Different materials of water bottles such as plastic, stainless steel, and glass offer individual benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right material can be challenging especially when considering factors such as durability, weight, insulation, BPA-free, and so on.
Stainless steel water bottles rank top considering such factors. So, what are the benefits of stainless steel water bottles?
In short, they are the most durable options compared to other materials. They are insulated and keep your cold drinks cold for extended periods. Also, they are completely BPA-free and do not have any negative impact on the environment.
Scroll down to know all the details regarding the benefits of stainless steel water bottles.
How Are Stainless Steel Water Bottles Made?
These bottles are usually made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel. This type of steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Chromium reacts with oxygen to form a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. This layer protects the steel from rust and corrosion. Nickel helps to improve the formability of the steel, making it easier to shape into bottles.
Here are the steps for manufacturing a stainless steel water bottle:
- Melting: Manufacturers melt the raw materials (chromium, nickel, and iron) together in a furnace to create a molten alloy.
- Forming: Manufacturers then pour the molten metal into rolled sheets.
- Shaping: Then, they cut and shape the sheets of steel into the desired form of the water bottle. Stamping, pressing, or spinning techniques are used for shaping the bottles.
- Welding: They weld the seams of the water bottle to create a watertight seal.
- Finishing: Finally, the water bottle is polished and painted to give its final appearance.
8 Benefits of Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Here’s the core of our discussion. Let’s explore the benefits of stainless steel water bottles.
1. They Are a Healthier Option
Stainless steel water bottles are always a healthier option compared to common plastic water bottles. Most plastic water bottles contain harmful chemicals such as BPA (Bisphenol A). BPA exposure is related to different health problems, especially in children.
Stainless steel is completely free from such harmful chemicals. There’s no chance of the material to leach the chemicals into your drinks.
Moreover, stainless steel is a non-porous material. This means that bacteria and mold cannot grow on it. This makes stainless steel water bottles much easier to keep clean compared to plastic water bottles.
2. They Are More Durable
Stainless steel water bottles win when it comes to durability. Plastic water bottles can be flimsy and they crush easily. Glass water bottles, on the other hand, are brittle and they shatter easily.
However, stainless steel is known for its remarkable strength. It can withstand bumps, drops, and everyday wear and tear without cracking, shattering, or denting easily.
These bottles are scratch-resistant as well. Unlike plastic which can melt at high temperatures, stainless steel can handle hot and cold beverages without breaking a sweat (or a seal).
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3. They Are More Sustainable
Stainless steel is a highly recyclable option. It’s manufactured from natural elements that are safe and free of any disease-causing chemicals.
Plastic water bottles contribute to plastic pollution. These bottles do not break. So, they end up in the ocean or landfills where they can be a danger to wildlife as well as the environment.
Stainless steel water bottles are a great way to reduce such impact on the environment. They are easy to recycle so you can keep the planet from further deterioration.
4. They Save You Money In The Long Run
Plastic water bottles are designed for single use. You buy one, use it once, and then toss it away. Eventually, you create a cycle of constant repurchasing, which makes you spend higher over time.
Although the initial cost for a stainless steel water bottle can be high, compare that to the ongoing expense of buying disposable plastic bottles every day. You’ll be surprised how quickly the reusable option pays for itself.
The average American throws away 167 plastic water bottles each year. This means it ends up costing you $266 in total. If you opt for a reusable stainless steel water bottle, it will be a cheaper way in the long run.
5. They Are Insulated
One of the biggest reasons for not being a fan of plastic water bottles is that the perspiration and sweat occur in them. Using insulated water bottles gives you the ultimate peace when you want your drinks to stay cold for hours on a hot day.
You can choose from single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall insulation. Single-wall insulation offers less insulation compared to the other two types. Naturally, triple-wall insulation offers the highest level of insulation.
Double-wall insulation is the most common type and these bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. These bottles also keep your hands dry since they are sweatproof.
