Plastic Stackable Tumblers

Plastic Tumbler Cups: What You Need to Know

When compared to traditional glass drinkware, plastic tumblers offer the advantage of durability and efficient storage for family restaurants and other casual foodservice operations. These stackable cups are dishwasher safe and may be built to handle heavy wear without significantly degraded quality. Customers can choose from products with textured, fluted, or ribbed grips to decrease spills and may order clear tumblers in bulk or use colored cups to differentiate water from paid-for drinks. Establishments that can't use glass, such as poolside bars, may choose to use clear plastic tumblers to serve alcohol. Operators can use product shape or color to distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Common Questions About Plastic Tumblers

What materials are available for plastic tumblers?

• Polycarbonate: This is one of the clearest products available for plastic stackable tumblers and a common plastic that emulates glass. Polycarbonate has low chemical resistance compared to other options, so it shows wear quickly after dishwasher use, and contains BPA.
• SAN: Styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN) is a BPA-free plastic that high-volume operations choose for its ability to withstand dish detergent chemicals without showing wear. SAN tumblers, however, are likelier than polycarbonate to crack when dropped.
• Tritan: Tritan, also referred to as copolyester, is manufactured by Eastman. It's a clear, BPA-free plastic made to imitate glass. Plastic tumblers made of this durable material last longer than Polycarbonate or SAN tumblers.

Why do some cups have a textured exterior?

Operators may use a plastic tumbler with a textured, crackled, or pebbled exterior to prevent slips during use and cleaning, and to disguise wear and tear.

What colors are available?

Glass-mimicking, clear plastic tumblers are available alongside shades of blue, red, and amber. Restaurant operators may choose to serve water in clear glasses while using colored glasses for other drinks, enabling wait staff to distinguish whether guests are eligible for soft drink refills.

What size plastic restaurant cups are available?

Bulk plastic tumblers are available in a range of sizes from 4 to 32 ounces. Measurements are based on brimful capacity, which means the amount of liquid a tumbler effectively holds will be slightly less than its given capacity.

Can I microwave my plastic tumblers?

While some plastic tumblers are heat resistant – often to the boiling point – they aren't designed to be microwaved. Microwaving plastic tumbler cups that aren't able to withstand the heat may cause them to deteriorate and shorten their service life in your kitchen.

Do these plastic stackable cups contain BPA?

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical found in polycarbonate and other types of plastic. Although there are some concerns about the effects of BPA, the FDA has ruled that the levels contained in commercial foodservice products are not a threat to consumers. If your state or region has limited or banned the use of products containing BPA, you can find BPA-free alternatives made of Tritan or SAN.