Can You Use Tervis For Hot Drinks?
Introducing Tervis Tumblers
Tervis tumblers are insulated, double-walled cups designed to keep drinks cold or hot for long periods of time. The cups were originally created in 1946 by Frank Cotter and G. Howlett Davis, who co-founded the Tervis company. They patented the double-wall insulation technology that makes Tervis cups popular to this day The History of Tervis Tumblers.
Tervis tumblers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, but they all feature the signature double-walled insulation. This insulated layer helps regulate the temperature of the contents, keeping cold drinks cooler and hot drinks hotter for hours. The air trapped between the inner and outer walls creates a thermal barrier that prevents condensation from forming on the outside of the cups.
Some of the benefits of Tervis tumblers include their durability, customizability, and ability to keep drinks at the desired temperature. The tumblers prevent condensation from forming on the outside, helping keep surfaces dry and free of rings. They are also made of BPA-free, food-safe materials. Over the decades, Tervis has become known for these insulated tumblers that provide temperature control for beverages on the go.
Are Tervis Tumblers Designed for Hot Drinks?
Tervis tumblers are designed to keep both cold and hot drinks at their optimal temperatures. The tumblers are constructed with double-walled insulated stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. This unique design creates a thermal barrier between the inner and outer wall, preventing heat transfer. According to the manufacturer, this insulation allows hot beverages placed in the tumbler to remain hot for up to 6 hours.
The tumblers’ insulated walls and tight-fitting lids lock in temperature. Tervis states their tumblers can keep liquids as cold as 35°F and as hot as 160°F. So whether you prefer iced coffee, hot tea, or another heated beverage, a Tervis tumbler is built to retain your desired drinking temperature when on-the-go. This makes the tumblers ideal for carrying hot coffee to work or tea while running errands without it cooling down too quickly.
In product testing by independent reviewers, Tervis tumblers generally performed well at maintaining the heat of hot water and coffee for several hours (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-mug/). The tumblers’ insulation allows you to enjoy hot beverages at their optimal sipping temperature for longer periods while commuting or traveling.
Benefits of Using Tervis for Hot Drinks
One of the key benefits of using Tervis tumblers for hot drinks is their excellent insulation that keeps beverages hotter for longer. Tervis tumblers have double-walled insulation made from virgin polyethylene. This helps prevent heat transfer and retains the temperature of hot liquids (Tervis – Classic Insulated Tumblers).
The insulation provides an effective barrier so heat does not radiate through the tumbler. This means the outer surface of the tumbler remains cool to the touch even when filled with boiling hot coffee or tea. You don’t have to worry about burning your hands while holding a Tervis tumbler with hot liquid inside.
Tests show that Tervis tumblers can keep drinks hot for up to 3 hours. The insulation works just as well in preventing sweating and condensation on the outside of the tumbler. So you don’t have to deal with water droplets forming on the tumbler with a hot drink inside (Tervis – Classic Insulated Drinkware).
The insulating properties of Tervis make them ideal for carrying hot drinks around. You can sip your morning coffee throughout the day while keeping it piping hot in a Tervis tumbler.
Tips for Using Tervis Tumblers for Hot Beverages
When using a Tervis tumbler for hot beverages, there are a couple tips to follow to get the best performance:
Allow the tumbler to pre-heat with hot water first. Fill the tumbler with hot tap water and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps heat up the tumbler so it maintains the temperature of hot liquids better. Then empty out the water before filling with your hot beverage.
Fill the tumbler with hot, not boiling liquids. The optimal temperature is between 120-180°F. Boiling water can damage the tumbler over time. Allow very hot liquids like freshly brewed coffee to cool slightly before pouring into your Tervis.
Using these tips will help your Tervis tumbler insulate hot beverages safely while keeping them at an ideal drinking temperature for longer.
Recommended Hot Drinks for Tervis Tumblers
Tervis tumblers are a great option for carrying your favorite hot beverages on the go. The tumblers’ double-wall insulation allows drinks to retain heat for hours. Some hot drinks that work especially well in Tervis tumblers include:
Coffee – The tumblers’ sealing lids keep coffee’s aroma contained while the insulation maintains the optimal drinking temperature. Fill your Tervis with your morning brew for sipping all day long. The 16 oz and 24 oz sizes work well for coffee.
Tea – Loose leaf or bagged tea can be brewed directly in the tumbler. The insulation allows the tea to steep properly while keeping it hot for hours. Herbal and black teas are great options. See our tips on brewing tea in a Tervis.
Hot chocolate – Make hot cocoa or chocolate and fill your Tervis to enjoy the creamy, chocolatey flavor while on the go. The lid helps keep whipped topping in place. Use the 12 oz size for rich hot chocolate.
Apple cider – Warm spiced apple cider in the fall and winter is delicious in a Tervis tumbler. The insulation maintains the ideal drinking temperature. Use the 24 oz size to carry a large portion of cider.
The durable, long-lasting Tervis tumblers are perfect for carrying your favorite hot beverages from home to work, school, travel, and more. Be sure to follow proper care guidelines to get the most out of your Tervis hot drinkware.
Proper Care for Your Tervis Hot Cup
Tervis tumblers are designed for both hot and cold beverages, but require some special care when used for hot drinks. According to the Tervis website, their tumblers should always be handwashed to keep them looking their best.
