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Dometic Tumbler

Dometic hasn’t created the best travel mug ever, but it may have created one of the most versatile mug systems I’ve seen. Interchangeable accessories like a snap-locking sip spout, a chuggable water spout, a closable straw lid, and a splash-guarded open sip lid can screw into the mug itself—or you can add a “collar” including one with a wrist strap or another with a silicone lined handle. It’s essentially just adding another layer to the lid. And yet, even with all of those collars and lids stacked up, it still passed the leak tests and held a passable coffee temperature for five hours too. It comes in a more coffee-appropriate 350 ml or 500 ml and a water bottle (or iced coffee) sized 650 ml, and yes, all the parts are interchangeable—except the straw, which only works on the larger size. I wish the hot liquid lid had a more secure lock, considering Dometic is targeted at more rough-and-tumble travelers (some travel cups have screw-on lids), but it still managed not to leak, even when held upside down.

Yeti Rambler with Magslider Lid

People love their stainless-steel Yeti mugs, and there’s a good reason for that: They’re a well-built, affordable option that comes in a bunch of fun colors and swappable list styles. We think the Magslider lid by Yeti is a great option if you are mostly keeping your drink in a cupholder or on your desk, as its lid slides open and snaps shut easily; however, it is by no means leakproof, which is why it doesn’t take the top spot when compared to the Owala. The entire thing is dishwasher-safe, so we’d also consider it a strong runner-up to the Brümate too.

Yeti Rambler Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid

If water or cold beverages are your primary concern, then we also like this handled mug version of the Rambler for the same reasons we like the Magslider Rambler, with the added benefit that the Stronghold lid is slightly more leak-resistant (but not as leakproof as the Owala or Brümate). The high-set handle and tapered bottom keep this large mug cupholder-friendly too. But you’re stuck with only 20- and 30-ounce options, so it’s probably not going to be the top pick for pour-over and espresso machine users.

RTIC Road Trip Travel Mug

Of the two RTIC products we tested in the latest update, this slim, handled mug quickly became my favorite. Its high-set handle and narrow base fit perfectly in cupholders and backpacks without hogging space. Like the RTIC Essential Tumbler, it has a clear leakproof lid, ceramic interior, dishwasher-safe design, and excellent heat retention. The 20-ounce size (also available in 16 ounces) works equally well for hot or cold drinks. The only drawback is the recessed drinking spout, which takes some getting used to. Still, between its thoughtful design and the option to customize in 19 colors, it’s a solid and stylish everyday mug.

Zojirushi GoCafe Insulated Mug

The GoCafe is Zojirushi’s updated take on its beloved bottle-style tumbler, introduced as a new product line rather than a replacement. It kept our coffee hot all day in testing and now comes in cool ombré colors with a more sustainable build. The leakproof, locking lid is now constructed with fewer pieces and less plastic than the original tumbler. This simpler design and larger opening make cleaning the interior a breeze. Instead of nonstick, the interior uses a polished Slicksteel finish that resists buildup. The only drawbacks: its wider base won’t fit every cupholder, and the smallest size is 16 ounces versus the OG Zojirushi’s 12-ounce option. We think 16 ounces is actually a great mid-range coffee mug size, but you may only want one cup of coffee, so the fact that you can still get the OG Zojirushi in a 12-ounce option tipped the scales.

Zojirushi Travel Mug

Take everything we love about the Zojirushi and turn it into a travel tumbler, and you get this cup that feels a little more like it’s meant for drinking coffee rather than containing it like a thermos. The good thing about Zojirushi’s substantial flip tops is that they are super effective at sealing shut. The bad is that they’re substantial, which means they kind of get in the way of drinking. For example, we took this mug on a test drive and were a little leery about how much it blocked our view while taking a sip. Personally, we just preferred the less obtrusive Owala or Brümate, or even the RTICs, as more streamlined options. But like its more carafe-y counterparts, the Zojirushi Tumbler held on to heat incredibly well—though, by the numbers, not as well as the brand’s bottles.

