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Can Tervis Cups/ Tumblers Go in the Microwave?
Can you microwave Tervis cups? This is a question we get asked all the time here at Tervis. And the answer will be in my blog post below. Some Tervis products are dishwasher and microwave safe, while others are not. So before you pop your favorite Tervis mug into the microwave, be sure to check the product label to see if it is safe to microwave. If it’s not, just wash it by hand with some dish soap and water. Easy as that!
If you’re like me, you have a few Tervis cups that you use for both hot and cold beverages. You may also have wondered if it’s safe to microwave them. In this post, I’ll answer that question and provide some tips on how to microwave Tervis cups safely.
What Is a Tervis Cup?
Tervis cup is a brand of insulated drinkware. They are dishwasher safe and made from a plastic known as polycarbonate resin, which has been double-walled to create a thermal insulation effect. This keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for longer periods than other cups. There are also straws available for the tumblers that have lids on them.
Tervis cups come in just about any size you can imagine. All sizes start with an “8 oz.,” but there are 16 oz., 24 oz., 30 oz., 50 oz., 70 oz., and even 100 oz. sizes available on some models! Some of their most popular styles include the 8oz. High Ball, 12oz Cold Cup, Tervis Tumbler, 30 oz. Vented Tumbler, and the 24 oz. Water Bottle.
Tervis Cups are very popular in the US with people who spend a lot of time outdoors or tend to get very thirsty while they are on the job. They are also used by college students for hydration during parties. The insulation properties make it possible to keep drinks cold for up to four hours which is long enough for an outdoor activity or tailgating event.
Since Tervis Cups are made with thermal insulation, you don’t need coasters because condensation won’t occur if you accidentally bump into it or set it down on something wet!
Another reason that Tervis Cups have become so popular is that they are sold in every state throughout the US. This has created a sense of pride in many Americans who feel that their “State” Tervis Cup is the best.
Tervis Cups can be bought at most retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Kohl’s, but the largest selection of products (and lowest prices) are typically found on their official website or through one of their online retailers.
The average cost for cups without custom logos is $11-$15; however, if you opt to have a customized logo added to your cup, expect to pay an additional fee upwards of $10 per cup!
Different Types of Tervis Products
Tervis is a company that specializes in creating drinkware. Their products are designed to withstand extreme conditions and temperatures, helping to keep beverages hot or cold for long periods. They offer many different types of products from cups to travel mugs, all with the same Tervis guarantee.
- Tervis tumbler
One of their most well-known products is the tumbler, which comes in a variety of sizes and styles, including ones made specifically for children. The larger sizes can even be customized by adding a photo or changing the background color on the front.
- Clear plastic tumblers
- Colorful plastic tumblers
- Stainless steel tumblers
- Tervis water bottle
For those who enjoy biking or going on other outdoor adventures, there is also a bike mug that can attach right to a bicycle. This product features a screw-on lid and adjustable side straps, which allow it to be securely attached to most bikes.
Customizable water bottle
- Tervis travel mug
Another popular item is the Tervis travel mug, which is perfect for work or school lunches. The convenient size and screw-on lid make this product easy to transport without spilling, helping to avoid unnecessary spills on clothes or in personal vehicles.
Tervis also offers matching lunch boxes with similar insulation qualities. There are even different types of handles available depending on preference.
Tervis products are well-known for being durable. They are designed so that they do not easily break when dropped or knocked over accidentally by children who may not know their strength. The double-walled insulation that is built into these products helps to maintain the fluid temperature while keeping the exterior at room temperature, preventing burning and frostbite.
The guarantee that Tervis offers with all of its products ensures that consumers will not be disappointed with their purchases. They offer a lifetime guarantee on breakage due to faulty workmanship or materials for the life of the product.
If anything happens to a Tervis product, whether it was purchased in 1974 or last year, they will repair it free of charge. Even if a part breaks off from wear and tear, they can easily replace it without charging extra money for a new item.
This brand also has a wide variety of other products aside from just cups, including clothes with the Tervis logo on them. Along with their insulated drinkware, they also offer bags to carry and organize items. These products are great for camping or trips to the beach, as they can serve multiple purposes and hold a lot of different types of objects.