Tervis recommends using a mild soap and warm water to handwash the tumblers. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals that could damage the tumblers over time. Gently wash both the interior and exterior of the tumbler.
When washing tumblers used for hot beverages, it’s important to avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not wash the tumbler with extremely hot water immediately after having a hot drink in it. Allow the tumbler to cool down before washing. And avoid pouring boiling water directly into the tumbler, as rapid temperature changes can damage the tumbler.
The plastic lids, straws, and other accessories should also be handwashed only. Take care not to bend or warp straws during washing. Let all parts air dry completely before reassembling the tumbler.
By following the proper care instructions for handwashing and avoiding temperature extremes, your Tervis tumbler will maintain its performance and appearance when used for both hot and cold beverages.
Source: https://www.tervis.com/classic-insulated-use-care
Lid Options for Hot Beverages
When it comes to lids for your Tervis tumbler, you have a couple different options to consider depending on your needs. Here are two of the most popular lid choices for hot beverages:
Snap-on Lids
Snap-on lids are a great option if you want a secure seal to prevent spills and leaks. These lids fit snugly onto the tumbler and “snap” into place. Snap-on lids are solid with no drinking opening, so you will need to remove the entire lid when you want to drink. This makes them ideal for tumblers you plan to toss in your bag to keep drinks hot during transport.
Lids with Sipping Openings
If you want the convenience of drinking from your tumbler without removing the lid, choose a lid with a slide opening or integrated straw. The slide opening allows you to sip your beverage by sliding back a small drink flap. Straw lids have a plastic straw built into the lid, enabling you to drink hands-free without worrying about spills.
Lids with drinking access are great for hot coffee, tea, or cocoa when you’ll be drinking frequently. Just keep in mind the openings may allow some heat to escape compared to a fully sealed snap-on lid.
Popular Tervis Styles for Hot Drinks
When it comes to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, you want a tumbler with style. Tervis offers several popular tumbler styles that are ideal for hot beverages:
Classic Tervis Tumblers
The classic Tervis tumbler features a sleek, cylindrical design that fits comfortably in your hand or car cupholder. The 16oz and 24oz sizes are perfect for hot coffee, tea, or cocoa on the go. The clear lid allows you to keep an eye on your beverage level.
Stylish Color and Design Options
Tervis offers their classic tumbler in a rainbow of colors to match your style or mood. Opt for an energetic hue like coral or aqua blue to start your day. Tervis also frequently releases special collections featuring stylish patterns, graphics, and textures. Sip your hot latte from a Tervis tumbler decorated with boho medallions or watercolor florals.
Tervis Accessories for Hot Beverages
Tervis offers several accessories that enhance the experience of drinking hot beverages from their tumblers. These accessories help protect your hands from heat and prevent condensation from dripping.
Coasters
Tervis coaster sets come with either cork or foam bases to protect your tables from condensation rings or heat. The coasters are sized to perfectly fit Tervis tumbler bases. Having coasters helps prevent slipping or scuffing of your tumblers.
Cup Sleeves
Slipping a Tervis cup sleeve over your tumbler provides insulation to protect your hands from hot surfaces. The sleeves come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to customize the look. They stretch to fit snugly while still allowing full access to the tumbler’s lid and drinking opening.
Handles
Tervis also offers plastic handles that attach to certain tumbler lids to make lifting and carrying more secure. The handles keep your hands safely away from the hot surface. Look for tumblers and lids designed for handle compatibility. The handles snap into place and detach easily when not needed.
Is a Tervis Tumbler Right for Your Hot Drinks?
Tervis tumblers have several benefits that make them a great option for hot beverages. The tumblers have double-walled insulation that helps keep drinks hot for hours. Tervis claims their tumblers keep drinks hot up to 6 hours. The tumbler lids provide a tight seal to lock in heat and prevent spills. Tervis tumblers come in a variety of sizes, from 12 oz up to 30 oz, so you can find an option for your desired capacity.
Compared to other popular tumbler brands like YETI and Hydro Flask, Tervis performs very well for insulation of hot drinks. According to tests by Headhunters Fly Shop, Tervis kept coffee piping hot for over 3 hours, twice as long as the YETI Rambler. The downside is that Tervis tumblers are not vacuum insulated like YETI and Hydro Flask, so they may not retain heat quite as long. However, for most people’s coffee drinking needs throughout the day, Tervis provides sufficient heat retention.
One advantage of Tervis over metal tumblers is that plastic won’t transfer heat to your hands. The tumblers stay cool to the touch even with hot liquids inside. The plastic construction also means Tervis tumblers are more affordable than premium steel tumblers. If you want a quality hot beverage tumbler but don’t want to pay a premium price, Tervis makes an excellent option.
One downside of Tervis for hot drinks is that the plastic lids can warp over time with frequent dishwashing. The lids may become slightly misshapen, allowing more heat to escape. Replacement lids are affordable, but it’s an inconvenience. For best results, hand wash the lids to help preserve their integrity.
Overall, Tervis tumblers are a smart choice for transporting and insulating hot beverages. Their durable double-wall plastic construction provides effective heat retention. While not as insulating as high-end steel tumblers, Tervis offers great performance for everyday hot drink needs at a fraction of the cost.
