BrüMate is a relatively new player in the drinkware world, having launched in 2016. It had been on my radar for a while, quietly gaining a devoted following in the US, and in 2024 I finally decided to try one for myself: the BrüMate Era tumbler.
After months of daily use and testing, my verdict is clear: this is a seriously impressive and unique tumbler. The lid alone is worth a nod and I may have borderline fallen in love with it.
But, as expected, the BrüMate Era has a few noticeable shortcomings, and I’ll cover those in detail as well. By the end of this review, we’ll see whether the Era deserves a spot as your daily hydration hero or if it’s better left on the shelf.
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BrüMate Era Overview
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Lid & Leakproofness
I have to start this review with the lid, because it’s genuinely innovative and unlike anything I’ve seen on other tumblers. The first time you take the BrüMate Era out of the box, you’ll notice a sticker on the lid showing three modes:
- Sip
- Align to remove + clean
- Seal
At the center sits a 180° rotating cover with a small tab that lets you switch between these modes. It’s clever, intuitive, and honestly kind of fun to use.
Sip mode is straightforward. Align the tab here, and you can drink through the built-in steel straw connected to a long spout. Bonus: the spout is silicone, not plastic.
My only minor gripe is that silicone loves to attract dust. Thanks to a small static charge, airborne particles (dust, lint, even hair) cling to it. It’s the same reason silicone phone cases and baking mats get dusty so quickly. Ideally, spouts would fold down or be hidden, but with the Era, you’ll just need to clean it very often.
The middle mode, “Align to remove + clean”, lets you remove the rotating cover entirely for easy cleaning of the spout. Once you’re done, the cover snaps back into place almost automatically, thanks to a small magnet. This is a small touch, but it adds a satisfying “click” and makes reassembly effortless. I wish more bottles came with magnets for this reason.
Finally, Seal mode locks the lid completely, making the tumbler fully leakproof. The tab is also resistant to accidental rotation, so you don’t have to worry about spills in your bag.
Overall, I genuinely fell in love with this lid. It’s unique, practical, and clearly well-engineered!
Insulation
The BrüMate Era does a decent job with insulation, though it doesn’t quite match my best tumblers.
First, it’s important to note that the Era is not designed for hot liquids. This isn’t just my observation, it’s a recommendation straight from BrüMate. It limits versatility a bit.
Now, BrüMate claims the Era can keep drinks cold for a full 24 hours. As with most brands, though, they don’t clarify whether this is with or without ice – a crucial detail. So I decided to test it myself.
I poured in water at 37.8°F (3.2°C) with no ice. After 15 hours, the thermometer read about 59°F (15°C), which for me is the borderline between cold and lukewarm. By comparison, my best-insulated tumblers maintain that initial chill for a full 24 hours without ice. Still, the Era’s performance is respectable.
Add about a third of the tumbler’s capacity in ice, and those 24-hour cold claims become entirely believable. I once reached even 48 hours in moderate conditions.
Portability
Portability is a key expectation for any tumbler, and the BrüMate Era delivers.
The 30 oz version I tested fits easily into standard car cup holders thanks to its tapered bottom. If you’re ever unsure whether a bottle or tumbler will fit in your vehicle, a $10-$15 adjustable cup holder can solve the problem effortlessly. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of overthinking.
Carrying the Era is also comfortable with its thoughtfully designed handle to fit four fingers. While I still prefer traditional bottles for extended carrying sessions, this tumbler handles short trips with ease.
Durability
The BrüMate Era is a durable tumbler, and I’ve certainly seen worse builds. Its flat bottom does make it theoretically more prone to dents, but that’s a common trait among most tumblers.
A nice touch is the powder coating on the stainless steel body. It improves grip, so the tumbler is less likely to slip from your hand, and also helps protect against scratches.
Ease of Cleaning: Is BrüMate Dishwasher Safe?
A nice perk of the BrüMate Era is that it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy if you’re short on time. If you prefer washing by hand, the tumbler’s disassemblable rotating cover is a great feature, allowing you to clean the spout thoroughly.
The body itself only takes a minute or two with a sponge or brush, warm water, and mild soap. The straw and silicone spout, however, are best tackled with a straw brush to reach every corner.
Overall, the Era is pretty easy to keep clean, but it’s important to fully disassemble the lid rather than just rinsing it superficially. The lid, rotating cover, and straw can all be taken apart quickly and easily, so definitely take advantage of that!
Read more about how to clean your BrüMate Era, with tips and tricks included.
Versatility
The BrüMate Era’s versatility is somewhat limited by its design: it’s not meant for hot beverages. I mainly use it for cold drinks, occasionally for slightly warm ones. If you live somewhere with harsh winters and want a reliable hot tea or coffee companion, I’d steer you toward alternatives like my favorite Coldest tumbler, which handles heat without pressure buildup.
In warmer months, however, the Era performs well. I enjoy taking it to work or keeping it in the car during my commute. It’s very car-friendly, fitting easily in cup holders and handling daily use with ease.
Just keep in mind that while the insulation is decent, it’s not exceptional. By the end of a long workday, water in the tumbler may have warmed up more than you’d like, so temper your expectations if you’re hoping for Arctic-cold hydration all afternoon.
Price/Value Ratio
I paid $40 for my 30 oz BrüMate Era, which works out to about $1.33 per ounce. That’s not exactly budget-friendly. It’s far from the most expensive piece of drinkware I own, but it definitely leans toward the pricier side.
That said, the lid alone is so well-designed and functional that I’d argue it’s worth half the price on its own. Combine that with the other features, like sturdy build, decent insulation, and portability, and the tumbler delivers good overall value.
Adding a cherry on top, BrüMate backs the Era with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
Is the BrüMate Era Worth It?
For me, yes, but you need to pause and consider exactly what you want from a tumbler.
If you’re looking for a portable, easy-to-clean tumbler with an innovative lid that adds a bit of fun and convenience, the Era is a really, really decent choice. It’s well-built, car-friendly, and practical for everyday use, and it should serve you reliably for years.
However, if your priorities include exceptional insulation year-round or maximum versatility for carrying both hot and cold beverages everywhere, it’s worth exploring alternatives. My best tumblers ranking highlights some options that outperform the Era in those areas.
BrüMate Era |
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My Score: 4.4/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
