OtterBox · Insulated Travel Mugs
OtterBox Elevation 16oz Tumbler
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes stainless steel, copper lined, powder-coated finish, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
The better-graded swap
Contigo
Contigo Cortland Chill 2.0 Stainless Steel Water Bottle
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel, copper lined, powder-coated finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What OtterBox Elevation 16oz Tumbler is made of, ingredients and materials
The Elevation tumbler uses 18/8 stainless steel (chromium-nickel alloy) as its primary body, with a copper thermal liner sandwiched inside for insulation. Both materials are chemically stable and do not leach into beverages under normal use. The powder-coated exterior finish is a dry polymer application applied to the steel body; powder coatings typically do not contain lead or cadmium in consumer products made after the 1990s, though OtterBox does not specify composition or testing.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Seal and gasket materials (unstated)
OtterBox does not specify the material or composition of lid gaskets and seals. Elastomers used in such seals can include plasticizers (phthalates) or silicone; unknown formulation prevents full assessment, though typical food-grade silicone poses minimal risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Powder-coat composition and leachables
No testing or disclosure from OtterBox on heavy metals (lead, cadmium) or volatile organic compounds in the exterior powder finish. Standard modern industrial powder coats are unlikely to leach into beverages, but lack of third-party certification limits assurance.
Copper liner interactions
Copper itself does not leach significantly into water or most beverages at neutral pH in short-term use. No reported issues with this product line; copper thermal liners are standard in premium insulated drinkware without documented safety incidents.
Interior coating adhesion and degradation
No recalls or complaints on record for the Elevation tumbler regarding peeling interior coatings or cosmetic degradation. The stainless-copper bond appears durable based on user experience, though long-term wear data is limited.
Microplastic shedding
Metal construction (stainless steel, copper) does not generate microplastics. Risk is absent for this product category compared to plastic-lined or silicone-sealed alternatives.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
OtterBox is known for rugged outdoor gear marketing but does not publish material safety certifications, test reports, or PFAS statements on this product line. The brand has no documented recalls related to leaching or coating degradation for insulated drinkware. OtterBox remains silent on whether any coatings or seals contain PFAS, which is typical for many consumer brands in this category but limits transparency.
How it compares in its category
Insulated tumblers vary widely; stainless steel + copper construction is a mid-to-premium material choice with lower concern than products with plastic liners or epoxy-based interior coatings. The powder-coat exterior is more durable than paint but offers less transparency than brands (rare) that disclose coating composition. This tumbler sits above single-wall plastic alternatives but offers no documented certifications (NSF, FDA, etc.) that would set it apart from competitors like YETI or Hydro Flask.
If you buy it
Hand wash recommended by OtterBox; avoid prolonged soaking that could stress seals at the copper-steel junction. Do not fill with boiling water immediately; allow a brief cool-down, as thermal shock may eventually compromise adhesion of the liner. Replace the tumbler if the powder coat chips significantly or if the lid seal degrades (shows visible cracks or fails to insulate). Wipe the interior periodically to prevent mineral buildup in the copper layer, which can discolor but does not indicate a safety issue.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- OtterBox has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to OtterBox Elevation 16oz Tumbler?
- stainless steel exterior, ceramic lining interior
- Ceramic coating degradation over time
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, plastic lid
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Plastic lid polymer identity and leaching potential
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, no interior coating disclosed
- Silicone and plastic lid/valve leachables
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More insulated travel mugs grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.