Material Guide for Wholesale Stainless Steel Tumblers
When sourcing stainless steel tumblers for your brand or retail business,The type of stainless steel not only affects the durability and safety of the product but also influences its price and market positioning.
Table of Contents
Types of Stainless Steel in Tumblers
201 Stainless Steel: The Budget-Friendly Option
Type 201 stainless steel is a cost-effective material that replaces part of the nickel content with manganese. While it offers good strength and surface hardness, its corrosion resistance is relatively lower than higher-grade stainless steels. For this reason, it is rarely used in food-contact areas but is suitable for the outer wall of double-walled tumblers where aesthetic and cost are priorities.
Advantages: Affordable, good structural strength, suitable for outer layers
Limitations: Lower corrosion resistance, not food-grade for inner linings
304 Stainless Steel: The Industry Standard
Also known as 18/8 stainless steel, Type 304 is the most commonly used material for food-grade drinkware. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing excellent corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. This material is widely used in both the inner and outer layers of tumblers.
Advantages: Food-grade, corrosion-resistant, durable, easy to clean
Limitations: Higher cost than 201
316 Stainless Steel: The Premium Choice
Type 316 stainless steel includes added molybdenum, making it even more resistant to corrosion, especially in salty or acidic environments. It’s often used in medical equipment, marine applications, and high-end kitchenware. In tumblers, it’s usually reserved for the inner wall to enhance safety and extend product lifespan.
Advantages: Superior corrosion resistance, food-safe, long-lasting
Limitations: Highest cost among the three
Common Material Combinations in Tumblers
In practice, tumbler manufacturers often combine different stainless steel types to balance cost and performance. Here are the most common configurations:
Inner 304 / Outer 201 – Cost-Effective Solution
This is one of the most widely used structures in the tumbler industry. The inner wall, which comes into direct contact with beverages, uses food-grade 304 stainless steel for safety and hygiene. The outer wall uses 201 stainless steel to control costs without compromising structure or appearance.
Ideal for brands seeking affordable yet safe drinkware.
Inner 304 / Outer 304 – Standard Double-Walled Design
Both inner and outer layers use 304 stainless steel, offering full corrosion resistance, consistent appearance, and durability. This structure is common in mid-to-high-end tumblers.
Recommended for brands targeting long-term durability and a clean look.
Inner 316 / Outer 304 – Premium Safety & Style
This combination ensures top-level beverage safety with 316 stainless steel inside, while using 304 for the outer wall to manage costs. It’s suitable for health-conscious or premium product lines.
Best for markets where corrosion resistance and purity are critical (e.g., baby products, sports, or medical use).
Inner 316 / Outer 316 – Ultimate Performance
For niche markets demanding the highest quality, this full 316 stainless steel construction delivers maximum safety and corrosion resistance, with a sleek, durable finish.
Targeted at luxury, marine, or laboratory-grade drinkware.
Choosing the right stainless steel combination is a strategic decision based on your product positioning, market preferences, and budget. Whether you’re launching an entry-level tumbler line or expanding into the premium segment, Steelermax can help you achieve the ideal balance between quality, customization, and cost-efficiency. we offer:
Flexible Material Combinations: Choose from any of the structures above (201, 304, 316), depending on your market goals and budget.
Shape & Structure Customization: From classic to modern silhouettes, with or without handles.
Lid Options: Flip, sip, straw, screw-top – we support all OEM designs.
Surface Customization: Powder coating, spray paint, gradient finishes, laser engraving, screen printing, and more.
Logo & Branding: We support logo customization through multiple techniques to match your retail vision.
Retail-Oriented Packaging: Individual packaging design support for retail display, e-commerce, or gifting.
Stable Production & Export Experience: With years of experience serving buyers from the U.S., Canada, Southeast Asia, and South America, we ensure smooth communication and reliable delivery.