Finding the perfect drink bottle isn't as easy as you may think. We have made choosing the best water bottle for you a whole lot easier by road testing dozens of different brands and designs, bringing you only quality drink bottles that are hard wearing and do the job.
Do you want a glass water bottle for the purity of drinking? Do you want a stainless steel water bottle that's durable? What about a BPA Free plastic water bottles so they are lightweight? Do you want it leak proof? A straw for your kids so they don't have to tip the bottle up to drink? A carry handle for something larger? We have different sizes and colours to help everyone in the family stay hydrated all day long.
What are the different materials a water bottle can be made from?
There are three main materials used in making drink bottles. A fourth material, aluminium, is not something we stock. Here's the pro's and con's for each type of bottle.
Stainless Steel
PROS - Available in single wall or insulated. Durable. Buy a good one, treat it well and you'll have it for life.
CONS - Larger sizes can be heavier to carry. Those with a sensitivity to the taste of nickel may find the water tastes metallic. Not freezer safe.
Glass
PROS - The purest flavour of any material. Easy cleaning because you can see through it.
CONS - Breakable. Heavier than plastic.
BPA Free Plastic
PROS - Their lighter weight make them easier to carry. Durable for thicker varieties. Good price point in most brands.
CONS - Not everyone likes plastic, whether it's bpa free or not.
What different sizes are available?
We sell water bottles in our range with a volume from around 350ml all the way up to a 2 litre water bottle. The most popular size is a 1 litre water bottle. For kids, the smallest size are good and can be refilled so they're not too heavy.
What different lids are available on your water bottles?
We judge a good brand by the quality of their lids and other accessories and how many options are available. Different lids suit different people and ages.
Screw
A simple lid that screws on and off like a reusable bottle makes the bottle leakproof.
Sports
Easier to drink from, especially with one hand. Not all sports lids are leak proof because they require a valve to allow for water flow.
Straws
Having a straw lid is great for little kids and adults. It means you can drink from the bottle without having to tip the bottle up and tilt your head back. This is great for kids and also in disability sectors.
Sippy
For toddlers, a sippy lid means that the water flow is controlled and it's the stepping stone between a baby bottle and a sports cap. Sippy lids are not leak proof for transport and we recommend having a screw cap in your collection for travelling with your bottle.
Cafe Cap
Some bottles that have a wider opening are great multi-taskers because they can take multiple lids. The Klean Kanteen TKWide range does this. It is the most versatile range in our store. They were the first brand in the world to make a stainless steel bottle and the inclusion of a cafe cap in their range converts their insulated bottles in to a reusable coffee cup.
What's the best way to clean your bottle?
Dishwasher safe is not a common feature of drink bottles. The main issue is usually paint peeling off metal bottles, but for us, it's simply because the dishwasher can't get right up in to the corners of the bottle and get it clean, especially if your bottle has a narrow opening.
The best way to clean your bottle is to hand wash them and purchase a bottle brush to get right down to the bottom. If you have a straw lid or a sports lid, a sippy straw cleaner is a good addition too. Still got stubborn stains you can't remove? Try some bi-carb soda and vinegar and you can also put some uncooked rice in your bottle and some water and start shaking.
How does a reusable water bottle save you money?
It is estimated in Australia that bottled water costs approx $3 per litre. It shouldn't cost the earth or damage the earth when you're staying hydrated. In comparison, tap water costs approx $3 per 1,000 litres. It is also estimated that it takes around 1 litre of water to make a single use water bottle which is a significant waste of a resource on this planet that we have a shortage of. If you spend $42 on a quality stainless steel water bottle, you will break even after 14 litres of drinking water from your reusable bottle compared to buying bottled water.
Don't like the taste of tap water or do you live in an area where the quality is low? Invest in a quality water filter jug and pay around 2 cents per litre to filter your own.
What are the benefits of an insulated water bottle?
There are 2 main reasons to buy an insulated drink bottle for your daily hydration needs.
- To keep your water chilled all day. Stainless steel water bottles that are insulated have 2 layers of stainless steel with a vacuum in the middle. It is this vacuum that allows you to carry water in your gym bag or in the car and keep it cooler for longer. Put some ice in with your water when you fill your bottle or add icy cold water and you'll have cool refreshing hydration for hours.
- To prevent condensation on the outside of your drink bottle when chilled water is inside. Insulated bottles are no sweat and won't wet inside the school bag of your children.