 (10 minute read) How to Clean Stainless Steel Mugs and BottlesSo, what exactly are the best ways to remove stains and rust from your stainless steel bottle? And what exactly is that oily-looking rainbow color that you sometimes see, and is it harmful? It honestly gets really confusing, and everyone seems to have their own trick or solution. So today, let's talk about and test eight of the most commonly-mentioned options to see which are the best for removing stains, rust, and rainbowing in stainless steel water bottles. You'll see some that work amazing, and others that don't so much at all. So let's get started and learn how to make your stainless steel bottle look like new. Best for Stains and Rainbowing (Not Rust)Given that this is the most common question, we wanted to highlight this answer first by showing the cheapest, fastest, and easiest ways to remove stains and rainbowing from stainless steel mugs and bottles. Keep reading below to learn more about our tests, as well as which are the best cleaning options for removing rust.
Video: How to Remove Stains, Rust, and Rainbowing from Stainless Steel Mugs and BottlesWe also cover this info in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap that way. Amazon Associates Disclosure BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. There are a few products linked later in this article, and if you make a purchase using one, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Big thanks if you use one because it really does help! Stains vs Rust vs RainbowingFirst, it helps to know the difference between stains, rust, and rainbowing because knowing what you have can change which type of cleaning agent or method you should use. Stains  Coffee and Tea Stains (in 16oz Hydro Flask) Stains are most commonly formed if you are a regular coffee or tea drinker. This is because of tannins, which most people associate with wine, but they also exist in coffee and tea. They're basically organic compounds you find in things like fruit, bark, and leaves, and fun fact, the name "tannin" comes from how people can use tree bark to tan animal hides when making leather. Because tannins are so small, they work their way into the microscopic pores and imperfections in stainless steel, which creates that staining effect. Another type is water stains, which is when water droplets dry up and leave behind oils or dissolved minerals like calcium, and it's a lot more common if you live in an area with hard water. But notably, none of these stains actually damage your bottle. Rust  Rusting Rust on the other hand is corrosive and can leave lasting damage if left unchecked. Regular carbon steel corrodes because the iron in the steel reacts with water and moisture in air to form iron oxide, also known as rust. Stainless steel is different because it contains a percentage of chromium, along with a few other metals. The amount of each type of metal varies based on the type of stainless steel you have, but the important detail is that the chromium in stainless steel forms a protective chromium oxide layer, also known as a passive layer. That's what actually prevents rust from forming, and it's why stainless steel stains less. But it's really thin, typically just a few nanometers thick. Rainbowing  Rainbowing in a Corkcicle Mug Rainbowing is what happens when that chromium oxide passive layer gets a little thicker. When stainless steel is heated up, that can actually increase the thickness of that oxidized top layer, creating that rainbowing effect. Because it's related to heat, that's also why you sometimes hear rainbowing referred to as heat tinting. Even though it looks a little weird and oily, rainbowing stainless steel bottles are totally safe to use. What We're TestingSometimes it's hard to tell exactly what's a stain, rust, or rainbowing, especially if it's really bad because maybe there's a combination of these issues. And even though stains and rainbowing aren't inherently unsafe, they make it more difficult to know if a bottle is truly clean. For those reasons, it can be a good idea to clean bottles regularly so they look like brand new stainless steel. These are eight of the most commonly-mentioned methods you'll find online.
We're going to test some of these three mugs: a rainbowing Corkcicle mug, a coffee and tea-stained Contigo mug, and a stained and rainbowing Hydro Flask 16oz bottle. And I don't have any bottles with enough rust to run multiple tests, but I did accidentally left this camping stovetop outside too long, so that'll give us plenty of surface area to test a few different ways to remove rust.
Test 1 Setup: Corkcicle (Removing Rainbowing)First on the testing block is the Corkcicle with the heavy rainbowing. Rather than testing one method after another, I taped off four sections inside the mug so we can hopefully see the differences side-by-side against the exact same types of stain.  Taping Off 4 Sections Test 1 (Rainbowing): Baking Soda Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.  Baking Soda Test 1 (Rainbowing): Vinegar Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.  Vinegar Test 1 (Rainbowing): Lemon Juice and Salt Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.  Lemon Juice and Salt Test 1 (Rainbowing): Bar Keeper's Friend Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.  Bar Keepers Friend Test 1 Results: Corkcicle (Removing Rainbowing)Baking soda and Bar Keeper's Friend had by far the best results of these four methods when it comes to removing rainbowing. The baking soda results did not look at good as BKF, but that's probably because I did not make as even of coverage with the baking soda paste. It looked really good in the middle where I know there was good coverage with the paste. Both the vinegar/water solution and the lemon juice/salt solution did not appear to remove rainbowing much at all.  Baking Soda and Vinegar Results  Bar Keepers Friend and Lemon Juice and Salt Results Test 1 (Rainbowing): Bottle Bright Next was Bottle Bright, and for this, I filled the same mug up about halfway with warm water, added a tablet, and let it sit for 10 minutes. (show footage). You can can how it cleaned some of the mug, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.  Bottle Bright Results (Half Full, Warm Water, 10min) I've used these tablets before with amazing results, so I ran the test again like how I normally use them by adding boiling water, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then scrubbing it some with a long brush. You can see that really did the trick, and now the whole inside of the Corkcicle looks like new.  Bottle Bright Results (Full, Hot Water, 30min) Test 2 Setup and Results: Contigo (Removing Stains)After that, I tested the Contigo with heavy coffee and tea stains the exact same way using a mug that's been taped into 4 sections. Again, baking soda and Bar Keepers Friend were great at removing stains, while vinegar and lemon and salt may have removed some of the stains but not nearly as much. And Bottle Bright worked the same too. You can see where I filled it halfway up with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes, but you can really see the difference when used with boiling water and a 30-minute sit time. Test 2 (Staining): Baking Soda (top middle) Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.  Baking Soda Results Test 2 (Staining): Vinegar (top middle) Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.  Vinegar Results Test 2 (Staining): Lemon Juice and Salt (top middle) Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.  Lemon Juice and Salt Results Test 2 (Staining): Bar Keeper's Friend (top middle) Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.  Bar Keepers Friend Results Test 2 (Staining): Bottle Bright (line halfway up) Mixed 1 tablet with warm water, then soaked for 10 minutes.  Bottle Bright Results (Half Full, Warm Water, 10min) Test 2 (Staining): Bottle Bright (filled to top) Mixed 1 tablet with hot water, then soaked for 30 minutes and lightly scrubbed with a soft bristle brush.  Bottle Bright Results (Filled to Top, Hot Water, 30min) Test 3 Setup and Results: Hydro Flask 16oz (Removing Stains and Rainbowing)For good measure, I also cleaned a 16 ounce Hydro Flask bottle. However, since I'm not able to get my hand inside it, I just used Bottle Bright with hot water, soaked for 30 minutes, then scrubbed it lightly with a brush. The results speak for themselves!  Bottle Bright Results Test 4 Setup and Results: Camping Stove (Rust)Next was the rust test using that camping stove. I used all of the same methods and durations again, each time just testing one side of this flat part of the stove.  Rusted Camping Stove For rust, lemon juice and salt did much better and seemed to have the best result. Bar Keeper's Friend and baking soda both removed some rust, but not as much. And again, vinegar didn't seem to do much at all, and neither did Bottl Bright this time. Then I added a Bottle Bright tablet with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes on the vinegar section because that was the side that still had the most rust. It didn't do much at all, so I reran the test with boiling water and letting it sit for 30 minutes. But again, Bottle Bright didn't do much. Test 4 (Rusting): Baking Soda Sprinkled a bunch on, added warm water to make a paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then did some light scrubbing and washed it off.  Baking Soda Before/After Test 4 (Rusting): Vinegar Made a 1:1 solution of 5% distilled white vinegar with warm water and let that also sit for 10 minutes.  Vinegar Before/After Test 4 (Rusting): Lemon Juice and Salt Made a solution then poured that on, also leaving it for 10 minutes.  Lemon Juice and Salt Before/After Test 4 (Rusting): Bar Keepers Friend Bar Keeper's Friend recommends using it for no more than 1 minute, so I did more of a wipe-on-wipe-off approach over about 30 seconds.  Bar Keepers Friend Before/After Test 4 (Rusting): Bottle Bright I added a Bottle Bright tablet with hot water and let it sit for 30 minutes on the vinegar section because that was the side that still had the most rust. It didn't seem to do much.  Bottle Bright Before/After ConclusionHere were the best results based on visually comparing the different methods. If you have a stained or rainbowing bottle with a wide mouth that you can get your hand into like a mug or a Stanley tumbler, you may want to try baking soda or Bar Keeper's Friend for stains first because they work really well and are the fastest. If you can't fit your hand into the bottle, use Bottle Bright with boiling water for 30 minutes, then use a long brush to scrub it and I can almost guarantee that will work. For rust, try lemon juice and salt first, followed by Bar Keepers Friend. If your bottle is rusting on the inside and you can't get your hand in there, you can try using lemon juice and salt with a long brush, but it might be difficult to get as much scrubbing force with a brush as much as you really need so you may want to consider replacing your bottle.
