We’ve written a ton about stainless steel water bottles; but as the school year approached I began to consider how I was going to transport tea to school. We had previously gotten rid of all of our BPA-infused travel mugs. So, I explored my options.

Contigo was kind enough to send a few of their travel mugs for review. Here are my thoughts.

The Best Stainless Steel Travel Mug?

I would venture to say that the Contigo mug is the best stainless steel travel mug there is. It has honestly revolutionized my life.

Why?

It’s leak proof.

Totally 100% leakproof.

So leakproof that I put it in my laptop bag (next to my laptop) filled with hot tea. I’m not much of a risk-taker, and honestly it took me awhile to trust my Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug enough to be able trust it, but it really can be tossed in a bag and it won’t leak. I do usually turn it up and down just to be sure it’s sealed.

Spill Proof Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Not only does the mug not leak when I travel with it, it also is spill proof when I knock it over.

BPA Free

Besides the BPA-free stainless steel travel mug, Contigo also sells BPA-free plastic. I use this to heat up water in the microwave at school to make my tea. (Probably not the best idea to put plastic in the microwave, but it works.)

Insulated

Did I mention it’s double walled and vacuum sealed? During October, when we had unseasonable cold weather and snow, I filled my Contigo travel mug with tea heading off to school. Two hours later (after waiting for the bus outside for a good while) the tea was still warm. It wasn’t piping hot, but warm enough to comfortably drink.

Kids Sippy Cups

Contigo also makes their autoseal cups for kids!

Downsides to the Stainless Steel Travel Mug

My only negative thought about this mug is that it does retain smell/taste. If you don’t wash it out right away it can really smell; we had to use a vinegar soak in it one after leaving coffee in it for a few days.

Also, since Kimbelry drinks coffee and I drink tea, we’ve found that even with a good washing it still maintains the smell taste just slightly. So, I would recommend that if you drink mulitple hot beverages you get two — use one only for coffee and the other only for tea. Alternatively, you could remember to wash it out everynight and not leave it in the car for a week…

Would I Recommend It?

I would highly recommend Contigo’s Stainless Steel Travel Mug as a gift this season for any traveler, student, or commuter. It really will change your life.

Here’s what Contigo’s website says about their mugs:

AUTOSEAL® Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Vacuum Insulated)

Never spill another drop! 100% spill- and leak-proof travel mug uses exclusive AUTOSEAL® technology to prevent accidental spills. Press the AUTOSEAL® button to sip, and release the button to automatically seal. This self-sealing lid technology is combined with a double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel mug, providing exceptional temperature retention. Beverages stay hot for 4 hours or cold for 12 hours.

Benefits:

• Patented AUTOSEAL® lid is 100% leak-proof and 100% spill-proof.
• Drinking made easy! Press to sip. Release to seal. The AUTOSEAL® Stainless Steel Mug automatically seals between sips to ensure no spills.
• Vacuum-insulated technology keeps beverages hot for 4 hours, and cold for 12 hours.
• Contoured body makes this travel mug easy to hold and easy on the eyes.
• The AUTOSEAL® Stainless Steel Mug will hold up to 16 oz. of your favorite beverage and fits most standard car cupholders.
• Constructed with a double wall and stainless steel inside and out for maximum travel mug performance.
• BPA free.

Specs

Volume: 16 oz.

Weight: 0.8 lbs.

Dimensions: 3.6”L x 7.9”H x 3.3”W

With go-anywhere style and convenience, this thermal mug features AUTOSEAL® technology for 100% spill- and leak-proof performance. Double wall construction helps retain beverage temperature and prevents external condensation.

You can buy your Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug on Amazon.com.