Best Insulated Water Bottle
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. This is where investing in the best insulated water bottle comes in handy. There’s nothing to motivate you to stay hydrated quite like a bottle that’s stylish and keeps your liquids cold all day long. We tested out some of the top picks on the market, read countless reviews, and wrote this piece – all to help you narrow down your picks. Most companies claim that their bottles can keep your liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. But we wanted to see for ourselves if this was true. Find out which companies kept their promise, below.
What Is an Insulated Water Bottle?
While most insulated water bottles are made of stainless steel, they can also be made of glass or plastic. An insulated water bottle is a container that is designed to keep a steady temperature. Whether you are drinking ice water in the Grand Canyon or hot coffee in Alaska, these bottles can help your drinks keep their temperature for longer periods. Most insulated water bottles are vacuum insulated. This means they have two walls, which allows the air in-between to act as an insulated barrier. Insulated water bottles are usually slightly larger than regular water bottles, but they are very durable and practical.
How We Chose Our Ratings
Each bottle was chosen based on a number of factors. These water bottles have excellent customer reviews and high satisfaction ratings. They also have great comprehensive professional reviews. Finally, each bottle is cost effective and high quality. These bottles represent top-of-the-line quality and are often brands you will recognize. Each one would make a great addition to your home or travel pack. In order to find out the very best for you, each bottle receives a star rating out of five stars.
Top 8 Best Insulated Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Stainless-Steel Bottle
- Newly produced Hydro Flasks do not feature a registered trademark…
- Keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours when using…
- BPA-free and phthalate-free; 18/8 food-grade stainless steel
This brand is quickly becoming a leader in high-quality water bottles and travel mugs. Its double-walled stainless steel is incredibly durable and efficient. It keeps your water cold for 24 hours, and your coffee hot for six hours. It comes in several sizes, from 18 ounces to 64 ounces. The price is a bit higher than some competitors, between $84.99 and $64.95, depending on the size. Its sturdy flip-top lid is a great way to keep your drink sealed while still being accessible with one hand. Personalize your Hydro Flask with 18 different color options. It’s a tough and effective insulated water bottle but is not as cost effective as other brands. The 20-ounce bottle is particularly expensive.
It earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.
WaterFit Stainless-Steel Bottle
A strong competitor with a similar stainless-steel bottle, the WaterFit double-walled bottles also come with a paracord loop. This strong cord makes it easy to attach the bottle to your backpack. Designed specifically for hiking, camping or on-the-go use, it’s durable and convenient. The sizes range from 12-20 ounces, and the price ranges from Price not available-15.99. This makes the 20-ounce bottles extremely cost-effective. Some customers didn’t like the lids and felt they were too tough to open. The paracord handle can also get in the way, and it is difficult to remove. Overall, it’s a great choice for your travel bag or the next hiking trip.
It receives 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Thermos 18-Ounce Stainless-Steel Bottle
- 18-ounce hydration bottle with durable stainless steel interior and…
- Flip-top lid with built-in sipping design; button activated lid and…
- Thermos patented vacuum insulation locks in temperature to preserve…
A high-quality bottle from a highly respected brand, Thermos continues to offer innovative features with its insulated water bottles. For $14.24, this 18-ounce container has a unique lid. The lid is easy to open with one hand and looks more like a water bottle than a coffee mug. You can still use this bottle for your coffee and tea, but it feels a bit awkward to drink a hot beverage out of a spout. It’s only rated for up to 12 hours of insulation for cold drinks, but it’s just as tough and durable as any other brand. This Thermos bottle is still very strong so you won’t have to worry about dropping it. It has a non-slip grip, which is a great addition for anyone prone to dropping things. For a mid-priced model, this 18-ounce container is an excellent choice for anyone who wants an insulated water bottle. It’s not very convenient as a coffee mug, however.
It earns 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Stanley Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle
- 18/8 stainless steel won’t rust; naturally BPA-free
- Vacuum insulation keeps drinks iced 48 hours or cold 13 hours
- Insulated two-stage lid fills, drinks and cleans easily
Looking for a classic look for your new water bottle? Stanley has produced vacuum-sealed bottles since 1913. This water bottle is very durable, practical and inexpensive. The 18-ounce container will cost you Price not available, but you can also buy a 36-ounce model for only Price not available. It’s one of the most cost-effective bottles on this list. If you are looking for a great deal on an extra-large bottle, this is your choice. However, like the Thermos bottle, it has a pouring spout that isn’t convenient for coffee or other hot drinks. It doesn’t leak, and the lid creates a loop that you can use to strap this bottle to the outside of your backpack. It is rated for up to 13 hours with a cold drink.
