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KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml vs 500ml: Which Size to Buy?

Two slim insulated travel tumblers on a wooden table, a shorter sage green one and a taller stainless one, next to a small cup of coffee

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Short answer: For most people, get the KINTO Travel Tumbler 500ml. It costs only $2.60 more at KINTO USA ($36.80 vs $34.20), holds about 43% more (17 oz vs 12 oz), and KINTO rates it a little better after 6 hours: 156°F vs 149°F hot, 45°F vs 46°F cold. The 350ml is about 65 g (2.3 oz) lighter and 27 mm (about 1.1 in) shorter, so pick it if you drink one small coffee at a time or carry a small bag. Neither is dishwasher safe, and neither takes carbonated drinks.

How we compare: every spec in this article comes from official KINTO pages and documents (starting with KINTO USA’s 350ml page and 500ml page), all listed under Sources below. We don’t run hands-on tests, and if a spec isn’t published, we say so. Last updated: October 2026.

Check price: KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml
Check price: KINTO Travel Tumbler 500ml

KINTO is a Japanese tableware company founded in 1972 in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, and the Travel Tumbler, launched in 2017, is one of its best-known products. It is a vacuum-insulated stainless tumbler with a screw-on lid and a separate drinking cap, designed so you can sip from any angle, like a glass or mug. The two sizes look almost identical, so the real questions are how much you drink, how much weight and height you want to carry, and whether the small price gap matters.

Quick Comparison Table

Spec KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml KINTO Travel Tumbler 500ml
Capacity 350 ml (KINTO: 12 oz; about 11.8 US fl oz) 500 ml (KINTO: 17 oz; about 16.9 US fl oz)
Heat retention @ 6 hrs* 65°C (149°F) or above 69°C (156°F) or above
Cold retention @ 6 hrs* 8°C (46°F) or below 7°C (45°F) or below
Diameter 70 mm (about 2.8 in) 74 mm (about 2.9 in)
Height with lid 170 mm (about 6.7 in) 197 mm (about 7.8 in)
Body height without lid 145 mm (about 5.7 in) 173 mm (about 6.8 in)
Weight (empty) About 245 g (about 8.6 oz) About 310 g (about 10.9 oz)
Materials 18-8 stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone; BPA free 18-8 stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone; BPA free
Leak-proof (KINTO) Yes, when closed correctly Yes, when closed correctly
Dishwasher / microwave No / No No / No
Carbonated drinks No No
Colors (KINTO USA) Sand beige, ash green, stainless steel, white, khaki, black, coyote Same 7 colors (stainless steel and sand beige were sold out when we checked)
KINTO USA price $34.20 $36.80
Price per fl oz About $2.90 About $2.18
Replacement lid / silicone rings (KINTO USA) $15.00 / $2.50 $15.00 / $2.50
Made in China China

*KINTO measures heat retention by filling the tumbler with hot water, closing the lid when the water reaches 95°C ±1°C (203°F), and measuring after 6 hours in a 20°C ±2°C (68°F) room. Cold retention starts at 4°C ±1°C (39°F) under the same conditions. Specs and prices are from KINTO USA and KINTO Japan, checked October 2026. Inch, ounce and Fahrenheit conversions and price per fl oz are ours, calculated from KINTO’s metric specs, so they can differ slightly from the rounded inch figures on KINTO’s US pages.

Key differences at a glance

  • Capacity: 350 ml (about 11.8 fl oz) vs 500 ml (about 16.9 fl oz). The 500ml holds about 43% more.
  • Heat and cold retention: The 500ml is rated 69°C (156°F) hot and 7°C (45°F) cold after 6 hours, vs 65°C (149°F) and 8°C (46°F) for the 350ml.
  • Size and weight: The 500ml is 27 mm (about 1.1 in) taller, 4 mm wider and about 65 g (2.3 oz) heavier.
  • Price: $34.20 vs $36.80 at KINTO USA, so the 500ml costs less per ounce (about $2.18 vs $2.90).
  • What stays the same: materials, lid design, hand-wash-only care, no carbonated drinks, the same 7 US colors, and $15 replacement lids for each size. The silicone rings are size-specific and not interchangeable.

