Finding the ideal flask or bottle is not easy given the plethora of options available to you with many brands, different materials and various uses. So the question arises around the choice of your water bottle: glass, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic? For every day, hiking, at the office or on a walk? Which bottle is best for you to hydrate yourself without using a single-use bottle?
First of all, it is important to remember that apart from the trendy and environmental aspect, the bottle really has a function, that of hydrating you. Using a bottle every day is therefore ecological, economical and healthier.
- Ecological, because you reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles or cans.
- Economical because you no longer buy these bottles in stores or from distributors.
- Healthy, because a well-maintained bottle prevents water contamination and keeps you hydrated all day long.
Some prefer stainless steel, design or light weight; the important thing is that you find the one that suits you best so that it achieves its original purpose: to actually use it on a daily basis.
What material for your bottle?
One of the first things to look at is the material that was used for your water bottle. In fact, today there is a large offer of water bottles made of glass, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, stainless steel or even plant-based bioplastic.
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Plastic water bottles: Plastic water bottles have the particularity of being solid, quite resistant to shocks but above all they are light and therefore easy to transport. However, we must be careful about the level of toxicity of plastic and bisphenol A.
- Glass water bottles: Glass water bottles have the particularity of being recyclable, do not give any taste to your drink and can be produced more easily in France. However, the glass remains relatively fragile and heavy, sometimes requiring an additional protective cover.
- Stainless steel or aluminum bottles: stainless steel or aluminum bottles are resistant and can be insulated if they have a double metal wall. However, metal can leave a taste in the drink and their quality varies greatly.
- Stainless steel bottles: this is the most popular bottle because stainless steel is light, recyclable, odorless and does not migrate into the drink. It can be kept for a very long time with good maintenance. But today the majority of the production of these water bottles is not carried out in France or Europe, due to a lack of production tools, but in Asia. Only the Zeste brand has just launched the first 100% made in France stainless steel bottle.
Our body needs to hydrate with at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. Your water bottle should allow you to never run out of it and it is necessary to ask yourself several questions:
- What is your daily consumption?
- Can you easily refill your water bottle throughout the day? (Outdoor water point, in the office, etc.)
- Do you have to carry your water bottle and if so, for how long during the day? Or can you leave it at your desk for example?
So, once you have answered this question, you will be able to choose between bottles ranging from 35 cl to more than 1.5 L depending on your use and your needs. It's up to you to make your choice, we recommend that for use during a trip on public transport you have a small water bottle or tumbler (mug) and for a hike a large capacity stainless steel water bottle.
Should we opt for an insulated bottle?
The major advantage of an insulated flask or flask is its ability to keep your drink cool or hot for many hours, regardless of the outside temperature. So, a bottle in direct sunlight will always keep your drink cool.
The disadvantages are mainly the weight and size, because the insulated bottle requires a double vacuum stainless steel wall in order to maintain the temperature of your drink. This model is more expensive due to the presence of this double wall and is only effective with a stainless steel bottle. Double-walled glass bottles are more aesthetic as they maintain a temperature.
Which cap to choose?
The choice of your cap depends mainly on your use, we come back to that again! In fact, there are different types:
- Anti-leak cap: it helps prevent you from spilling your bottle or getting water everywhere, especially when you're on the move.
- Sports cap: it allows you to drink while moving and hydrate you during exercise.
- “Loop” or flat cap: it allows you to drink straight from the neck of your bottle.
It is important to pay particular attention to the material used for this cap, generally we find stainless steel with a silicone seal allowing the watertightness of the bottle.
What accessories?
Depending on the bottle you have chosen, certain accessories may be useful. Indeed, if you have opted for a glass bottle, a protective cover can be very practical to protect it.
Likewise, if you use your bottle while traveling or out walking, a carabiner can allow you to easily attach it to your backpack. There are different hanging systems depending on the brand.
Finally, some bottles accept different types of caps. You can therefore alternate according to your needs while keeping your favorite bottle.
How do I maintain my water bottle?
No matter which bottle you choose, you will need to maintain it regularly, that is, wash it daily to avoid the presence of bacteria. Indeed, beyond their impact on the environment, plastic bottles have been criticized because they present a risk in terms of bacteria, which is why they are considered single-use.
So how can you keep your bottle for as long as possible and avoid the presence of these bacteria?
First thing, a water bottle should be washed daily. The method varies depending on the material of your bottle as well as the drink or liquid consumed.
Most of the time you can put your glass bottle in a dishwasher, but stainless steel bottles must be washed by hand. A safe and practical alternative is to use a bottle brush to wash your water bottle at the end of each day and point the head of your water bottle down.
If you have drunk water you can wash and rinse with hot water and let it dry naturally, don't forget the cap.
If you drink something other than water, such as coffee, tea, any hot or cold drink, it is important to pay greater attention to cleaning and above all never leave the bottom of your drink lying around in your bottle. . Be sure to check the washing of your bottle, particularly for stainless steel bottles which, being opaque, do not make visibility easy.
In the longer term, using half white vinegar and half hot water and leaving it to soak overnight helps prevent the presence of residue or mold.
If you don't use it for a while, keep your bottle open to avoid possible bad odors. Another solution to avoid bad odors is to use a teaspoon of baking soda, fill your bottle three-quarters full, shake and leave overnight.
Why a water bottle at Hersée?
We try to find the best selection of water bottles for you by offering you a wide choice meeting your different uses and needs so that your water bottle becomes your best daily companion. You will therefore find water bottles preferably eco-designed, recycled or recyclable, respecting strict specifications in terms of manufacturing and as much as possible with close production, that is to say French or European when possible.
Our selection of water bottles: here
