Yes, Your Stanley Tumbler Can Keep Your Burrito Warm (If You're Desperate)

Burritos are an excellent choice for a warm, packed lunch. They're a self-contained meal and when wrapped up tight, they're easy to carry and mostly mess-free. It's the perfect choice if you're brown-bagging it to work, heading to the park, or hitting the road. However, they come with one serious caveat, they don't stay warm long enough and cold beans and cheese just don't hit the same. Luckily, we have a clever solution to keep your burrito nice and toasty — a Stanley Tumbler.

That insulated container you use for your daily drinks doubles as a burrito warmer and using it couldn't be easier. Just open your Stanley Tumbler, give it a good wipe, and carefully place your wrapped meal inside. Seal the lid and you'll be on your way with your handy burrito cozy. The only downside is that you'll need a new place to store your actual beverages.

While this culinary hack is pretty straightforward, don't get carried away. Some people may be tempted to push the boundaries of this warming wizardry. If lunch plans change, you might wonder if that homemade burrito is still good for dinner. But before you go digging into a day-old meal, consider some basic food safety like how long this dish can stay warm and safe in a Stanley. 

It's been reported that Stanley's Quencher Tumbler can retain heat for up to seven hours when it comes to liquids. This length of time sounds like a lot but it's not sorcery, it's simple science. Tumblers work through vacuum insulation — two layers of stainless steel trap heat and prevent outside air from entering. It's like your own personal burrito heat vault. 

However, while it might still be warm, that doesn't mean you should always eat it. The real question is, how long can food stay out of the fridge safely? It all comes down to temperature and timing. Meals are in the danger zone when they're at 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit since they can grow bacteria quickly. Therefore, the USDA recommends eating items that have been at room temperature within two hours and only one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

So if you're desperate to keep your burrito warm while you're en route somewhere, this method can work. However, it's best to eat it as quickly as possible.