The Best Insulated Water Bottles of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Insulated water bottles keep cold liquids colder longer (and hot liquids hotter) and are usually higher quality and more durable than their plastic counterparts. Plus, reusable water bottles are better for the environment. Since 2021, we’ve sourced, filled, and drained more than 40 different vessels to create this review of the 14 best insulated water bottles in our line-up today.

Lead tester Meg Carney (along with help from other contributors) put each vessel through our in-house testing regimen. We examined each bottle for timed ice retention, a leak test, and a quasi-scientific taste test. We evaluated each on factors like insulation, shape, volume, durability, and price. Whether you want the performance of our best overall pick, the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle, or the lower price of our budget-friendly option, the RTIC Vacuum Insulated Bottle, we have you covered.

For more information about insulated water bottles, check out our Buyer’s Guide, Comparison Chart, and Price & Value section at the end of this article. Otherwise, top off your bottle and scroll through our picks for the best insulated water bottles of 2024.

Editors’s Note: We updated this guide on November 1, 2024, by fine-tuning our list, adding an expanded price and value discussion, and including comparisons within our reviews to help direct you to the best option for your needs.

Sometimes, you don’t want to mess with the OG. Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth ($50) won out as the best insulated bottle, with a massive following both in the GearJunkie offices as well as with adventurers abroad. There may only be so many ways to craft an insulated bottle today, but Hydro Flask hits the nail on the head with this one.

Astute observers will note that our top spot has long been occupied by Hydro Flask’s Standard Mouth offering, but all tides change eventually, and after consistent testing side by side, we now lean on our Wide Mouth bottle more to slake our thirst on a hot summer’s day. The wide mouth also better accommodates loading ice cubes in the bottle, keeping it ice cold for longer.

No matter the model, the brand’s double-wall vacuum insulation and pro-grade stainless steel construction are designed to maintain drink temperatures for hours without altering taste — an impressive 24 hours of cold and 12 hours of heat retention.

During testing, we found that this bottle is also pretty durable, thanks to its powder-coated exterior. However, even the best has a limit, and dropping the Wide-Mouth bottle from a good height is liable to lead to some dings.

During testing, we raved about this bottle for its great insulation and lineup of more than 12 fun colors. Also, being on the skinnier side, it fits in most cup holders and pack pockets. While it also comes in 20-, 24- and 32-ounce sizes, we like the 40-ounce best for most activities. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is easily the bottle we reach for the most often as we head out the door.

RTIC is a well-respected player in the cooler and drinkware market for offering high-quality, durable products at a more reasonable price than some of the other big brands. Its Vacuum Insulated Bottle ($20 for the 32-ounce size) hits the mark for simple quality at an unbeatable price.

The RTIC Bottle shares many similarities with comparable models from Hydro Flask and YETI, like stainless steel construction, double-wall vacuum insulation, and a powder-coated protective finish. We’re also big fans of the flip-top lid that lets you drink from the bottle without removing the entire lid. In our years of hydrating at home, at the office, in the car, or out in nature, we can’t tell you how many spills we’ve had with other bottles from accidentally leaving the lid partially open. It’s still possible to leak a little out of the flip-top lid, but you won’t be drenching yourself like you would with a completely open bottle.

While the RTIC Bottle looks and performs similarly to the Hydro Flask and YETI models, it doesn’t feel quite as heavy-duty and indestructible. That said, we haven’t experienced any quality or durability issues in our testing. Also, remember that you can buy two RTIC Bottles for the same price as one of the others, which is why it earns our pick as the best value option.

At larger volumes, many insulated water bottles won’t fit in a car cup holder. The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45) solves this problem with a tapered bottom designed for cup holder compatibility, even in the 40-ounce size. Fill up this tumbler before your next road trip, and you’ll stay hydrated for the long haul.

The 3-position lid has a reusable straw for sipping and a wider mouth opening for chugging. We especially liked using the straw while driving; it makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road while enjoying your beverage. It’s worth noting that the rotating mechanism on the lid does not seal, and this lid is not leakproof. If you are looking for a bottle to throw in your bag while on the go, this tumbler is not the ideal choice, but the CamelBak Podium Insulated Water Bottle or YETI’s Rambler Chug Bottle would be great options.

We recently brought the Stanley Quencher on a drive into the mountains for an overnight backpacking trip. Drinking water is important before big days in the mountains, and we hit the trail feeling well-hydrated. We left the tumbler half full in the car overnight, and we were pleasantly surprised to enjoy cool water after the trip, even though the car was sitting in the sun when we returned.

