Your Comprehensive RTIC FAQ Guide

Premium RTIC tumblers can bring up many questions.

At Kreat, we’re here to give clear answers to help you make smart decisions for your business.

Below are the common questions.

What is the material construction of RTIC tumblers?

The construction is a multi-layer system designed for performance and durability.

The core material is 18/8 stainless steel, and it is used for its corrosion and rust resistance.

This steel forms 2 walls with a vacuum-sealed space between these walls.

Also, this vacuum is what blocks heat transfer to provide insulation.

On the inside, a ceramic coating is applied over the stainless steel.

This lining works as a barrier between the tumbler and your drink.

Externally, you usually find a powder-coated or soft-touch finish.

This finish provides color and a comfortable and non-slip grip.

In short, its construction is a high-grade steel structure with a vacuum core and a protective ceramic interior.

What are the advantages of using RTIC tumblers?

The main advantage is superior temperature retention since they can keep the drinks cold or hot for many hours.

This is an important selling point for your customers.

The ceramic-lined interior is another big benefit.

That is because they ensure beverages like coffee, water, or wine taste pure, without any metallic aftertaste.

Their durability is also an advantage.

RTIC tumblers are made from robust stainless steel.

Therefore, they are built to resist dents and daily wear-and-tear.

Features such as leak-proof lids, cup-holder-friendly bases, and sweat-free exteriors are also advantages that customers love.

What are the standard sizes and capacities available for RTIC tumblers?

The most common capacities are:

• 10 oz
• 20 oz
• 30 oz
• 64 oz

The 20 oz size is usually the most popular since it’s a standard coffee cup volume.

Also, it is universally cup-holder friendly.

The 30 oz and larger sizes are also great for all-day hydration.

Meanwhile, the 10 oz is perfect for smaller contents or espresso shots.

When you choose, consider your target audience’s main use.

Commuters may prefer 20 oz.

Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts may want the 30 oz or 64 oz sizes.

Where can you use the RTIC tumblers?

You can use RTIC tumblers for different businesses.

Your customers can use them for their morning coffee commute since the standard size fits perfectly in most car cup holders.

They are ideal for hiking, camping, a day at the beach, and other outdoor activities because of their long-lasting insulation.

In office applications, they also work as a replacement for disposable bottles or cups.

The leak-resistant designs also make them safe to throw in a gym bag or a backpack.

These tumblers are designed for an on-the-go lifestyle.

What is the usual temperature retention range for RTIC tumblers?

The performance can differ based on the lid type and starting temperature.

However, you can generally expect RTIC tumblers to keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours.

They can also keep them hot for around 6 to 12 hours.

It’s important to understand that “hot” usually means very warm, not boiling, after that duration.

What can you do to prolong their temperature retention time?

For the best results, we recommend pre-chilling the tumbler for cold drinks or pre-heating it with hot water for beverages such as coffee.

External ambient temperature and how often the lid is opened will also affect the retention time.

What stainless steel grade is usually used in RTIC tumblers?

The industry standard for high-quality tumblers is 18/8 grade stainless steel.

The numbers “18/8” mean that the 18% chromium gives a protective layer that makes stainless steel very resistant to staining and corrosion.

Also, the 8% nickel enhances the material’s shine and improves its corrosion resistance further, especially against acidic beverages.

This specific grade is also known as 304 stainless steel.

It guarantees a durable, safe, and long-lasting tumbler.

What is the purpose of a ceramic-lined interior of the RTIC tumblers?

The purpose is purely for taste preservation.

High-quality stainless steel is non-reactive on its own.

But, as time passes by, some people can identify a subtle metallic taste, especially with plain water or sensitive beverages such as tea or wine.

The ceramic lining makes an inert and glass-like barrier between your drink and the metal wall.

This guarantees that the original flavor of the beverage is completely unchanged.

So, RTIC tumblers guarantee that every sip tastes exactly as it should.

How does the ceramic lining interact with different types of drinks?

The ceramic lining is non-porous and inert.

This means that it doesn’t react with or absorb flavors from any type of drink.

Whether it’s acidic coffee, sugary soda, citrus-filled water, or dairy-based protein shakes, the lining prevents any interaction.

That is why it is also easy to clean and prevents flavors from transferring between different beverages.

You can serve black coffee in the morning and then switch to fruit-infused water in the afternoon without any residual taste.

This is a big advantage over unlined tumblers.

How durable is the ceramic coating against chipping, wear, or scratching?

The ceramic coating is baked onto the stainless steel at high temperatures.

This creates a very strong bond.

Due to that, it is highly resistant to daily wear and scratching from normal use and hand washing.

However, its main vulnerability is impact from hard and sharp metal objects.

We always advise customers to use the provided straws or avoid using metal utensils inside the tumbler.

That is because it can tap or scrape them forcefully against the interior.

This could potentially cause chipping.

With proper care, the coating will last for many years without issue.

Do RTIC tumblers comply with the FDA and LFGB standards?

Yes, the materials used in contact with food and beverages are compliant with strict international safety standards, including the U.S. FDA and Europe’s LFGB.

This means the stainless steel, ceramic lining, plastics, and silicones have been tested.

They are also certified to not leach harmful substances into your drinks.

For you as a business owner, this provides an important layer of liability protection and assures your customers that the product they are using is safe for everyday consumption.

Are the RTIC tumblers & their components BPA-free?

Absolutely. This is a standard for modern drinkware.

All components that come into contact with the user’s mouth or the liquid are manufactured using BPA-free materials.

