Water Bottle Buyer’s Guide

A water bottle needs no introduction, as water is an essential thing to survive! Having a good water bottle is imperative, especially when you are out exploring the wild. Those gulps of fresh water make you feel energetic while you stay hydrated all the time.

But do you know how to select a water bottle? While it may seem like a silly question, choosing a water bottle is nothing like a cakewalk. There are multiple types of boles available for different purposes, so you cannot use one for all tasks.

Here in this buyer's guide, you will get complete information about water bottles ranging from materials to size and durability.

You can quickly funnel down the best water bottles straight away after going through this definite guide that’s here to help you.

How essential is this buyer's guide?

Most of you will think that why a buying guide is essential for a water bottle when its only purpose is to carry water and serve when needed. But, what about the durability of the bottle and the material it is made up of?

Not all water bottles are reusable, so you have to be extra sure before buying it. This buying guide will help you identify different materials that are reusable and safe for carrying and drinking water.

Let's plunge into the guide and determine the factors you should consider while selecting a water bottle.

Factors to consider in an ideal water bottle

The list of factors listed here will help you quickly decide and settle down on the best bottle that’ll last longer and is perfect to gulp sips on the move.

Why do you need it?

Before we head to the factors comparing different water bottles, it will be great to determine why you need a bottle. The choice of the bottle solely depends on the end purpose, like you cannot use a regular bottle in the outdoors where harsh conditions are inevitable.

Similarly, you don’t need a robust bottle to hit the gym.

Everyday use

Using reusable bottles to sip water is way better than using a glass every time you feel thirsty. Not only will it save you from the hassles of washing the glasses, but also you can carry the bottle wherever you go, such as to the superstore or while strolling with the baby.

Further, you can consider buying fancy water bottles as performance is something you don’t need with the bottle. Check some good options made using BPA-free plastic, or you can go for glass water bottles if you think that you can protect it from cracking.

Aluminum and stainless steel bottles can be a great choice to keep the water hot or cold for an extended time. There is no such need for buying bottles with filtration mesh as you have drinkable water available in abundance.

Traveling

Traveling means the bottle has to withstand multiple ding and dongs, and it can fall off on the ground anytime. So you should look for robust water bottles that are designed for the outdoors. Stainless steel and the aluminum bottle can be the right choice for traveling because there are lesser chances of getting the bottle damaged.

There are some excellent water bottles made using high-grade plastic and suitable for traveling purposes. Make sure to look for things like carabiners so that you can attach a strap to the bottle.

Most traveling bottles have straws attached for easy drinking while moving.

Hiking/ Human-powered missions

These water bottles are able to withstand almost anything and won't shatter even if you smash it on the ground. Furthermore, performance bottles come with built-in mesh that purifies the water, and some bottles even come with a UV pen to exterminate the bacteria to make the water drinkable.

These bottles are easy to clean but are bulky due to the multiple protection layers. You will see carabiners attached to these bottles for the ease of carrying it while hiking or climbing.

So you have decided why you need a water bottle? Have a look at some common materials used to manufacture a water bottle.

Materials

Each material used to manufacture water bottles have different features like stainless steel and aluminum is durable, whereas glass bottles are stylish and aesthetically pleasing.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel water bottles are durable, lightweight, and the best part about the bottles is the insulation. You can keep the drink hot or cold for longer as compared to plastic bottles.

The stainless used to manufacture the bottles is food-grade, but still, some users complain about the metallic smell coming out of the drink.

You should choose these bottles for traveling as these are handy and lightweight. Plus, cleaning a stainless steel water bottle is easy, so it saves you a lot of time.

Aluminum

Aluminum water bottles are lighter than stainless steel but a bit bulky than plastic bottles. When it comes to durability, then these bottles can withstand the test of time. Aluminum bottles have a thick layer of lining on the inside that prevents the direct contact between water and aluminum, so you don't have to worry about any metallic smell.

Plastic

Plastic is the most common type of material used to manufacture water bottles. You should go for bottles that are BPA-free and reusable. There are some varieties available in plastic as well like PET, which is a durable material

Plastic water bottles are ideal to use around the house and for traveling to a shorter distance. The main problem with these bottles is durability and insulation, as these cannot keep the water hot or cold for a long time.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate water bottles are more durable than plastic. Plus, these bottles are shatter-proof and can be taken for an outdoor trip. You will get some good BPA-free options in polycarbonate bottles.

Glass

Glass bottles are fancy and don't intervene with the taste of water. These bottles are entirely chemical-free, and you can store cold and hot beverages because the melting point of the bottles is extremely high.

