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Bottles, cups and straws

A good bottle replaces hundreds of single-use bottles and cups. Decide first whether you want insulation, light weight or a dishwasher-safe option, then compare.

What to look for

  • Insulated or not: insulated steel keeps drinks cold or hot for hours but weighs more.
  • A cap and seal that you can take apart and clean, especially for straws and sports lids.
  • Mouth width that fits ice cubes and a cleaning brush.

What to avoid

  • Bottles with only a narrow neck if you want to clean them well.
  • Straws without a cleaning brush.

Editor's pick

Sigg Shield ONE stainless steel bottle 0.75 L

Sigg

Sigg Shield ONE stainless steel bottle 0.75 L

stainless steel

Why it is on the list: Lightweight 18/8 stainless steel bottle (197 g) with a one-hand push-button closure, listed as suitable for carbonated drinks.

Watch out for: The listing does not mention insulation, so do not expect drinks to stay cold or hot for hours.

Check price on AmazonDetails

Price and stock are shown on Amazon.

Quick comparison

ProductMaterialBest forWatch out for
Sigg Shield ONE stainless steel bottle 0.75 LSiggstainless steelEveryday water, gym and commutingThe listing does not mention insulation, so do not expect drinks to stay cold or hot for hours.
T&N insulated steel bottle 750 ml with acacia wood lidT&Nstainless steelHot and cold drinks at the officeThe lid is not dishwasher safe (hand wash only) and the sealing parts inside it are not described as steel.
Qwetch ROC insulated steel bottle 1 LQwetchstainless steelLong days out and sportsA full litre is heavy to carry once filled, and the listing does not say what the lid and seal are made of.
Hydro Flask Flex Cap insulated steel bottle 946 mlHydro Flaskstainless steelLarge-capacity cold waterThe listing does not say what the lid and flex straw are made of, and the 946 ml bottle is bulky for small bags.
Borosilicate glass bottle 1 L with silicone sleeve and bamboo lidfor youglassDesk, home and car useGlass is heavier and can still break on a hard drop despite the sleeve, and the bamboo lid should be kept dry.
hydro2go glass bottle with silicone sleeve and two lidshydro2goglassTaste-neutral water and teaThe lids are only described as BPA-free, not as a non-plastic material, so the closure may contain plastic.
Westmark glass drinking straws, 6 pcs with cleaning brushWestmarkglassCold drinks and cocktails at homeGlass straws can chip or break if dropped or bitten, so they suit adults better than small children.
pandoo bamboo straws, 12 pcs with cleaning brushpandoobambooHome use and partiesEach straw differs in size and colour as a natural product, and the listing advises washing them before first use because of sanding dust.
LIEVD stainless steel straws, 24 pcs with brushes and cotton bagLIEVDstainless steelHouseholds or groups needing many strawsMetal straws conduct heat and cold, so very hot drinks can be uncomfortable on the lips.
TiTo titanium reusable straws, pack of 2 with brushesTiTo TitaniummetalPersonal carry, travel and hikingOnly two straws per pack, so it suits personal use rather than a household.
Mienloco bamboo straws, 8 pcs with steel brush and cotton bagMienlocobambooSmoothies and cold drinksNatural bamboo wears faster than steel or glass, so hand washing is gentler even though the listing says dishwasher safe.
AUNEK stainless steel straws, 16 pcs with 4 brushes and bagAUNEKstainless steelTumblers and smoothiesThe cleaning brushes are nylon, so the set is not completely plastic-free.
SUNTQ insulated steel coffee cup to go, 380 mlSUNTQstainless steelDaily coffee commuteThe listing does not state the lid material and advises filling with liquid no hotter than 80 degrees C.
Groenenberg stainless steel coffee cup to go, 473 mlGroenenbergstainless steelHot coffee on longer tripsThe screw lid is not a one-hand design and the listing only promises heat for at least 4 hours.
Hofmeister bottle brush, beech handle and natural bristlesHofmeisterwoodCleaning narrow-necked bottlesNatural bristles need to air-dry fully after use, and this is a bottle brush rather than a straw brush.
Redecker drinking bottle brush with beech handleRedeckerwoodReusable water bottlesThe listing for this specific model does not state the bristle material, so check the product page before assuming it is plastic-free.

Our shortlist

We have not physically tested these products. Our shortlist is research-based: we check what the listing says, favour non-plastic main materials and name the limits we can see. Always read the listing for sizes, certifications and care instructions.

Common questions

Is stainless steel or glass better for a bottle?

Steel is tougher for travel; glass is heavier and breakable but keeps flavour neutral. Many people use steel on the go and glass at home.

How do I keep reusable bottles fresh?

Rinse after use, wash regularly with a bottle brush, and let them dry with the lid off.