While we wouldn’t recommend this for hiking or backpacking, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is our new favorite road trip companion.

YETI’s 26-ounce Rambler Bottle ($40) is another amazing insulated bottle. This one is tied with our top choice for its stainless steel construction and insulating performance. However, it weighs slightly more — although that also gives it points for durability.

Available in an impressive five different volumes, there’s bound to be a Rambler bottle for any sized adventure you might be planning. The bottle comes standard with YETI’s Chug Cap, which is about the only controversial feedback among testers — some loved the two-part narrow mouth cap, and some didn’t.

A final note — one of the best parts of buying from an established brand like YETI is the broad range of supplementing accessories available. We counted five different lid styles available for the Rambler, which makes it a super versatile bottle to match whatever hydration needs you might have. If don’t want to worry about switching lids, but want an insulated bottle that has a hybrid lid, combining both a straw and open-mouth neck, check out the Owala FreeSip.

Of all of the insulated bottles we’ve tested over the years, offerings like the Rambler consistently held up better than their counterparts, making this bottle one tough option for those who leave the kid gloves at home.

One of the things that bedevil many insulated bottles is carbonated beverages — but not the 64-ounce MiiR Growler ($60). This insulated brewtainer keeps your favorite IPA locked down, thanks to an innovative threadless lid and locking clasp that seals in freshness and carbonation.

MiiR considered all the niceties as well, incorporating a lid that locks into place in the open position so as not to impede a good pour. The Growler holds an impressive 4 pints of liquid and keeps them chilled for a long time. We will note that the rubber seal used can hold onto the scent of whatever is stored last, but this can be removed and washed separately.

One thing that sets MiiR apart from other manufacturers is the company’s ingrained global philanthropy, funded by a portion of the sales of every product. To date, MiiR has donated $3.75 million to various nonprofits, ranging from sustainable food systems to land and water protections. You can feel good knowing your Growler is doing something positive for the world.

Excellent for bringing the party with you (and keeping it chill), the MiiR Growler is the perfect choice for anyone looking to transport their brews and enjoy them, too.

The CamelBak Podium Insulated Water Bottle ($18) is designed as the optimal warm-weather cycling bottle but also works well in other sports settings. Its double-wall construction is designed to maintain cold temperatures, but the insulating properties could be improved.

Compared to a standard cycling squeeze bottle, this insulated one does way better, but in the peak summer heat, it would be nice if it kept a colder temperature for longer. The high flow rate and easy squeeze design deliver hydration efficiently, and the self-sealing cap minimizes spills — a feature that’s especially appreciated during intense rides.

During real-world testing, the Podium bottle excels in functionality. The positive lock-out feature ensures leakproof transport, but we didn’t have leaking issues even when the bottle was unlocked. Although it is made from plastic, we had no issues with water tasting like plastic even when used in the summer sun. We loved that it fit most cycling setups and all our water bottle cages. It is easy to drink from (easier than the CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle), and even when left in the open position while riding, it does not leak.

While it keeps drinks cooler for longer, they eventually reach ambient temperature during extended use. The removable internal cap plug, crucial for the on/off flow function, is prone to being lost, which could affect usability. Additionally, disassembling the top for cleaning can be challenging, requiring considerable effort and care to avoid breaking the plastic tabs. Plus, cleaning is when the internal cap plug is likely to be lost, so you need to pay attention.

Overall, the Podium offers impressive leakproof features and a decent insulating performance designed for cyclists but functional for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

The LifeStraw Go Water Bottle ($50) is reliable for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking clean, safe hydration. Its dual-filter system effectively protects against contaminants and enhances water taste.

The heart of the LifeStraw Go Series is its Membrane Microfilter, which removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics while filtering out sand, dirt, and cloudiness. This filter can purify up to 1,000 gallons of water before needing replacement, ensuring long-term reliability. Complementing this is the Activated Carbon Filter, which improves taste by reducing chlorine and organic chemicals, though it needs replacing every two months or so.

We tested the stainless steel LifeStraw Go, although it also comes in an uninsulated plastic version. The stainless steel model stood out for its durability and double-wall vacuum insulation, keeping water refreshingly cold even on hot days. We found it nice to have a water bottle with a built-in water filtration system while on long hikes, when refilling from natural sources was required, or even while traveling to make access to clean water easier.

