Reusable water bottles can significantly reduce harmful plastic waste. In the United States alone, more than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills daily. Using a water bottle also helps you save money, and you may even find yourself drinking more water because your bottle is always accessible.
The type of water bottle you choose for drinking water and other liquids can also affect your health. Many people have an array of bottles at home to stay hydrated during school runs, road trips, and time at the gym. You might prefer glass bottles for water, deeming it perceivably healthier than plastic water bottle material. Perhaps you have yet to consider bottle material at all.
How do you know which bottle is best for drinking water? We discuss what to consider when choosing a water bottle and the various types of water bottle materials below.
What to Consider When Choosing a Water Bottle
Cost is a main factor for people choosing a water bottle, but many other influencing factors come into play.
Style
All things considered, the right style for your water bottle comes down to personal preference. If there's a brand you love and trust, look at its range of water bottles. From there, consider design and color. Choosing a water bottle because you love the look of it could get you more excited to use it, boosting your hydration in the long run.
Carrying Capacity
The size and carrying capacity of your ideal water bottle depend on how much water you aim to consume daily. Huge water bottles are ineffective if your intake is low. If you want to increase daily hydration for health reasons, you need to take into account your activity levels and how frequently you want to fill up your bottle.
Smaller bottles hold around 8 ounces of liquid, but with the recommended water intake per day exceeding 60 ounces, that’s a lot of refilling you’ll have to do. Bottles with 32-ounce capacities are on the larger side, but they’re rising in popularity. They’re ideal for casual water drinkers as well as for those who engage in strenuous exercise.
You can also get water bottles that hold even more, though convenience of portability certainly goes down the bigger your water bottle gets.
Portability
If you're asking yourself which bottle is best for drinking water, you need to consider the portability. If you're in a vehicle most days running errands you should check that it’s cup-holder compatible. The same bottle used for driving around and running errands may not work for hiking mountains — for this, you need a small and more durable bottle that fits into a backpack. If your lifestyle is active, you should think about prioritizing portability.
Insulation
If you live in a hot environment or are away for a large part of the day, you may want a well-insulated bottle that retains temperature throughout the day. A good quality insulated bottle is usually made from healthy and hygienic materials.
Lid Type
Consider the speed at which you need to open the bottle, as well as cleaning and maintenance when you consider lid types. Some options include:Consider the speed at which you need to open the bottle, as well as cleaning and maintenance when you consider lid types. Some options include:
- Screw-on caps, which are the most leakproof and secure lids.
- Flip lids, which are great while you're on the go or active, as you can flip them open with one hand.
- Push/pull lids, which are mostly found on plastic bottles and are easy to clean, dishwasher safe and child-friendly.
- Lids with straws, which are easier to drink one-handed and require no tilt to drink from.
Type of material
If you're wondering which water bottle is best for your health, it depends on the materials used. You should always buy products free from BPAs and toxins, as well as being noncorrosive.
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stainless steel water bottles are a popular choice for those wanting to keep their liquid hot or cold for long periods, particularly if they’re double-wall insulated. Stainless steel sometimes gets pushback for the metallic taste it can impart on whatever you are drinking, but if you can find a stainless steel water bottle with ceramic lining, your water or beverage will not take on these flavor effects. Additionally, stainless steel drinking vessels can be reused and recycled should the bottle be discarded.
Aluminum Water Bottles
Most aluminum water bottles are BPA-free, reducing the chance that harmful chemicals make it into your beverages.They are also lightweight, non-corrosive, and durable. On the downside, these bottles cost more, aren't dishwasher safe, and if they’re single-walled they also won’t keep hot liquids warm for long.
Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles get a bad rap, but nowadays most plastic bottles are BPA-free — a chemical which can disrupt your endocrine system. Plastic water bottles tend to be more affordable, are much lighter and thus easily portable, won’t break easily, and are safe for children to use. You can also often find plastic water bottles made from recycled materials. On the downside, they don’t keep your water cold for very long, so aren’t the best option for hot environments.
Glass Water Bottles
Glass bottles are nonporous, meaning they don't absorb flavors. Although glass is easy to wash and dishwasher safe, it can also break easily. Glass bottles aren't the best option for traveling, outdoor pursuits, and rugged activities. They also aren't typically as child-friendly as other materials.
If you're wondering which bottles are safe for drinking water, there's no single answer. Research and make sure the bottle you purchase is BPA-free and doesn't contain toxins. Paying more for a sustainable and better brand is better for your health in the long run. Ultimately, all types of water bottles come with pros and cons, so the choice comes down to lifestyle, personal preference, and how much liquid you consume in a day.
If you’re looking for a durable, insulated, and BPA-free option, Carter Carry is a fantastic stainless steel, ceramic-lined water bottle, now available in many sizes and colors!