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Ready to ditch single-use plastic bottles? Here are the top eco-friendly alternatives...
Reusable water bottles have gone mainstream, largely thanks to David Attenborough shining a light on the shocking issue of plastic pollution.
Some 20,000 single-use plastic bottles are made worldwide every second, but none will ever fully decompose. Environmentalists predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Pretty depressing, huh?
Luckily, there is now a huge range of pretty and practical reusable water bottles to keep you hydrated and eco-friendly.
Doctors recommend drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Using a bottle is a great way to keep track of how much you’re guzzling - try making a note every time you fill it up.
Our best water bottle picks for 2022 are:
All water bottle materials (with the exception of BPA, which has been linked to health risks) shouldn’t cause any harm.
Glass is made of natural materials, so there’s no risk of nasties seeping into your drink when it’s heated or cooled, while most reusable plastic bottles are now BPA-free. Ensure you hand-wash a reusable plastic bottle though because the combination of heat and detergent can encourage leaching. This also means no microwaving.
Most metal bottles are made from stainless steel or aluminium, which is what a lot of cookware is made from and is deemed safe.
There are pros and cons to glass, stainless steel and plastic bottles, so it comes down to personal preference. Is durability for outdoor excursions your priority? Or do you want a lightweight option to grab during a gym session?
Let’s quickly run through the options.
Pros: - No risk of glass tainting the flavour - Easy to see how much is left in the bottle
Cons: - Breaks easily if dropped - Doesn’t keep drinks cool for long - Not intended for hot drinks
Pros: - By far the best at insulating - during our one-hour cold tests, temperatures typically rose by just 0.4C, compared to 5.4C in plastic and 7.3C in glass - Withstands and insulates hot drinks - Durable
Cons: - Can be heavy and bulky - May give your water a metallic taste
Pros: - The most lightweight choice - Many have a mouthpiece for easy on-the-go drinking
Cons: - Scratches and cracks quite easily - Doesn’t keep drinks cool for long - Hot drinks melt it - May give your water a plasticky taste
Hand wash your bottle with hot water and washing up liquid after every use to stop bacteria building up. If it’s developed a smell, add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda.
Once you’ve washed your bottle, leave it upside down to air dry and remove the lid so it doesn’t trap any moisture. Store it lid-less to allow for thorough airing.
To find the best reusable water bottles on the market, the Good Housekeeping team tried 28 bottles made from glass, stainless steel and plastic.
We rigorously test every bottle’s claims, from insulation and leakproofness to ease of use during a workout. We note how comfortable each bottle is to drink from, how easy it is to clean and whether it boasts any smart design features, such as a grippy rubber base.
This stainless steel bottle’s claim to keep water cold for 41 hours raised eyebrows at first, but it impressed us. There was minimal temperature gain on test, thanks to its triple-layered insulation, and we didn’t detect any metal in the taste. The sturdy bottle was comfortable to drink from and it didn’t leak at all. There are three size options and over 100 colours to choose from, including some striking patterns.
Key specifications Claims: 18 hours hot, 41 hours cold Size options: 250ml, 500ml or 750ml Material: High-grade 18/8 stainless steel, BPA/BPS-free Insulation: Triple-walled Washing instructions: Hand-wash only Weight empty: 325g (500ml) Dimensions (cm): 7.1 x 7.1 x 26.4 (500ml)
Chilly’s pipped S’well to the post when it came to keeping drinks hot from morning till night. One of the lighter metal bottles on test, it proved comfortable to drink from and our water never tasted metallic. All single-coated Chilly’s bottles are finished with a powder coating for durability and longevity. There are 69 patterns to choose from, including some funky limited-edition artist collabs. You can personalise your bottle with different coloured lids, coloured carabiners and name engraving.
Key specifications Claims: 12 hours hot and 24 hours cold Size options: 260ml, 500ml, 750ml or 1.8L Material: High-grade 304 stainless steel Insulation: Double-walled Washing instructions: Hand-wash only Weight empty: 305g (500ml) Dimensions (cm): 26 x 7 (500ml)
This good-value water bottle is similar in design to S'well, with a slightly lower price. It offers excellent insulation, particularly for cold drinks. It’s comfortable to use and totally leakproof, so you can pop it into your bag worry-free. We didn’t find that the metal tainted the flavour of our water either. There are only eight colours to choose from but 10% of every sale goes directly to Life's a Beach, a charity dedicated to clearing single-use plastic from Britain’s beaches.