The Stanley water bottle receives 4.7 out of 5 stars.
CamelBak Chute Stainless-Steel Bottle
- NEW Magnetic handle keeps cap stowed while drinking
- Vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 6…
- Angled spout provides an ergonomic drink interface that delivers a…
With another unique cap, the CamelBak Chute offers another great option for an insulated water bottle designed specifically for cold drinks. It has eight different color options and a magnetic cap. This allows the cap to remain open while you drink. You may have concerns because the non-insulated CamelBak Chute has issues with leakage. However, this redesigned lid forms a much tighter seal. It comes in a few sizes, from 20 to 40 ounces. The price is mid-range, at $18.99 for 20 ounces and $19.79 for 40 ounces. These large water bottles are great for cold water on a long trail, but the lid isn’t recommended for hot drinks, which might pour out quickly.
This rugged choice receives 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Takeya Thermoflask
- Originals insulated water bottle: Takeya originals stainless steel…
- Leak-proof spout lid: this insulated stainless steel water bottle…
- PREMIUM BOTTLES AND LIDS: Our innovative line of insulated hydration…
From 18 to 64 ounces, Takeya offers a wide variety of sizes and colors to suit your individual needs. These bottles are prices slightly lower than some of their competitors, at $16.59 for 18 ounces and $44.85 for an impressive 64 ounces. The powder-coated stainless-steel body and minimalist logo may be confused with Hydro Flask and other insulated bottle companies, but the pour lid is designed more like the CamelBak Chute. It boasts a high insulation rating, with 24 hours for cold drinks and 12 hours for hot drinks. With a lifetime warranty, these bottles provide a great deal of support and quality assurance.
For a wide range of models at great prices, the Takeya Thermoflask earns 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Simple Modern Bolt Water Bottle
If you are looking for an insulated bottle with a unique color or pattern, try a Bolt water bottle by Simple Modern. It offers an impressive 22 color and pattern options, and three different sizes. Prices range from Price not available to $21.99, which is competitively priced. The tiny opening is good for sipping water but can also be used for hot drinks. Some customers feel the exterior stainless steel dents easier than other bottles. This company donates a portion of its profits to assist communities that are hurt by natural disasters.
For an inexpensive choice and the most personalized bottle, this receives 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Klean Kanteen Insulated Bottle
- Made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel, no liner needed
- No BPA, phthalates, lead or other toxins
- Doesn’t retain or impart flavors for a clean, fresh drink every time
Klean Kanteen is a widely popular brand with basic features, a few color options, and high-quality products at an affordable price. The simple, wide-mouthed design is rugged and works well in a variety of situations. The lid features a loop that makes it easy to attach to your bag, which makes it a great choice for hiking trips. The 18-ounce bottle costs Price not available and comes in seven different colors. It’s rated for 48 hours of cold drinks and 14 hours for hot liquids. If you don’t like the loop-lid design, try one of the more traditional mugs, water bottles or tumbler designs.
For an all-around high-quality and an effectively insulated bottle, the Klean Kanteen earns 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Best Insulated Water Bottle FAQs
In this section, we detail the most asked questions about the best insulated water bottles on the market. Some of these questions involve the science behind vacuum sealed, stainless steel bottles, BPA concerns, how to be eco-friendly, how often you should clean your water bottle, and more.
What is the Science Behind Vacuum-Sealed Stainless Steel Water Bottles?
If you haven’t already noticed, using stainless steel water bottles is popular in the hydration industry. There are a number of reasons why these bottles have risen to the top of the market charts. The first reason is that they are one of the safest options when it comes to drinking water. Scientific research demonstrates this. A second reason for their popularity is the stylish design options you have. Many of the best insulated water bottle options on the market offer fun, flashy picks for fashion-oriented consumers.
One of the things that we appreciate most about the best insulated water bottle picks on our list is that they are free of BPA. Have you heard of BPA before? It is a chemical that hardens plastics. While this might sound advantageous to include in your construction materials, it is hard on the body for several reasons. As an endocrine imitator, BPA interferes with the production and functions of human body hormones. By mimicking human hormones, it harms your body. Scientists have concluded that BPA contributes to reproductive disorders in women, male impotence, heart disease, diabetes, and more. In fact, the harmful effects of BPA was an impetus for the movement towards stainless steel bottles.