One limitation is the inability to filter out harmful chemicals like PFAS, which could be a concern in areas with high contamination. Despite this, the LifeStraw Go’s robust filtration, ease of use, and practical features make it a valuable tool for safe hydration during travel and outdoor adventures.

A fun and trusty water bottle is a great way to encourage your kids to stay hydrated. The 12-ounce Thermos Funtainer ($20) from Thermos is a durable, safe, and affordable bottle designed for kids of all ages. Plus, it comes with a built-in straw.

This compact and packable bottle comes in all sorts of kid-friendly colors and patterns. Though the capacity is a fairly small 12 ounces, it’s the perfect size for small hands. This bottle fits easily into most school bags and lunch boxes.

Made from BPA-free stainless steel, this bottle is both lightweight and thoroughly durable. The click-shut lid is easy to open and quite leakproof when properly closed (which was our only complaint). When tucked away with the lid closed, the Funtainer keeps liquids cold and refreshing for a full 12 hours.

Right at home in any lunch pail, the Funtainer keeps tykes hydrated all day long.

​​The CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle ($35) is a versatile hydration companion for various settings. Ideal for work, school, road trips, or camping, it combines insulating technology with user-friendly features.

One of its most impressive aspects is the redesigned bite valve, which allows for 25% more water per sip, making it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. Even with this feature, we found it difficult to get water through the straw without a decent amount of effort. If you want a great bottle that’s easier to drink out of, especially during active pursuits like cycling, give the CamelBak Podium Insulated Water Bottle a shot.

Camelbak claims that the Eddy+ Water Bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 32 hours, although we found it only lasted about half that time, especially when used in outdoor summer settings. Whether you’re in a long meeting, on a hot hike, or camping, this bottle still has a decent ability to maintain temperature, and it prevents condensation, which is a major plus.

One of the best features is that it is leak-proof and spill-proof, and the bottle is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Additionally, the Eddy+ is easy to carry, compatible with other CamelBak products, and is backed by CamelBak’s Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee.

When it comes to insulated water bottles, it’s tough to imagine anything new under the sun. But with a spout design that impressed us right out of the gate, the Owala FreeSip ($33) proves that there’s still innovation to be done.

While many other bottles have interchangeable lids that offer different drinking methods, the FreeSip spout is a bit of a hybrid, combining a straw and an open-mouth neck. You have the choice of sipping or chugging. The whole affair is protected by a stout flip-top lid, and in testing, we really enjoyed drinking from this bottle.

Backed up with a triple-layer vacuum construction, the FreeSip has all the tech to do what insulated water bottles do best, and we had no problem keeping our water cool all day. Our only slight issue was with the carry loop, which has a detent (or catch) for locking it down in the closed position but not in the up position.

Other than that small flaw, it’s perfect for drinking on the go. The FreeSip is high on our list of best water bottles on the market today.

Borrowing from the company’s successes in the realm of thermoses, Stanley has produced a great insulated bottle with the IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle ($32). We don’t have too many straw-drinking lids in our review, but this bottle executed it perfectly.

The contoured bottle shape fits well in our hands, and the oversized bail on top meant we weren’t scrambling to keep a hold of it. Because it’s a straw bottle, you’re limited to only using cold liquids in it. Our biggest complaint, however, was the rubber seal is particularly deep inside the lid and not ideal for washing.

With a good pedigree, the IceFlow bottle comes from a long line of keeping hot things hot and cold things cold and is the perfect fit for walking and drinking on the go.

Hydro Flask’s new Lightweight Trail Series bottles have really won us over. If it weren’t for the price, this bottle might be in our top three.

The Lightweight Wide Mouth ($50) weighs just 11 ounces, has a perforated strap to keep weight down, and is designed to work with most backcountry water filters. Hydro Flask did some metal wizardry on this bottle, giving it tapered walls that are thicker on the bottom for durability, and thinner on top for weight savings.

Compared to the Wide Mouth Hydro Flask, we did note some diminished ability to keep drinks cold for as long, but the difference is small. When you’re counting ounces, the Lightweight Wide Mouth comes in clutch.

This Klean Kanteen bottle ($45) has a wide mouth, is vacuum-insulated, and holds 32 ounces of your drink of choice. It’s more expensive than others on this list but has everything you need: a cap and fold-down carry handle, a stainless steel interior, and insulation to keep liquids hot for 24 hours and iced for an incredible 83!

We were especially impressed with the thought put into the lid design. Using what Kleen Kanteen calls its TK Closure, the internal threads of the bottle are more like rows of bumps, meaning fewer nooks and crannies to clean. The lid is also fully vacuum insulated and sports a stainless steel bottom, meaning your water only sees steel on the inside of this bottle.

