The 8 Best Lead-Free Tumblers to Quench Your Thirst
If you’re on social media, you might have been exposed to the Stanley craze. It seems like everybody who was anybody sings 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.
Some 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 is transparent about 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. Stanley has also stated that no lead comes into contact with consumers on any of its products. For millions of shoppers, this is enough. Stanley sells over 31 colors of the famous Quencher model. Its new Deco collection is selling like crazy.
Still, many concerned consumers began searching for alternatives. If exposed, no amount of lead 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 for your kitchen, so you can stay hydrated and safe.
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 8 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
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 40-oz; 12.65” height; 1.27 lb |
| Price | $39.95 |
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
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 40-oz; 10.37” height |
| Price | $37.99 |
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
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free, 90% post-consumer recycled steel |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 36-oz |
| Price | $42.95 |
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
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free, 90% post-consumer recycled steel |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 16-oz |
| Price | $32.95 |
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
| Certifications | Lead-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, cadmium-free |
| Material | Stainless steel with copper-coated interior |
| Size | 20-oz |
| Price | $21.99 |
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.
6. BrüMate Era 40 oz Tumbler
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 40-oz (30-oz also available) |
| Price | $44.99 |
Need a sturdy, sleek, and spill-proof tumbler to take on the go? BrüMate has got you covered with this lead-free cup, which is big enough to keep you hydrated no matter where you’re headed.
Highlights
The Era series claims to be the only 100% leakproof straw and tumbler set that works well for both cold and carbonated beverages. That makes it ideal for working, traveling, or whatever else the day throws your way. We also love the soft and fun shades – of which there are over a dozen! – that make up this collection.
Things to Consider
This cup comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is a slam dunk in our book. The Era can become your sipping buddy for the long haul!
7. Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
| Certifications | BPA-free |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 16-, 24-, 32-, or 40-oz |
| Price | Starting at $29.98 |
We love this simple but effective lead-free water bottle from Owala for a more compact, travel-friendly option.
Highlights
A standout perk of this tumbler is its versatility. Tuck it into your pack, carry it in your hands by its loop, or stow it in your cup holder to take your favorite beverages wherever you go. Its FreeSip spout lets you take a big swig or a small sip through a built-in straw, which is super handy when running or hiking.
Things to Consider
While the lid for this cup is dishwasher-safe, the cup itself is not and will need to be washed by hand. This cup also isn’t safe for use with hot liquids.
This cup comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is a slam dunk in our book. The Era can become your sipping buddy for the long haul!
8. HydroJug Traveler Tumbler
| Certifications | BPA-free |
| Material | Stainless steel, rubber base |
| Size | 40-oz (20- and 30-oz also available) |
| Price | $39.99 |
Invest in a lead-free tumbler that’s as chic as it is convenient with the HydroJug. It comes in a host of gorgeous colors and sizes to offer something for every shopper out there. It even has an ambidextrous lid!
Highlights
The non-slip rubber base and sturdy, solid exterior of this cup make it super durable. We think that the stylish look and leak-proof design make this tumbler a great pick for taking to work or class!
Things to Consider
This cup’s straw is detachable and dishwasher safe, just like the cup is. Because this cup is designed to be big and sturdy, it has a bit of extra weight to it, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to carry it around a lot.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Yeti have lead?
While there is some lead present in Yeti’s manufacturing process, all of its drinkware is third-party tested for lead safety. Still, if you want to avoid lead entirely, you might want to look for a Yeti alternative.
2. Do RTIC cups have lead?
RTIC has no published information on its website about lead content or lead testing. As with many similar brands, it’s hard to know for sure without reliable test results. The company states that its drinkware is made with BPA- and BPS-free stainless steel and is safe for both hot and cold beverages.
3. Are Reduce cups lead-free?
According to its website, lead is used in the manufacturing of Reduce’s tumblers, but no lead comes into direct contact with the inside of the tumblers. The company also states that it’s transitioning to lead-free manufacturing practices. All of its products are independently tested to meet U.S. safety standards.
4. Do SWIG cups have lead?
According to our research, Swig cups do not have any lead. Swig Life routinely tests its products for safety and claims its drinkware is 100% lead-free.
Featured image via Hydro Flask