These components include the straws, lids, seals, and any plastic accessories.

The brand uses advanced plastics such as Tritan for lids and food-grade silicones for gaskets and bases.

These materials are not only free from BPA but are also chosen due to their durability, clarity, and resistance to stains and odors.

What types of plastics or silicones are used for their lids and seals?

For lids, a high-performance co-polyester plastic is mainly used, most commonly Tritan.

This material is renowned for its durability, clarity, impact resistance, and being entirely BPA-free.

For the seals and gaskets that create the leak-proof closure, we use food-grade silicone.

Silicone is chosen because it remains flexible across a wide temperature range.

It also creates a reliable airtight seal.

Also, it doesn’t degrade or lose its elasticity as time goes by.

This ensures that the lid stays leak-resistant for the life of the product.

Can you customize the RTIC tumblers?

Yes, you can customize them extensively.

You have control over these several areas:

• the tumbler’s size and capacity
• the color and type of exterior finish (like glossy or matte)
• the lid style

The most common customization is your logo or artwork.

This can be applied using techniques such as laser engraving if you want a permanent and etched look.

You can also choose color printing for more complex and multi-colored designs.

What are the different types of surface finishes of RTIC tumblers?

The two main finishes you’ll find are powder coat and bare stainless steel.

The powder coat finish is commonly called a “soft-touch” or “painted” finish.

This finish is added by electrostatically applying a dry powder.

Then, it is cured with heat.

It creates a durable and colored layer that feels smooth.

Also, it is resistant to chipping and fading.

The other option is a bare and polished stainless steel finish.

This finish displays the natural metal look.

It is highly durable but can show fingerprints more easily.

Your choice depends on your needed aesthetic and brand feel, whether you want a wide color range with a soft grip or a classic and industrial metallic look.

What lid options are available?

You typically have 3 main lid options.

The first is the snap-fit lid, which simply presses on and off.

This lid is very convenient for easy and fast access.

The second is a threaded and leak-resistant lid with a sealing gasket.

This is your go-to if you want maximum spill prevention.

Usually, it also has a smaller sip opening.

The third is the versatile 3-in-1 lid.

This lid combines a straw opening, a sip lid, and a secure and leak-resistant closure all in one.

You should choose according to how your customers will use the tumbler, for quick gym hydration, secure travel, or multi-purpose daily use.

How should you clean the RTIC tumblers properly to maintain the ceramic lining and exterior finish?

For the ceramic lining, hand washing is always recommended.

Do not use steel wool and other abrasive scrubbers since these can create fine scratches over time.

For the exterior, especially if it has a colored powder coat, the same gentle approach applies.

Harsh abrasives can dull or scratch the finish.

Mix water and baking soda, and then use it as a paste for the residues.

Just treat the tumbler like any other high-quality kitchenware.

Gentle cleaning preserves its look and functionality for much longer.

Always make sure that the tumbler is thoroughly dried after washing.

Are RTIC tumblers dishwasher-safe?

The stainless steel body itself is generally dishwasher-safe.

However, we usually recommend hand washing for the best long-term results.

The dishwasher’s harsh detergents and extreme heat may ruin the exterior powder coat gradually.

They can cause it to fade or turn dull over many cycles.

More importantly, the lid, silicone seals, and other plastic components are much safer being hand-washed.

The plastic materials may be warped by the intense heat.

The seals’ quality may also be affected.

This may lead to possible leaks.

To make sure that every part of the tumbler lasts as long as possible, a quick hand wash is the most reliable method.

Are RTIC tumblers eco-friendly?

Yes. In fact, their primary eco-friendly benefit is that you can reuse them.

By replacing countless single-use and disposable plastic bottles, each tumbler reduces waste greatly.

These tumblers prioritize longevity over disposability.

However, note that they are manufactured from a mix of materials (steel, plastic, ceramic, silicone) that are complicated to separate and recycle at their end-of-life.

Therefore, their eco-friendliness is directly connected to their long-term and reusable nature.

Can you place the RTIC tumblers in the freezer or microwave?

No, you should not put them in those appliances.

Placing a vacuum-insulated tumbler in the microwave is dangerous because the metal exterior will cause sparks.

It can also ruin the appliance.

As for the freezer, it’s not recommended because the vacuum insulation slows temperature transfer.

If you put a liquid-filled tumbler in the freezer, the contents may expand and freeze.

This may compromise the vacuum seal or even cause the walls to dent or split due to the pressure.

The insulation works best when the contents are already at the desired temperature when you fill the tumbler.

Are the RTIC tumblers compatible with accessories from other brands?

Generally, no, RTIC tumblers aren’t universally compatible.

Some dimensions might be similar to other brands.

However, the threading for lids and the specific diameters for straws or lids are usually proprietary.

They are designed to fit their own product line precisely.

If you use a lid or accessory from another brand, it may fit poorly.

This can result in leakage or a seal failure.

Because of that, it’s always best to use the lids and accessories for that specific tumbler model, so you can have a perfect and leak-proof seal every time.

How long do RTIC tumblers usually last?

If you use them properly, they should last for many years.

Their 18/8 stainless steel body and the vacuum insulation are extremely durable.

They don’t degrade as time passes by.

The parts that may show wear first are the external finish (if it’s usually scratched), the lid components, and the silicone seals.

These parts can eventually need replacement after several years of use.

The ceramic lining is also very long-lasting if cared for properly.

RTIC tumblers are designed for long-term use.

Also, its service life is connected to how well it is maintained by the end-user.