Yeti Rambler Mug

When it comes to capacity, Yeti’s Rambler Mug collection does offer the more coffee-friendly array of options, with 10-, 14-, and 24-ounce sizes. The downside is that none are cupholder compatible, and all come with the Magslider lid, which isn’t ideal, especially when the leaking liquid is extremely hot coffee. The handle wasn’t the most ergonomic either, but if you’re camping, hanging out at the beach, or using one of these on your desk, they’re great at being mugs without looking like giant water jugs.

Yeti Rambler with Hotshot Cap

Yeti’s Hotshot Cap essentially turns its water bottles into hot beverage-ready travel mugs. The lid can be twisted to an open or closed position and then you can drink from any part of the rim. When sealed tight, this makes it the most leakproof of the Yeti mugs we tested. But similar to the Miir 360, it leaves too much room for human error when relying on that seal to keep the contents of a backpack protected from drops and spills. Yeti bottles are also not designed as universally cupholder compatible, but with this one, you may get lucky.

Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle

This bottle-style tumbler may come closest to Zojirushi, with its excellent heat insulation and leakproof, flip-up lid that snaps securely in place. However, the lid is difficult to open without using two hands, and it can also get in the way of your nose when sipping. Cleaning is a little trickier; it took us a while to figure out that the locking mechanism pops out, not as separate pieces, but enough to get a thorough cleaning inside your dishwasher. (Unlike the Zojirushi, it’s dishwasher-safe, so while not as completely immune to leaks and drips, it’s a trade-off worth considering.)

Brümate Müv

Take everything we liked about the Brümate Nav, add a handle, and you get the Müv. It shares the same features but also comes in a smaller 15-ounce size, which we found more convenient for a single cup of coffee, though it didn’t hold heat quite as well as the larger versions. The handle makes the smaller size less cupholder-friendly, but the taller Müv models should fit just fine. One detail we grew to appreciate is the lid: Instead of a screw-on system, it clicks into eight notches around the rim, letting you rotate the sipping spout to your preferred angle. It’s handy for both right- and left-handed users, or anyone who doesn’t sip straight on. Like the Nav, most (but not all) colors are dishwasher-safe, so just double-check the listing if that matters to you.

Klean Kanteen Rise

Compact and attractive, the Rise is a solid tumbler with decent heat retention—satisfactory for five hours, less so after 10. And that’s fine enough, because this mug isn’t necessarily for the long-haul drinking experience. The splash-proof lid isn’t leakproof, and the protruding latch could get knocked open in a bag, but it’s fine for desktop or home use. However, if you prefer a more open-mouthed sip (as weird as it feels to type that out), then you’ll appreciate that the Rise’s lid flips up to reveal a semicircular opening. The curve where your lip meets the lid has a smooth, rounded contour and doesn’t allow for too much dribbling, something we tend to experience with fully open-top containers and bottles. The iced coffee experience was particularly nice, as I was able to occasionally crunch on an ice cube, something you can’t get from a lid with a teeny-weeny opening. The Rise collection also includes a 26-ounce tumbler, plus a lowball and a handled mug. With few moving parts, easy cleaning (it’s dishwasher-safe), and cool color options, put this one in the “solid desk mug” category.

Simple Modern Voyager Tumbler and Voyager Signature Tumbler

If you do a general google or Amazon search for travel coffee cups, you’ll probably see Simple Modern pop up in your results, which is why we were compelled to test them. Available in dozens of colors and three sizes (12, 16, and 20 ounces), the brand offers two lid types: a clear flip lid with a straw or a 360º pop-up lid. Both are leakproof, cupholder-friendly, and comfortable to hold. The flip lid works well, but it can unlatch if caught, and its vent nub poked our nose while drinking. The 360º lid clearly signals when it’s open but feels abrupt on the lip and, like most push-down lids, isn’t bag-safe. Heat retention was mid-range—good for the first five hours, less so over the long haul. Still, they’re affordable, customizable, and practical picks.

