Can You Microwave a Tervis? (It Depends on These Factors…)

Quick Answer: Some Tervis tumblers and mugs are microwavable, others are not. They could be made with plastic or metal, which are big factors that we’re going to explain. By the end of this article, you’ll have a good idea of whether you can microwave your Tervis, and how to do it safely.

Let’s get started…

What is a Tervis?

A drinkware product made by the Tervis Tumbler Company is commonly referred to as a Tervis. 

Tervishas been around since 1946.The popular company makes insulated tumblers, mugs and even wine glasses with a double wall design.If you have a clear one, you’ve probably noticed that it looks like a cup sitting inside a slightly bigger cup.

Most often, Tervis cups are made of plastic or stainless steel.They’re great for travel or for heavy-duty use at home without having to worry about fragility. 

Many Tervis tumblers and mugs are microwavable and dishwasher-safe, making them especially easy to use and care for.

Related Article: Can You Dry Clothes in the Microwave?

Different Types of Tervis Products

Tervis is known for its wide variety of designs, like sports-themed mugs and Disney tumblers.

Here are a few of the basics:

• Clear Plastic Tumblers
• Colorful Plastic Tumblers
• Stainless Steel Tumblers
• Customizable Water Bottles
• Stemmed and Stemless Wine Glasses

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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.

Most metal things are considered hazardous for the microwave as they can create sparks and damage the microwave, or worse, cause harm to you. 

This doesn’t mean that there are no products made with metal materials that are microwave-safe, but it definitely means that you need the go-ahead from the manufacturers first. They’re the only ones that will know if their products are microwavable or not.

Interested in getting the most out of your microwave? See our picks for the best microwave toaster oven combo.

How Do You Know If Tervis Drinkware Is Microwave Safe or Not?

So you know that a plastic Tervis is probably microwavable while a stainless steel one isn’t.The big question is: How do you know for sure if you can nuke your Tervis mug of coffee?

The only way to know is to check either on the company website or on the product itself.If you go to the website, you can visit the product page and scan the description for something about microwaves.

You should see it say that the product is either microwave-safe or not suitable for the microwave in the product details.

The other way to know is to look on the bottom of the Tervis.In fact, it’s probably best practice to do this either way.You’re looking for a label that says that the item is microwavable (or not microwavable).

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Labels on Tervis Products to Be Aware Of

According to the Use and Care instructions on the company’s website, there are specific labels on the bottom of Tervis products that will tell you not only if you can microwave them, but how you should go about it safely.

Here is what you should see:

• Microwave Safe – A label that says “microwave safe,” or at least a plastic item that has no warning against microwaving, means that you can put the Tervis in the microwavewithoutits lidfor up to 30 seconds. 
• Microwave When Full– This means that your Tervis is only microwave-safe when it’s full of liquid up to within one inch from the top.Don’t microwave it if the liquid level is below this one-inch mark.
• Do Not Microwave– A “Do Not Microwave” warning means just that—you can’t microwave the item, probably because it contains metal components.

If you heed these labels on your Tervis, you’ll be in the clear.Just be sure to follow the instructions.

Bonus Safety Tips

• Never microwave a Tervis with the lid on.
• If you’re thinking about microwaving any plastic tumbler or portable cup, check for a label on the bottom to make sure that it’s OK first. 
• Just because a tumbler looks plastic doesn’t mean there aren’t metal parts inside.Check with the manufacturer to make sure.

If you’re looking for a small but reliable microwave for small kitchens, check out this guide for the Best Microwave for College Dorm Room.

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!