The only problem with glass bottles is that you cannot take them for traveling as these aren’t shatter-resistant.

Capacity or volume

The volume of the bottle depends on how much water you need. For example, if you need a water bottle for everyday use like for going to the job, you can choose bottles with less capacity, i.e., somewhere around 500ml or 16oz.

You can refill the bottle again whenever required, and it will give you a fresh supply of water on your table. When traveling, you need bottles with large capacity, such as 750 ml (25oz) or even 1 liter (34oz).

When you don’t have enough resources to get drinkable, then a bottle with a large volume will help you stay hydrated on the move.

Bottles with bigger capacity are heavy, so you have to prepare to carry some more weight in your luggage.

Size

Check the size of the bottle to ensure that it fits in your backpack, or you can mount it on the bottle holder available on your bike. Some water bottles have less capacity, but these have a huge size that's hard to handle.

If you are traveling by car or any other vehicle, then having a bigger bottle won't be an issue. But when traveling on a bike or hiking, you need compact bottles that are easy to fit in the backpack bottle holder, and you can simply take it out to gulp some water.

Shape

The shape of the bottle plays a vital role as you cannot hold an irregular shaped bottle in your hand. Similarly, you should check the size of the pocket attached to the backpack to ensure that the water bottle fits decently.

Another reason to check the shape is that you cannot fit a squarish bottle in your bike’s bottle holder. The shape of the bottle is as important as its capacity, and that's why you should never take it for granted.

Filtration system

Water bottles come with a filtration system like a mesh that traps all the particles to make the water drinkable. Some high-end water bottles even have UV pens to eliminate all the bacteria and other such contaminants from water.

Bottles with filters are perfect for traveling, where you don't have a fresh water source available to refill the bottle. On the other hand, water bottles without a filtration system are good for using around the house.

You don’t need a bottle with a filter when you have the resources available to refill the water on the go.

Lid

The lid or the mouth of the water bottle will impact how you drink the water. A bottle that has a huge opening will make it hard to drink while tracking or running as the water can splash on your face ruining the entire experience.

Nozzle

These are the most common types of bottles you see in the market. The lid has a nozzle like a thick straw covered with a cap that prevents the water from spilling when you are not drinking it.

The cap is to be removed by the mouth, and then you can gulp water as per your requirements. These bottles are ideal for traveling or biking when you don't have both hands available to open the cap and then close it again.

Screw-top

Screw-top bottles are ubiquitous, and these are what you see in your house. The cap screws down on the bottle and closes it to prevent any spillage. You need to use both hands to open or close the lid as it can be tight to avoid any leakage.

While choosing a water bottle with a screw-top, make sure that the screw grooves are big and easy to clean. Small grooves can be a suitable spot for dirt and grime to thrive, and it can contaminate the water.

Spout

The spout is just like a small straw attached to the bottle with a cap or flipping mechanism. These water bottles are better than bottles with nozzle lids, as lesser dust can accumulate around the cap. You can use these bottles for traveling or any other purpose like in the gym.

The narrow opening will make it easy to squirt water, and you can prevent it from flowing out on your face.

Opening width

When choosing a water bottle, you have to select between wide and narrow mouth options. Wide mouth bottles are ideal if you want to add some ice cubes to the drink whenever required. Additionally, drinking water through these bottles is hard as you have to take care of the liquid flowing out due to the wide mouth.

On the other hand, bottles with narrow mouths don't allow you to add ice cubes, but you can drink water carefully without worrying about the splashes.

Insulation

Do you want to maintain the drink's temperature throughout the day? If yes, then insulated water bottles should be your choice. These bottles have multiple layers on the inside that help maintain the beverage's temperature, and you can enjoy sipping cold water on a hot day.

Insulated bottles are ideal for traveling, where you have the least resources available to refill the drink. However, these bottles can be pricey as compared to regular bottles, so you need to make a wise decision to avoid overspending.

Handle

The handle mounted on the water bottle’s lid will make it easy to carry it around without any hassles. These bottles feature flexible and rigid handles based on the type of bottle you are buying.

Furthermore, handles can be used with straps, and you can fasten it with your backpack to carry more bottles if the bottle holder pocket is already occupied.

Color

The color of the bottle is another important factor that needs your attention. You should go for transparent bottles if you need one for drinking water or for preparing an energy drink where you want to check the amount of water.

With transparent bottles, you can eliminate the hassle of opening the lid multiple times to check how much water is available. Colored bottles, on the other hand, are useful if you need an aesthetically pleasing bottle.

