Best Types of Water Bottles for 2021
Staying hydrated is easier than ever.
Many of us are constantly on the move, leaving little time to remember to stay hydrated. Fortunately, you don’t need to keep refilling a paper cup from the cooler or use that worn water bottle from yesteryear. Read our guide to help you choose the best type of water bottle for you.
Why Choose a Reusable Water Bottle ?
Taking care of the environment is important and can begin with one step. Reduce your purchases of single-use plastic. There are many types of water bottles to choose from, each with its own features to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re hiking, working out, playing sports, driving, or even working in the office, there is a water bottle for you.
Types of Water Bottles: Materials
Different types of water bottles come in a myriad of materials, each with their own set of benefits. If you are trying to increase your water intake, save money, or make environmentally friendly decisions, there is a water bottle for you.
Glass Water Bottles:
Glass water bottles are popular amongst those looking for a chemical-free drink.
Pros: Glass water bottles are natural, keeping your water as pure as when you poured it. Even when left in the sun, glass doesn’t leach any chemicals into your beverage. Anything you’ve had in the bottle previously won’t leave a lingering smell once cleaned thoroughly. Glass also allows you to see how much water you have left, helping you keep track of your hydration.
Cons: Glass makes for the most expensive type of water bottle and is the heaviest of all the materials and breaks easily when dropped. Glass itself is recyclable, but many glass water bottles come with accessories made of other materials that are tougher to recycle. Glass offers no insulation, requiring ice to keep your drink cold.
Stainless Steel Water Bottles:
Stainless steel is a hardy, corrosion-resistant alloy that is completely recyclable and easy to clean.
Pros: Stainless steel lasts longer than any of the other types of water bottles because it’s corrosion-resistant and doesn’t break when dropped. Stainless steel doesn’t leach flavors when left in the sun and is 100% recyclable.
Cons: Stainless steel bottles are more expensive than plastic bottles but cost around the same as glass.Though it won’t break when dropped, this type of water bottle is prone to denting. Stainless steel tends to be heavier than plastic, but not heavier than glass, meaning you can still take it on the go. If you don’t wash your stainless steel water bottle regularly, bacteria can grow, leaving a metallic taste in your mouth when you drink water from it. For a thorough cleaning, use warm, soapy water and a bottle brush. You can also pop it in the dishwasher, though there is a risk that food particles can get trapped inside.
Plastic & Acrylic Water Bottles:
Plastic and acrylic water bottles are made of a tougher material than single-use water bottles, making them last longer.
Pros: Plastic water bottles are cheap and hardy, making them difficult to break. They are lightweight and easy to carry around with you, making them particularly great for long hikes and any activities where you want to be unencumbered.
Cons: Plastic has a shorter life-span than any of the other types of water bottles. It has a tendency to retain scents, so be careful what you fill your bottle with in case you can’t get rid of the smell. Plastic is not dishwasher-safe or heat-resistant; it will warp and deteriorate if it is filled with hot liquid. Plastic bottles are often made with an organic compound called bisphenol A, or BPA, which can have adverse health effects. BPA can leach into water, so make sure that you purchase one that is BPA-free.
Copper Water Bottles:
Known as an essential mineral for our bodies, many people believe that having water in a copper bottle has many health benefits. Though this may be unfounded, there are many good things about this type of water bottle.
Pros: Copper is known to continuously kill yeasts, bacteria, and viruses on contact. When stored in a copper bottle all night, a minute amount of bacteria-destroying ions dissolves into the water. Even with these bacteria-killing qualities, it’s still a good idea to wash your bottle by hand on a daily basis. Copper water bottles do have a beautiful color and patina, making them a great accessory.
Cons: Copper water bottles come in at around the same price as glass, making them more expensive than plastic or stainless steel. Many people claim that copper has health benefits, but these are mostly unfounded. Unfortunately, copper is not dishwasher-safe and needs to be washed by hand with a little soap and warm water. Copper will gain a patina over time, a look that is not appealing to everyone. If you want to get it gleaming again, just use a little salt and lemon. Avoid filing your copper bottle with hot water, as it can affect the material.
Water bottles not only come in a variety of materials but have useful features that make them even more adaptable to your lifestyle. There is a design for everyone.
Dishwasher-Safe Water Bottles:
If you are particular about getting your water bottle completely clean, a dishwasher-safe option is for you.
Pros: A dishwasher-safe water bottle means that you’ll be able to clean every nook and cranny to ensure maximum cleanliness. This will rid the bottle of any trace of previous liquids, so you won’t have to worry about residual smells.
Cons: Dishwasher-safe water bottles usually need to go onto the top shelf of the dishwasher due to the heating element on the bottom. Dishwasher-safe water bottles do have different washing instructions, so check the product description to ensure the best practices.