There is truly something for everyone in the vast selection offered by Tervis. They have many different styles and colors available, so there is no need to settle for something that doesn’t meet personal preference standards when shopping for one of these products.
- Tervis stemless wine glass
In addition to its drinkware collection, Tervis also offers stemless wine glasses. These glasses are perfect for everyday use and have a shatter-resistant design. The insulated walls keep beverages cold without condensation or heat transfer from the outside. They even come in a variety of colors and styles, so it is easy to find something that matches any decor.
- Tervis stemmed wine glass
For those who prefer a more traditional look, there are also stemware options available in the form of stemmed wine glasses.
The double-wall construction keeps heated beverages hot while keeping hands comfortable when holding them due to the insulation between the two walls. The durable nature of these items makes them a long-lasting option that is great for a wide variety of settings.
Tervis has been producing its uniquely designed drinkware and other products since 1946. They use top-quality materials while maintaining a sense of fun style, which is the secret to their continued success in this market. Their ever-expanding collection allows anyone to find something they will enjoy using for years to come.
Can You Microwave Tervis Cups?
Yes. You can microwave Tevis cups but not all. Some Tervis tumblers and cups are designed to be microwavable while some others are not. The Tervis cups can be made of different materials from plastic to metal, it is the main factor to determine if it is safe to microwave Tervis or not.
The plastic tumblers will be safe to microwave even if they are clear or colorful types. Besides the plastic bottle and wine glasses are also safe for microwaving.
However, the metal Tervis cup is possible to microwave. Metal is an unsafe material for microwaves because it might cause sparks and some damage to your microwave, it also can harm your health.
Microwaving them will not have any negative effects on the cup or its contents. However, you should be careful to take certain precautions when microwaving liquids in a Tevis cup.
Microwaves are high-frequency electromagnetic waves that can cause molecular friction and heat depending on their intensity and wavelength. Because of this, using your microwave to heat your water could lead to exploding Tevis cups.
The solution is simple; make sure not to overheat the liquid in your cup! Instead, let it cool first (by waiting for several minutes or adding some ice cubes) before putting it into the microwave for heating purposes.
Can You Microwave Tervis Tumblers?
Yes, most Tervis Tumblers are dishwasher safe and can be microwaved for 30 seconds without lids. However, it should not be kept in the microwave for a long time or at the intense heat.
How Do You Know if a Tervis Cup is Microwave-Safe or Not?
Tervis is well known for its high-quality drinkware. And if you are planning to spend your money on Tervis then it’s good to know whether it’s microwavable or not, right?
Tervis has a website that clearly states that all Tervis products are microwave safe, even the lid (the flexible one). It won’t melt or break in the microwave oven. However, they do mention something about plastic lids at the bottom of this webpage. So I would advise everyone to read the bottom part carefully before using Tervis cups with plastic lids inside the microwave oven.
However, there can be a problem with other Tervis types. For example, Some people claim that insulated cups and glasses made by Tervis are not microwave-safe. These were bought before the change in the lid design and cannot be used in a microwave oven.
However, I suggest you read the product description carefully before microwaving these products. There is always a chance that it might contain something like “do not use it in the dishwasher or microwave”. Hence it is advised to avoid microwaving such drinks if you want to save money!
Besides, there is also one other way for checking if your Tervis can be microwaved or not, you just check the Terbis’s bottom and you might find the label that informs you the item is microwavable or not.
Tervis Product’s Labels?
By the beginning of 2008, you were able to purchase Tervis brand drinkware in just about any kind of store; whether it was a sporting goods store to buy yourself some camping equipment or you were looking for something to supply your local farmer’s market with. So what makes this company stand out?
Since 1989, Tervis has been manufacturing extraordinary drinkware that is designed to protect the original flavor and texture of its contents through its triple insulation process.
There are some certain labels on the Tervis bottom products that you should be aware of:
- Microwave safe: This Tervis product may be safely placed in the microwave.
- Dishwasher safe: This Tervis product is dishwasher safe.