Travel coffee mugs we don’t recommend

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I like to believe that I am a sustainability-minded person in many areas of my life. However, this has not always been the case with my kitchen habits. I keep boxes of plastic bags and cling film in my kitchen drawer at all times. I have always been a proponent of efficiency and utility in the kitchen. I want food storage and cleanup to become a no-brainer so that I can focus on the cooking process. After seeing so many products available on the market that are geared towards replacing single-use plastics, I decided to test out some of the most popular eco friendly kitchen swaps. After over a month of testing, here are the products that have become part of my everyday routine–and the ones I quickly abandoned.AnydayAnydeli Mixed Set 6-Pack$22 AnydayOne of my first assignments when I started this job was a story for our sister site, Epicurious, about whether you should be reusing plastic take-out containers. These containers are made of silicone and retain the same features as classic delis, such as their stackability, one size fits all lid, and lightweight feeling. They’re available in all of the standard deli sizes (8-, 16-, and 32-ounce), each of which are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe and have stainless-steel-reinforced rims to help mitigate warping, sealable vents for steam release, and cup and milliliter markings on the sides for easy measuring.I’ve been on a Sunday meal prep kick lately, and these containers have proved ideal for storing a week’s worth of food in the fridge. I’ve transported containers of saucy curry and berry-laden yoghurt to the office without a leak (a real feat!). I love the fact that I don’t have to transfer my food to another bowl to microwave it. Dare I say that I have officially retired my take-out plastic containers? I never imagined the day would ever come.

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Healthy cooking does not have to be complicated. In fact, what’s the truth? The simpler the recipe, the better. Rebecca Firkser, Test Kitchen’s editor, shares recipes that are nourishing and delicious, with 10 ingredients or less. It’s not for me to judge! We could all benefit from eating more fibre–in reality, only 5% of us do–especially if you eat a lot of proteins. Here’s why: fiber is a plant-derived carbohydrates that cannot be digested. This may sound bad, but it is extremely beneficial for gut health. If you eat a diet that is high in protein and low in fiber – which is the norm for Americans, and it’s not your fault – your digestion can slow down. Fiber, when combined with protein, helps keep things moving. It also aids in protein absorption. How can we achieve this without adding yet another powder to our diet? Many everyday ingredients are high in fiber. Think of whole grains, seeds and vegetables (especially those with the skin on), beans, and fruit. You could pile a grain dish with chickpeas, broccoli, and beans and call it good. Sure. Enter this new Good for You salad, a high fiber–and yes–protein–rich salad that doesn’t seem like a chore. The recipe uses barley, lentils and fennel as fiber-rich ingredients. Sunflower seeds and fennel are also included. The tiny grains and chewy grains provide a solid base that absorbs all the flavors from the warm harissa-spiked salad without going limp. Barley is usually sold in both “hulled” or “pearled”. The former is what I prefer. Hulled barley, which has only the husk removed from it, offers almost twice as much fiber as its branless and germless counterpart. There’s also a double-time cooking requirement, but you can find a simple solution. You can reduce cooking time without losing any fiber by soaking hulled barley over night. The earthy grains are cooked with the nutty lentils. Toss the warm lentils with a caramelized Harissa dressing. Then, top the salad with a layer of seasoned Greek yogurt and a crunchy layer of sliced fennel. Sprinkle over toasty sunflower seeds, and all that’s left to do is grab a big spoon.Need-More-Fiber Lentil SaladBecause most of us do!View Recipe