Looking to Buy Some Supplies? Here are some good options for each of the supplies and cleaning methods mentioned. Big thanks if you use one of the links to buy...it really does help! Click on any of the images to see the Amazon listing.
What about Bleach, Abrasives, and Cleaning Beads?Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed I didn't test bleach, abrasives (like steel wool), or cleaning beads. Can You Use Bleach to Clean Stainless Steel?  Why You Shouldn't Use Bleach on Stainless Steel There's a reason why I didn't test bleach. Yes, it will kill any bacteria and remove some stains, but the problem is that bleach is so corrosive that it can damage or remove the chromium oxide layer, which then makes your stainless steel bottle more likely to corrode in the future by rusting. You'll see a lot of people say they've used bleach for years on stainless steel with no problems, and I'm sure that's true. If you use a really mild solution and wash it out quickly, then it's probably OK. But in my opinion, I'm not sure why you'd want to risk that with a stainless steel bottle when there are other effective stain and rust-removal options like we've just seen that are less likely to cause damage. Can You Use Steel Wool or Magic Erasers to Clean Stainless Steel?  Why You Shouldn't Use Steel Wool on Stainless Steel It also may not be a good idea to use abrasive things like steel wool. These can scuff up the surface of the stainless steel, adding more of those microscropic imperfections that make it more likely to stain or corrode again in the future. It's safer to use something non-abrasive like a brush or sponge with the right cleaning agent. Magic Erasers are made of melamine (type of plastic) and are essentially a much finer abrasive. For that reason, we typically still recommend using non-abrasive cleaning methods first, like Bottle Bright with a soft bristle brush. But if that doesn't work, then Magic Erasers could be worth a try. Because the melamine is softer than steel and it's much finer, Magic Erasers are much safer to use on stainless steel when you need some extra abrasive force. However, be careful when using them around painted and powder coated surfaces because it's possibly they could lead to cosmetic damage. Do Cleaning Beads Work on Stainless Steel?  Do Cleaning Beads Work? I've seen these mentioned quite a few times, and they're basically just small stainless steel balls. They're designed so you can drop them through a narrow neck then shake them around, and the impact from the beads helps remove some of the stains. I'm not 100% sure, but maybe they just jar some of those tannins loose, and apparently they can work OK and I can see how this would be helpful with something like a rounded wine decanter with a really narrow neck.
But they may not be the best solution for stainless steel bottles. Even though the beads are small, it's probably hard to get them to clean all the corners effectively, like along the bottom rim of your bottle. Also, it sounds like you're meant to use them along with some kind of cleaning solution anyways, so why not just use Bottle Bright and a cleaning brush? If you have an extremely narrow neck bottle like a classic S'well, then maybe these cleaning beads could help. But other than that, I'm not sure they're any better than just using a brush, which you should have for your weekly cleaning anyways. If any of you guys have used cleaning beads, I'd be really curious to hear what you think in the comments.
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 What is PFAS, and Which Filters and Bottles Remove It? What are PFAS Chemicals, aka "Forever Chemicals?"Chances are you've heard the term "PFAS chemicals" or "forever chemicals" within the last few years, but maybe you're wondering what they are. This article will get you up to speed by covering the most common PFAS-related topics and questions, including:
And importantly, what can you do about it?
What is PFAS? The term "PFAS" stands for polyfluoroalkyl substances. It doesn't refer to any single chemical, but rather it refers to a group of thousands of similar ones. Some of the more common and problematic variations you'll see are PFOS, PFOA, and GenX. Their unique chemical properties give them noticeable benefits with certain products and applications, particularly with non-stick and stain-free consumer goods. Because they are inexpensive and have beneficial properties, PFAS chemicals have been used in manufacturing and industry since the 1940s and 50s in all kinds of things, and The most common ones you'll likely hear about are:
Some of these like non-stick cookware and stain-free clothing are easier to avoid, and you're starting to see more products labeled as PFAS-free like the ones shown on PFAS Central's website. This seems to be leading up to a similar cultural and consumer shift like with what happened in the water bottle industry in the late 2000s with BPAs, which is why nearly every bottle on the market today says they're BPA-free. And while you may think the products in your home are a more immediate threat, that's not necessarily true. The areas around or downstream from factories and facilities where PFAS was used often have higher contamination levels in the water supply, which has led to multiple high-profile settlements. Contamination is very region-specific, so your location plays a big role on whether you likely have increased levels of PFAS in your water supply (which we'll cover in more detail in an upcoming section). If you're curious to learn more, here is a link to find more information about active PFAS court cases and settlements, including the one with 3M which requires the company to pay at least $10.5 billion in damages. What are the Current PFAS Regulatory Limits and Thresholds? Perhap the most mindblowing and disturbing thing about PFAS isn't what it is, where it's from, or how it affects you. Rather, it's how such incredibly small amounts of it can impact your health. It's is almost impossible to comprehend, but we're going to use the sun to help us out. EPA Regulations for Copper, Lead, and PFAS Regulatory agencies limit concentrations of harmful contaminants in your drinking water. Three common ones you'll see are copper, lead, and more recently PFAS. The US EPA limits copper at 1.3 parts-per-million ("ppm"). What this means is that if the copper concentration exceeds that limit, sometimes known as an "action level," then the utility provider or the company or person causing the contamination has to take corrective actions as well as notify the public of any potential health concerns. But 1.3 ppm is hard to visualize, so what does that look like? For comparison, let's use the sun as a reference. The sun is on average 93 million miles away, and if you calculate it out, 1.3 millionth of the way to the sun is 121 miles. That's almost halfway to the orbit of the International Space Station, so it's pretty far.  Copper contamination threshold (1.3 ppm) compared to the distance to the Sun Lead is even more dangerous, so it has a action level of 150 parts-per-billion ("ppb"). If you calculate THAT out, 150 billionths of the way to the sun is roughly 14 miles up, which is about twice as high as most commercial airplanes.  Lead contamination threshold (150 ppb) compared to the distance to the Sun But some PFAS chemicals have an action level of 4 parts-per-trillion ("ppt"). (link to EPA presentation with info about limits on pg 10) To go 4 trillionth of the way to the sun, you don't need a rocket or a plane. You just need a short ladder because when you calculate it out, 4 trillionths of the way to the sun is about 2 feet.  PFAS contamination threshold (4 ppt) compared to the distance to the Sun This is an incomprehensibly small amount, which leads to the question, how does something that small even affect your health? Are PFAS Chemicals Harmful? While it may be difficult to believe, those kinds of small concentrations of PFAS chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including:
Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on PFAS, and I am relying on published data from reputable sources. One such source I used is the US EPA, and you can find their PFAS guidelines here. Now to be clear, this is a developing set of knowledge on a topic that need more research. Our understanding of what PFAS does to the human body and which concentrations are truly harmful are going to continue evolving based on the evidence, just like all good science. But there have already been enough peer-reviewed scientific studies from reputable sources that show clear enough negative health impacts to support proposing or enacting some pretty major regulations. And judging by Google trends and reading headlines about it and multi-billion dollar settlements with major contamination offenders, you're seeing a rise in PFAS awareness with the public which is sure to lead to more changes from brands and manufacturers.  Google Trends search volume for "pfas" from 2020-2025 Are PFAS and Forever Chemicals the Same? Maybe you've also heard the term "forever chemicals" in recent news, but that's just another name for PFAS. It's catchier and is better at the reader's attention, so the term is used very frequently in news headlines. The nickname was coined for two main reasons:
So don't be confused: PFAS and "forever chemicals" are the same thing. One is simply the technical name, and the other is more of a marketing term. How does PFAS get into your Water? Though it is regulated now, PFAS is in many common products that are still used to this day. However, in many ways the bigger problem for many people relates to groundwater and the public water supply. Factories, manufacturing plants, and government facilities that used PFAS either in products manufacturing or things like firefighting foam exposed the environment to PFAS contamination for decades. Over time, this increased the PFAS concentrations in the soil and groundwater in the immediate area, as well as locations and communities downstream. Because PFAS chemicals are is so small, many common treatment methods used by public water utilities do not remove it. And because the threshold like the EPA's 4 ppt limit are so low, it does not take much exposure for a public water utility to technically be over the regulated limit. Are PFAS and Microplastics the Same? Many people have started hearing the terms "PFAS" and "microplastics" recently, and their Google Trends search volumes have risen around roughly the same time period. As its name suggest, microplastics are small bits of plastic found the water, and increasingly in different parts of the human body. Both are health concerns that are very widespread in the environment and water systems, making them difficult to avoid. Also, both can relate to the same types of products, making it even more confusing.  Google Trends search volume for "pfas" and "microplastics" from 2020-2025 However, it's important to know that PFAS and microplastics are not the same thing. PFAS is a particular family of chemicals, and microplastics are simply broken down pieces of plastic. Some plastic products and parts have PFAS chemicals, so when they break down over time, this process can release both PFAS and microplastics into the environment. However, they are technically different things. Some filters can remove both microplastics and PFAS, so it helps to check the manufacturer's product info to see exactly what they are claim to remove before you buy a system. We've listed a few systems later in this article that remove both. Which Regions of the US have the Worst PFAS? So should you be worried? Well, to a large degree that depends on where you live. The Environmental Working Group has this interactive map that lets you look at sampling data at different points throughout the US. Darker blue circles are good, lighter blue are bad, purple are military sites which often times have the highest concentrations, and orange are other types of sites like manufacturing plants. I've included a screenshot of the map below so you can see the overview, but I encourage you to check out EWG's website and interact with the map to zoom in and see sampling data near you.  