Key specifications Claims: 12 hours hot and 24 hours cold Size options: 500ml only Material: High-grade stainless steel Insulation: Double-walled Washing instructions: hand-wash only Weight empty: 290g Dimensions (cm): 26 x 7
The press to drink button makes this smartly designed water bottle an ideal gym buddy. Simply grab it and sip, without faff or spillage. The protective mouthpiece cover helps keep germs out and the safety lock stops it leaking in your sports bag. It has a carry handle and a clip for portability. Our water stayed cool - though not cold - and didn’t taste plasticky. We like the capacity marker up the side that helps you monitor your water intake, but did spot a few minor scratches on this bottle after testing it.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 720ml Material: Odour and stain-resistant TRITAN, BPA-free plastic Washing instructions: Safe to use in the top rack of a dishwasher - but we suggest washing by hand Weight empty: 170g Dimensions (cm): 25 x 8.5
This lightweight collapsible water bottle comes in handy when you’re out and about. It squashes down to just 8cm in height, taking up minimal space in your bag. Collapsing it wasn’t intuitive, but a quick online demo showed us the (very easy!) ropes. When full, it’s well balanced and sturdy on surfaces. Our water stayed adequately cool and the silicone didn’t taint its flavour. We like that the lid is attached to the bottle, so there’s no risk of losing it.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 590ml Material: Silicone, BPA-free, made from recycled materials Washing instructions: Dishwasher-safe but we suggest washing by hand Weight empty: 170g Dimensions (cm): 18.1 x 9.9
This stylish, desk-ready bottle has some stand-out design features. It has flat sides for a comfortable grip and a slip-proof silicone base to minimise the risk of spillage. Its double insulation worked a treat, particularly with cold beverages, and the stainless steel left no metal taint in our drinks. It has a soft, matte finish and a screw-on cap. The wide mouth is handy for adding ice cubes in the morning. There are six sizes to choose from in a wide range of colours.
Key specifications Claims: 12 hours hot and 25 hours cold Size options: 9oz, 16oz, 20oz, 25oz, 40oz, 60oz Material: 18/8 stainless steel, BPA Insulation: Double-insulated Washing instructions: Hand-wash only Weight empty: 390g (16oz) Dimensions (cm): 23.5 x 6.5 (160z)
If you hate the taste of tap water, reach for this BRITA water bottle. It has a MicroDisc that filters out impurities like chlorine while retaining minerals like calcium. This filter fits discreetly beneath the pull-out mouthpiece and lasts for up to four weeks, but bear in mind that you only get one in the box. Our water had a plasticky taste at first, so be sure to rinse your bottle a few times before use.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 600ml Material: BPA-free plastic Washing instructions: Dishwasher-safe but we suggest washing by hand Weight empty: 180g Dimensions (cm): 22.7 x 7.2
Minimalist yet striking, this glass water bottle reminds us of an old-fashioned milk bottle. It features a grippy silicone sleeve that partly covers the base, minimising the risk of damage. The mouth is small but comfortable to drink from and it’s surprisingly easy to clean (just remember to remove the cover before washing - there’s a tutorial on the bkr website). Choose from three sizes and an array of modern, pastel-coloured designs.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 250ml, 500ml and 1L Material: Soda-lime glass Washing instructions: Dishwasher-safe Weight empty: 360g (500ml) Dimensions (cm): 19.5 x 7.5 (500ml)
This glass bottle stood out due to its sleek design. It features a grippy silicone sleeve and an eco-friendly bamboo cap. It has a slightly wider drinking mouth than the bkr, making drinking from it easier and more comfortable. Note that the sleeve isn’t designed to be removed - it can stay put when you hand wash it or pop it in the dishwasher. There are three chic colours and two sizes available. Just don’t drop it.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 17oz and 25oz Material: BPA-free, borosilicate glass Washing instructions: Dishwasher-safe, except the bamboo cap Weight empty: 360g Dimensions (cm): 23 x 6cm
Look no further for a hardy bottle that will keep up with your fast-paced, rugged adventures. The stainless steel Rambler is built for the great outdoors, with a suitably robust feel. It’s heavy, but reassuringly so, and should last you years. It’s compatible with three different lids - our favourite has a magnetic dock for attaching the cap to while you sip. It’s comfortable to drink from and keeps beverages cool or hot without tainting their taste.
Key specifications Claims: No temperature claims Size options: 12oz, 18oz and 36oz Material: 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free Insulation: Double walled Washing instructions: Dishwasher-safe Weight empty: 515g Dimensions (cm): 24.1 x 7.6