Growlers vs Tumblers: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a growler and a tumbler depends on how you plan to use your drinkware. Each has its own strengths. Tumblers are ideal for daily sipping, while growlers are built for volume and sharing. Understanding their key differences helps you choose the option that fits your lifestyle, event, or brand goals.

Growlers-vs-Tumblers

What Are the Key Differences Between Growlers and Tumblers?

Tumbler-vs-Growlers

How Do Size and Purpose Compare?

Tumblers are designed for everyday use like morning coffee, afternoon water, or any daily refreshment. Big Frig offers two sizes – 20 oz and 30 oz, and they keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Growlers, on the other hand, have a larger volume capacity. Commonly available in 32 oz and 64 oz, they are perfect for carrying larger quantities of beverages like craft beer, cold brew, water, or lemonade. If you want something for personal, everday use, choose a tumbler. If you want drinkware that will last longer, a 64 oz growler is the better fit.

How Do Design and Portability Differ?

Tumblers are slim, lightweight, and cupholder-friendly, great for commuters and travelers. Growlers wide mouths and heavier construction to handle larger volumes. While less portable, they excel in functionality for filling, pouring, and even cleaning. Both are designed for insulation and long-lasting performance, but each serves a distinct purpose.

Need help deciding on a growler or tumbler?

Which Works Best for Different Occasions?

Growler-benefits
Tumbler-benefits

When Are Tumblers the Best Choice?

For work, travel, and everyday errands, tumblers are the go-to option. They fit easily into car cupholders and desk spaces while maintaining beverage temperature for hours. Whether at the office, the gym, or on the road, a tumbler keeps hydration simple and convenient without taking up much space.

When Are Growlers the Better Fit?

Growlers shine when it comes to long trips, gatherings, events, or brewery visits. They are made for refills, making them a favorite among craft beer fans and home brewers. Their larger capacity makes them ideal for sharing drinks with friends, stocking a picnic cooler, taking on a hunting trip, or bringing beverages to outdoor parties. For breweries and taprooms, branded growlers also double as take-home merchandise that extend brand visibility.

How Do Customization Options Compare?

custom-tumblers

What Are the Engraving and Printing Differences?

Both growlers and tumblers can be customized through laser engraving or full-color UV printing. Tumblers offer clean, compact branding space perfect for company logos, slogans, or event names. Growlers provide a larger surface area, allowing breweries and brands to feature detailed designs, artwork, or multiple logos that make a bold statement.

How Does Each Option Impact Brand Visibility?

Tumblers work best for high-volume giveaways or employee gifts, where portability and daily use create consistent brand exposure. Growlers, by contrast, are ideal for breweries, festivals, or premium merchandise programs. Their size and permanence give them a collectible quality that keeps your branding visible long after the event ends.

FAQ - Growlers VS Tumblers

Which is better for hot drinks, growlers or tumblers?

Tumblers are the better choice for hot beverages. Their smaller size and design help retain heat efficiently while making them easier to drink from.

Can both growlers and tumblers be customized with logos?

Yes. Both can be laser engraved or printed in full color with your company, event, or brewery branding.

Are growlers harder to clean than tumblers?

Growlers have wider openings for easy filling and cleaning, but their larger size means they take a bit more time to wash. Tumblers are simpler to clean daily and often fit easily into standard dishwashers.

Which is more affordable for bulk orders?

Tumblers generally cost less per unit, making them ideal for giveaways or fundraisers. Growlers are higher in price but offer greater value for premium merchandise, brewery retail, or brand memorabilia.

Ready To Purchase a Growler or Tumbler?

Shop Big Frig drinkware now and compare the benefits and features of both the growler and tumbler today!