Water bottles are not all the same and it is not just a matter of material, price or design. It is important to understand the different materials and features to make an informed purchase. We have prepared some questions to help you to choose the most suitable reusable bottle.
Material
The most common bottles are made of plastic, glass, aluminum and stainless steel. Water bottles can have different materials and prices.
- Plastic water bottles are the cheapest and lightest on the market but they do not maintain the temperature of the drinks steady. Moreover, the taste of the beverage can be altered after using it for a long time.
- Glass bottles are safe for health, do not alter the flavors but are fragile and not so handy to carry.
- Aluminum water bottles are a cheap and light option but they are not stainless (therefore not suitable for every beverage). Over time they could alter the flavors.
- Stainless steel bottles are sturdy, suitable for all liquids, keep the temperature constant. They are a bit heavier compared to other material.
Liters
On the market, you can choose a reusable bottle of different sizes according to your needs, the space, and the weight you can carry. The most common are 350ml, 500ml, 750ml and one-liter bottles.
Hard or foldable bottle
The reusable bottle made of hard plastic, stainless steel, aluminum or glass has a rigid shape and is easy to clean. It can be easily carried in the side pocket of the backpack without the risk of leaking.
On the contrary, the foldable reusable bottle is made of silicone. It is very lightweight, practical and, when empty, it can be compressed and takes up little space. The downside is that this collapsible bottle is not suitable for hot liquids and the drinks may have a different taste.
Steady temperature
Stainless steel thermal flasks do not only keep your drinks hot by preventing the outside temperature from cooling them. They also have the opposite effect: they keep drinks cold isolating them from the external heat. If you want to keep the temperature of your drinks steady for a long time, choose a stainless steel bottle, better with a double layer of insulation.
If you don’t want to keep the beverage warm or cold, plastic, glass and aluminum bottles are fine.
Single or double insulation wall
The difference between a bottle with a single layer and a double layer of insulation lies in the effectiveness: how long they can keep the temperature of the liquids steady.
A bottle with a single insulation wall keeps the temperature unaltered for less time compared to a bottle with a double layer of insulation. This is because between the two walls there is a layer of air that helps to isolate the liquid contained from outside. As a result, a double-layer insulated bottle costs slightly more than a single-walled bottle.
Rubber or powder coating
Reusable water bottles are different, also the appearance. The powder coating is a paint that gives a colorful look while the non-slip rubber coating is soft to the touch and ensures a firmer grip even on the go.
Screwcap or easy opening
The advantage of having a bottle with a screw cap is a small silicone part inside that hermetically seals the opening and prevents leaking. In reusable plastic bottles, it’s common to find an easy opening. The advantage of the quick-opening cap is that you can easily open it with one hand. As it’s so easy to open it, it’s not completely hermetic opening resulting in leaks and spills.
Everything you need to know about stainless steel water bottles
What does 304 stainless steel insulated bottle mean?
304 stainless steel is also known as 18/8. The abbreviation 18/8 indicates that the alloy contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This type of steel is called stainless due to its resistance to oxidation and corrosion and is designed to be in contact with food.
What does BPA free mean?
BPA is the abbreviation for bisphenol A, a chemical compound used in the production of some types of plastics, such as polycarbonate mainly used for food containers, containers and water bottles. BPA can be transferred in small quantities to foods and beverages contained inside. As stated by the European Food Safety Authority, a small amount of BPA does not pose a health hazard as it is below the tolerable daily dose. The acronym BPA-free means that the product does not contain any trace of bisphenol A inside.
Can I put the insulated bottle in the fridge, in the microwave or in the freezer?
No, you can’t place the steel insulated bottle in the fridge, microwave or freezer. As it has one or two walls that isolate the liquids contained, it will have no effect on the drinks and you even risk damaging the bottle.
Can I wash a stainless steel thermal bottle in the dishwasher?
No, you can’t wash stainless steel water bottles in the dishwasher because high temperatures and detergents could damage the material. You just need to wash them with hot water and a drop of dish soap rubbing also the cap threading. Once rinsed thoroughly, let it dry upside down.
When should I wash a stainless steel bottle?
You should clean the thermal bottle daily and not just when changing beverages. Furthermore, when buying a new bottle, it is important the initial wash to disinfect both the body and the thread inside the cap.
Hot 12 hours – Cold 24 hours: what does it mean?
The insulated bottle can keep your hot drinks at the same temperature as when you put them in for up to 12 hours. This is an indicative duration and does not mean that after 12 hours your coffee will be cold. It does indicate that after 12 hours the temperature will slowly start to drop. The same goes for cold drinks which will keep their temperature constant for 24 hours.
If the cap is not hermetically sealed and the bottle is opened frequently, the temperature may change faster.
How does a thermal bottle work?
The reusable thermal bottle has a double wall (also called a double layer) of insulation and a layer of air inside. This helps to slow down the transfer of temperature from outside to inside and vice versa. In other words, it prevents the external heat from heating the cold drink and the internal heat of the hot drink from escaping outside.
It works the same both if the bottle contains hot beverages and cold ones. There are also bottles with a single wall which are cheaper compared to the one with a double wall but do not last so long. A lower price doesn’t mean is a good bargain: in this case, it corresponds to a different quality.
Why choosing a reusable bottle?
A quality reusable water bottle can last ages and you no longer need to buy disposable bottles. This can be translated into a great economic saving and a significant contribution to consuming less plastic. The European Parliament has confirmed to ban throwaway plastics by 2021. A reusable stainless steel water bottle, in addition to being resistant and safe for your health, is perfect for both cold summer drinks and hot drinks in winter. A bottle for the whole year.
In this article, you have learned how to choose a reusable bottle, the differences among the materials and the characteristics to consider before purchasing. Give a look at our reusable bottles in several colors in a double layer of 304 BPA-free certified stainless steel to keep your drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. They are available in powder and rubber coating and in two dimensions. We ship in Europe.
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