The 5 Best Lead-Free Tumblers to Quench Your Thirst

If you’re on social media, you might have been exposed to the Stanley craze. It seemed like everybody who was anybody sang the praises of Stanley cups and tumblers, colorful drink containers that kept beverages cold (or hot) for a really long time. 

The lifetime warranty the Stanley company offers for its products’ stainless steel parts is also quite attractive. One woman’s Stanley tumbler even survived a car fire.

Much of the Stanley-mentum came to a halt when four plaintiffs sued the company over allegedly not informing consumers of lead concentrations near the bottom of their popular Quencher tumblers. 

The company admitted to using a small amount of lead in the soldering process, which seals the cups’ vacuum insulation. This small amount can only potentially cause problems if the base detaches or cracks in some way. Stanley has committed to replacing products at no charge in the case of that unlikely event.

Still, many concerned consumers began searching for alternatives. No amount of lead exposure can be considered safe. If you want to do everything possible to minimize your risk of lead exposure, we invite you to browse our selection of lead-free tumblers so you can stay hydrated and safe.

Jump To Our Picks

What is a Lead-Free Tumbler?

Lead is a heavy metal that was once prized for being durable and resistant to corrosion. It’s also malleable; the ancient Romans used it in water pipes, and it’s since been used in construction and aluminum can linings. Once scientists started flagging lead’s health risks, new regulations began forcing companies to use different materials.

While it’s not unlawful to include lead in some parts of some products, many companies have started implementing completely lead-free processes for competitive advantages. The tumblers we mention below have been advertised as lead-free, which means no part of the product emits a measurable amount of lead.

Top 5 Lead-Free Tumblers: How We Chose

Before we tried out some lead-free tumblers, we did some research online to ensure brand reputations. 

Each company’s website affirmed that their products were lead-free and, in many instances, BPA- and phthalate-free. Transparency was important when selecting the tumblers. Functionality and flexibility when it came to lids, such as straw accommodations, were also pluses.

Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler

One of the most popular lead-free tumblers out there is the 40-ounce all-around travel tumbler from Hydro Flask.  This size is comparable to the Stanley Quencher, but Hydro Flask has a variety of sizes. The 40-ounce Travel Tumbler has a flexible straw and is dishwasher-safe.

Highlights

We loved the selection of colors Hydro Flask offers for its products. We didn’t notice any metallic taste in the liquids we used in this tumbler, which can sometimes happen with stainless steel products. 

Things to Consider

Hydro Flask’s website advised users not to use hot beverages in this tumbler. If you drink your morning (or afternoon, or whatever) coffee on the go, you might need a supplementary tumbler.

2. Owala Tumbler

Owala is another prominent company known for selling lead-free tumblers. Their 40-ounce option is slightly shorter than Hydro Flask’s. It has a reusable straw and “sip-or-swig” lid for different satiation urges.

Highlights

We liked that this tumbler holds hot liquids well in addition to cold liquids. The rubber handle makes the tumbler easy to grab and hold.

Things to Consider

The lid is safe to use on your dishwasher’s top rack, but Owala recommends handwashing the cup to preserve its color and finish. It also mentions that using a straw brush is the best way to clean the straw.

3. Klean Kanteen Rise Tumbler

This lead-free mug from Klean Kanteen is not only free of harmful chemicals, but it can also reduce your carbon footprint. It has a multi-use lid and stainless steel straw tipped with silicone.

Highlights

This tumbler from Klean Kanteen is safe to use in the dishwasher, with no recommended restrictions listed on the company’s website. We were also impressed with the amount of time the tumbler kept ice from melting. It kept drinks hot for more than 12 hours, as well.

Things to Consider

The Rise Tumbler from Klean Kanteen leaks a bit more than some of the others we looked at; the company’s website was upfront about the tumbler not being completely leakproof. We were also a little disappointed to learn this product is only available in four colors.

4. Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler

Lead-free tumblers aren’t always designed for piping hot beverages. If you’re struggling to find one, this should be your first consideration. We loved this Klean Kanteen product, which kept our hot beverages extremely close to their original temperatures for more than 14 hours.

Highlights

The lid that comes with the product is ideal for sipping coffee, but you can get other lids (such as the TKWide Chug Cap) for downing water at the gym. Unlike the Rise Tumbler we just reviewed, the Coffee Tumbler is virtually leakproof. 

Things to Consider

The only possible downside to this tumbler is the size. Sixteen ounces might be plenty when it comes to your morning coffee, but it might take a bit more than that to keep you hydrated during an intense workout. 

5. Simple Modern Classic Tumbler

Few drinkware companies give more to charity than Simple Modern, which donates 10 percent of each year’s profits. It has partnered with more than 100 charitable organizations. When it comes to their products, though, many people ask: is Simple Modern lead-free? Its Classic Tumbler is. 

Highlights

This tumbler comes with two lids. One lid accommodates its reusable plastic straw, and the other lid is better for sipping hot beverages. In addition to the 20-oz size, you can get this product in 24- and 28-oz sizes. We also loved how quickly this product shipped.

Things to Consider

The base for this product is a little wider than the ones for a few similar products. Other than that, we weren’t able to find any real downsides for Simple Modern’s Classic Tumbler.

How to Choose a Lead-Free Tumbler

We strongly believe you can’t go wrong with any of the lead-free stainless steel water bottles we reviewed in this article, but you might want to consider how you will use your tumbler the majority of the time. The best tumbler for on-the-go morning coffees might be different than the one best suited for long hikes or workouts.

There’s also something to be said for colorful options. If you want bright colors for your bottle, a few particular brands may offer exactly what you need. Whichever tumbler you decide on, we applaud you for taking notice of the products and substances you use.

Featured image via Hydro Flask