Insulated cups tested for heat and cold retention by Consumer Reports

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Insulated cups can lose heat or cold faster than their labels claim. Consumer Reports tested eight models on retention to find the top performers

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Insulated cups keep coffee hot and water cold through long commutes, workdays and travel. A cup that loses its temperature too quickly turns a hot drink lukewarm or a cold drink flat before lunch. Consumer Reports tested eight insulated cups for heat retention, cold retention and ease of use, so shoppers can find one that actually performs as promised.

Priced at $28, the Zojirushi 16 oz uses a spring-loaded, lockable lid that opens with the push of a button. Consumer Reports rated it highly across every metric it tested, including heat retention, cold retention and everyday ease of use. CR found the cup kept drinks hot for more than 13 hours during testing. Testers also praised the slender design for fitting easily into most car cup holders, along with a lockable lid that added peace of mind around young children.