Stanley travel mugs have undeniably taken the hydration world by storm. If you’ve spent any time online, especially on platforms like TikTok, you’ve likely seen the iconic Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler. These large, handled water tumblers have become incredibly popular in recent years, transitioning from a niche product to a ubiquitous accessory seen everywhere from office desks to gyms. Their rise to fame is largely thanks to social media buzz, making them a must-have for many.
Just like many, our team at travels.edu.vn has also noticed the Stanley craze. Walking around our office, it’s hard to miss the number of Stanley cups gracing desks. But, while Stanley may be the name everyone knows, are they really the only option when it comes to a quality travel mug with a handle? The good news is, no! Many brands are now offering 40-oz tumblers with handles and straws, making it a standard feature among top hydration companies. This includes several of our favorite brands and even winners from our sister publication Epicurious’s water bottle testing.
This begs the question: How do these competitors stack up against the viral Stanley original? To find out, we put nine Stanley-esque travel mugs with handles to the test. We can confidently say that all of them excelled at keeping drinks cold and promoting hydration, and importantly, they all fit comfortably in standard car cup holders. However, subtle differences in materials, leak resistance, cleaning instructions, and color choices ultimately differentiated the travel mugs we loved from those we wouldn’t reach for daily. These nuances mean that the perfect travel mug with a handle is subjective and depends on individual needs. So, let’s dive in and help you discover the best travel mug with a handle for your lifestyle.
How We Tested These Travel Mugs with Handles
Our evaluation process for these travel mugs with handles focused on three key areas: design and drinking experience, cold retention, and leakproof performance.
Design and Drinking Experience:
We assessed how comfortable each travel mug was to hold and carry, particularly focusing on the handle design. We considered the aesthetic appeal, looking at color options and overall design. Crucially, we asked: Does this travel mug with a handle bring a bit of joy to everyday hydration? Does it make you want to drink more water?
Cold Retention:
To objectively measure cold retention, we filled each travel mug with an equal amount of ice and water. After a six-hour period, we checked and compared how well each model maintained the coldness of its contents. All performed admirably, but we noted any standouts.
Leakproof Capabilities:
One common complaint about some travel mugs, including certain Stanley models, is their tendency to leak. To rigorously test leakproofness, we filled each mug to the brim and tilted them at a 90-degree angle, and then inverted them completely. We carefully recorded the amount of water leakage from the straw and lid area to determine which travel mugs with handles were truly leak-resistant.
If Bright Colors Are Your Priority: Owala 40 oz. Tumbler
If you value vibrant color options in your drinkware, the Owala 40 oz. Tumbler is an excellent choice. Owala is already well-known for its FreeSip water bottles, which have gained significant popularity on TikTok for their innovative 2-in-1 lids and eye-catching colors. Their 40-oz handled tumbler continues this trend, offering a wide array of creative and fun color combinations.
Alt text: Vibrant Owala 40 oz travel mug with handle in a striking two-tone color scheme, showcasing its stylish design and ergonomic handle.
Like the FreeSip bottles, the Owala tumbler features a versatile lid with both a straw and a sip opening that conveniently slides closed. The handle is thoughtfully designed with an indentation, making it exceptionally comfortable to hold and carry, even when full. In our leak tests, the Owala tumbler showed minimal leakage when tilted and performed better than most competitors when completely inverted.
One minor drawback is that only the lid is dishwasher safe; the body of the travel mug requires hand washing. However, this is a small inconvenience considering the overall quality and design. Anecdotally, the Owala tumbler received the most compliments among all the travel mugs with handles we tested, proving its visual appeal.
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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Travel Mug with Handle for You
The market for travel mugs with handles has expanded significantly, offering numerous alternatives to the popular Stanley Quencher. While Stanley established the trend, brands like Owala are proving that innovation, design, and performance are thriving in this category. Whether you prioritize vibrant colors, leakproof design, or simply a comfortable handle, there’s a 40-oz travel mug with a handle out there to meet your needs.
While Stanley remains a solid choice, exploring options like the Owala 40 oz. Tumbler can uncover features and designs that might be even better suited to your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to look beyond the hype and discover your perfect hydration companion.
Remember to consider what features are most important to you – is it color variety, ease of cleaning, leak resistance, or handle comfort? By evaluating your priorities, you can confidently choose a travel mug with a handle that will keep you hydrated and happy, wherever your day takes you.
