I used to love the ritual of getting my daily dose of caffeine from the coffee shop, but when the pandemic hit, I decided to bring the entire operation in-house. Espresso machine, milk frother, coffee bean grinder, French press. However, it wasn't until I got a YETI coffee mug that my setup really hit its peak. It’s not an exaggeration when I say it revolutionized my coffee drinking experience. So, what makes the YETI Rambler coffee mug so worth the money? This is my in-depth, unfiltered review - yes, it covers a range of different sizes and styles of mugs from the Rambler range, because my YETI obsession (and ever-growing collection) knows no bounds.
- YETI Rambler Stackable Mug (10 oz), $25, Amazon
Are YETI coffee mugs worth it?
The answer to that question is yes, and it should be noted that I'm not usually one to spend big bucks just for a name or label. The YETI Rambler 10-ounce mug was my first foray into the world of double-walled vacuum insulation, and it immediately proved me wrong about the way I'd been drinking my coffee. With YETI, my coffee stays hot for hours without reheating at all. I've put this insulation to the test: In Wisconsin winter temperatures, I left a full cup in the car for over an hour and came back to enjoy a still-warm sip. (That said, if you're looking for the absolute most insulating mug on the planet, I'd probably recommend the Zojirushi - my partner owns it and swears by it - but in my opinion it keeps liquids almost too hot for me Burned my mouth)
Yeti Rambler 10 oz mug
Why is YETI so popular?
This YETI Rambler mug feels sturdy in the hand and has a nice handle. (Regardless of the latest mug designs, I still long for a handle with which to slowly sip and generally think while I work.) I also appreciate the MagSlider lid, which allows me to easily carry it while on the move , without splashing or spilling. . But please note that the cup size is not compatible with the cup holder. I considered buying a nifty cup holder extender specifically designed for the Rambler, but I ultimately decided to just buy the Yeti Rambler 20-ounce travel mug (more on that later).
When it comes to cleanup, there's nothing fussy about it. The fact that I just put it in the dishwasher is why I prefer this mug over other brands that may have an aesthetic advantage. (I love the look and feel of my Fellow Carter Everywhere mug, but honestly, it tends to sit in my sink unwashed because I'm too lazy to follow hand-washing instructions.) In contrast, the YETI has held up so far, The dishwasher has been given hundreds of spins and is running great. The rubber gasket around the lid (designed to hold the lid securely in place) is very sturdy, and the nice powdercoat around the cup is virtually chip-free.
I would say the only downside to the YETI is its leak resistance. While its sturdy stainless steel construction makes it less likely to tip over, some leaks can occur if you accidentally drop or bump it. I have a small coffee stain on my living room carpet to prove it. (If you need full coverage and don't mind a little hand washing, I'd recommend the aforementioned Fellow Carter mug because of its twist-lock lid.)
If you like the sound of the YETI 10-ounce mug but need a larger capacity, the Rambler is waiting for you. The large 14 oz coffee is perfect for when you need a boost of caffeine.
YETI Rambler 14 oz mug
I keep this lumberjack size in my arsenal for when I want an extra-frothy latte because it can hold frothy milk without spilling. The downside to this behemoth of a cup? It's heavy, makes it a bit cumbersome to drink out, and, definitely doesn't fit in the cup holder.
Of course, no YETI review would be complete without talking about the brand's most popular mug: the YETI Rambler 20-ounce glass. Many people have found this to be their go-to mug—just look at the near-perfect Amazon star rating it has received after more than 25,000 reviews.
- YETI Rambler Tumbler (20 oz), $30, Amazon
Personally, since the Rambler Tumbler doesn’t have a handle, I tend to use it exclusively for drinking coffee on the go. It fits easily into my cup holder and the MagSlider lid keeps coffee in place over speed bumps or bumpy roads. It has all the same features I love in a 10-ounce stackable mug (dishwasher safe, durable coating, excellent heat retention) but in a car-friendly package. To quote my partner, who stole this mug from me for his own trip, this mug is a "necessity" for long drives.
Yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
By this point, my family's allegiance to YETI may have been crystal clear, but as another example of how YETI can turn doubters into loyalists, let me introduce: my father. This guy is the opposite of a coffee snob and drinks ground coffee regularly without complaint. I gave him a YETI 10 oz mug for Christmas and now he takes it with him everywhere. When I asked him what he liked, he said, "It's simple. It keeps your coffee hot. It's like a thermos, but in a cup." It's the best gift I've ever given him. Consolidate your status as a favorite? perhaps.