- Do not place it in the freezer: Do not place this insulated tumbler in the freezer. You can chill your drink with ice, but do not freeze it inside the mug. The cold temperatures will compromise the integrity of its structure and could cause cracks or breakage when hot liquids are poured into it. Also, if you don’t want to use it anymore, you can put it in a dishwasher or oven for cleaning purposes (cited from http://www.tervis.com).
- Fits standard cup holders: Suitable for automobile use; this product should fit common-size cup holders.
- Do not use carbonated liquid: Do not overfill with carbonated liquid (such as seltzer or soda). The pressure of the gas may cause the product to leak, or it may cause it to crack. Also, do not pour in any hot liquid after using it with carbonated liquid; this will also cause cracks in the product.
- Do not microwave: Do not place it in the microwave to avoid the risk of fire and resulting injury. Although this product is dishwasher safe, it should be hand-washed only after removing all hot contents from inside.
- Reusable straws do not come with these Tervis products, so you have to buy them separately. But you don’t have to worry because there’s a big range of straw colors that you can choose from!
Safety Tips
1. Do not place Tervis on any area of the microwave that had food or grease splatters on it. This is to avoid potential chemical reactions and/or getting burned by melted spatter material.
2. If you do get a Tervis wet, immediately place it with paper towels inside of it until completely dry. This will minimize chemical reactions due to moisture and prevent damage to your microwave oven from excess water vapor building up in between its walls (i.e., “steam cleaning” the inside of your microwave).
3. Make sure the lid (if applicable) is properly secured before placing Tervis in the microwave oven for heating purposes, as just like any other food item, securing the lid will help prevent any potential “spillovers” from occurring.
4. Only heat Tervis in the microwave oven with the designated heating lid, if applicable. If a lid is not available for a particular size or style of Tervis, only heat it in 30-second increments and check its temperature after each heating interval to ensure that it does not get too hot for your food/beverage container.
5. Before placing Tervis (with liquid inside) in the microwave oven, make sure there are no metal materials inside of it (i.e., spoon). The microwaves can cause sparking and dangerous conditions when exposed to metal materials inside of them, which may result in serious injury or damage due to fire hazard concerns.
6. If Tervis (with liquid inside) starts to boil over, immediately stop heating the Tervis and remove it from the microwave oven. If this occurs on top of a stove or if it occurs in a car on your drive home from work, pull over and deal with the matter right away to prevent further injury/damage (i.e., if the spilled liquid dries and leaves scald marks upon removal, you’ll have to scrub off the material).
7. Be careful not to place anything metal near Tervis when microwaving them; doing so can cause sparking and hazardous conditions due to contact with microwaves, which may result in serious injury or fire hazard concerns.
8. After heating any food or beverage in the microwave oven, make sure to inspect both areas of its content for any potential damage before using it. If you notice any degradation of the Tervis’ condition after heating either liquid or solid food items in them, discard them into your trash receptacle immediately to avoid ingesting material that could be harmful to your health.
9. Only heat liquids in Tervis containers; never place anything containing solids (i.e., sugar chunks) in microwave ovens due to potential thermal build-ups and hazardous conditions upon removal from the microwave oven.
10. If you are not completely satisfied with how one of our products keeps your beverages/food warm/cold during transport, you can return it to us within 30 days for a full refund (minus shipment costs).
11. Tervis provides a 6-month limited warranty against any defects in material and workmanship; contact one of our service centers for replacement information.
12. The special design of the lid helps prevent messy spills, even when dropped (although you should still handle it with care). Do not use the bottom of your Tervis to hammer anything or step on it; doing so will likely cause permanent damage to its structural integrity and cause leakage problems upon its future usage.
13. To minimize messes from beverage sloshing during transport, make sure there is enough room between the top of the container’s contents and its lid when transporting them in a car or other moving vehicle. In addition, use two hands to hold it when transporting them, as one hand is usually not enough to properly support it during transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions On can you microwave tervis cups
- Can I use Tervis cups in the dishwasher?
Yes, some types can be used, some should avoid using the dishwasher because it may affect their durability and cause leakage problems upon future usage. Instead, they can be carefully hand-washed on top of your kitchen sink using one of our specially designed bottle brushes to reach all areas inside.