Some testers commented they didn’t like the ergonomics of the lid. We noted that it’s slightly narrower and shorter than other wide-mouth bottles on this list, so you might prefer the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle, our overall pick, instead. But if that’s no bother to you, the Kleen Kanteen TKWide bottle could be for you.

Purist uses a glass interior coating to combat the odors and flavors some don’t like in their stainless steel bottles. Meanwhile, the exterior sports the tried-and-true stainless steel construction for durability. The brand’s medium size, the Mover 18-ounce bottle ($50), has a convenient sipping cap.

We also liked testing the 32-ounce, wide-mouth size (the same insulation and materials, just holds more), although the 18-ounce fits much better in cupholders, packs, and bags. We like this brand’s muted colors and professional aesthetic.

Unfortunately, we did find the Purist Mover Bottle to be a bit lacking when it came to scratch prevention. With no powder coat finish, scratches showed up easily in the painted finish. For the price, this was a bit disappointing. If you’re looking for a more durable option, you’ll want to look at YETI’s 26-ounce Rambler Bottle. For those who place taste above all else, however, the Mover bottle makes no exceptions.

Long a holdout to the niceties of an insulated bottle, GearJunkie Senior Editor Nick Belcaster finally came around to the wonders of insulated water bottles after being gifted a Hydro Flask. It turns out that having ice-cold water hours after leaving the house is worth it.

When you work and play in extreme environments, the benefits of keeping hot water hot and cold water cold start to click. Contributor Katie Griffith originally sought an insulated bottle so she could sip on a liter of hot chocolate during an ice climbing trip. Now, she packs her Hydro Flask every day for work as a rock climbing guide in Joshua Tree. She especially savors each gulp of cold water in the desert heat. Meg Carney, gear guru, biker, hiker, and all-around outdoor lover, took over this guide in 2024 by adding a few new products and fine-tuning the overall selection.

Many in the GearJunkie offices enjoy bringing an insulated bottle to work. So, we tapped into this collective knowledge to assemble our list of bottles. We then put them through the wringer and pulled together the best of the best insulated bottles you see here.

We started our foray into the world of insulated water bottles in 2021, aiming to cut through the noise and distill down a huge market into a handful of the best insulated water bottles available. To test our slate of insulated bottles, we subjected them to common-place use, such as hot-day hikes, bike commuting, or airline travel. We paid close attention to how long each bottle held onto chilled water and to important issues such as leaking or denting.

In 2023, we expanded our horizons when Nick looked afar for the best bottles for more special circumstances and tested models to include the best options for insulated growlers, can coolers, and self-cleaning water bottles.

At the end of 2023, we tweaked our choices again, pivoting some of our award winners to newly updated standard bearers, and added significantly to our Buyer’s Guide to really dig deep into subjects such as volume, materials, and styles.

In 2024, we added a few additional products to the mix, including popular models from CamelBak, LifeStraw, and Stanley, to bring you the best 14 bottles around. It’s worth noting that this article specifically covers the best insulated water bottles. We also have a separate gear guide for the best thermoses for when the temperatures dip, and a hot drink is needed. You may also want to read up on the best backpacking water filters.

Insulated bottles come in many shapes and sizes. Some closely resemble other plastic sports bottles like the CamelBak Podium Big Chill with spill-proof, screw-top lids. The best overall bottle, Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth, falls into this category. These are often the most versatile option and may replace your Nalgene when weight isn’t a big factor.

Beyond the standard water bottle, this list also includes tumblers, can coolers, and growlers. A tumbler more closely resembles a cup with a lid than a water bottle. The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is great for all-day hydration, but the lid is not spill-proof. You can’t pack it in a backpack like other water bottles.

Other styles are even more specialized, like the MiiR Growler. This insulated container is designed specifically for storing carbonated beverages like beer or kombucha. The lid functions to seal in carbonation and freshness; you wouldn’t need this for your daily beverages.

Pick a water bottle with enough volume for all your activities. If you really love one particular insulated bottle, consider getting two sizes — one for daily use and one with more volume for longer trips or travel. (Also consider if the bottle you’ve chosen will work with a water filter or in your pack pocket if you know you’ll be taking it with you on the trail.)

Or, get one with a built-in water filter like the LifeStraw Go and you won’t have to worry about it. If you spend a lot of time driving, note that after a certain volume, fitting into most cup holders isn’t going to happen.

