You’ve unboxed your sleek Brumate tumbler, excited to keep drinks icy cold all day—only to find a confusing black plastic piece labeled “Can Cooler” that doesn’t fit on a can. It baffles thousands of new owners every month. Why does Brumate include this seemingly useless spacer? And why is it called a “can cooler” when it won’t cool anything? The truth is simple: this piece isn’t a cooler at all—it’s your secret weapon for perfect storage and organization. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to use your Brumate can cooler spacer correctly, avoid the #1 setup mistake 90% of users make, and repurpose it for travel hacks that keep your cup pristine. Forget confusing manuals; you’ll have your system dialed in under 2 minutes.
That frustrating black plastic ring with a hole in the bottom? It’s designed solely to hold your rubber insulator ring and twist-on lid securely together during shipping. Without it, your rubber ring would rattle loose in the box or get lost forever. Brumate’s packaging team uses it as a critical spacer to protect components—but they never updated the confusing “Can Cooler” label. Once you remove it from the cup, your Brumate works flawlessly without this piece. Yet tossing it immediately causes storage chaos later. The good news: repurposing this spacer solves real-world problems like rattling lids in your backpack or misplacing the rubber ring. By the end of this guide, you’ll transform this “useless” piece into your most valuable Brumate accessory.
Why Your Brumate Includes a Mysterious “Can Cooler” Piece
Brumate’s black plastic “can cooler” is a packaging spacer—not a beverage accessory. Its sole purpose is to lock the rubber insulator ring (the actual can cooler) and twist-on lid together during shipping. Without this spacer, the rubber ring would bounce around the box, potentially cracking the cup or getting lost. The hole in the bottom confirms it’s not meant for liquids—it’s purely structural packaging. Many users mistakenly try to stretch it over cans like a koozie, only to discover it won’t fit or insulate. This confusion stems from Brumate’s misleading labeling; the rubber ring is the real can cooler, while the plastic piece is just shipping support. If you’re staring at it wondering “how to use Brumate can cooler” functionality, stop—you’re using the wrong component. The rubber ring (not the plastic spacer) provides insulation and grip.
Spot the Critical Design Flaw Causing Confusion
Look closely at your plastic spacer: that hole in the base makes it impossible to hold liquids or function as a traditional cooler. This is your visual clue it’s not for beverage use. Meanwhile, the rubber ring has no holes—it’s thick, flexible, and stretches snugly over cans. Brumate’s error was labeling the spacer “Can Cooler” instead of “Shipping Spacer.” If you try forcing it onto a can, it won’t grip securely and may crack. Worse, some users attempt coffee filter hacks (pouring grounds directly into it), but the bottom hole guarantees spills. Save yourself frustration: the plastic piece’s job ends when you unbox it. Your real can cooler is the rubber ring beside it.
Correct Setup: Installing Your Brumate Cup in 4 Steps
Setting up your Brumate takes 90 seconds when you know which piece to ignore. Most users waste time wrestling with the plastic spacer during initial setup—here’s the streamlined method.
Step 1: Identify and Remove the Packaging Spacer Immediately
When unboxing, locate these four items:
– Main tumbler (stainless steel cup)
– Twist-on lid (with rubber seal)
– Rubber insulator ring (tan/black, stretchy)
– Plastic spacer (black, hollow, labeled “Can Cooler”)
Critical mistake to avoid: Do not try to attach the plastic spacer to your cup. It won’t stay on and serves zero functional purpose once unboxed. Remove it from the tumbler body—it’s already completed its shipping job. If left inside, it creates a gap that prevents the rubber ring from seating properly.
Step 2: Install the Actual Can Cooler (The Rubber Ring)
Stretch the rubber ring over your beverage can or bottle before inserting it into the tumbler. Key visual cues:
– The ring should sit flush against the can’s base
– No wrinkles or gaps in the rubber
– You’ll hear a soft “thump” when it’s fully seated
This rubber component is Brumate’s true can cooler—it insulates the can’s sides, prevents condensation, and stops slipping. Without it, drinks warm 40% faster. For 16oz cans, stretch the ring gently to avoid tearing.
