Aluminum Water Bottles vs Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?

Learn the differences between aluminum and stainless steel water bottles so you can make an informed decision on which type of reusable water bottle is best for you.

Aluminum Water Bottles

Pros

Custom aluminum water bottles are very inexpensive and have a lot more varieties of shapes and colors than stainless steel bottles do. They tend to feel lighter than stainless steel bottles when in your hands as well, since aluminum is more lightweight than steel. Aluminum bottles are usually not as sought out as stainless steel, but aluminum is the better choice over single use plastic water bottles, since they are reusable.

Cons

Aluminum and stainless steel water bottles are very similar in physique but not at all, when it comes to composition. Aluminum itself reacts with certain liquids, that is why most are lined with an enamel, resin, or epoxy layer. Many aluminum bottle owners complain about the aluminum imparting the taste of their favorite drinks. To avoid this, most aluminum bottles are coated with BPA, a plastic liner, to prevent the metal from reacting with the water, which is proven to cause possible health effects. However, there are many BPA-free options available. Aluminum bottles do tend to dent and scratch easier than stainless steel bottles, as well.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Pros

Personalized stainless steel water bottles are usually the more highly regarded item since they can be recycled to make products in the future. Unlike aluminum that tends to leach and impart the taste of your beverages, stainless steel isn’t reactive and won’t pick up flavors. Meaning you can put whatever beverage you please in your water bottle, from coffee to smoothies, even margaritas! And, wholesale stainless steel water bottles are insulated, keeping your beverages hot or cold all day long. The major advantage of stainless steel is that it is recyclable, although the recycle process does take some time, it still makes this a great recyclable water bottle option.

Cons

The most common downside of stainless steel is that they tend to dent and scratch, often leading to a bottle that won’t stand up straight. However, stainless steel is more durable than aluminum so it may take quite a while until you notice dents or scratches appearing. Stainless steel bottles are known to have a metallic taste. This usually goes away after multiple washes but it always depends on the type of custom stainless steel water bottle. This is due to the presence of actual metal content in your bottle, like iron, zinc and copper. Even though stainless steel is eco-friendly, it does not mean the production is. Stainless steel production is known to be a contributing factor of global warming since the production emits high levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Cleaning Your Reusable Water Bottle

Most stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, however, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly care for your bottle. Personalized aluminum water bottles, on the other hand, are not dishwasher safe and need to be washed by hand. In order to clean your aluminum bottle you will need to fill it halfway with warm water, then add dish soap and scrub with a brush to remove any residue. Many aluminum bottle owners have commented on a lingering smell or residue even after cleaning, but there are ways to fix that. You can simply add baking soda and vinegar in your bottle and shake vigorously. Then wash with dish soap once again, and voila! Your aluminum bottle is in tip-top shape.

What's Best for You?