6. They Are Available In Different Sizes
What’s your preferred size for a water bottle? 12oz, 24oz, 30oz, 36oz, or 40oz? There is every option available when it comes to stainless steel water bottles.
If you stay active throughout the day and live in a hot climate, you will need a lot more water to stay hydrated. Make sure you choose a suitable size to get the required amount of hydration.
For gym-going people who work up at a sweat, going for a 26oz bottle is perfect. If you stay indoors most time, smaller options such as 18oz will be enough for you.
7. They Improve The Taste of Water
Plastic water bottles retain flavors from previous drinks. If you used your plastic bottle for juice or coffee yesterday, you might taste those lingering hints in your water today.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, doesn’t absorb flavors. Your water will always taste fresh and clean, regardless of what was in the bottle before. Since stainless steel is a non-reactive material it doesn’t leach any chemicals or flavors into your water as plastic water bottles do.
8. They Come With Leakproof Lids
Plastic water bottles are more prone to squash inside a bag. With stainless steel water bottles, you don’t have to experience soggy bags, thanks to the secure and leakproof lids.
These lids feature gaskets or silicone seals that create a tight barrier. They prevent any drips or spills even when you toss the bottle into a backpack.
What Are The Drawbacks of Stainless Steel Water Bottles?
No superhero is without a weakness, and stainless steel water bottles are nothing different. They come with a few drawbacks as follows.
- Stainless water bottles are heavier compared to plastic and aluminum water bottles. These can be bulky especially when filled. So, choosing stainless steel water bottles is not wise if you want a lightweight option for outdoor adventures.
- Stainless steel water bottles are more expensive compared to other options. However, as they are built to last long, you should think of them as an investment.
- Cheaper stainless steel water bottles can leave a weird metallic aftertaste in the water, especially if you don’t clean them properly. For this, try to go for 18/8 stainless steel water bottles that are high-quality and free from this drawback.
These bottles can dent if dropped. Also, the paints sometimes peel off the exterior of the bottles.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Stainless Steel Water Bottles Last Long
Keeping your stainless steel water bottles in tip-top shape is not difficult. Here are some insider tips that will make it easier for you.
- Clean your stainless steel water bottle regularly with warm, soapy water. Use a bottle brush to reach the bottom and lid of the bottle that can be hard to reach.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the bottle. They can scratch the surface and degrade the material. Stick to mild detergents to maintain the shine of your bottle.
- Don’t leave sugary or acidic beverages like soda or juice in the bottle for long periods. These liquids can break down the stainless steel and affect the taste of your water later.
- Extreme temperatures can affect the insulation properties of your bottle over time. Don’t use boiling water directly in the bottle.
- After washing, leave your bottle open to air dry completely. This prevents moisture build-up and the formation of any unwanted odors.
FAQs
How Much Do Stainless Steel Water Bottles Cost?
There are budget-friendly options (under $20) that are usually single-wall insulated. Mid-priced water stainless water bottles will cost you around $20-$35 that offer double-wall insulation. This range offers a good balance between price and features. The premium picks will be $40 and above.
How Long Does Water Stay Fresh In Stainless Steel Water Bottles?
If you properly clean the bottle and store it with the lid on in a cool, dark place, the water can stay fresh for weeks or even a month. However, factors like temperature and exposure to sunlight can affect the freshness of the water.
Do stainless steel water bottles get dirty?
Stainless steel water bottles work like a boss when it comes to preventing bacteria growth compared to plastic bottles. However, they can still accumulate dirt, residue, and odors over time. To avoid this, you must clean all the food and drink particles from the bottle after each use.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s all about the benefits of stainless steel water bottles. Before wrapping up, we’d like to mention that you will not regret having a stainless steel water bottle.
If you want a durable, long-lasting water bottle that will keep your drinks hot and cold according to your needs, stainless steel water bottles would be a perfect choice for you. However, you need to be ready to carry a heavier bottle and spend more money compared to plastic water bottles when having a stainless steel water bottle.