression on recipients, all while staying within your budget.
Price Range: $10 - $20
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- More affordable than vacuum-insulated tumblers
- Reduces condensation on the outer surface
Cons:
- Less effective in temperature retention compared to vacuum or copper insulation
- Can be fragile if made from plastic or glass
Copper-insulated tumblers take vacuum insulation a step further by adding a copper lining inside the stainless steel walls. This enhances heat reflection and temperature retention, keeping drinks hot or cold for up to 8 to 12 hours.
Copper insulated tumblers are ideal for branding. A customized copper-insulated tumbler with an engraved or embossed logo makes a great milestone or thank-you gift, as well as memorable event swag, helping brands increase exposure and customer loyalty.
Price Range: $15- $40
Pros:
- Excellent temperature retention
- Preserves the original flavor of drinks
- No condensation buildup
Cons:
- More expensive than other tumblers types
- Can be heavier than air-insulated or plastic tumblers
- Not dishwasher or microwave-safe
