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Testing and Evaluations
Non-Scientific Testing
We take pride in the products and services we provide to our valuable customers. To help you make informed buying decisions, we often perform our non-scientific evaluations of the products and services we provide. These evaluations are not intended to discredit any claims made by others about specific products or services.
Testing and Product Evaluations
Understandably, our customers do not have the time to conduct their own testing and product evaluations. Most of us rely on companies to be honest, reliable, and transparent in providing accurate information about the performance of their products and services.
While we respect and consider the information provided by the manufacturers whose products we use, our reputation is ultimately on the line—and that is too important to place solely in the hands of others.
For this reason, we conduct our own product testing on the items we sell. Our evaluations are not scientific in nature, nor are they intended to discourage anyone from purchasing a particular product or service. Sharing our results is simply our way of helping customers make informed decisions—much like a friend helping a friend.
It is also important to note that our testing goes well beyond standard manufacturer recommendations. For example, nearly all manufacturers advise against using a dishwasher to clean double-wall stainless steel tumblers, particularly decorated tumblers. Manufacturers of adhesive products typically recommend hand washing items with applied decals or stickers. Likewise, garment manufacturers generally advise washing apparel inside out, using non-liquid detergent, and cold water.
Equipment and Supplies
The equipment and supplies we use to perform our evaluations are typical household appliances and supplies.
Garment embellishment
The world of garment embellishment is constantly evolving. The days when screen printing and embroidery were the only options are long gone. Not only have the available methods expanded, but so have the advanced, proprietary techniques behind them. Today, several cost-effective embellishment options include DTF (Direct to Film), DTG (Direct to Garment), heat-applied screen printing, and sublimation.
Each of these processes offers multiple quality levels, all of which directly impact cost. Because of this, we do our homework. At times, that means delaying certain offerings to you, our valued customer. We don’t simply rely on the claims of manufacturers or distributors. Instead, we put every new potential option through the same types of real-world evaluations you, as the end user, would experience over time.
For example, many manufacturers claim their embellishment processes can withstand 50 or more washes. While that number may not initially seem significant, in reality it is. Consider what is expected of a fabric garment—stretching in every direction while being subjected to environmental extremes, perspiration, laundering, and more.
So how do we account for all of these embellishment hazards in our evaluation process? We don’t test in a laboratory or under controlled scientific conditions. We test in real life. Our evaluations use typical household appliances, standard laundry detergent, fabric softener, and a steam iron. Depending on the embellishment, we test on cotton, polyester, or 100% polyester garments.
Based on manufacturer claims, we create the embellished garment and then launder it countless times—often in ways that intentionally contradict recommended care instructions. This includes washing in hot water, not turning garments inside out, using fabric softener, drying at high temperatures for extended periods, ironing, and excessively stretching garments when wet or immediately after drying. In some cases, we even iron the garments in ways that go against manufacturer recommendations.
These are the types of stresses garments experience during normal, everyday wear. After testing, we evaluate the results based on the expectations of a reasonable consumer. If a process fails to meet those expectations, we simply don’t offer it as an embellishment option.
Expectations do vary, even within the same type of process, depending on the economic level of the garment. For example, an embellishment used on a high-volume, low-cost shirt does not carry the same expectations as one used on a high-end finished garment. In the end, it comes down to a simple principle: you get what you pay for.
STAINLESS STEEL STRAWS
Stainless Steel Straws
We use a Hotpoint home model dishwasher using Cascade Total Clean Detergent Pods, the optional Hot Pre-wash Option, Heavy Wash Cycle, and Drying Cycle. Each complete wash takes over an hour.
We also performed a hand wash using Dawn dishwashing soap, a straw cleaning brush, warm water, towel dry. Each wash takes about one minute.
Our dishwashing testing has clearly shown that straws, specifically stainless steel straws DO NOT get clean in the dishwasher. No damage was noted to the straw from the use of the dishwasher. Each test resulted in dirty swabs and often a taste of soap.
Our handwashing testing appears to be the best cleaning solution to obtain good results. A thorough rinsing is highly needed to ensure there is no soap taste.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
So it is highly recommended that your stainless steel straws should be cleansed by hand using warm water, dishwashing soap, and a clean straw brush and rinsed thoroughly to avoid soap residue.
Tumblers and other hard-service decorative products -
We use a Hotpoint home model dishwasher using Cascade Total Clean Detergent Pods, the optional Hot Pre-wash Option, Heavy Wash Cycle, and Drying Cycle. Each complete wash takes over an hour. This process includes embellished tumblers using sublimation, custom adhesive embellishments, labels, and stickers
TUMBLER BRANDS EVALUATED
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
YETI, HOGG, POLAR CAMEL & STANLEY
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
We evaluated to measure the amount of ice that remained during 24 hours. All the drinkware was tested at the same time and in the same environment. These were the results of this evaluation.