PFAS contamination map of the US (Environmental Working Group) Some areas that are closer to major contamination sources often find higher PFAS concentrations, though it's not a given. Wilmington, NC is frequently included in lists of cities with the worst PFAS contamination issues, but the actual source of much of that contamination was roughly 70 miles away at a chemical plant near Fayettville owned at the time by DuPont and more recently their spinoff Chemours. Even if chemicals aren't directly dumped into the river, they can still get into the groundwater, which can then seeps into rivers over time, which then affect downstream communities like Wilmington. This is what led to the nearly $1.2 billion dollar settlement in 2023 between Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva and downstream water suppliers.  Wilmington, NC and the source of contamination (DuPont / Chemours plant near Fayettville, NC) Long-story-short, if you want to avoid PFAS and have some flexibility on where you live, getting closer to the headwaters at higher elevations is probably a safer bet. Can You Remove PFAS, and Which Home Filter Systems Work Best? Of course, most of us can't move to Aspen, so what can we do? Consumer Notice.org has this really helpful summary of PFAS, and it includes ways you can limit your exposure, mostly focusing on which products to avoid. When it comes to your drinking water, that's a little trickier but thankfully there are a few options. Disclaimer: A single PFAS test costs hundreds of dollars because it requires highly senstive and technical tests. I run a small YouTube channel and blog, so I don't have the money to pay for tests like that yet. But after researching this and reaching out to companies, here's what I've found. Not all filters will remove PFAS, so you need to be careful. The below recommendations are based largely on this the Duke University article referenced above and these test results from the Environmental Working Group. Amazon Associates Disclosure BottlePro is part of the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. It really helps, so thank you very much if you use one! Reverse Osmosis Filters: Proven to Work
2-Stage Filters: Likely to Work
Countertop System: Proven to Work Pitcher Systems: Proven to Work The Environmental Working Group also tested a number of pitchers, which can be a better option for traveling or events. These two had at least 98% PFAS removal in their testing, and they're some of the lowest-cost ways to start removing PFAS from your drinking water. Which Bottles Filter Out and Remove PFAS? Now on this website I mostly talk about water bottles, and they have a place in this discussion too. Even if you have an under-sink reverse osmosis system, but that doesn't help you out when you're on the road, especially if you're flying somewhere and you can't take any water with you. So for traveling professionals and road warriors, having a bottle that can help filter out PFAS can be appealing. Here are a few options that may be worth considering. Two Bottles that May Help Some, but not as Certain
Two Bottles that are Proven to Remove PFAS
Some of these are more conclusively good at removing PFAS, others are easier to use, and some are a lot more affordable. It's a developing mix of products, but I'm just glad there are some viable options on the market today and there will almost certainly be more coming soon. If you made it this far, consider using one of the links if you're going to buy one of these products anyways. It doesn't cost you any extra, and I may earn a commission that really helps out. Hope this information helps. Thanks again, and happy hydrating!  What is the Best Water Bottle? What is the Best Bottle?If you're wondering what is the best water bottle on the market today, you're not alone. The water bottle market is incredibly saturated (pun intended), so there's a lot to consider. Well, I've collected 31 bottles over the years for this business, so today I'm going to reveal my full collection to help you find the best bottle for your situation. What's Next?
Video Review: What is the Best Water Bottle? (31 Tested!)We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Good Accessories for Most Large BottlesWhether you go with Owala, Hydro Flask, YETI, Stanley, or anything else, these are our three most popular recommended accessories for any large reusable bottle.
Part One: Recommended Bottles by UseDifferent bottles are better for different situations, so here let's take a look at various uses to see which bottle is the best option. Scroll down to Part Two to read more about any particular brand or bottle. Best Bottle for Everyday, All-Around Use These are the two bottles I find myself going back to most regularly when I'm not deliberately testing a different one. They each have a great combination of features that make them amazing choices for everyday use.
Best Bottle for Value Best Bottle for Hiking
Best Bottle for Sports
Best Bottle for Driving
Best Bottle for Road Trips Any of the bottles listed under "Best Bottle for Driving" are good options here, but I'd also consider having a 2nd larger bottle on hand for refills.  Hydro Flask Growler Hydro Flask Growler
Best Bottle for Home or Office
Best Bottle for Clumsy People Best Bottle for Iced Water
Best Bottle for Fruit Infusing
Best Bottle for Tea Infusing  Steepware Infusers Steepware
Best Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contact
Best Bottle for Easy Cleaning
Best Bottle for Sanitizing Water
Best Straw Lid
Best Chug Lid Best Sip Lid  Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip Hydro Flask Flex Sip
Many people prefer YETI's Hotshot because it has fewer pieces and you can drink from any side, which are both good points. But it's not my personal favorite because it does not have a handle and is more difficult to open and close because of how the piece you twist is recessed below the rim of the lid. With Hydro Flask's design, you can grab the outside of the lid and twist it which is just easier, and this is one of those small differences that you probably wouldn't notice unless you tried both side-by-side. Part Two: Rapid-Fire Review of All 31 BottlesMost are vacuum insulated stainless steel around 32 ounces in size, but there are some different types of bottles and sizes mixed in. They're in no particular order. 1 of 31: Owala FreeSip
2 of 31: Stanley Quencher
3 of 31: YETI Rambler
4 of 31: Cirkul
5 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Flex Straw
6 of 31: Hydro Flask 16oz Flex Sip
7 of 31: Hydro Flask 24oz Flex Straw
8 of 31: Hydro Flask 32oz Trail Series
9 of 31: Hydro Flask 64oz Growler
10 of 31: S'well 25oz
11 of 31: Klean Kanteen Classic 40oz
12 of 31: Klean Kanteen TKWide 32oz
13 of 31: Takeya 32oz
14 of 31: Nalgene 32oz
15 of 31: Healthy Human 32oz Stein
16 of 31: Healthy Human 21oz Curve 17 of 31: Camelbak Chute Mag 32oz
18 of 31: ThermoFlask 32oz
19 of 31: Iron Flask 40oz
20 of 31: Ozark Trail 32oz
21 of 31: FJbottle 32oz
22 of 31: EcoVessel 32oz
23 of 31: Steepware 22oz
24 of 31: Vesmoon 32oz
25 of 31: RevoMax
26 of 31: Zulu Ace
27 of 31: Stanley Classic Thermos
28 of 31: Otiem Copper
29 of 31: Brita Filter Bottle
30 of 31: GRAYL Filter Bottle
31 of 31: LARQ UV Bottle
 What are the Best Bottles and Accessories for Infusing Water with Fruit, Tea, and Coffee? What are the Best Bottles for Infusing?If you're like me, you get bored drinking regular, plain water all day. I used to be addicted to sodas, so switching from extremely sugary drinks to water was a big shift. The thing that helped me the most was adding my own flavors. Now, technically sodas are flavored water with carbonation and you can also add flavor with enhancers like Mio, but for the purposes of this video I'm calling flavored water anything that gets its taste from more natural sources like fresh fruit, loose-leaf tea, or coffee grounds. And at the end, I'll also give my take on two bottle brands that have more recently taken social media by storm, Cirkul and air up. (spoiler alert, it might not be positive) Video Review: Which Bottles are Best for Infusing?We also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! Links to Products: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it really helps. Thank you! Adding Fruit Directly into Your Bottle (No Infuser)First, I have to mention the most obvious way to flavor your water, and that's simply by adding fruit like lemons, cucumber, mint, or a whole range of other flavors directly into your bottle! This works well enough, but the problem is that you ideally would have some way to strain it so it's not a good option with most bottles. The good news is that more and more bottles are coming to market with built-in stainless steel strainers at the lid. For stainless steel, EcoVessel is one brand that's been around awhile, and for glass, Mayu is a brand I've mentioned a few times on this channel. Just add your fruit, snap the strainer into place, and you're good to go. It's also worth noting that these strainers double as ice-blockers, which can be a life-saver when driving in particular.
Bottles with Built-In InfusersSome brands take the built-in strainer a step further by having a larger strainer that screws into the smaller one, which makes it a better option for tea or coffee. It's also a good option if you want your fruit to be contained instead of free-floating. Notably, none of the "major" brands that I'm aware of currently have bottles with built-in infusers, including Stanley, YETI, and Hydro Flask. We would not be surprised if they come out with options within a few years, but for now you'll have to go with lesser-known brands or add-on accessories (see further down the page). The first brand I tried with a larger infuser was Steepware, but honestly I'm not too much of a fan of this bottle. It did the worst by far on an insulation test, and the handle isn't anything to write home about. A much better all-around option is a new brand I came across called Vesmoon. Now to be clear, there do appear to be other similar bottles with the same size strainer coming to market, but this is the one I've tested in person and I'm a pretty big fan. Unfortunately, Vesmoon was not available for purchase as of 6/2/2024. This is sometimes a problem with brands that are smaller and newer because the water bottle market is incredibly competitive But there are other options on the market today, and these ones by Hemli and Akvati look to be comparable. Stanley Bottle with a Fruit InfuserNow I'm not a huge fan of Stanleys, but I recognize many people love them. Unfortunately, Stanley does not have a fruit infuser bottle option at this time, though a good alternative is from a brand called Fimibuke. It's essentially a Stanley knockoff with a large built-in infuser for one third the price, and while I can't say much about the company or brand itself, the design and functionality look pretty solid. Best Bottle Infusers for Fruit InfusingLlet's say you're in the market for an add-on infuser because you don't want to buy an entire new bottle. Well, there are a few options you can look at. Let's start with ones for fruit, which generally have larger openings that work well for fruit but not for loose leaf tea or coffee grounds.