Stainless steel bottles are free of BPA and declared safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before the proliferation of stainless steel water bottles, the CDC found that an average of 95% of human urine samples contained BPA. In addition to protecting the human body from harmful chemicals, stainless steel bottles have better insulation. Whether your drinks are hot or cold, vacuum sealed stainless steel bottles come in handy. Various companies have carried out tests and left the bottles under exposure to sun or high temperatures to check the results. Even after 24 hours, the drinks remain at their intended temperature. You will even find your ice intact from when you packed the bottle. The same goes for the inverse (e.g. packing and storing hot drinks). When a container is properly insulated, nothing on the outside of the bottle will negatively affect its contents. Temperature retention also assures you that no outside organisms will be able to make their way into your drink.
Did you know that stainless steel bottles also reduce pollution levels? Since they are strong and durable, they are a popular pick among environmentally-conscious scientists and consumers. Plastic and reusable water bottles come at higher costs and pollute the environment. Vacuum-sealed stainless steel water bottles are reusable and help alleviate the world pollution problem. You will not have to worry about hazardous materials leaking into your water, either. Another advantage is that stainless steel bottles are made of iron and chromium alloys. These materials offer increased resistance to corrosion. Therefore, you can rest easy knowing that harmful materials such as aluminum will not make its way into your drinking water.
Another common principle is a zero-contact policy with plastics. Unlike aluminum bottles that come with a plastic lid, stainless steel water bottles are pure alloy. They provide 100% protection against the harmful materials of plastics and the leaking of chemicals into your water supply.
Besides their obvious health benefits, the best insulated water bottle picks (aka stainless steel) have structural integrity. They will not get punctured. Bottles that are easily cracked or destroyed are not popular picks. The science behind stainless steel bottles dictates that they resist impact. Plastic water bottles are made of malleable material and cannot withstand much of an impact.
Is the Best Insulated Water Bottle Picks Cost Effective?
While the best insulated water bottle picks will be a little pricey up front, they quickly pay for themselves. Simply put, they are cost-effective. Think about it. Buying plastic bottles is wasteful. On average, a plastic water bottle in the store costs $1. Once you drink from a plastic water bottle, you dispose of it and buy another one. After you drink the water, you do not want to use it again. Plastic bottle leak chemicals and do not offer structural integrity. When comparing reusable water bottles to disposable ones, it is clear to see who the winner is. Everyone is looking for ways to save some money. Why not be eco-friendly too?
When you begin to make a list of the pros and cons of insulated water bottles vs. regular water bottles, you will find that many of the regular ones are made of materials and chemicals that either smells awful or leave a funny taste in your mouth. Remember, some of these materials leak plastic into your drink. By using the best insulated water bottle, you can avoid all of these things.
How Are the Best Insulated Water Bottle Picks More Eco-Friendly Than Regular Water Bottles?
We mentioned earlier that the best insulated water bottle picks possess structural integrity. This means that they will not easily crack or break under pressure or if they are dropped. Since the contents are vacuum-sealed, pollutants and microscopic organisms cannot reach the inside contents. When it comes to being eco-friendly, the first benefit of reusable water bottles is in the name. Millions of plastic water bottles fill landfills every year. Since they are not biodegradable, a plastic bottle can take up to 1,000 years to break down naturally. Efforts are being made to reuse these substances but doing so emits toxic waste into the atmosphere and incurs high costs. Even one person using a stainless steel bottle makes the difference whether thousands of plastic bottles are discarded every year. Using one insulated reusable water bottle can potentially keep 2,580 balloons of carbon from entering the atmosphere.
Are Reusable Water Bottles Safe?
Whether or not your reusable water bottle is safe depends on the construction. For example, reusing a plastic water bottle is not safe. They can leak carcinogens and other contaminants into your drinking water. However, using a reusable stainless steel water bottle is safe. Many people think that buying bottled water is safer than drinking from the tap water in their sink. In most cases, this is not true. It is estimated that twenty-four percent of bottled water is tap water anyways. By using the best insulated water bottle, you can be sure of where your drinking water is coming from. Aluminum bottles are not safe. As a reactive metal, they can create unique compounds that are harmful to the human body. With time, aluminum becomes rusted.