Most bottles we tested are available in volumes from around 12 to 64 ounces. A 12- or 16-ounce bottle is ideal for morning coffee or tea, while you’ll likely want a 24- or 32-ounce bottle like the CamelBak Podium Insulated Water Bottle to stay hydrated. For all-day, outdoor activities, bringing at least two liters of water is typically recommended, which would translate to about 64 ounces of capacity. We find that two 32-ounce bottles fit easier in a backpack than one 64-ounce vessel.

Make sure the bottle you choose lists how long it keeps water (or other liquids) cold. The standard is 24 hours, but we’ve noticed in many of these bottles the contents will stay colder for longer. You’ll want to know how good the insulation is, especially if you live in a hotter climate.

What are the interior and exterior materials? Most insulated bottles use some form of stainless steel double-wall insulation, but not all, like the triple-wall build of the Owala FreeSip. Also, look at the exterior material: Is there a powder coating? Does it reduce condensation? Is there a rubber grip or protective design on the base? Some like CamelBak Podium Insulated Water Bottle is made of plastic, which means they’re light, easy to drink from and can fit into bicycle cages, but they aren’t as durable or long-lasting.

Once you find a bottle that works for you, pick out a fun color while you’re at it! Colors are mainly just a preference but can also help identify your bottle in a crowd.

One of the most important aspects of an insulated bottle, temperature retention is how well it keeps the hot things hot and the cold things cold. The majority of insulated bottles will use some type of vacuum insulation to achieve this.

Heat energy needs mass to travel through, so by removing the air in between the two layers of the bottle, the liquid inside is able to retain its temperature for longer. We’ve found that most bottles are able to keep hot liquids hot for around 12 hours and cold liquids cold for about 24.

An insulated water bottle is basically a thermos with different design features. Most thermoses are also built with vacuum insulation, but they typically come with a lid designed for pouring hot liquid and a cap that doubles as a small cup for sipping tea or coffee.

Lids on thermoses can also be more effective at keeping liquids hot or cold. The lids on insulated water bottles focus on hydration, with straws like the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler or open tops like the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth.

Don’t get us wrong; the insulated bottles we tested are still great at temperature retention. We filled the Stanley Quencher halfway with half-inch ice cubes and no water. After 24 hours in a 65-70 degree room, we found some water, but most of the ice cubes had shrunk only 50%.

Metal bottles can sometimes impart a metallic taste to water, often after being left for a long period of time. Bottles like the Purist Mover implement a silicon dioxide coating on the interior of the bottom to create a glass-like barrier. This can greatly reduce the metal taste that is imparted to water.

Keeping insulated bottles clean is also important to limit any off-tastes. Pay attention to how easy the bottle might be to clean. Look at the threads on the lid as well as how easy it is to remove any gaskets for cleaning. Many bottles are marked as dishwasher safe on the top rack but not all.

A quick tip for cleaning your insulated bottle: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and warm water and shake inside your bottle. Let sit for a few hours and then rinse out with water.

A bad lid can ruin an insulated bottle. Manufacturers understand consumers have many uses for their bottles and produce a number of different lids to fit them. The most basic will be a simple screw cap. But, there are also lids that incorporate straws, flip closures, and even magnets.

Lids will also have a good bit to do with the mouth style of the bottle. Narrow-mouth bottles can make sipping directly from the bottle nice and easy. But, a narrow mount will limit your ability to put ice into the bottle. Wide-mouth bottles can accept things like water filters with ease. But, without a steady hand, they can lead to some spillage.

Some lids are designed to be leak-proof when closed, and some are not. YETI’s 26-ounce Rambler Bottle, for example, features a secure lid that doesn’t allow spillage when screwed on correctly. The Stanley Quencher is not leak-proof and doesn’t claim to be. What it sacrifices in spillage, it makes up for in ease of sipping with the reusable straw. The rotating cover helps reduce leaking but doesn’t prevent it.

Our tester performed a leak test on the Quencher by adding food coloring to water inside the bottle, screwing it shut, turning it on its side, and timing both types of covers for ten seconds. The Quencher was nearly full during the test. With the rotating cover closed, a small blue puddle formed on a paper towel within a short time. With the straw still in place, a big puddle spilled over a paper towel almost immediately.

At their most basic, insulated bottles are sleek cylinders, which aren’t the most stable. Having a lid that you can clip a carabiner to can ensure it won’t make an escape. Others will sport a layer of silicone to improve grip or a contoured shape that fits your hand. We found the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle to be one of the nicest to handle.

