Zojirushi · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Zojirushi SX- SX-FSE45AD Stainless Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
Lower concern. No nonstick or water-resistant coatings typical.
Zojirushi vacuum tumbler uses stainless steel construction without known Teflon-family coating coatings. No PFAS risk signals identified in standard product materials.
Shop Zojirushi on Amazon →Material
stainless steel body, glass or plastic inner walls
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The SX-FSE45AD features a stainless steel outer shell with either borosilicate glass or food-grade plastic inner walls (models vary by region; check yours). Stainless steel is chemically stable and does not leach into beverages under normal use. The vacuum insulation layer between walls is typically air or inert gas, not a chemical additive of concern. This design avoids aluminum direct contact with liquids and eliminates nonstick coatings that could degrade.
The brand's record and disclosure
Zojirushi is a Japanese appliance manufacturer with a 100-year history and strong reputation for food-safety compliance in North America, EU, and Japan. The company does not publicly trumpet PFAS-free claims but maintains ISO certifications for food-contact materials and has no documented recalls linked to chemical leaching. Limited transparency on full material sourcing, but no substantive controversies in peer or regulatory records regarding this product line.
How it compares in its category
This tumbler is among the safer vacuum-insulated drink containers because stainless steel + glass/plastic inner avoids common hazards in cheaper models (e.g. lead in ceramic glazes, Teflon-type coating degradation). Comparable brands like Contigo and Hydro Flask use similar designs; Zojirushi's build quality and lack of chemical coatings place it in the lower-risk segment. Price reflects durability rather than premium material sourcing claims.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only if the model has a removable plastic lid or seal; the stainless steel body can go in dishwasher but seals may degrade. Do not use for hot liquids above 60-65C (140-150F) for extended periods if it has a plastic inner liner, as prolonged heat can increase microscopic plastic shedding over years. Replace rubber or silicone gaskets every 2-3 years if they show cracks or discoloration. Do not store acidic beverages (vinegar, citrus) for days at a time in plastic-lined versions, as acids can slightly soften polymer over time.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Plastic liner degradation (if applicable)
Some regional versions use food-grade plastic (likely PP or copolyester) instead of glass. Prolonged exposure to hot liquids or repeated thermal stress may cause microscopic plastic particles to enter beverages after years of use, though risk is low with normal cold/tepid use.
Rubber/silicone seal breakdown
Lids contain elastomer gaskets that can absorb odors, harbor bacteria if not cleaned weekly, and degrade after 2-3 years. Degradation itself is not a leaching hazard but compromises the vacuum seal, reducing insulation and potentially allowing mold growth in the cavity.
Heavy metals in stainless steel
Food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 18/10 alloy) is required by law in most regions and does not leach nickel, chromium, or manganese into beverages under normal pH and temperature. No recalls or reports of this issue with Zojirushi tumblers on record.
Borosilicate glass integrity (if glass liner)
If this model uses borosilicate glass, it is thermally stable and does not leach silica or barium under normal use. Risk of breakage on impact is mechanical, not chemical; no contamination hazard if glass fractures unless sharp fragments enter beverage.
Coating adhesion or off-gassing
Zojirushi does not use Teflon-type coating or nonstick interior coatings on this model line. The stainless exterior may have a thin cosmetic powder coat or paint, which poses no food-contact risk due to physical distance from beverage chamber.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Insulated Drink Tumblers
Zojirushi
Stainless Steel Carry Tumbler
Stainless steel body, no nonstick or special coating mentioned
Lower PFAS concern; bare stainless steel drink container.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Zojirushi
27oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
stainless steel with standard plastic lid
Lower concern. Stainless steel core rarely contains PFAS.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
Zojirushi
Stainless Tumbler
stainless steel body, no reported coating
Lower concern. Stainless steel tumbler with no known PFAS-prone coatings.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
More insulated drink tumblers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.