Does Investing in the Best Insulated Water Bottle Help to Save on Fossil Fuels?
In short, yes. There is definitely a conservation advantage to using insulated water bottles over plastic ones. It comes down to the environment and how much fossil fuel power is available. Using an insulated water bottle helps to cut fossil fuel usage. Disposable plastic water bottles require the use of fossil fuels in the recycling process. Hypothetically, if four people switched over to using reusable water bottles, then they could save twenty-four gallons of water per year. Now, imagine if an entire community of people switched over to using insulated water bottles.
Insulated water bottles are often easier to clean and they do not leave residual smells. This is a big benefit when you are cleaning them after use. Bottles that smell like soap are impossible to drink from. In addition, you do not know if your plastic bottle has leaked contaminants or not and this can often create a feeling of unease. This is one of the main reasons why people choose insulated water bottles over disposable water bottles. We have to say that we agree.
What is Better – A Glass Water Bottle or a Stainless Steel Water Bottle?
As we mentioned earlier, we all know that plastic disposable water bottles are bad for the planet and contain toxins like BPA. There are plenty of options on the market that not only promote a healthy lifestyle but are also good for the environment. With this said, let’s go on to compare reusable glass and stainless steel bottles. While steel bottles are a better alternative than disposable plastic ones, their manufacturing process may not be sustainable. Making stainless steel bottles requires the processing of nickel and chromium ores. This process emits much more pollution than standard stainless steel does. In addition, extracting ores is an energy-intensive process and releases carcinogens into the air, soil, and water.
Think about it. Spirits and wine are bottled in glass for the purity of flavor. Since glass is not permeable its contents will not absorb outside odors or tastes. It is the obvious choice for better tasting beverages. Glass will not degrade over time, will not leak chemicals, is dishwasher safe, 100% recyclable, and suitable for hot and cold beverages. Just be sure to handle your bottle with care – or it will shatter! The biggest drawback to using glass is obvious; it’s fragile.
How Often Should You Clean a Reusable Water Bottle?
How often do you clean your regular dishes? Cleaning your reusable water bottle should not be any different. Wash your bottle out after every use and every day. Bacteria thrive in moist, dark environments. Even the slightest amount of water left in the bottle is enough for bacteria to begin developing. We all know that cleaning out a water bottle can be a hassle. But it’s worth it. No one wants to get sick. We don’t just mean rinsing out your bottle with warm, soapy water. Let the soapy water sit in your bottle for at least ten minutes before thoroughly scrubbing and drying it out. We recommend leaving your water bottle upside down in the dish rack so that it can air dry out overnight.
Another helpful cleaning method is to use white vinegar. Yes, we realize this method is a little bit smelly. Fill your bottle with one-fifth parts white vinegar and four-fifths water. Let this mix sit overnight and thoroughly rinse it out in the morning with hot water and a dash of baking soda. If your water bottle is dishwasher safe, run it in the machine whenever you are starting a load.
Those who want to take extra measures to clean out their reusable water bottle can invest in a special cleaning kit. This package comes with a long bottle brush for those hard-to-reach places and cleaning tablets designed to rinse out your bottle in only a few shakes. Ultimately, regardless of how you clean your bottle, you need to get it completely dry.
What You Need to Know about the Best Insulated Water Bottle Picks
We often forget that hydrating consistently is a necessity. To have your water or beverages retain a consistently cool temperature, you must purchase a bottle that is designed for that purpose. During the heat of summer, it is nice to have a cold beverage with you. When choosing the best insulated water bottle, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, choose one for its beneficial factors, not just because it has a cool design.
Second, inspect the quality of the bottle. More often than not, low-quality plastic materials are involved in the production process. Excellent quality water bottles come at a higher price but you will not have to worry about whether or not they are safe for use. Bottles manufactured in developed nations will not include chemicals in the water bottle manufacturing process. Third, take note of the insulation properties of the water bottle. Its quality and thickness indicate how well it will retain its contents temperatures. Athletes are often seen toting around insulated water bottles to stay hydrated. If you are participating in strenuous activities, take note of how much fluids you will need and plan ahead. Drinking a consistent amount of H20 is necessary for maintaining good overall health. Don’t use a reusable water bottle to bring along a sugary drink. Bacteria thrive off of sugar and drinks like soda are bad for your health. You don’t need all those artificial colors and additives in your system.
