Buying a drinking bottle: everything you need to know

Drinking bottle materials

Drinking bottles are made of different materials, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.

Which material is suitable for your drinking bottle depends primarily on its intended use, but also on your personal preferences. For children, break-proof plastic bottles with a drinking cap make drinking easier. For trips in cold weather where the drink can freeze, be sure to choose a double-walled, insulated bottle as water expands upon freezing and can permanently damage the bottle. In addition, ice is simply not a thirst quencher.

Drinking bottles for children

For your little one’s drinking bottle, it’s particularly important that you choose a closure with a simple drinking mechanism such as an integrated straw. Even toddlers can drink from these. The bottles should also be easy to open as screw closures are often too difficult for children or not completely leak-proof if not screwed correctly. Push-button openings or tilt openings are better.

Colourful designs on the water bottle also encourage the child to drink.

Cleaning drinking bottles

It’s important that you clean your drinking bottle properly. This keeps it hygienic and will help it last for a long time. Rinse out your drinking bottle with warm water and a little detergent after each use – even if you only use it for water. Bacteria can otherwise build up, especially on the mouthpiece. A bottle brush will help you reach even difficult spots.

Household remedies such as vinegar are not suitable for cleaning drinking bottles, as the acid could damage the coating. Baking powder dissolved in water, on the other hand, works well. There are also tabs that you can use to clean your bottle thoroughly. Whether the bottle is dishwasher safe is stated in the manufacturer’s specifications. However, cleaning by hand is always gentler on the material.

Allow the bottle to air dry well so that no mould can form. If mould does form, replace the affected parts immediately, as mould is potentially harmful to health.

Insulated drinking bottles

Insulated drinking bottles are ideal if you want to keep your drink warm or cold for several hours. They’re usually made of stainless steel and are double walled.

For hot drinks, models where the lid doubles as a cup are practical. This allows the tea or coffee to cool down a little before you drink it. Shortly after you fill your bottle, the liquid is often so hot that you burn your mouth while drinking it.

The disadvantages of insulated drinking bottles are that they’re usually heavier than normal bottles and tend to be more expensive.

Different closures

Screw caps are widely used. In most cases, a rubber seal ensures that nothing leaks. These closures are easy to use and durable. They’re less suitable for smaller children because it’s too difficult for them to screw the lid on straight and tightly enough.

Models with a tilt or click system are particularly suitable for children. They’re easy to handle and leak-proof. In addition, the lid is usually not separate, so it can’t be lost. A disadvantage of some models: the mouthpiece is more difficult to clean.

Valve caps are particularly practical when cycling or running. These bottles are also called bidons. You can easily open the closure by pulling it up or biting it, so you only need to use one hand. Although most bottles are well sealed, this type of closure is the least leak-proof.

Drinking bottle openings: advantages and disadvantages

Drinking bottles are available with openings of different sizes.

Large opening

Advantages: easy to fill and easy to clean – therefore also suitable for ice cubes, smoothies and soups. Large openings also make it easier to scoop up water from rivers.

Disadvantages: greater risk of spillage, can be awkward when drinking

Small opening

Advantage: easy to drink from

Disadvantage: more difficult to clean

Foldable drinking bottles

Foldable drinking bottles are handy when travelling. They’re also known as ‘soft flasks’ or ‘soft bottles’. They can easily be rolled up or folded and become smaller with every sip. They’re often made of lightweight material.

Because of the folding mechanism, they’re more susceptible to cracks and not always as durable as solid models. In addition, they may not be so easy to clean.

Bottle sizes

The size of your drinking bottle depends above all on what you need it for and how often you can refill it on the go. Two smaller, individual bottles make it easier to distribute the weight in your backpack and you can take two different drinks with you for a change. If you have trouble drinking enough, some flavour in your water may help.

For everyday use, a half-litre bottle often suffices, as the nearest tap or fountain is not far away and fresh water usually tastes best.

Larger bottles of 1.5 litres, for example, are ideal for van life or trips where you don’t have to carry them for long.

Drinking bottles FAQ