These bottles are an investment but totally worth it, especially if (like us) you spend lots of time outside. And before buying, always check to see if your favorite bottle is on sale.

You can find insulated bottles that won’t break the bank in the $15-25 range. The RTIC Vacuum Insulated Bottle ($20) and the CamelBak Podium Big Chill ($18) both fit this bill. These are both award winners in our review, so a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. Both of these options perform well in terms of keeping beverages insulated and they are easy to drink out of. However, they aren’t as durable as others on the list, so they may not last as long.

Some of our favorites are in the $30-45 range. This includes the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45) and the YETI Rambler Chug Water Bottle ($40). Though a little spendier, both of these come in larger volumes. They also feature a coating that improves durability and keep beverages cold (or hot) for an impressive amount of time.

The most specialized bottles, including the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth ($50), MiiR Growler ($60), and Purist Mover Bottle ($50), often have the highest price tags. Sports technologies that go above and beyond daily hydration needs, like holding in carbonation, adding a taste-free liner, or being made from uber-thin materials to cut down weight, can all add to the price.

The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is our top pick, and it is leakproof and retains heat and cold for much longer than most on this list. A bottle like the LifeStraw Go ($50) actually also acts as a filter so you can have clean water no matter where you are; it’s definitely worth a few extra bucks as far as we’re concerned.

On this list, we have selected the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 40-ounce bottle as the best overall insulated water bottle. This option provides a useful blend of quality insulation and heavy-duty construction. We also like that it fits easily in most cup holders.

Still, the best-insulated water bottle is the one that meets your needs. If you are looking for a bottle with smaller volume, you may want to go with the 26-ounce YETI Rambler or 32-ounce Owala FreeSip.

All of the bottles on this list will do a great job at keeping your hot liquids hot and your cold liquids cold for impressively long periods. That said, the YETI Rambler Chug Water Bottle performs exceptionally well when filled with hot contents. It’s a lightweight bottle that keeps liquids piping hot and is thoroughly leakproof.

It is important to regularly clean reusable water bottles to prevent the growth of bacteria. Many insulated water bottles are dishwasher safe, and others can be easily cleaned with dish soap and hot water.

On this list, many of the bottles are made from easy-to-clean materials such as stainless steel and linings such as glass or copper. After cleaning, it is a good idea to take the cap off of your bottle and let it fully air dry.

Generally, it is safe to fill insulated water bottles with contents other than water. For coffee and tea, an insulated water bottle can allow you to enjoy a hot drink all through the morning.

However, it is especially important that you clean your bottle thoroughly after filling it with anything other than water. Because of the different shapes of insulated bottles, some are easier to clean than others.

For food like hot soup or oatmeal, you’re going to be better off with a food-specific thermos. These are similar to insulated water bottles, but their short and stout shape makes them easier to use and clean. A good thermos can keep hot food at a safe temperature for hours — an excellent counterpart to an insulated bottle!

Yes, many insulated water bottles are dishwasher-safe. Always double-check the manufacturer’s directions before washing your bottle. If your bottle is not dishwasher-safe, it can be cleaned with hot water, a little dish soap, and a thorough rinsing.

Always check to see what the manufacturer suggests. Many insulated water bottles can be washed in the dishwasher, which is an effective way to thoroughly remove any bacteria that may be present.

If washing by hand, scrub the inside and outside of the bottle with hot water and dish soap. Be sure to fully clean out the threads on both the cap and bottle. After cleaning, let all parts fully air dry.

Thanks to hardy stainless steel or ceramic construction, a good insulated water bottle should last many years — or potentially decades for the careful owner. We’ve all seen those old green Stanley bottles that are three decades old and still going strong.

The biggest threat to insulated water bottles is puncturing. If the double or triple-walled insulation of your bottle is punctured, it will lose its ability to insulate. To prevent this, avoid dropping your bottle onto jagged or hard surfaces. Plastic insulated water bottles are less prone to dents and punctures, but they are generally not as rugged overall.

If an insulated bottle becomes punctured, it will lose its vacuum and be replaced by air molecules. Since there is now matter in between the inner and outer bottles, heat transfer occurs much quicker.

To test if your bottle still has its vacuum sealing: Carefully fill the bottle with boiling water and wait five minutes. Then feel for any hot spots, which would indicate loss of insulation.

If you want your favorite liquids to stay hot all day, check out our roundup of the best thermoses of 2024. Get ready to warm up with a hot drink.

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