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Welcome to BA Bake Club. We are a community of curious baking enthusiasts. Jesse Szewczyk, Test Kitchen senior editor, and Shilpa Usokovic, Test Kitchen senior editor, share a must make recipe each month and explain why it works. Come bake with us, ask questions, share photos, listen to our podcast and more. This one-bowl olive oil chocolate cake proves that oil can be better than butter in baking. It produces a rich, moist crumb and keeps the cake moist for several days. It also adds floral complexity and grassy, peppery flavors that complement both cocoa and melted dark chocolate. For the best flavor, use extra-virgin oil when baking. It doesn’t have to be expensive. The batter is mixed with a whisk – no mixer or creaming required. A generous swoosh (with olive oil) of ganache frosting gives the cake a glossy, soft texture. This cake is topped with flaky salt and can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert for a dinner party, or even made ahead to enjoy throughout the week. Can I use regular cocoa instead? This recipe was designed using Dutch-process cocoa, which has less acidity than natural cacao. If you swap one for the other, the baking soda will react differently and result in a denser cake. The Bon Appetit Test Kitchen’s preferred Dutch-process cocoa powder is Guittard Cocoa Rouge.GuittardGuittard Rouge Unsweetened Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder$19 $18 (5% off) AmazonThis is a lot of frosting; do I have to use it all?The recipe makes a generous amount of ganache for creating dramatic swoops, but a thin layer is also fine. The extra frosting can be frozen for up to three months (thaw over night and whisk again to emulsify). My frosting did not set or looked oily or separate–did I make a mistake? Once combined, the frosting will become a glossy, cohesive frosting. If your frosting isn’t ready after 20 minutes, continue to chill and stir. It may take a little longer for the frosting to reach a soft, spreadable, fudge like consistency if your kitchen is warm. This cake and frosting keeps extremely well and the flavor intensifies over time. For best results, bake it a day ahead and store it under a dome at room temperature.

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Cantaloupes are one of the most delicious fruits to enjoy in summer. It’s sweet and juicy, and can be eaten on its own with a little salt. It’s important to know how to tell when a cantaloupe has reached ripeness before you cut into it. Unlike berries and stone fruit, the melon does not advertise its ripeness. Most people will grab one, squeeze it, and hope for best. They then make a bland Cantaloupe Salad with Bacon-Cashew Crunch. But it doesn’t have to be. You can choose a good-quality cantaloupe at any grocery store, no matter how small. Just focus on four factors: the color, texture, smell, and sound. Consider the color and stem. A cantaloupe with raised webbing may be misleading. Look at the skin underneath. You want warm golden or beige shades, such as tan, sand, or pale yellow. If the melon still has a green tint, it’s not ripe. A deeper golden color usually indicates a riper, more flavorful melon. Now, look at the stem (the side that looks like the belly button). A ripe cantaloupe will have a smooth, sunken scar. This is a sign that it was easily removed from the vine. If the stem is still attached, or the scar appears jagged and raised then the fruit may have been picked too early. It might not be as sweet. Pick it up. A ripe cantaloupe that is sweet and heavy should feel heavy compared to its size. This is a sign that it’s packed with juice. The rind should feel firm but not as hard like a watermelon. When you gently press on the stem and blossom end (the side opposite the stem), there should a slight give. If it is completely firm, then it probably needs more time. If you notice any soft spots or mushiness, it is probably past its prime.3. If you only perform one test at the market make it this. Bring the blossom end to your nose. A ripe, musk-like cantaloupe will smell sweet. A lack of scent is usually a sign that it’s not ripe. A strong or slightly fermented odor is a sign that it’s overripe. Tap and listenThis test is not the most accurate, but it will confirm what you see and smell. Give the cantaloupe an easy thump. Listen for a dull, low sound. Checklist for picking a ripe CantaloupeColor : Beige or gold under the netting, with a smooth, sunken scar on the stem. Feel : Heavy, with a slight give at each end. Smell : Sweet, musky scent at the blossom ends. Sound : Low, dull sound (not hollow). Cantaloupes, unlike bananas and peaches do not continue to become sweeter after picking. Cantaloupes are at their best in the summer, usually from late spring to early fall in the US (roughly May through September). Melons will ripen more on the vine during this period, resulting in a sweeter and more robust taste. (You should still use the above checks because ripeness varies from melon-to-melon). Cantaloupe may still be available out of season, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Once it’s been sliced, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. You can let your melon sit at room temperature to soften its texture, but it won’t sweeten it. What if you cut an unripe melon? All is not lost. Underripe cantaloupe is useful, especially if it’s paired with sweetness or acids. Blend it with honey or agave to make a refreshing agua fressa, add it to smoothies along with riper fruits, or pickle for a bright and unexpected addition to salads, cheese boards, or other dishes. You can also cook it down to make a simple jam with a mellower taste than a sweet one, or get inspired by Thai green papaya (a traditional way to use underripe fruit).