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Funtainer Straw Bottle by Thermos

*Est. $11

Reviewed

August 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Double-wall insulation keeps beverages cool
Dishwasher safe
No exterior condensation
Less likely to increase risk of tooth decay
Choice of 28 designs

Cons

No alternate sizes available
Difficult to clean
Not for use with hot or carbonated beverages

Where to Buy

for $29.99

Our Analysis
Specs
3 Amazon Reviews

The Funtainer Straw Bottle by Thermos comes in 28 different designs, including numerous character themes, such as Shrek and Dora the Explorer. The Funtainer is dishwasher-safe, although the manufacturer suggests hand-washing for best results. However, some reviews state that hand-washing proves to be difficult because proper cleaning of the straw is challenging. There are few reports of leaks, and although some older reviews complain of the lid breaking off, this problem has been remedied in Funtainers made after 2009 with a reformulation of the plastic used. Like the Playtex Insulator Cup (*Est. $5), the Funtainer has double-wall insulation to keep beverages cold and a condensation-resistant outer shell. The Funtainer and other straw cups are not said to contribute to tooth decay because they direct liquid to the back of the mouth. The Funtainer should not be used with carbonated beverages, which will cause leaking, or with hot liquids.

NatureMoms.com includes the Funtainer Straw Cup in a second round of sippy cup testing, where both child and parent ratings are assigned to each cup on an alphabetical scale of A through F. ZRecommends.com includes the Funtainer in its 2009 sippy cup roundup and also features a detailed article describing specific design changes that have eliminated the use of BPA and corrected the fragility of the lid. Both Amazon.com and Walmart.com have dozens of owner-written reviews, although it's necessary to browse multiple product listings to review all the reviews.

Playtex Single Pack Insulator Cup, 9 Ounce, Colors May Vary

from Amazon.com

New: $6.29 $1.88

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Thermos Funtainer Straw Bottle, Backyardigans, 12 Ounce

(3 reviews)
Buy new: $19.00 2 New from $29.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. NatureMoms.com

The Funtainer Straw Cup is reviewed in this second round of testing by NatureMoms.com. The author says the Funtainer is easy to use and made of non-toxic materials, although it can be a bit difficult to clean.

Review: BPA Free Sippy Cups -- Part Two, "Tiffany", Jan. 2008

2. Z Recommends

This older article describes in detail the change in design of the Funtainer in response to concerns about BPA. Since the redesign, Funtainer Straw Bottles contain no BPA in the plastic lid, and problems with breaking lids have been addressed with a new plastic formulation that is less prone to breaking.

Review: Thermos Changes Funtainer and Foogo Plastics in Response to Consumer Complaints, "Jeremiah", Sept. 2009

3. Amazon.com

Because each character theme or design of the Funtainer Straw Cup is reviewed individually, it's necessary to evaluate reviews of several product listings to determine an overall opinion. Overall, the Funtainer is praised by parents for its insulated walls, which keep beverages cooler for up to 12 hours. There are a few older complaints of breaking lids, but other reviews indicate that this problem has been remedied when the company thoroughly redesigned the lid.

Review: Funtainer, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Walmart.com

Like Amazon.com, Walmart.com has a number of different designs of the Funtainer available. Parents posting reviews are reviewing a specific theme or design, so browsing through multiple product listings provides a more comprehensive look at opinions. Overall, feedback is highly positive, with most Funtainer designs maintaining high average ratings of 4 stars out of 5 or better.

Review: Funtainer, Contributors to Walmart.com

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