Best Bottle Infusers for Tea and Coffee InfusingNow each of the add-on infusers I mentioned is made with either plastic or silicone, so let's look at some stainless steel ones, which can be used for fruit but are also better for tea and coffee because they have a finer mesh strainer.
Bottles with Flavor Pods (Cirkul and Air Up)And finally, let's take a look at the two elephants in the room that have taken social media by storm recently, Cirkul and air up. They each have flavor pods, but they work very differently.
 Best Water Bottles for Cleaning What is the Best Water Bottle for Clean Freaks?Let’s face it, reusable water bottles are amazing for many reasons, but they’re also great at hiding bacteria and germs. So today, let's look at some bottles that have features designed specifically to make it easier to keep them clean. In this post, I’m only going to cover dual wall vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles because they're some of the more popular bottle in today's market. LONG STORY SHORT Here's the summary of the bottles. Keep reading for more details about each one!
Water Bottle Cleaning TipsBefore we dive into specific bottles, let's start with some general water bottle cleaning tips and guidelines.
Can You Use your Dishwasher to Clean your Bottle? Many bottle manufacturers state that their bottles and lids are dishwasher safe, which at first makes this seem like a great option. Besides, why go through all the work of using a bottle brush and cleaning tablets when you can let the dishwasher do everything? Different people will have different opinions, but here's ours. For the most part, we do not recommend putting reusable bottles or accessories in dishwashers. These bottles can be expensive, so we think it's better to take a hands-on approach to make sure your bottle is cleaned sufficiently while minimizing the chances that it could get damaged or chipped from knocking into something else while your dishwasher is running. Also, you'll probably want to remove and hand-wash the seals anyways periodically because the dishwasher won't be able to get all around them. And it's not always clear which products are really dishwasher safe. For example, newer Hydro Flasks are dishwasher safe, but older ones are not. For the average user, it can be confusing or difficult to really know, so we generally like to play it safe and recommend handwashing. What are the Easiest Water Bottles to Keep Clean?Let’s move on to some bottles that have features designed specifically to make them easier to keep clean, and at the end I'll give my overall recommendation. Bottles with Internal Threads
Bottles with No Threads
Bottles with Seals with Pull Tabs
Bottles with Removable Bottoms
Bottles with FiltersThere are a ton of filter bottles and accessories to choose from at this point, and while they don't help clean your bottle, they do help clean the water you'll drink so they are worth mentioning. A few include Lifestraw, Simple Modern, and Brita. I'm planning another post later this year where I'll compare different filter options, so I'll have much more info about this subgenre coming soon. Bottles with UV LightEasiest Straw Lids to Keep Clean
Conclusion: What is the Easiest Bottle to Keep Clean?From an objective standpoint, it's hard to beat the LARQ bottle because UV light is proven to kill bacteria and viruses. Of course that doesn't replace cleaning with a brush and bottle tablets, but it's an extra step to santize your water that the other bottles simply don't have. But for over $100 for the 25oz bottle, it's understandably outside of most people's price point. So for most people, Zulu Ace is probably the best choice. Being able to take off both sides of the bottle makes it so much easier to make sure you're cleaning the bottle thoroughly, so we'll give the nod to this one for anyone who prioritizes cleaning your bottle over everything else. But ultimately, you can make any of these bottles work if you have a good brush kit, use cleaning tablets periodically, and develop a habit of cleaning your bottle often. Now we just need someone to come out with a bottle that has a UV light, seals with pull tabs, easy-to-clean-threads, and a detachable bottom.  8 Bottles that Change HydrationToday’s water bottle market is crowded and complex, and manufacturers are always looking for innovative ways to stand out. Many times, these features are just gimmicks, but some bottles really do improve what water bottles are capable of. At BottlePro, we’ve reviewed and seen a lot of these market changes, and we’re going to share with you 8 of our favorite innovators. The first ones start with some simpler quality-of-life improvements, and towards the end of the video we’ll show some of the more high-tech options on the market. We’ll also branch out a bit and show a couple of coffee mugs that you might want to take a look at. Video ReviewWe also cover this in a YouTube video if you'd prefer to watch the recap! As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. Thank you for your support! The Big PictureBonus: Coffee MugsThe DetailsFJbottle (Convenience)
EcoVessel (Multi-Use)
Owala (Combo Lid)
RevoMax (Threadless Lid)
GRAYL Geopress (Filter)
Boundless (Titanium)
Hidrate Spark (Hydration Tracking)
LARQ (UV Sanitizing)
Ember (Temperature Control)Momnt Mugs (Ergonomic, No-Slip Grip)
 Top 3 Questions to Ask before Buying a Water Bottle for your Child As a parent, you have a lot to think about when it comes to your child. In this post, we we'll talk through three important questions to consider before buying a bottle for your little one. And we’re glad you’re here. BottlePro is all about health through hydration, and teaching your child to use a reusable water bottle will have many benefits in the long run. Proper hydration habits are tied to better health, and avoiding single-use bottles will help your child’s future wallet as well as the environment that he or she is inheriting. So without further ado, let's get started! Question #1 - Is Your Water Bottle Safe?Moving on to question number one, is it safe? As with anything with your child, the first question you should ask is, will this be safe for my child to use every day. Normally the concern with bottles is about leaching, or whether chemicals or toxins seep from your bottle into your drink. Aside from that, there are physical hazards, which is particularly true with glass because it can break into sharp pieces. The Safest Water Bottle Materials for ChildrenThe safest bottle materials that we recommend using for children are:
STAINLESS STEELAre Stainless Steel Bottles Safe for Kids? In many ways, stainless steel bottles are the best option for children. They’re widely shown to be safe, are easy to clean, and don’t have an inner liner like aluminum bottles. There are plenty of reputable brands with many different style to choose from, so you have plenty of options to pick what’s right for you and your child. And unlike glass, they won’t shatter and potentially create a physical hazard if your child drops the bottle. Stainless steel bottles typically come in one of four alloys or grades: 304, 316, 18/8 and 18/10. Any of these grades should be fine with normal use, but if you’re really looking for the best grade, consider buying a bottle made with 316 steel because it’s more corrosion resistant. Should You Avoid Stainless Steel Bottles for Kids? For the most part stainless steel bottles are a pretty proven and safe option, but there's one thing to keep in mind with many of them. Make sure you look at the lid construction. Many bottles that are made with stainless steel bodies still have exposed plastic under the lid that can come in contact with the water, so if your goal is to completely avoid plastic contact, keep this in mind. I’ll give some links in the description to bottles that I’m aware of that completely prevent plastic from contacting your water, and if anyone else knows of other options, please leave a comment below to let us and other viewers know. The Best Stainless Steel Bottles for Kids There is a lot of competition in the stainless steel water bottle market, so there are plenty of options to choose from. These are some of our favorites!
SILICONEAre Silicone Bottles Safe for Kids? For silicone, most research shows that it is very safe and a great alternative to plastic. It is BPA-free, extremely durable, lightweight, and flexible. Just make sure it says food-safe or food-grade. Pretty much every bottle with silicone will list this on the packaging, but it doesn’t hurt to check. And if you’re buying from a lesser-known brand, you could also reach out to the manufacturer for more testing info if you’d like to learn more. Pura is a brand we haven’t tested yet, but looking at their website, they are leaning heavily into silicone-based options and are a good one to check out. Should You Avoid Silicone Bottles for Kids? In my opinion, the biggest potential downside to silicone is what we don’t know. While research has mostly shown it to be safe, compared to some other materials like glass, silicone is still relatively new and it’s always possible that new research could bring up potential concerns. I wouldn’t blame you if you want to avoid silicone bottles for this reason, but keep in mind that most water bottles use some silicone, either in the seals, straw, or spout. It’s very hard to completely avoid silicone in water bottles nowadays. The Best Silicone Bottles for Kids The 100% silicone bottle market is relatively new, so there aren't nearly as many options to choose from compared to stainless steel. Many do not have great reviews, so we're waiting for this sub-genre to develop more. Still, here are a few worth considering for children of varying ages.