1. Capacity: How Much Coffee Actually Fits

KINTO labels the sizes “12 oz” and “17 oz,” but those are rounded. 350 ml is about 11.8 US fl oz and 500 ml is about 16.9 fl oz. KINTO’s instructions also warn not to pour in too much, because the drink can overflow when you screw the drinking cap on.

  • 350ml: Best for an 8–10 oz pour-over, a small latte or a cup of tea. A full 12 oz drink leaves almost no headroom.
  • 500ml: Fits a 12 oz drink with room to spare, or two small mugs of coffee. A full 16 oz drink is a tight fit.

If your usual coffee-shop order is 12 oz or larger, the 500ml is the safer choice. If you brew one cup at home and drink it within the morning, the 350ml is enough.

2. Heat and Cold Retention

KINTO tests both sizes the same way, so the numbers compare directly:

  • Hot after 6 hours: 65°C (149°F) or above for the 350ml vs 69°C (156°F) or above for the 500ml
  • Cold after 6 hours: 8°C (46°F) or below vs 7°C (45°F) or below

The larger tumbler holds heat a little better mainly because a bigger volume of liquid cools more slowly. In practice, a 4°C (7°F) gap matters most when you fill up early and drink late. Note that these ratings start with 95°C water; coffee is usually poured in cooler, so your drink will be cooler than the rating after 6 hours. KINTO recommends preheating or precooling the tumbler with a little hot or cold water for 1–2 minutes first.

One detail can confuse shoppers: the general feature text on KINTO USA’s 500ml page says “hot above 65°C/149°F for 6 hours,” which is the 350ml figure. The 500ml’s own details section, KINTO USA’s tumbler comparison page and KINTO Japan all list 69°C (156°F) for the 500ml.

3. Size, Weight and Carrying

The 350ml is 70 mm (about 2.8 in) wide and 170 mm (about 6.7 in) tall with the lid on. The 500ml is 74 mm (about 2.9 in) wide and 197 mm (about 7.8 in) tall. Empty, they weigh about 245 g (8.6 oz) and 310 g (10.9 oz). Full, the gap grows to roughly 200 g (7 oz), because the 500ml also holds 150 ml more liquid.

Both are under 3 inches across, but KINTO doesn’t list cup holder compatibility, so check your car’s cup holder against those diameters. Height matters if you fill the tumbler directly under a coffee machine or drip cone: the body alone (without the lid) is 145 mm (5.7 in) for the 350ml and 173 mm (6.8 in) for the 500ml.

KINTO also sells carry straps. KINTO Japan’s comparison chart matches the 350ml with the 70 mm A strap and the 500ml with the 75 mm B strap. At KINTO USA, the Tumbler Strap 70mm A and Tumbler Strap 75mm are $20.80 each.

4. Lid, Cleaning and Leaks

Both sizes use the same design. According to KINTO’s parts diagram, the tumbler comes apart into five pieces: the stainless steel body, a polypropylene drinking cap, a stainless and polypropylene top lid, and two silicone rings (a small one for the lid and a larger one for the cap). KINTO says the cap has no screw threads at the rim, so it feels smooth on your lips, and that the cap is shaped to stop ice cubes and hot drinks from rushing out.

Neither size is dishwasher safe. KINTO’s instructions say not to use a microwave, oven or dishwasher, not to boil the tumbler, not to leave it soaking and not to use chlorine bleach, abrasive cleansers or steel wool. Wash and dry it soon after use, and don’t leave drinks inside for a long time.

KINTO USA lists the Travel Tumbler as leak-proof, but its support page explains the common causes of leaks:

  • Silicone rings fitted upside down or on the wrong part
  • The top lid or drinking cap closed at an angle
  • A top lid tightened so hard that the drinking cap loosens when you open it
  • Old silicone rings that have lost their elasticity

KINTO’s fix: turn the lid counterclockwise until you feel a click, then tighten it so it sits level. Hold the drinking cap when you open the lid, and keep the tumbler upright in a bag.

KINTO updated the lid, cap and silicone rings to make opening easier and ring orientation clearer. KINTO USA dates the update to January 2025 (May 2024 in Japan). New lids and caps have a KINTO logo on the underside, and the new “B” rings have a small tab that faces out. Old and new parts are not interchangeable. If you have an older tumbler, KINTO USA recommends buying a new 350ml lid or new 500ml lid ($15 each), which includes the updated rings. Spare B rings are $2.50 for the 350ml or 500ml.