Transparent bottles are only available in plastic material, and stainless steel and aluminum bottles are entirely opaque.

Ease of use

The ease of use depends on why you need a water bottle. If you need it during biking, then go for a bottle that allows you to drink water using a single hand. These bottles include nozzle and spouts, so you can remove the cap with your mouth to gulp water.

Screw-top water bottles require two hands to unscrew the lid, and you should get these for everyday use. These water bottles aren't an excellent choice for the outdoors.

Similarly, check the weight and dimensions of the bottle to discover how easy it will be to use it. Lightweight and compact bottles make it easy to use when you are on the move.

FAQs: Best Water Bottles

Q: What are BPA-free bottles, and how are these different from regular bottles?

A: BPA is (bisphenol A) commonly found in plastic water bottles. The element has a lot of health hazards to the body, so you should avoid using water bottles that have BPA.

Go with the options that come with BPA-free stickers, so you get the assurance of using a safe bottle. BPA-free plastic bottles are affordable, so you can get one to serve you fresh water whenever you need it.

Q: Are stainless steel bottles dishwashers safe?

A: It entirely depends on the type of material as the dishwasher uses heat while cleaning. You can wash stainless steel, aluminum, and glass water bottles using a dishwasher as these materials can withstand high pressure as compared to plastic.

Before putting the bottle into the dishwasher, check if the manufacturer recommends it. Usually, water bottles are ideal for hand-washing, and you can keep enhancing the lifespan of the bottle by washing it gently.

If the manufacturer recommends it, then you can wash the bottle in a dishwasher without thinking twice.

Q: What are collapsible water bottles?

A: Collapsible water bottles collapse into a compact form when you are not using them. These bottles are made using flexible material so that you can pack the bottle in your backpack when not using it. Unlike regular bottles, collapsible ones are lightweight and easy to transport.

However, these bottles are not very durable and have less longevity.

Q: Why are reusable water bottles good?

A: There are multiple benefits of using a reusable water bottle. These are friendly for the environment, especially when you go for plastic-free bottles like stainless steel and glass. Furthermore, a reusable water bottle can save you money as you don’t have to purchase bottled water every time you feel thirsty.

When you get all these benefits with an affordable bottle, it is better to purchase it.

Q: What is mold, and how to clean it from the bottle?

A: If you haven't cleaned the bottle for a long time now, then mold or mildew formation can take place on the areas like the lid where the water and dust combine.

Mild can be very dangerous, especially black mold, as it can contaminate the water so you should clean it before reusing the bottle.

Here is a step-by-step process to clean the mold off the bottle:

• Take a pan to heat the water and add a few teaspoons of white vinegar to it.
• Rinse the bottle and take a sponge to get rid of the mold.
• Take a few drops of dish cleaning detergent and soak the sponge into the lukewarm water solution to clean the mold.
• After a few strokes, you will see it common off from the bottle. You can even soak the bottle in warm water for some time.
• This way, you can get rid of mold, and the bottle will be fit for drinking water.

A pro tip: To prevent the formation of mold, always clean the bottle before storing it. A wet water bottle has more chances of allowing the mold to thrive, so clean the bottle and dry it before storing it.

Q: Can I put an aluminum bottle in the refrigerator?

A: Yes, it is safe to put an aluminum bottle in the refrigerator, and it will not harm the material in any way. You can even put stainless steel and glass bottles in the fridge.

Q: Do insulated bottles really work?

A: Yes, insulated bottles help in maintaining the temperature of water or drink. If you don't believe it, then you can compare it with a plastic or non-insulated bottle. The vacuum created inside the bottle helps the air to stay inside the temperature drops gradually, which is not the case with non-insulated bottles.

If you want the drink to stay cold or hot for a long time, insulated water bottles should be your choice.

Q: How long does a water bottle last?

A: The bottle's lifespan depends on multiple factors, such as the material, the type, and how you are using the bottle. Stainless steel and aluminum are durable as compared to plastic and glass bottles. Life depends on how you deal with the bottle, and if you have purchased the right one for the purpose, you need it.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to select the best water bottle, it is time to consider some good options. With these factors in mind, you can choose a reliable bottle that lasts longer and offers you fresh water to drink.

Check whether the bottle you are planning to buy is BPA-free to avoid altering the quality of water. Also, focus on the volume, shape, and weight to prevent buying onerous bottles that are of no use.

Lastly, keep the bottle clean if you want to prevent mold formation. Also, it will help you avoid the water from contamination, and you can drink it without worrying.