GLASSAre Glass Bottles Safe for Kids? Glass gives the cleanest drinking experience, and many people feel safest using glass because it’s a material that’s been in use for a long time and has a more natural feel to it. Many people prefer glass because they find that it doesn’t have an aftertaste that you might have with plastic, silicone, or stainless steel. And even though materials like BPA-free plastic and silicone are tested to be safe, glass is made with fewer additives and chemicals so many people feel safer that it helps avoid leaching of potentially harmful chemicals. Should You Avoid Glass Bottles for Kids? Now all that sounds great, but there is a big drawback. Glass is usually the heaviest bottle and can be extra bulky, so it may be more difficult for your child to manage than alternatives like plastic or stainless steel. And obviously, glass can also break and create a physical hazard with sharp edges. If you want to get a glass bottle for your child, make sure it has a protective sleeve and is made of borosilicate glass because it’ll less likely to shatter and is more temperature and shock resistant. You may want to avoid mason jars because most of them are not made of borosilicate glass. The Best Glass Bottles for Kids These are some of our favorite glass bottle options for kids within a few age ranges.
SPONSORFJbottle Real quick, I’d like to take a few moments to thank FJbottle for sponsoring this video. One thing they do well is clearly label what type of stainless steel is used in their bottles, and they have a mix of 304 and 316. With other brands, sometimes it can take more digging around online to know which grade it is, and higher-grade 316 stainless steel bottles can sometimes be hard to find. They sent us these bottles to help us have some content for this video, and we appreciate the different designs they’ve come up with. There are spout lids, straw lids with silicone tips, and quite a few different designs for whatever your kid is interested in. Each bottle comes with a cleaning brush and a straw cleaner if it’s a straw lid, so it’s easier to keep your bottle clean right from the start without having to buy a cleaning kit, though you eventually may want a more robust bottle cleaning brush. This one is a kid-size of the 34-ounce bottle that I used a lot over the last few months and honestly became one of my favorite bottles. It has a magnetic lid, a carrying strap on the side that I ended up using a lot more than I thought I would, and an anti-slip base that helps prevent a few dents and spills. Please note that they do have plastic under the lids, but the fact that they have 316 stainless steel options and silicone straw options tells me that they are very aware of material safety. We’re very thankful for their support, so we hope you’ll visit www.fjbottle.com to learn more! Question #2 - Which Bottles are Easiest for Children to Use?The next question you’ll want to ask yourself is whether the bottle will be easy for your child to use. What Size Water Bottle is Best for Children Pick a size that’s a good fit for your child depending on his or her age and ability. I’d recommend sticking to 16-ounces at most for younger kids because larger bottles like 20-ounce and especially 32 and 40-ounce would be too much to handle. Bottles can be pretty big and bulky, so look for features that make a bottle easier to carry like a carrying strap, pouch, or large handle. Are Straw or Spout Bottles Better for Children? To make it less likely to have spills, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. Straw lids are easier for many children to drink from, but they're also more prone to leaking, especially if you store a bottle on its side like in a backpack. So depending on your child's age, you may one one more than the other. Double-check the reviews since there’s almost always someone who will mention if it leaks easily. Question #3 - Will Your Child Like It?The third question you should ask is, will my child even want to use this bottle? Now for sure, buying a bottle that’s easy to use important to encourage regular use, but kids are all about style and sporting something that’s fits their interests. This is where having different styles really comes in handy. Is your kid into trains? Unicorns? Pink? Blue? Brands like FJbottle and Klean Kanteen have designs with different graphics and themes, while brands like Hydro Flask and YETI only have color variations. You know your kid better than anyone else, so get them a bottle that strikes a chord with what they’re interested in. That will help encourage them to keep their bottle with them and build on healthy hydration habits.  Update March 9, 2024: For more info about lead and Stanley bottles, see our more recent post here. What is the Safest Water Bottle Material?A common question that many people ask when buying a reusable water bottle is, will this bottle be safe to drink from every day? It's important to know that your bottles are safe for you and your family to use, so in this video, we are going to take a closer look at seven types of water bottle materials:
Our goal is to give you a better understanding of the available options on the market today so you can make the best decision for your situation. We'll review which ones are generally considered to be the safest, and which ones you may want to avoid. (Rankings are at the end) Don't Forget to Clean your Bottle RegularlyBefore we even talk about any water bottle materials, we need to talk about cleaning. Any bottle that isn’t cleaned regularly will eventually become unsafe to drink from due to bacteria buildup. In an ideal world, you should wash your bottle after every single use, but that’s not practical for a lot of people and situations. At the very least though, you should try wash your bottle thoroughly at least every 2-3 days if you use it each day . Using a brush kit like this one is really helpful to clean larger water bottles, especially narrow mouths. It’s also a good idea to give your bottle a deep clean every few weeks with a cleaning tablet, and I found that Bottle Bright’s tablets worked great to get stains out of my coffee bottle. We also recommend that you do not use bleach with your bottle. With some bottles, like 304 stainless steel, bleach can corrode the metal and cause damage. Just clean your bottle regularly with warm, soapy water and use a bottle cleaning tablet every week or two for a deeper clean and you’ll be good. Bottle Cleaning Products We Use Regularly LeachingThe main concern that usually comes up when talking about water bottle materials and health is leaching, which is when chemicals or toxins from the bottle seep into the drink. It’s the same process that created a widespread fear tomatoes in the 1700s when many people thought they were poisonous, as explained in more detail in this article by Reader's Digest. Of course the tomatoes themselves weren’t toxic, but the acid from the fruit would leach lead from the pewter plates and utensils, causing lead poisoning. More recently, BPAs have received most of the headlines, which leads us into our first material, plastic. Are Plastic Bottles Safe? Plastic is the most commonly used material today for water bottles for several reasons, including how it’s inexpensive, easily manufactured, and extremely durable. When it comes to concerns with reusable plastic bottles, you’ve no doubt heard about bisphenol A compounds, more commonly known as BPAs. These are widely used in industrial and consumer goods, but they have also been associated with adverse health effects in many studies. One of the primary concerns is that BPA can mimic the effects of estrogen on your body, which can lead to hormone imbalance, but there are other potential health concerns as well. To be clear, the risk is not completely known. Researching any kind of low-dose, long term exposure like with BPAs is difficult, and there is some uncertainty on how of a risk BPAs actually pose for most people. With over 17,000 scientific papers on PubMed as of 2023, there is understandably a mix of results. And in fact, many studies indicate that most BPA exposure is so small that it is not a significant risk for the majority of people. However, there is enough evidence and uncertainty that’s led to most public health agencies taking steps to reduce BPA use, especially in products intended to be used with infants. For example, in 2012, the EPA officially amended its regulations to no longer allow BPA use in baby bottles and sippy cups. Nalgene's History with BPAs
Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe Today? Given all these changes and public knowledge about BPAs today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reusable plastic bottle on the market that isn’t BPA-free, but it doesn’t hurt to check. Just look on the product listing or on the packaging for the phrase “BPA-free.” And if you have an older plastic bottle that you’re not sure about, you might want to consider buying a replacement. In general, it’s a good idea to stick to Tritan bottles if you’re going with plastic. This type of material is really light, so it’s for hiking when you want to minimize how much weight you’re carrying. Nalgene and CamelBak have some tried-and-true bottles to choose from, and YETI recently released their Yonder series plastic bottle. Tritan Plastic Water Bottles We Use Are Stainless Steel Bottles Safe? The most popular alternative on the market today is stainless steel. This is easily the best option if you’re looking for an insulated bottle to keep your drink hot or cold since there are so many dual-wall vacuum insulated options available. Steel vs Stainless Steel Steel and stainless steel are not the same thing. Stainless steel has additives like chromium and nickel that help the alloy resist corrosion and rust better than regular carbon steel. But don’t be concerned if you see something online or talk to someone who references "steel" bottles because that’s just shorthand for stainless steel. If anyone reading this knows of a bottle that is made from non-stainless steel, also known as carbon steel, let me know because that’d be news to me and I’m guessing it’d involve some kind of wacky health claim that you probably shouldn’t trust. Grades of Stainless Steel in Water Bottles (304 vs 316 vs 18-8 vs 18-10) To go a step further down the steel rabbit hole, not all stainless steels are the same. The most common types you’ll see associated with water bottles are 304, 316, 18-8, and 18-10. I won’t get into the details here about these different grades, and honestly it can get a little confusing because there is some overlap between the classifications. You’ll most commonly see 304 or 18-8 listed in the product descriptions for stainless steel water bottles. Technically, 316 is better than 304 and 18-10 is better than 18-8 and, so if you’re really looking for the best-of-the-best, go with one of the higher grades. For example, 316 steel is more resistant to corrosion in salty environments, making it a better steel for marine construction projects that will be in and around salt water. But when it comes to water bottles for average consumers, it doesn’t make a practical difference which grade you go with. Any of these four stainless steel alloys are recognized as food-safe. Stainless Steel Bottles We Use Which Stainless Steel Bottles Avoid Plastic Under the Lid? Many people who want to avoid plastic contacting their water buy a stainless steel bottle and assume