Advantages of Owning a Double-Wall Insulation Water Bottle
Vacuum-insulated water bottles have so many benefits. The most obvious one is that they keep your drinks at the right temperature. However, this is not the only quality that makes them well worth the initial investment. In comparison to standard reusable water bottles, double-wall insulation bottles are much more durable. Vacuum-insulated water bottles do wonders when it comes to keeping your drinks hot or cold for extended periods of time. But what does the term double wall insulation actually mean and what is the science behind the design?
Understand that heat is transferred by two processes, conduction, and convection. In order to understand how to vacuum insulation works, you need to know what causes the liquids inside the bottle to change. Let’s go back to basic science for a second. All materials are composed of molecules – from the air that we breathe to the physical objects we touch. Conduction occurs when molecules from different materials come into contact with one another. This contact creates a heat transfer from places with greater kinetic energy to places with fewer kinetic energy (e.g. thermal transfer). This process of heat transfer goes on until the temperatures reach equilibrium.
Convection refers to heat transfer in liquids and gases through molecular movement. Warm molecules tend to rise and colder molecules are pushes down. Double wall insulation prevents heat transfer. The two steel walls and vacuum of an insulated water bottle act as a barrier to prevent the heat transfer of conduction and convection. With a double wall reusable water bottle, convection occurs when a temperature difference is presented in its contents. Well-made bottles come with a lid as an effective seal. As a result, the stored liquid remains at the same temperature for a long period of time.
Buyer’s Guide
Before grabbing your next insulated water bottle, check out this buyer’s guide. It will provide you with some of the more important features to compare before purchasing an insulated bottle. Consider where you’ll most likely use your water bottle, and decide what features are important for you. Each bottle has its own pros and cons, so they are suited for different situations and styles.
Price
How much are you willing to pay for the perfect bottle? Prices are very competitive on this list, but look through each one and decide how much you are willing to spend in order to purchase your dream bottle.
Insulation
Obviously, an insulated water bottle needs to insulate your drink. While all the bottles on this list are vacuum-insulated double-walled stainless steel, the hot and cold ratings differ. Compare the amount of insulation, and consider how important it is to you. Do you need a drink to stay cold for just a few hours or all day? If you are using your bottle for hot drinks, you may find some are too insulated. These bottles won’t allow your coffee to cool to a drinkable temperature.
Durable Design
Not all bottles are created equal. You want one that will stand up to some wear and tear. For some people, dropping the bottle off your desk will be the most damage it could ever receive. Others might expect a bottle to drop a few stories while working on a construction site. Whatever situation you are in, look for a bottle that doesn’t crack, bend or dent easily. Thankfully, the bottles on this list were chosen based on durable designs. Each one should perform well in this category.
The Lid and Spout Design
Do you want to sip on a mug or chug from a bottle? Most lids vary between a more coffee-mug-like shape or a water bottle spout or straw. If you want a bottle that works equally well for coffee and water, you may want one that has a sippable opening, like a coffee mug. However, if you want to drink a lot of water quickly, this isn’t the best design for you. Consider your beverage of choice, and decide how specialized you want your insulated bottle to be.
Style
No one wants an ugly water bottle. Whether you know it or not, we all want a water bottle to suit our style. If you aren’t interested in custom designs and bright colors, you still want a bottle that communicates a rugged and unassuming style. Companies like Stanley and Thermos convey this very well. Or, if you want lots of bright color and pattern options, consider a Hydro Flask or Simple Modern bottle. Regardless of your preference, you’ll want to consider style when you choose your perfect water bottle.
Size
From 12 to 64 ounces, there is a huge range of options available. Most companies offer several sizes, while some are only produced in a single size. If you want a portable bottle for your lunchbox or morning coffee, 12 ounces is a convenient choice. Or, if you want a way to store large amounts of water on a long road trip, consider the 64-ounce size. Before choosing the perfect bottle, be sure a company can provide you with a bottle in your ideal size range.
Now that you are an expert in the top eight insulated water bottles, you can finally choose the perfect bottle for your needs. These companies all offer online options to purchase their product, or you can go to third-party stores, such as Amazon. Your hiking trip will finally have ice cold water all day, and that coffee you forgot about will still be warm in the afternoon.