- Can I microwave my Tervis cups with food inside them?
Please don’t put your Tervis cups into microwaves or heat them with any type of appliance directly. Our tumblers are only meant for cold food/beverage consumption. However, you can place hot food/beverages into some of our tumblers if you want through a physical process first (i.e., let it first cooldown), so please follow these instructions instead.
- Can I put Tervis lids into the microwave?
Answer: Yes, our tumbler lids are safe to go into the microwave because they are not made out of metal like other tumblers’ lids. You can feel comfortable about heating liquids inside them without deteriorating their quality over time from direct exposure to microwaves alone.
- What type of material is used for your bottles?
Our bottles are made with FDA-approved BPA-free materials, meaning that you won’t have to worry about them being poorly constructed or harmful when storing water or any other beverage in them.
- What type of material is used for your tumblers?
Answer: Tervis uses plastic made from Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is known as PET. You mustn’t put these types of products into the microwave oven or use them to heat water beforehand (i.e., using it properly at its boiling point instead), as this may damage their internal structure and cause leakage problems upon future usage.
- Do I have to take my lid off before microwaving?
When microwaving our lids, please only place the lid on top of your bowl of food then into the microwave oven afterward. It’s not necessary to take the lid off because microwaves are not known to damage their quality over time, unlike what you see on TV shows.
- Do each of your tumblers have lids? If they do not, why is that?
All of our tumblers come with matching lids as they’re sold as an individual product as well as a pair together. Yes, it may seem like a waste of money for some people who think they don’t need it, but we know that having kids will come in handy when stacking them in the refrigerator or cupboard to save space.
Plus, removing and placing back on these lids repeatedly will not damage their internal structure over time.
Conclusion
Can you microwave Tervis cups? The answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when microwaving Tervis cups. We recommend following the guidelines provided by Tervis on their website to ensure your cup doesn’t suffer any damage in the microwave. Are you looking for other ways to clean your Tervis cup or mug? Check out the blog post on how to clean a Tervis cup for more tips.
Related: Top 12 The Best Microwave Canada Reviews in 2022
FAQs
Can a Tervis cup be put in the microwave? ›
A: Yes, the tumblers (without lid) are microwave safe.
Are Tervis cups heat safe? ›The original double-walled insulated classic line is perfect for keeping your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot. With thousands of design options available, our BPA-free plastic insulated tumblers, water bottles and mugs make hydration and personal expression easy.
Can you microwave tumbler cups? ›In general, the plastic tumblers are microwave-safe, whether clear or colorful. The plastic water bottles and wine glasses are also usually safe. However, the stainless steel items are not.
Can you microwave plastic insulated cups? ›Unlike metal mugs, plastic won't damage your microwave. Still, some plastics are known to release toxins into your drink when exposed to high heat.
Which cups can be used in microwave? ›Materials like plastic, glass or ceramics are usually safe to use in the microwave because they don't contain water and the electrons aren't free to move around.
How do you know if a cup is microwavable? ›- Products labeled “Microwave Safe” can be used in a microwave.
- Products labeled with an imprinted microwave symbol can be used in the microwave.
Tervis Tumblers don't break, they can be washed in the dishwasher, they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, they are guaranteed for life and, as I'm sure you can tell, they are very unique. They can even be personalized to your specifications!
Can I put boiling water in a Tervis cup? ›A: The Tervis tumbler is designed for both hot and cold beverages.
Why do Tervis cups get cloudy? ›You all know the Tervis haze…it's a weird, rough stain that fogs up the cup. My research tells me that it is a result of sunscreen, which causes a chemical reaction with the Tervis plastic.
Why are cups not microwave safe? ›Paper hot cups and soup cups are designed to hold hot drinks and food, but not to withstand the extreme heat of a microwave. At best, the glue at the seam can loosen and the cup will start to leak. At worst, the cups can even catch on fire! This is true for all paper cups, not just ours.
What happens if you microwave a plastic cup? ›
Basically, heat can cause the BPA and Phthalates in plastics to leach into your food. That means – yeah, sorry – you should avoid microwaving food and beverages in plastic. Instead, transfer them into microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers.