they are good, but the reality is that most water bottles still have exposed plastic under the lid that can come in contact with your drink. Don’t forget to check under the lid if you’re looking to have completely free plastic drinking. To my knowledge, all of YETI’s lids have plastic on the bottom. Hydro Flask’s standard lids have plastic on the bottom, but they sell a replacement lid with stainless steel. Klean Kanteen’s TKWide insulated bottles have plastic on the bottom of the lids, but I’ve included a link in the description to two of their bottle options that have stainless steel under the lid. Stainless Steel Bottles that Do Not Have Plastic Under the Lid Are Glass Bottles Safe? Glass is another good option to avoid plastic. It’s certainly been around longer than plastic or stainless steel, and it has more of a natural feel to it. Many people find that it doesn’t leave any kind of residual taste with some beverages that they experience with stainless steel or plastic. When it comes to a clean, natural material to drink from, it doesn’t get much better than using glass. Why You May Not Want to Use a Glass Bottle Safety with water bottles isn’t just related to what you ingest, and with glass, there is always a concern that it could break and create sharp edges. This is especially a concern for children. Glass is already pretty heavy and bulky, and it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where a child is running with a water bottle in his or her hand and trips. The natural reaction is to put your hands out in front to break your fall, and it could lead to some nasty cuts if the bottle breaks in your kid’s hands. It's worth noting that most glass bottles on the market are made with a specific type of glass called borosilicate. You may not have heard of this specific term before, but odds are that you’ve used this type of glass at some point. Pyrex is one of the most well-known borosilicate glass brands. This type of glass is more resistant to temperature changes and shock, so it’s less likely to crack or chip. In addition, many glass bottle brands manufacturers also sell their glass bottles with a protective silicone sleeve. So yes, this type of bottle is still more susceptible to breaking in a way that could be dangerous compared to plastic or stainless steel, but the combination of borosilicate glass and the silicone sleeve helps prevent this from happening in most situations. Popular Glass Water Bottles Glass Bottles that Do Not Have Plastic Under the Lid If your main goal is to avoid plastic contact completely, then any plastic lid is still obviously a problem. Thankfully there are some other brands like Sunkey, Mayu, and Anotion that have stainless steel or silicone under their lids. Are Aluminum Bottles Safe? Aluminum is another common bottle material. It’s lighter and less expensive than stainless steel, but it’s not as durable and won’t insulate your drink as well as a dual-wall stainless-steel bottle would. You'll find aluminum is used in most single-use cans, like for soda and beer. The Liner Inside in Aluminum Cans One thing to be aware of is that aluminum reacts more with acidic liquids compared to other materials like stainless steel. For this reason, aluminum soda cans are made with a plastic liner, and that plastic liner often contains BPAs. Check out the short (51 second) video by Chemteacherphil that we've linked below because it does a really good job of showing this liner. Popular Aluminum Bottles
Are Copper Bottles Safe? Copper is a newer option that you can find on the market today, like this one from the brand Milton that was released in 2020. From what we’ve read, copper is a double-edged sword. On the good side, they look really cool, and there is some evidence that the copper can kill bacteria and microbes in water. Some brands list additional health claims, including how copper is “known for its anti-oxidant, brain-stimulator and immunity booster properties.” However, as far as I can tell, this is dubious at best and is not backed up by trusted sources. In fact, too much copper intake can lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Why You Shouldn't Buy a Copper Water Bottle Take this paper Q&A sheet from the Washington State Department of Health. It discusses the negative effects of ingesting water that’s been in contact with copper for too long, mostly involving old copper pipes. They recommend running water in copper pipes for a minute before using it, and whenever possible, use cold water only because hot water dissolves more copper. To be fair, this paper is referring primarily to old copper pipes that are used in construction, and I wouldn't be surprised if the high-grade copper that is allegedly used in many water bottles today is safer, especially because it's easier for you to clean and maintain it. However, there are other similar options like stainless steel that are generally accepted to be safer, so in my opinion, why take the risk? When Is a Copper Bottle a Good Option? If you do not have access to clean drinking water, then a copper bottle may be a good option for you. This is only because the antibacterial properties may provide enough of a benefit to overcome the negative effects of ingesting copper. But if you have access to clean drinking water, then we generally recommend against using a copper bottle. Copper Bottles on Amazon If you're set on buying a copper bottle, here are a couple popular options on Amazon. Are Silicone Bottles Safe? Silicone is a material that’s become more and more popular with food-safe products. It’s been used for a long time as a component, like with o-rings and gaskets to keep bottles water-tight, and now we’re even seeing some all-silicone options come out. They have some unique benefits given that they’re typically collapsible and lightweight, making them fantastic options for traveling and hiking. Yes, there are some plastic options like Platypus like this, but for those who want something that’s collapsible without the plastic, silicone is really the only good alternative. Does the Silicone Pinch Test Work? Quick note about silicone. There are silicone types that are not food-safe, and it’s typically when fillers used do not have the same food-safe properties. You might also read about a “pinch test” to verify if the silicone is safe. The thought is that if you pinch silicone and it turns white, this indicates it has fillers that can be unsafe. However, this is not necessarily true, and the pinch test is more of a myth from what I have read. There are food-safe silicone products that turn white when pinched but that are still perfectly safe. When buying a silicone product, make sure it says it’s FDA-approved, food-grade, or food-safe silicone, and if you have any questions, reach out to the manufacturer. Does Silicone Contain BPAs, and is Silicone Safer than Plastic? No, silicone does not contain BPAs. This article does a great job at explaining more of the details and information about silicone and how it's different and generally considered to be safer than plastic. And the Canadian government writes that there are no known health hazards. In the most basic terms, silicone uses silica, aka sand, which is the same primary component as glass. This avoids some of the more problematic polymers and compounds found in plastics. Having said that, silicone is obviously very synthetic and is relatively new-to-market compared to an alternative like glass. For that reason, I wouldn't fault you if you chose to avoid an all-silicone bottle for now until more research is completed. Silicone Bottles on Amazon There aren’t too many all-silicone bottles on the market yet, but two of the more popular ones now that are worth taking a look at are E-Senior and Special Made. Are Titanium Bottles Safe? The last bottle material we’ll cover in this video is titanium. At first glance, this looks like one of the best options available. It’s extremely durable, more lightweight than stainless steel, and is corrosion-resistant. Because it is better than stainless steel in nearly every way including being almost 50% lighter, titanium is a fantastic option for hiking. Why Shouldn't you Buy a Titanium Bottle? But for all of that functionality, you can expect to pay a much higher price. The cheapest titanium bottle option we found is $80, and other options easily get up over triple digits. In short, titanium bottles appear to be one of, if not the, best material options available for water bottles, but they have a price point that reflects the premium nature of this material. One other downside worth mentioning is that there does not appear to be a dual-wall vacuum insulated option like you’ll find with so many stainless steel bottles. Some brands like Boundless try to spin this as a positive because you can put your bottle directly on a stove to boil water for cooking or to purify it, and for sure this is a benefit when camping or hiking long distances. But for most people, they just want a bottle that can hold ice for 4-8 hours, and I’m not sure a titanium bottle is a good option for that unless you get a thermal sleeve. Titanium Bottles On Amazon that We'd Love to Test Which Water Bottle Materials are the Safest? Yo sum things up, I like to think of safety with different water bottle materials in three tiers. Tier 3 - Avoid Copper At the bottom of the list is copper. It’s probably not a good idea to drink regularly from a container like this. You’ll pay quite a bit of money, and it doesn’t look like science backs up the health claims. Tier 2 - Probably OK, but there are some concerns Plastics (Tritan and Polypropylene) Aluminum Each of these materials are safe according to many studies and the manufacturers, but there are a few details that caused me to rank them a little lower, mainly because there are still some concerns about plastics in general and because aluminum bottles all seem to have an interior lining. Tier 1 - Safest Stainless Steel Silicone* Titanium Glass** And finally, the safest materials to use are stainless steel, silicone, titanium, and glass. From what I’ve read, these bottles all have consistent safety testing results, and you should feel safe and confident using any of them. *Silicone is newer and more closely related to plastic, so I wouldn't fault you if you wanted to avoid this type of bottle until more research is done. I almost ranked it in Tier 2 for that reason. **Glass would be at an even higher level if it weren’t for concerns with breakage and cutting yourself. But if you’re really looking for the cleanest, most natural drinking option, glass is probably the best material to go with.  What is the Best Water Bottle?It’s 2023, and there are literally hundreds if not thousands of water bottle brands to choose from that initially can appear very similar. With such a saturated market you might be wondering, what is the best water bottle today? But really, that’s an impossible question to answer since different bottles are better for different situations. The better question to ask is, which water bottle is best for you based on how you plan to use it? Content Overview: Heads up, this is a pretty long post with a lot of information. Here's what we'll cover in case you'd like to skip ahead to a certain point.
Our Video ReviewOur YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
First, a few things to note.
 What Type of Water Bottle Do You Need?Before you even look at any bottles, ask yourself these questions.