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
TUMBLER ICE MELT EVALUATION
We evaluated to measure the amount of ice that remained during 24 hours. All the drinkware was tested at the same time and in the same environment. These were the results of this evaluation.
Tumblers & Cleaning
Ever Wonder Why?
Many tumblers—especially vacuum-insulated models—are not dishwasher safe. The high heat generated during the dishwasher’s drying cycle can damage the seals between the inner and outer walls. When these seals fail, air can enter the insulated space, compromising the tumbler’s ability to maintain beverage temperature and effectively ruining its hot or cold retention.
Why are many tumblers not dishwasher safe?
- Seal damage: Dishwasher heat can warp or break the seals that are essential for temperature retention in insulated tumblers.
- Reduced insulation performance: Once the seal is compromised, air infiltration diminishes the tumbler’s ability to keep drinks hot or cold.
- Material deterioration: Depending on the materials used, prolonged exposure to heat and harsh detergents can damage both the exterior finish and internal components.
Recommended care alternatives:
- Check the manufacturer’s label: Always verify whether your tumbler is labeled dishwasher safe.
- Hand wash when necessary: For tumblers not rated for dishwashers, gentle hand washing with warm water and mild dish soap is the safest option.
Are any tumblers dishwasher safe?
- Brand-specific claims: Some manufacturers state that their insulated tumblers are designed to withstand dishwasher use. Only long-term use will confirm the durability of those claims.
- Top-rack precaution: If you choose to place a questionable tumbler in the dishwasher, use the top rack—where temperatures are lower—and select a gentle cycle.
Some Tumbler Manufacturers Have Advertised Warranties, Right?
These warranties are taken directly from the websites of well-known tumbler manufacturers. While the length of coverage varies, the numerous exclusions raise questions about what the warranties actually cover.
01/15/2025
YETI Limited Warranty
YETI Coolers, LLC warrants to the original purchaser that its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the applicable warranty period, subject to specific conditions. To qualify for warranty coverage, the product must be purchased directly from YETI or an authorized dealer, returned to YETI, and used strictly in accordance with the product’s intended purpose and care instructions.
If a defect occurs under normal, intended use during the warranty period, YETI may, at its discretion, replace the defective product or part at no charge. Customized products will only be replaced if the customization was performed by YETI. The warranty excludes defects caused by third-party modifications, repairs, or replacement parts, as well as punctures, scratches, normal wear and tear, and the natural fading or breakdown of materials over time.
Stanley- Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifetime Warranty
Stanley warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the time of purchase. The lifetime warranty covers degradation of thermal performance and applies only when products are used normally and maintained according to care and use instructions. Coverage is limited to products purchased directly from Stanley or authorized sellers.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by natural disasters, accidents, counterfeit products, or non-stainless-steel components. It also excludes normal wear and tear, as well as defects or damage resulting from failure to follow care instructions, accidents, post-purchase modifications (such as engraving or accessories), abuse, misuse, or neglect. The warranty applies for the life of the product, excluding lids, seals, and straws. Stanley may require proof of purchase, return of the product, or additional verification, such as photos or videos.
Most manufacturers do not publish formal warranties—not because they fail to stand behind their products, but because warranties written in this manner often leave very few situations that qualify for resolution. In my experience, most manufacturers, particularly those with a U.S. presence, address concerns on a case-by-case basis and make every reasonable effort to satisfy the customer.
Garments
Garment Testing
Our customers expect access to a wide range of garment options to meet their needs, preferences, and expectations—from highly cost-efficient basics to premium, high-end apparel, and everything in between. Evaluating every garment we offer through hands-on testing would be both time- and cost-prohibitive. As a result, we rely on industry reports, our own experience, and feedback provided by our customers.
There may be certain garments or manufacturers that we choose not to recommend or offer based on these findings. In most cases, however, even after sharing our concerns, we will still supply a customer’s chosen garment upon request. That said, it is important to understand that we cannot guarantee satisfaction with the performance or durability of the garment itself.
We do not provide warranties on garments.
Warranty Policy
warranty
Please note that we do not offer a specific warranty or guarantee on custom products, except in cases of defects. While issues are extremely rare, any concerns will be reviewed and handled on an individual basis. Our highest priority is customer satisfaction, and we will make every reasonable effort to ensure a positive experience. We do not offer refunds.
Returns are not accepted on custom products, including items that have been permanently altered at the customer’s request or classified as special orders. For non-customized products, returns may be accepted with prior authorization if requested within seven (7) days of receipt.
Any statements regarding product performance are based on testing or evaluations conducted under optimal conditions. These reports are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee of performance. Actual results may vary depending on proper use, care, and handling.
We do not provide warranty services on behalf of manufacturers. All manufacturer warranty claims must be addressed directly with the manufacturer. Additionally, we make no representations or guarantees that products obtained through us are safe or harmless, nor do we warrant that any claims made by manufacturers or distributors are accurate, non-misleading, or free from error or fraud.