Water Bottles

What to know before buying a good refillable water bottle

A water bottle helps you stay hydrated, especially when you are outdoors, travelling, or working. But, not all drink bottles are created equal. There are some important features to look for when choosing the best reusable water bottle for your needs.

Material

The material of the water bottle affects its durability, weight, taste, safety, and insulation.
Stainless steel: a popular choice because it is sturdy, resistant to smells and stains, and can keep water cool for longer. Some stainless steel bottles are also double-walled, which means they have an extra layer of insulation and prevent condensation. In hot areas like Australia, many people choose insulated stainless steel.
Plastic: lighter and cheaper, but plastic bottles may leach chemicals or impart a plastic taste to the water.
Glass: the safest material that will not leach any chemicals, eco friendly, and will not affect the taste of your water or drink, but they are fragile and heavy.
Silicone: flexible and easy to clean, but they may not be very durable, and can get smelly and taint the taste.

Capacity

The capacity of the water bottle determines how much water you can carry with you. Depending on your activities and access to refilling stations, you may need a larger or smaller bottle. A typical water bottle has a capacity of around 500mL, which is suitable for most situations. However, if you are hiking, camping, or exercising for a long time, you may want a larger bottle of 750mL or more. Any bottle over 1 litre will be very heavy to carry around. If you are travelling light or have limited space, you may prefer a smaller cute bottle of 250mL or less.

Functionality

The design of the water bottle affects the functionality and aesthetics. Consider the shape, size, and colour of the bottle that suits your preferences whether for men, women, or children. Do you need the bottle to keep your liquids hot or cold? If so, choose an insulated bottle. What about features that make the bottle easier to use and carry, such as a handle, a strap, a carabiner, or a clip.

Bottle Lid

We find that for most people, the type of lid on on the bottle is a top criteria. The lid affects the ease of opening and closing, drinking, and cleaning. Some common types of lids are screw caps, flip tops, sports caps, with straws, and spouts. Straw lids are popular because you do not have to tip your head back to drink, which is safer when driving a car.

Bottle Extras

Some water bottles have extra features that enhance their performance or functionality. For example, some drink bottles have a built-in filter or infuser that can purify or flavour the water. Some water bottles have a temperature indicator or a smart sensor that can track your hydration level or remind you to drink. Some even have a speaker or a light that can provide entertainment or illumination, although they are gimmicky and not common in Australia!

These are some of the features to look for in the best reusable water bottle for you. At Biome, we have many genuine reviews from customers who have purchased bottles from us, so be sure to check them out under each product.

How to clean a water bottle?

Your water bottle needs to be rinsed and dried out every day to prevent the build up of bacteria and mould. Then every few days, scrub out the inside of the bottle with a bottle cleaning brush. You can also use a mix of vinegar and water, or bicarb soda and water to get rid of mould. Not all bottles are dishwasher safe, so check the manufacturer's instructions.

For more information, check out our blog post on the subject.

What to look for in the best reusable water bottles?