 Popular and Notable Water Bottles and BrandsNow let’s look at some of the more popular bottles and brands. We'll cover:
Nalgene Nalgenes are lightweight, inexpensive, dishwasher safe, and they come in many color options. And while all of the bottles in this review are pretty durable overall since most are made of stainless-steel, Nalgenes are also much more dent resistant because of the plastic construction compared to stainless-steel bottles which can dent more easily. Nalgene is also the only bottle brand we looked at that is made in the USA. Some drawbacks are that they only come in plastic, they don’t have a built-in handle if you don’t count the tether for the lid, they don’t have an insulated version, and there aren’t many options to choose from for lids. It doesn’t feel like the brand has innovated like others have, which has left Nalgene struggling behind other bottles in many aspects. But they still make a great, dependable bottle at an affordable price point, which makes it a good option for many people. Klean Kanteen Classic (Non-Insulated) Klean Kanteen has a mix of insulated and non-insulated bottles. Non-insulated Klean Kanteens are lighter than dual-wall bottles, and they have a simple design that is very easy to clean. They’re also notable for how the standard cap has steel on the bottom, so your water never touches plastic. Most other stainless-steel bottles on the market, including Klean Kanteen’s own TKWide Series, have plastic under the lid. Some drawbacks are that we don’t like the standard loop caps very much, and they aren’t insulated. Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Klean Kanteen recently came out with their TKWide insulated bottles. They have a range of well-engineered lid options that feel unique compared to other brands. The rigid handle feels very sturdy, and one unique benefit is the Impact Base Cap on the bottom. This is a hollow cap that absorbs an impact if you drop your bottle, which lessens the chance that a dent could affect the vacuum insulation. This is one of the easier bottles to clean because the threads on the bottle are made of small bumps in the stainless-steel instead of traditional thread grooves. Some downsides are the overall bulk, both in terms of weight and size for a 32-ounce bottle. We also wish the spout cap was a little easier to keep out of the way. You have to snap it onto the metal handle, which isn’t as easy as some other bottles like Takeya, Camelbak, and FJbottle. There aren’t too many color options for Klean Kanteens, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for your own style. YETI Rambler YETI is in the top-tier for brand prestige, and therefore cost. They are notoriously expensive, but their products are generally very high-quality, which has led to a devoted following of fans and supporters. There are six lid options for their Rambler series wide mouth bottles, so you can pick what’s best for you. Downsides are definitely the cost, but also that these bottles are heavier than some comparable ones on the market. Hydro Flask Hydro Flask is the brand that really catapulted dual-wall insulation into the mainstream, and they’re also a top-tier brand on par with YETI. Their bottles come in a wide range of colors, and they have a good range of well-engineered caps and accessories to choose from, though some are better than others. We love the Flex Straw, but we’re not huge fans of the Flex Chug. You can expect to pay a premium for any Hydro Flask, but the customer service is very good and the company stands behind their products. Hydro Flask Trail Series Another Hydro Flask bottle that’s good to know about is their Trail Series lineup. These bottles have the same great insulation, branding, and look, but Hydro Flask really focused on reducing the weight of the bottle so it’s easier to hike and get around with. This makes it one of the best insulated bottles for hiking compared to really heavy options like Klean Kanteen’s TKWide and YETI’s Rambler. Takeya Takeya is a good mid-range alternative to Hydro Flask, and their Takeya Actives bottles in particular are a great all-around option. The spout lid is a really good design with a wide handle, a spout cap that locks out of the way for when you need to take a drink, and a nice textured grip. It also comes with a matching bottle boot to protect your bottle from dents and scratches. There aren’t many downsides and this is a jack-of-all-trades kind of bottle, but some people do prefer rigid handles instead of the hinged Takeya design. Iron Flask Iron Flask is an Amazon-focused knock-off of Hydro Flask, but they’re notable for a few reasons. They come with three cap options, so that helps you figure out which style you like without having to buy more lids. Iron Flask is definitely a good brand to consider if you’re looking for unique color options, including gradients. One downside is that the caps are good, basic options, but they do feel more standard and less engineered than Hydro Flask’s lids. ThermoFlask ThermoFlask is a bottle brand that we’ve always thought was a ripoff of Takeya, but while editing this video we found out that’s because ThermoFlask is a brand registered by Takeya. So if you notice a lot of similarities between the two, that’s why. But one difference we’ve noticed is that ThermoFlask seems to have more 2-pack options available on Amazon, which means you can get an even better value. One downside is that there don’t seem to be as many color options. Stanley Quencher Stanley has been around a long time, but in recent years it has had a major resurgence thanks to their Quencher Series insulated tumblers. The main difference between this bottle and every other bottle on this list is the built-in handle on the side. Most of the other bottles have handles on the lid, but Stanley’s side-mounted handle, while not our personal favorite, is a big hit with many people. It’s also more tapered at the bottom like a classic tumbler-style, so it fits in more cup holders without needing an adapter. The biggest downside is the overall bulky design. Yes, this is easier to manage because of the handle and the tapered base, but it’s still a very bulky bottle. Camelbak Chute Mag Camelbak is a well-known brand that really made a name for themselves with hydration bladder packs for biking and on longer hikes, but they have also released some solid bottle options as well. They are more reasonably priced than the other well-known brands like Hydro Flask and YETI, and the Chute Mag bottles in particular are very popular because of the magnets that lock the spout cap back when you go to take a sip. We’re not huge fans of the hinge design though, as it doesn’t flip open as smoothly as other spout caps like Takeya and FJbottle. S'well Many bottles on this list can be difficult to distinguish at first glance, like Hydro Flasks, Iron Flasks, Takeyas, and ThermoFlasks. On the other end of the spectrum, you have S'well, which is another high-end brand on par with Hydro Flask and YETI. The aesthetic design and sleek look are the main selling points, and they’ve also come out with many narrow mouth lids, including a filter cap that’s unique to this list. They are also the first brand we’ve talked about that has triple-wall insulation. However, they are pretty expensive, and there aren’t many lid options for their wide-mouth Traveler series bottles. FJbottle The next brand is FJbottle. Quick disclosure, they reached out to us and sent us a bottle to test. We told them we would only cover the bottle if we liked it, but after using it for a few weeks, we can honestly say that we like this bottle way more than we thought we would. It’s right up there with Takeya for our favorite spout-style lid. Like Camelbak’s Chute Mag, it uses magnets to keep the spout cap out of the way when you’re taking a drink, but the hinge design is much better and is easier to open, especially if you’re just using one hand like when you’re driving. The spout cap also takes the least amount of turning to unlock compared to any of the other spout lids, which is also helpful when driving. There’s a silicone grip pad on the bottom that keeps your bottle from sliding around and protects against some scratches, though not on the outside edges. There’s also a strap on the side, and we’ve ended up using this strap all the time. They also include a brush with each bottle to help with cleaning right out of the gate. One downside is that the spout cap doesn’t flip out of the way as much as Takeya’s version, but you can either tilt your head more or angle the bottle to get around this issue. Also, the rigid handle on top is a little small, but in our opinion the strap on the side more than makes up for this. Overall, we honestly do like this design, and it might become our go-to bottle for a while. Steepware Everest Steepware’s Everest tumbler was made primarily for one thing, and that’s brewing tea. And they really do have a good product for this purpose. There’s a built-in tea strainer that you can use for loose-leaf tea, or you can use it as an ice strainer if you’re looking for a cooler drink. The strainer is pretty big too, so there’s quite a bit of surface area for your loose-leaf tea to steep. You could always take out the strainer and use it like a regular bottle, but the larger strainer is really the feature that sets this bottle apart. EcoVessel Boulder The last brand we’re discussing is EcoVessel. Their Boulder series bottles might have the most features and accessories packed into one bottle that we’ve seen yet. It has a strainer for ice and fruit, comes with a silicone bottle boot to protect the base of the bottle, and has triple-layer insulation. Some drawbacks are that the strainer is smaller compared to Steepware’s version, so it’s not as good for loose leaf tea, especially in larger 32-ounce bottles. We’re also not a huge fans of lid tethers that double as handles in general, but that’s more of our personal preference and at least EcoVessel has a wider tether compared to Nalgene. It’s hard to put our finger on it, but the construction feels cheaper in a way compared to some other bottles we’ve reviewed. But with so many extra features and a reasonable price, this bottle has a lot going for it.  