5. Colors and Price

At KINTO USA, the 350ml is $34.20 and the 500ml is $36.80. Both come in sand beige, ash green, stainless steel, white, khaki, black and coyote. When we checked, all seven 350ml colors were in stock, while the 500ml was sold out in stainless steel and sand beige. KINTO says the colored versions have a powder-coat finish that helps resist scratches.

Because the price gap is only $2.60, Amazon prices can easily flip the math. If one size is on sale, it may be worth choosing based on price alone, as long as it fits how much you drink.

The Handle Option: Day Off Tumbler 500ml

If you like the 500ml but want a carry handle, KINTO’s Day Off Tumbler 500ml shares the same heat and cold ratings and uses the same 500ml silicone rings.

Model Capacity Height Weight Heat @ 6 hrs* Cold @ 6 hrs* Handle KINTO USA price
Travel Tumbler 350ml 350 ml / 12 oz 170 mm 245 g 65°C (149°F) 8°C (46°F) No $34.20
Travel Tumbler 500ml 500 ml / 17 oz 197 mm 310 g 69°C (156°F) 7°C (45°F) No $36.80
Day Off Tumbler 500ml 500 ml / 17 oz 226 mm 300 g 69°C (156°F) 7°C (45°F) Yes, on the lid $39.40

*Same test conditions as above. Specs and prices from KINTO USA, October 2026. Heights include the lid. The Day Off Tumbler’s lid has a built-in loop handle, which makes it taller.

The Day Off is $39.40 at KINTO USA and 226 mm (about 8.9 in) tall with the lid. Check the KINTO Day Off Tumbler 500ml on Amazon. For more travel mug comparisons, see our Zojirushi SM-KHE36 vs SM-KHE48 and Thermos Icon 12 oz Tumbler vs 14 oz Mug guides.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml if you:

  • Usually carry one 8–10 oz coffee or tea
  • Want the lightest, most compact option (about 245 g, 6.7 in tall)
  • Carry a small bag or have small hands
  • Drink within a few hours, so the 4°C (7°F) heat gap won’t matter

Choose the KINTO Travel Tumbler 500ml if you:

  • Order 12 oz drinks or refill less often at work
  • Want the better 6-hour ratings (156°F hot, 45°F cold)
  • Want the lower price per ounce for only $2.60 more
  • Might later want the Day Off Tumbler, which shares its rings

A View from Japan

In Japan, KINTO sells the same two sizes as トラベルタンブラー (“Travel Tumbler”) 350ml and 500ml, with the same item numbers in the stainless steel color (20931 and 20941). The Japanese label classifies them as a “stainless steel portable vacuum bottle” (ステンレス製携帯用魔法瓶), and the Japanese specs match the US ones exactly: 65°C vs 69°C hot and 8°C vs 7°C cold after 6 hours, with the same sizes and weights. Prices in Japan are ¥3,300 and ¥3,520 including tax for the standard colors.

KINTO Japan also offers three colors that we didn’t find at KINTO USA: Sand White, Terracotta Brown and Slate Black (¥3,630 and ¥3,850). On May 1, 2024, KINTO Japan announced the lid update, saying the new lid would be easier to open and close and the rings easier to remove and attach. Its Japanese care guide adds a practical tip: the small ring is for the top lid, the large ring is for the drinking cap, and for new B-type parts the tab should face out.

Spec Travel Tumbler 350ml (Japan) Travel Tumbler 500ml (Japan)
Official name in Japan トラベルタンブラー 350ml トラベルタンブラー 500ml
Product type (Japanese label) Stainless steel portable vacuum bottle (ステンレス製携帯用魔法瓶) Same
Heat @ 6 hrs 65°C or above 69°C or above
Cold @ 6 hrs 8°C or below 7°C or below
Size / weight φ70 x H170 mm, about 245 g φ74 x H197 mm, about 310 g
Price, standard colors (tax incl.) ¥3,300 ¥3,520
Price, Sand White / Terracotta Brown / Slate Black ¥3,630 ¥3,850
Matching strap (KINTO Japan chart) 70 mm A 75 mm B
Replacement silicone rings (B type) S: φ40 mm, L: φ50 mm S: φ45 mm, L: φ55 mm (shared with Day Off Tumbler 500ml)

Japanese specs and prices from KINTO Japan (kinto.co.jp), checked October 2026. Temperature conversions are ours.

