Last Updated on March 30, 2023 by Dawn Head
Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug – 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…we are now BPA-Free! So, I explored my options and settled on a Contigo Travel Mug. Contigo was kind enough to send a few of their Contigo travel mugs for review. Here are my thoughts.
The Best Stainless Steel Travel Mug?
I would venture to say that the Contigo travel mug is the best stainless steel travel mug there is. It has honestly revolutionized my life.
Why? It’s leak proof. Totally, 100% leak proof. So leak proof 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 upside 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.
Stainless steel travel mug, Contigo 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. I love using my Contigo for tea, but if you’re looking for a tea-specific travel mug, you might want to check out Teas Etc.’s travel mug set.
For more tea travel mugs (tea-specific travel mug ideas). 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 or 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 Kimberly 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 multiple hot beverages you get two.
Use one only for coffee and the other only for tea. Alternatively, you could remember to wash it out every night and not leave it in the car for a week.
Would I Recommend It?
I would highly recommend Contigo’s Stainless Steel Mug for any traveler, student, or commuter. It really will change your life. Making drinks at home and having a safe way to tote them with you makes all the difference on stressful, busy mornings. You won’t need to stop to buy coffee or tea.
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 of the AutoSeal
- 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 cup holders.
- Constructed with a double wall and stainless steel inside and out for maximum travel mug performance.
- BPA free.
AutoSeal 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.
Other Stainless Steel Travel Mugs
If you’re not interested in a Contigo, we’ve heard good things about this Stainless Steel Travel mug: Thermos Nissan Tea Tumbler with Infuser has free same day shipping.
Also, check out Yeti Tumblers review and the review of the Walmart’s Ozark Trail Tumbler.
No matter what you use it for, the Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug is a truly fantastic product. It’s BPA-free, safe, and convenient. I highly recommend it for coffee, tea, or anything else you like to drink warm.