Insulated Water Bottles:
Insulation isn’t just for thermoses. A water bottle with insulation is fantastic for both hot and cold beverages.
Pros: An insulated water bottle is particularly good for those who love ice-cold water or steaming-hot coffee. Insulated water bottles don’t create condensation or leave a water ring on your desk, making them the best option for high- and low-temperature drinks.
Cons: Insulated water bottles keep ice from melting, so be sure to balance your ice-to-beverage ratio to ensure you have enough water to drink. Similarly, you will need to check on the temperature of your hot beverage stored in your insulated bottle before drinking. The bottle itself will be cool to the touch, but the liquid inside will remain extremely hot, so check the temperature to ensure that you don’t get scalded. It’s a good idea to wash your insulated water bottle by hand, as the dishwasher can cause deterioration of the powder coating.
Leakproof Water Bottles:
If you prefer to use a water bottle on the go or regularly place it in a backpack, you will want peace of mind against leaks.
Pros: A leakproof water bottle won’t spill when tipped over or on its side, making it especially ideal to carry in a backpack or purse or to set on your desk. This is a good type of water bottle for traveling or storing in a console, because you can rest assured that you will have no leaks.
Cons: A leakproof water bottle has no cons – it can never be a bad thing to avoid leaks.
Consider the activities you’ll regularly be using your bottle for when picking a water bottle lid type. Remember that some bottles have interchangeable lids, offering a range of experiences.
Flip-Top Water Bottles:
Flip-top lids open on a hinge and click into place when closed.
Pros: Flip-top lids are easy to use and are great for one-handed use, making them great for drinking on the go. They automatically seal, making them less likely to leak. A flip-top lid is sturdy and ideal for car use.
Cons: Unfortunately, a flip-top lid has areas that are hard to clean, particularly if anything gritty makes its way into the lid.
Flip-Straw Water Bottles:
A flip-straw lid has a hinged straw that lifts up so you can drink your beverage. When the straw flips up, it seals the entire bottle off to prevent spilling.
Pros: With no need to stop and unscrew the lid, this type of water bottle requires only that you flip the straw up. This makes it great for one-handed use, especially when you are mid-workout or driving. The thick straw also allows enough water through with no accidental spillage.
Cons: A flip-straw lid has nooks and crannies that tend to be tougher to clean by hand. When placing this lid in the dishwasher, make sure the straw is flipped up so that the water can clean it properly.
Sport-Cap Water Bottles:
If you are a sportsperson constantly exerting yourself, a water bottle with a sport cap is ideal for you. A sport cap has a levered opening that you can push open and closed with one hand. Push it up or down to open and close.
Pros: The sport cap can be opened with your hands or teeth. This lid allows water to exit only through the gap around the mouth piece, preventing spills. A sport cap makes your water easily accessible when in a rush to hydrate yourself.
Cons: Unfortunately, the mouthpiece is exposed, so it can attract germs. This type of lid retains saliva, too, so make sure to clean it thoroughly and avoid sharing. A rigid sport cap will leak if you don’t close the lid properly.
Twist-Off Water Bottles:
A twist-off lid screws on and off the thread of the bottle itself.
Pros: A twist-off lid usually means that your water bottle has a bigger mouth which allows for easy chugging when you need large amounts of water. This type of bottle is easy to clean with a bottle brush because of how wide the mouth is, allowing you to reach every corner.
Cons: Unfortunately, you have to unscrew the lid each time you drink, making it difficult to use in gym classes or at sporting games. Unlike lids with straws or drinking holes, a screw-top lid requires that you drink directly from the bottle neck, increasing the risk of spilling. Additionally, the texture of the rigid threading around the bottle neck may not appeal to everyone. Be careful to not screw the top on too tightly because it may be difficult to remove. Screw-top lids with smaller openings are difficult to clean.
Push-Button Water Bottles:
A push-button lid has a protective cap that opens up to reveal the mouthpiece when depressed.
Pros: Not only does pushing the button create a satisfying click, but it is easy for little hands to use. Simply press the large button down and the protective lid will open up, allowing you to drink from the spout. Thanks to the protective lid, the mouthpiece is protected from bacteria and is easy to clean. Consider a push-button lid if you have children.
Cons: If the push-button water bottle is dropped, the lid can break, making it tough to use. You also have to make sure that you close the lid properly to prevent leaks, as the mouthpiece has no stopper.
Slide-Lock Water Bottles:
A slide lock moves back and forth to allow the lid to open and close, allowing you access to the drinking spout.
Pros: The slide lock allows for simple, one-handed use, making it great for drinking in the car or while working out. Once the lid is locked properly, it will prevent any accidental spills.
Cons: If the sliding mechanism breaks or gets damaged, this water bottle will leak, rendering it no longer usable.
To keep from buying sodas on the road, stay hydrated, and protect the environment, choose a water bottle.