Is it safe to heat a cup of water in the microwave? ›Yes, water can be boiled in a microwave using a microwave-safe container. Use a wooden stick (like a chopstick or coffee stir stick) in your microwave safe container to prevent superheated water.
What kind of plastic Can you microwave? ›In general, paper products, aluminium, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), and polystyrene (PS) should never be used in the microwave. On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and molded fiber & bagasse are typically safe to be microwaved.
Can you microwave acrylic cups? ›PET and polycarbonate should not be used for microwaving as they tend to absorb heat. Acrylic and polystyrene are also not recommended. Caution should be taken when reheating food high in sugar or fat as they can cause damage to microwave-safe containers.
What containers are not suited for use in a microwave? ›Materials Unsafe in the Microwave
Recycled paper products, such as paper towels, napkins, and wax paper, can contain small amounts of metal. Metal, such as pans or utensils. Foam-insulated cups, bowls, plates, or trays. Stones, including massage stones.
- Glass and ceramic dishes.
- Paper plates, towels, and napkins.
- Wax and parchment paper.
Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire.
Are all glass cups microwave safe? ›Glass and glass ceramic cookware is microwave safe as long as it doesn't have gold or silver rims.
How do you heat up a cup in the microwave? ›You can usually get by with estimating the appropriate time but a half-full coffee mug usually requires only 45 seconds, give or take a few. If your coffee isn't at the temperature you prefer, continue to microwave it in 30 second intervals until it has reached your desired warmth. And voila!
How do you remove cloudiness from Tervis glasses? ›Put vinegar, water, and dish detergent in the sink and let them sit for an hour. Then I rinsed and dried them. My Tervis tumblers were like new!!!! Cleaning cloudy glasses before and after.
How long does ice last in a Tervis tumbler? ›
TERVIS TUMBLER We put the two cups to the test!! We put the same amount of water and ice in each cup along with the lids on. The Tervis held ice for 5 hours.
Are Tervis cups made in China? ›Tervis Tumbler - Hypocrites. Made in USA - Now selling Chinese made Drinkware | Glassdoor.
Can you put Tervis in dishwasher? ›The water bottle and lid are dishwasher safe, top rack only.
Can you put carbonated drinks in a Tervis Cup? ›A: Yes. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!
How do you make cloudy plastic clear again? ›Use a vinegar and water mixture.
For instance, if you have a large load of foggy plastic, you might fill your sink with one liter of vinegar and one liter of water. Place your foggy plastic items in the water, and let them soak for one hour. Scrub the plastic items with a damp rag until they become clear.
Double-wall insulation keep drinks hot or cold longer and reduces condensation. These tumblers are made of impact resistant BPA-free material and come with an easy-to-clean BPA-free travel lid. Tervis Tumblers are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe and are proudly made in America.
How do you get coffee stains out of a Tervis cup? ›The best way to remove the stains is to first rinse the cup with warm water. Then mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and using a non-abrasive sponge, gently scrub the stained area until the stain is gone. Afterwards, rinse the cup with warm water and then dry it with a soft cloth.
What happens if you microwave a cup that says do not microwave? ›Often the glaze will crack and the ceramics tend to heat up quite a bit more. Some clays and ceramics do have metal ions in the base material and this will absorb microwave energy.
What happens when you microwave a container that is not microwave safe? ›It does melt or otherwise change its appearance in the microwave. But it releases formaldehyde in the microwave, which makes it very toxic.
Is any plastic really microwave safe? ›In general, avoid plastics with the numbers 1, 3, 6 or 7 on them. Safer options will be labeled 2, 4 and 5. It's a bad idea to heat food in plastic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), microwaving food is generally safe.
Is it OK to microwave plastic once? ›
Never heat or store food in plastic containers that were not intended for food. Single-use containers, like margarine tubs, tend to warp or melt in the microwave. This may allow more of the substances in the plastic to leach into the food.
Does plastic release toxins when heated? ›Don't heat up plastic.
Heating up plastics can increase the rate through which chemicals leach out, so try to avoid putting them in the microwave or dishwasher. Even leaving plastic containers out in a hot car could increase the release of concerning chemicals, says Vandenberg.
