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I have been using this tumbler since the days when it was listed as a Thermos product. Of the two, I much prefer the JMT401 for its handle-free design, and for the 360-degree sip capability. It has changed little in that time, though it now doesn't have the mid-body rubber grip surface that it once had for a softer and more secure hold. (Its a loss to take it away, too).I can also compare it to the more popular Nissan "Ultimate" tumbler, since I bought one when I thought I'd lost this gem. The handle of the Ultimate is a less comfortable grip, and it requires you to crank the wrist and to grip a smaller handle. You can't get away from the handle on the Ultimate, either, because you can only sip from the prescribed site.This tumbler keeps liquids hot for as long as the Ultimate--and both of them are very, very good for such a compact unit.Cheers.
The spill resistance does not mean some liquid won't come out when it is dropped. The design of the mug's spill resistance is also why you must tip the mug at a greater then 90 degree angle to drink from it. "close" is used to keep liquids insulated for longer periods. Not the mug's. It is spill resistant, meaning if you drop it, it will not splash all over the place. Compared to the 3.99 insulating mug you find at the dollar store, it looks expensive, but that 3.99 mug is no better then a ceramic one.
In "open" mode, the coffe cools down, but after 3 hours, it is still very warm. Other users have complained about the smell or bacteria. The description of 3 hours hot and 4-6 hours cold is accurate. Yes, this can be annoying, but it is a small sacrifice for the spill resistance. It isn't. At $20-$25, the Nissan handily beats even the $35 I have used. These tiny slits prevent liquid from flowing profusely and in addition it keeps outside air exposure to a minimum, thereby keeping the liquid cooler or hotter, longer.The mug is easy to clean. My cup of coffee can go 3 hours and remain relatively hot.
The 360 degree drink lid can be twisted to "open" and "close" modes. I've happily owned this mug for many months after a friend recommended it. It was not designed to be 100% sealed so throwing a filled mug into your backpack is a bad idea, and that applies to ANY mug. It's my own fault.
So the insulating performance of the Nissan is superior.Another complaint addressed by users is that this twist top requires two hands and is detrimental while driving. This is achieved with the lids special 360 degree flow opening. It just means it won't spill all over the place. You do get what you paid for and then some.I only gave it 4 stars because there are a few improvements that could be made.
A drizzle or so will flow. It's a mug. Anyone who drinks beverages while driving will appreciate this feature all the more. Even though this is a travel mug, the Thermos name can lead to confusion with people thinking it works like a sealed flask. This may not seem like much, but other insulated mugs I've used keep beverages hot for a maximum of an hour and by 3 hours, it's cold. Tiny slits run around the entire lid when it is twisted open, thereby allowing you to drink from any part of the rim.
The lid can be made more leak resistance and it isn't clear if the different lid grooves require the lid to be affixed back on in a specific way. I've driven long stretches across states and never had a problem.I also believe the low average rating on amazon stems from the high price. I never had a problem with it but I believe the low rating and reviews come from some misunderstandings about the product and the Thermos name.Perhaps when people see the name, "Thermos", they are reminded of the quality flasks they make. The insulating performance is good enough that you can keep it "open". While this is true, WHY WOULD YOU BE TWISTING THE TOP WHILE DRIVING. In addition, the 360 degree drink lip keeps your eyes on the road instead of staring at the mug looking for the drink opening.
This is never explained. Unlike a regular paper cup or plain insulated mug, the handle-less design makes it easy to grip and find. Secondly, no where does it say it is leak proof. It's not a bargain, but the best value for your money. I find the smell and bacteria problem inherent in EVERY insulated mug, not just this one, and it is usually because I get lazy and don't clean it out after every drink like I should. Anyone who drinks coffee regularly knows this.In the car, this mug is perfect.
Most good insulating mugs cost $15-$35. And a rubberized grip would help greatly.
On the plus side I like the no-handle design and it has a small base which should fit most cupholders. The tumbler that I have is sold in various places as the '360-degree Dribble-Proof Tumbler', I am not sure if that is the same as the JMT401 but on paper the specs and features are the same. It is not a good design for car use. On the down side you need 2 hands to twist the lid open or closed. Also the 'dribble-proof' design means that the mug has a very deep lip, and even when it is full you have to tip it far up and into your field of view to get the liquid flowing.
Good for automobile tumbler. Toss a filled one in your travel bag the thing leaks.apart from that the shape is good and the insulation is good.Hence 3 stars. If you intend to keep it in the car or prefer to hold it all the time in hands then 4.5 stars.In other words keep it upright all the times. Shake, it will spill.
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