Now that cup holders are essential equipment in every vehicle, we don’t seem to go anywhere without bringing a drink along, whether it’s coffee for adults or juice for the kids. Many of those drinks – especially the caffeinated variety – also end up on our desks, helping us through the workday.
Spills are inevitable. So we’re always on the lookout for products that might really live up to promises to keep liquid from splashing out of the cup and all over the car or desk and computer. Three of them caught our eye.
OXO Liquiseal Travel Mug, $19.99
WHAT’S NEW: This 14-ounce, stainless steel insulated cup has three silicone seals to lock in liquids. A contour grip and top button are designed for single-hand operation.
TEST DRIVE NOTES: Oxo has built a reputation for well-designed products, and this mug is no exception. We turned it upside down, tossed it sideways onto a passenger seat and shook it. Not a drop was spilled over several days of use. What’s more, the insulation kept our drinks hot for hours.
WHERE IT’S SOLD: Bed Bath & Beyond
Avantro One Mug 3.0, $25
WHAT’S NEW: This insulated stainless steel tumbler takes the commuter mug a step further by adding a removable rubber docking station. Take the cup in your car, then screw it onto the base when you get to work to add stability.
TEST DRIVE NOTES: In the car, this mug does a good job of keeping drinks warm but is far from spill-proof. Where it really shines is at the desk, where the wide-based dock keeps the cup from tipping over and flooding keyboards or important paperwork. The metallic red paint job makes it stand out.
WHERE IT’S SOLD: Peet’s Coffee & Tea, www.peets.com
Sprout Spout, $4.99 for two
WHAT’S NEW: Designed by a mother, these plastic caps screw onto wide-neck plastic bottles – such as Gatorade, Snapple and Dole fruit juices – to turn them into spill-proof containers. Drinks won’t flow out unless the bottle is squeezed.
TEST DRIVE NOTES: The spouts won raves in test drives by a 3- and 6-year-old in the back seat of the family van. But Mom was disturbed that the tops fit only wide-neck bottles. A universal spout for bottled water might be a better innovation. This product would work best for Gatorade on the ball field. Just remember to wash soon after use.
WHERE IT’S SOLD: www.sproutspout.com
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