Just place a cup of water in the microwave to heat up along with your leftovers. The water will absorb excess microwave radiation and keep your food from overcooking. Plus, it will release steam, which will also keep your food from drying out.
Is it unhealthy to microwave water? ›When you open the microwave door and grab the mug, the sudden movement and temperature change causes a sudden explosive boiling of superheated water, which can be as harmful as hot oil.
What happens if you microwave nothing? ›When the oven is empty none, or almost none of the microwaves are absorbed. A large amount of energy reflects around the oven chamber resulting in large standing waves that can damage the unit.
Can you microwave Ziploc bags? ›The answer is yes- Ziploc bags meet the relevant U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety requirements and are therefore safe for defrosting and reheating food in microwaves. So you can microwave Ziploc bags.
What is the best container for microwave? ›In summary, it's best to use glass or ceramicware labelled as "microwave safe" when cooking or reheating food. Where possible, take the food out of plastic and reheat it in the microwave in a glass or ceramic container.
What plastic shrinks in the microwave? ›Some plastics will shrink when you get them hot. Two of these are polystyrene, the material in foam cups and plastic food containers, and the other is polyester, from which soda bottles are made.
What happens when you heat acrylic plastic? ›Acrylic sheet becomes soft and pliable when heated-behaving almost like a sheet of flexible rubber. It may then be formed into almost any shape. As the sheet cools, it hardens and retains the formed shape, provided it has been held in place during the cooling process.
Is it safe to boil water in a plastic cup in the microwave? ›You should only boil water in the microwave in approved containers. Do not use plastic or glass unless it's rated safe for microwave use. It's also important to note that metal should never be put in the microwave. Steam vapor can also cause burns.
Does acrylic soften when heated? ›
A: While acrylic softens at higher temperatures, it does not actually melt until it reaches 320 °F (160 °C).
Can you put a metal tumbler in the microwave? ›While metal containers are not appropriate for the microwave, the oven will not catch fire or blow up, as some have claimed. If a smooth metal bowl is used, the only observation will be that the food doesn't warm up.
Can you microwave metal tumbler? ›They are not microwave-safe
Yeti cups are not microwave-safe because they are made from stainless steel. The metallic surface of the cup will reflect microwaves rather than absorb them, which can cause sparking.
Are Mason jars microwave safe? The consensus is that Mason jars are microwave safe; however, you must be watchful. Glass reacts to heat, so a Mason jar should not be in a microwave for more than five minutes or it will be at risk of shattering.
What happens if you put a metal cup in the microwave? ›Since conducting metal will tend to reflect and thus block microwaves (it nulls the E-field to zero), the first effect of an open-topped metal container is that the microwaves will only be able to enter the contained food from the top.
What metal Cannot go in microwave? ›Not all metal is safe in the microwave
Metal is not safe in the microwave if: There are multiple pieces of metal next to each other (like the tines of a fork) The metal has an extremely thin or sharp edge (aluminum foil, gold trim on tea cups or plates)
Despite being built for piping hot drinks, paper coffee cups can't withstand the heat of the microwave. The extreme temperatures can cause the glue to loosen and the cup to leak. If heated long enough, the cups can even light on fire, according to a popular manufacturer.
Can you microwave Styrofoam? ›Can you microwave Styrofoam? Containers made from Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam are not safe to use in a microwave, unless they have a microwave-safe label. They may leach chemicals into food, which could increase the risk of some types of cancer.
Are spaghetti jars microwave safe? ›Can you microwave glass pasta sauce jars? With the lid off, yes. Just put a paper towel over the top. It would heat up easier and more evenly if you put the sauce into a wide bowl instead , with paper towels covering it.
Which of the following containers should never be used in a microwave? ›Single-Use Plastic
Plastic bags and containers like yogurt tubs should never be microwaved because they may contain bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA.
Is it OK to put foil in microwave? ›
Metal and foil can be used safely and effectively with the convection cooking feature in a microwave convection oven. Aluminum foil can be safely used in a microwave but certain guidelines must be followed to prevent damage to the oven.