Our Recommendations for Best Water BottlesNow let’s move on to our recommendations by category. We’ll give you a few of our favorites, and we encourage you to check out each one to decide which is the best fit for you. Best Water Bottle for Hiking For hiking, we like Nalgenes because they are lightweight, but we highly recommend getting a carrying pouch like this one because the lid tether isn’t much of a handle. For insulated bottles, FJbottle is a great choice because it has both a rigid handle and a strap, and the lid is the spout style that we prefer when hiking. Hydro Flask's Trail Series bottles are also worth a look because they are the lightest insulated design. Best Water Bottle for Sporting Events When it comes to sporting events, there are some different considerations compared to hiking. You don’t have to worry as much about the weight of the bottle, and you don’t have to carry it around for long distances. Because of these reasons, it really opens the door on the number of bottles that we recommend, and we really think you should just get a bottle with a spout cap. This cap style lets you get a good amount of water quickly without it all splashing in your face. Our favorite spout cap bottles are Takeya and FJbottle, and keep in mind that ThermoFlask has a 2-pack option with a lid that’s nearly identical to Takeya’s. Hydro Flask and YETI have pretty good spout cap design options that many people love, but they’re not our favorites for varying reasons. Honorable mention in this category goes to EcoVessel’s Boulder series bottles because they have spout caps and you can use the strainer for ice. Best Water Bottle for Road Trips For road trips and driving in general, we like straw lids because you don’t need to tilt your head back and potentially take your eyes off the road. Stanley’s Quencher is a good choice because it has a large volume but still has a better chance of fitting in your car’s cup holder. We also like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw more than most other straw lids because it’s easier to clean thoroughly without popping off the spout. We don’t recommend using standard lids when driving because it’s so easy to splash water all over your face. Spout or sip caps are OK if you’re not into straw lids, but we recommend getting one that’s easier to use one-handed. For example, FJbottle and Takeya’s spout lids are a lot easier to open one-handed than Camelbak’s design, and the spout caps are attached so you can’t accidentally drop it like you could with YETI or Hydro Flask. Bottle doesn't fit in your cup holder? Best Water Bottle for Commutes For shorter commutes to and from work, we’d wager you’re probably drinking coffee or tea. Any sip-style lid is pretty good for this, but we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Sip Lid in particular because, like with their straw lid, their sip lid is easy to disassemble for cleaning. YETI’s Hot Shot Lid is another good option too because you can take a sip from any angle. And you’re probably OK with a smaller bottle like a 16 or 20 ounce, which means you’re less likely to need a cup holder adapter. Best Bottle for the House or Office For general use around the house or office, it’s really up to you. Any of these bottles can be a good option since you probably can refill it easily, and the lid style doesn’t need to factor as much in your decision compared to other situations like driving. The Stanley Quencher is a good one to consider though because of the big handle.  Best Water Bottle for Tea The best bottle for loose-leaf tea or coffee infusing is without a doubt Steepware’s design, with EcoVessel coming in second because the strainer is much smaller and is really better for blocking ice or fruit instead of brewing tea or coffee. For wide mouth Hydro Flasks and similar bottles like Iron Flasks and ThermoFlasks, you can also look at our FlavorFuze Steel infusers. They come with a small and large size infuser, and they are specifically designed to fit wide mouth Hydro Flasks. Best Water Bottle for Ice For ice, EcoVessel is a good option because of the built-in strainer. Other spout lids can have ice cubes sneak out once they melt down some. Straw lids are also a good option, and as mentioned before, we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw. If you have a Hydro Flask with a standard Flex Lid, you can also use our SplashPro splash guard. We designed it specifically for Hydro Flask lids so it fits around the insulation. Best Water Bottle for Fruit Infusing For fruit infusing, you can also go with Steepware or EcoVessel and add the fruit so it’s loose behind the strainer. Alternatively, try our FlavorFuze Pod fruit infuser. Just add your fruit into it, pop on the lid, then drop it into any wide mouth bottle. Our FlavorFuze Straw infuser is a really good option too for Hydro Flask straw lids. Just slide and snap it onto the straw. Best Water Bottle for Limiting Plastic Contacting Water We also wanted to highlight which bottles do the best job limiting how much plastic touches your water. Nalgenes are the only all-plastic bottles in our video, but most of the other bottles also have exposed plastic under the lid that can touch your water. The only bottles that have all-stainless-steel interiors, including under the lid, are Klean Kanteen’s non-insulated classic bottle and EcoVessel’s Boulder series. Best Spout (Chug) Lid For spout lids, we love Takeya and FJbottle. They’re a little different from each other, but they both do several things well. The spout cap is easy to open, stays attached so you can’t drop it, and locks into the open position easier than some other designs. They are also easier to carry around because of Takeya’s good handle and FJbottle’s strap. ThermoFlask has a spout cap that is essentially the same as Takeya, and you can get them in 2-packs for a better deal. Klean Kanteen's TKWide has a few novel features as well. The threads on the bottle are rounded metal bumps that are much easier to clean thoroughly than traditional threads, and impact base cap can absorb dents that may otherwise have affected the dual wall insulation. Best Straw Lid For straw lids, we really like Hydro Flask’s Flex Straw because it’s the easiest straw lid to clean more thoroughly without having to pop off the spout.  Easier to clean thoroughly than other straw lids Best Sip (Cafe/Commuter) Lid For sip lids, we also like Hydro Flask’s version, the Flex Sip, because it’s easy to disassemble for cleaning. YETI’s Hot Shot is a good one to consider too because you can sip from any angle. Best Value Water Bottle The best value bottles in our opinion are Nalgene, Iron Flask, ThermoFlask, and FJbottle because they’re more affordable but they are still great at what they do. Best Looking Water Bottle The best aesthetic design goes to S’well, and brands like Iron Flask and Hydro Flask are great options too with so many color choices. Best Water Bottle Brand The best brands in terms of brand power in today’s market are YETI and Hydro Flask, with an honorable mention to Stanley and S’well because of their unique designs really being core to their brand. Best All-Around Bottle We thought about giving our recommendation for best all-around bottle, but we decided against it because of the countless variations for each person, like budget, preferences, lifestyle, and plenty of other factors. For us, we will probably use the FJbottle because it impressed us so much, but we encourage you to make your own decision. If you’ve made it to this point in the video, you’ve already heard more than you ever thought you ever needed to know about water bottles so hopefully you have a better idea of which bottle will work best for you. And that’s it! Hopefully this helps you figure out which bottle works best for you. Again, we'd love it if you could use our links to purchase since we get a small referral fee, but either way we hope this information helps you on your path towards better hydration habits. Thanks again!  Content Overview:
Products Mentioned in this Post:
Update to our Previous Videos about Cleaning Hydro Flask Flex Straw and Original Straw LidsThere’s something you should be aware of before you buy a Hydro Flask straw lid, and it’s related to how you clean it. Back in February and March, we made two videos (links in the pictures below) showing how you can remove the spout from both of Hydro Flask’s straw lids, and this video reviews an important consideration that we’ve learned from comments received in those previous posts.
Our Video Review
Our YouTube video covers the same information in this post, so click the link if you'd rather see the video. Otherwise, keep reading the full post below!
Some Backstory - Removing the Flex Straw SpoutThere are quite a few videos out there about the original straw lid that show how to remove the spout, and in many of those videos, you can see a horrible amount of mold and residue built up because most people don’t clean under the spout regularly. We didn’t see any videos yet about how to remove spout from the newer Flex Straw lid, and we thought it would be important to know how to do it to make sure those lids can be deep cleaned too. The problem we ran into at first is that we found it much more difficult to remove the spout from the Flex Straw lid. We couldn’t figure it out initially, and we were afraid of breaking our lid. We reached out to Hydro Flask to make sure it was intended to be popped off like with the original lid.
After reading Hydro Flask’s response, we tried harder to pop off the spout, including pushing it at different angles compared to the original straw lid. Eventually we got the spout off, and we noticed why we had such a hard time. The way the spout attaches to the lid, including how the grooves and the pivot points line up, is different compared to the original straw lid.  Differences in Flex and Original Straw Lid Spout Connections In order to pop off the spout, it helps to push against it at a different angle (45 degrees from closed) which isn’t very intuitive at first. Once we realized this difference, we made two videos to help share what we had learned with other Hydro Flask users so they can get a truly deep clean with their straw lids. Comments Received - Issues with the Spouts Wearing OutOver the couple of months since we posted those videos, several users left comments saying that popping the spout off wore down the plastic connections, and that caused their spouts to be looser than they were originally.
After reading these comments, we wanted to post a followup video to our one about cleaning Hydro Flask straws lids and give our thoughts. What this Means, and What You Should Know about Cleaning your Straw LidFirst of all, we want to acknowledge that it is possible to have the plastic wear out where the spout connects to the lid. The way the spout attaches with either lid means that the small bumps that act as pivot points for the spout have the potential to flatten out some when the spout is detached then reattached. This can then cause the spout to have a looser fit. But even when considering the potential wear-and-tear, we still think it’s a good idea to pop off the spout with either straw lid to get a truly deep clean. There can be a lot of mold buildup under the spout if you don’t stay on top of it. But the main point we want to drive home is that this type of deep cleaning comes with some risk of additional wear-and-tear. In some ways you might mean that you need to think of your straw lid as an accessory that needs to be replaced periodically, which is unfortunate because it costs extra money and is inconvenient. But we’re not really sure of another way to give these lids a deep clean since there are always spaces under the spout that aren’t possible to reach unless you take the spout off. So What Can You Do?There are a few things that can help. #1: Get a Flex Straw instead of the Original Straw
So if you’re trying to decide between the two straw lid options and deep cleaning everywhere including under the spout is a priority for you, go with the Flex Straw. #2: Use Cleaning Tablets
#3: Use a Different Lid One other obvious solution is to avoid the straw lids altogether. Hydro Flask has several other good lid options, and there are 3rd party ones as well. See our previous posts where we compare Hydro Flask's lid options!
SummarySo in summary, we acknowledge that popping off the spout with either Hydro Flask straw lid can lead to the spout fitting more loosely, but we still highly recommend doing it every once and awhile to fully clean your lid and prevent mold buildup. Just pop off the spout once every few months or whatever you’re comfortable with based on how often you use your straw lid, but not every time you clean your lid. This will help extend the life of your lid and prevent the plastic connections between the spout and the lid from wearing out prematurely. And that’s it! Hopefully this information helps you decide what cleaning schedule you’re comfortable with and which lid you want. If you find a better way to deep clean your straw lids, please let us know in the comments below so we can share it with other users. Keep BottlePro in mind for accessories for your large bottles, and happy hydrating! |
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