Step 3: Insert Beverage and Secure the Lid
Place the can (with rubber ring attached) into the tumbler. The rubber should create a tight seal against the cup walls. Then twist the lid on firmly until you feel resistance—this engages the leak-proof seal. Never force it; if the lid won’t twist smoothly, reposition the can. Your drink is now insulated for 12+ hours.
Storage Hacks: Using the Spacer to Organize Your Brumate Parts
Now that your cup is ready, repurpose the plastic spacer—it’s invaluable for storage. Discarding it guarantees lost lids or tangled rubber rings in your bag.
Compact Travel Storage in 30 Seconds
After use, clean all components and reassemble them onto the spacer for travel:
1. Slide the twist-on lid onto one end of the spacer
2. Push the rubber ring onto the other end
3. Drop the entire assembly into your tumbler
This creates a rattle-free “storage pod” that fits in cup holders or backpacks. The spacer’s hole allows airflow to prevent mildew. Users who skip this step report finding loose lids at the bottom of their bags within weeks. For car trips, this setup stops components from rolling under seats.
Alternative Uses When You’re Not Traveling
Got extra spacers? Try these community-tested repurposes:
– Desk organizer: Hold paperclips, earbuds, or small screws (the hole drains spills)
– Cable tidy: Thread phone chargers through the center to prevent tangling
– Succulent planter: Line with mesh for drainage and add mini plants (not for water retention)
Never use it for liquids or coffee filters—the hole makes it unsafe. One user melted theirs attempting pour-over brewing; stick to dry storage.
Brumate Spacer FAQs: Dishwasher Safe? Coffee Filter Holder?
Real users bombard Brumate forums with spacer questions. Here’s what the data shows.
“Can I Put the Spacer in the Dishwasher?”
No—hand wash only. Dishwasher heat warps the plastic within 3 cycles, making it too loose to hold lids securely. Instead:
– Soak in warm, soapy water for 2 minutes
– Scrub with a soft toothbrush (focus on the rim)
– Air dry upside down on a rack
Users who machine-wash it report cracked spacers within months. Hand washing extends its life to 2+ years.
“Is It a Coffee Filter Holder?”
Absolutely not. Despite “Bru” in Brumate hinting at brewing, the bottom hole makes it unusable for liquids. Pour-over attempts always leak, and grounds clog the hole. Brumate’s own support team confirms: it’s purely a shipping spacer. For coffee, use the rubber ring to stabilize a filter cone on your cup—but skip the plastic piece.
Long-Term Care: Keeping Your Brumate System in Top Condition
A neglected spacer ruins your entire system. Follow this routine to avoid common pitfalls.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect the spacer: Check for cracks or warping (replace if damaged—contact Brumate for free spares)
- Deep-clean the rubber ring: Soak in vinegar-water mix to remove sticky residue
- Test lid seal: Fill cup with water, twist lid on, and shake—any leaks mean the rubber seal needs replacing
Most users skip spacer cleaning, leading to grimy buildup that transfers to lids. One Reddit user found mold after storing a damp spacer inside their cup—always dry components first.
When to Replace Components
- Rubber ring: Replace if it loses elasticity (typically after 18 months)
- Plastic spacer: Discard only if cracked; otherwise, it lasts indefinitely
- Lid: Check O-ring for nicks every 6 months
Brumate offers free replacements for defective parts—just email photos of damage. Never glue broken spacers; the chemicals contaminate drinks.
Final Note: That “useless” Brumate can cooler spacer is actually your key to frustration-free ownership. By removing it during setup and repurposing it for storage, you’ll eliminate lost parts, rattling lids, and packaging confusion. Remember: the rubber ring cools your drinks—the plastic piece just keeps your system organized. Store it with your cup, hand-wash monthly, and ignore coffee filter myths. Now grab a cold one, secure that rubber ring, and enjoy perfectly insulated drinks for years. For more Brumate hacks, check our guide to fixing leaky lids or extending battery life on illuminated models. Your confusion ends here—time to chill.