Japanese reviewers on blogs and Amazon Japan most often praise the design, heat retention and wide opening (one blogger says an ordinary sponge reaches the bottom), as well as the smooth rim and the cap that lets drinks out in a steady, controlled flow. One blogger who chose the 500ml noted that drinks rarely drip from the lid when it is opened. On leaks, owners are split: many report none, while others report leaks, which bloggers usually trace to rings fitted the wrong way or a lid closed at an angle, matching KINTO’s own advice. Recurring small complaints are that opening the top lid can loosen the drinking cap with it and that the grooves under the cap take care to clean. On size, one Amazon Japan reviewer said the 350ml doesn’t last a full day, one blogger mentions buyers who found the 350ml too small and added a 500ml, and another suggests the 500ml for the office or home and the 350ml for carrying. (Third-party reviews, not our own testing.)

KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml vs 500ml: Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get the KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml or 500ml?

For most people, the 500ml. At KINTO USA it costs only $2.60 more ($36.80 vs $34.20), holds about 43% more, and KINTO rates it slightly better: 69°C (156°F) vs 65°C (149°F) hot and 7°C (45°F) vs 8°C (46°F) cold after 6 hours. The 350ml makes more sense if you mainly carry one 8–10 oz coffee, have a small bag, or want the lightest option (about 245 g vs 310 g).

Is the KINTO Travel Tumbler dishwasher safe?

No. KINTO’s US product pages and the instruction sheet say not to use it in a microwave, oven or dishwasher, and not to put it in boiling water. Hand wash it, don’t leave it soaking, and don’t use abrasive cleansers, steel wool or chlorine bleach. For rust-like spots inside, KINTO suggests warm water with citric acid (10:1) for 2–3 hours, then a soft sponge.

Is the KINTO Travel Tumbler leak-proof?

KINTO USA lists it as leak-proof, but only when it is assembled and closed correctly. KINTO’s own support pages say leaks usually come from silicone rings fitted the wrong way, a lid that closed at an angle, or worn rings. Turn the lid counterclockwise until you feel a click, then tighten it so it sits level, and carry the tumbler upright.

How hot does the KINTO Travel Tumbler keep coffee?

KINTO rates the 350ml at 65°C (149°F) or above and the 500ml at 69°C (156°F) or above after 6 hours. These numbers start from 95°C (203°F) water in a 20°C (68°F) room, with the lid on. Coffee usually goes in cooler than that, so expect lower real-world temperatures. Preheating the tumbler with a little hot water for 1–2 minutes helps.

Can I put soda or sparkling water in the KINTO Travel Tumbler?

No. KINTO’s instructions say not to put carbonated drinks or dry ice in the Travel Tumbler, and KINTO USA’s tumbler line-up marks it as not for carbonated drinks. If you want a KINTO tumbler for sparkling drinks, the same line-up marks the Trail Tumbler 580ml as OK for carbonated drinks.

Will a 16 oz coffee fit in the 500ml Travel Tumbler?

Barely. 500 ml is about 16.9 US fl oz, so a full 16 oz drink leaves very little room. KINTO warns not to overfill, because the drink can overflow when you close the cap. The 350 ml (about 11.8 fl oz) is too small for a full 12 oz drink plus headroom; it fits 8–10 oz pours best.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B lids?

KINTO updated the Travel Tumbler’s lid, cap and silicone rings: in Japan from May 2024, and KINTO USA says as of January 2025. The new (Type B) lid and cap have a KINTO logo on the underside, and the new rings have a small tab to show which side faces out. Type A and Type B parts don’t mix. KINTO USA sells new lids ($15) that include the updated rings, and B-type rings alone ($2.50).

Check current listings

Prices and colors change often, and Amazon listings sometimes mix the two sizes or other KINTO tumblers (Day Off, To Go, Trail) into one page, so check for “Travel Tumbler” and “350ml” or “500ml” in the listing before you buy.

Check price: KINTO Travel Tumbler 350ml
Check price: KINTO Travel Tumbler 500ml

Sources

Specs checked October 2026. We found no recalls for KINTO products in the U.S. CPSC recall database when we checked. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before buying.

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