Aluminum Water Bottle vs Stainless Steel

Making the switch to reusable water bottles means choosing the best sustainable material. Aluminum and stainless steel are among the most reliable choices for drinking bottles. We're going to evaluate the differences and similarities between an aluminum water bottle vs stainless steel to determine the right material for you.

Aluminum Water Bottle vs Stainless Steel: General Overview

Stainless steel and aluminum water bottles are among the most reusable drinking containers you can use. They both offer features and benefits that will satisfy your thirst.

Aluminum Water Bottles

Aluminum is an abundant silvery metallic element found in the earth's core. It's among the most commonly used metals for packaging and water bottles because of its durability and weight.

Because aluminum reacts with particular liquids, aluminum bottles typically include epoxy or polymer lining. To make aluminum bottles, an extruding machine press stretches small pieces of aluminum into a long cylindrical shape and gets solidified in an oven.

Stainless Steel Bottles

Stainless steel is a group of ferric alloys that include chromium. This composition resists heat and prevents the iron from rusting. Unlike aluminum, stainless steel isn't reactive, so there's no need for a lining to prevent leaching.

Stainless steel drinking bottles like Hydro Cell often use 18/8 material, consisting of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This composition enables stainless steel bottles to resist high temperatures, improve weldability, and prevent corrosion.

Aluminum Water Bottle vs Stainless Steel

Aluminum water bottles and stainless steel ones may look and feel similar at times. However, there are still distinct differences and valuable similarities that would help you choose the ideal material for your hydration needs.

Similarities Between Aluminum Water Bottle and Stainless Steel

There are many benefits of reusable water bottles, and the similarities of aluminum and stainless steel bottles would convince you to make the switch.

• Durability: Unlike glass or plastic bottles, stainless steel and aluminum drinking bottles are more likely to withstand cracks or breakage. Stainless steel can better endure daily wear and tear, yet aluminum bottles can also boast long-term durability.
• Portability: Most aluminum and stainless steel drinking bottles come in various sizes and capacities. These factors make them ideal for drinking water, whether on a hike or working at home. Likewise, they don't take up much space or add considerable weight.
• Appearance: Stainless steel and aluminum bottles have sleek and stylish appearances. You can choose colors or even customize the design.
• Rust-resistance: Aluminum forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to air, preventing the development of rust. Similarly, stainless steel creates a thin, stable film when chromium reacts with the surrounding oxygen.
  

Differences Between Aluminum Water Bottle and Stainless Steel

When buying a reusable water bottle, you need to consider the material, especially since the differences can also affect water safety, convenience, and long-term use.

Cold and Heat Retention Properties

Stainless steel bottles generally have better heat and cold retention properties than aluminum. This is because stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity, making it longer for a stainless steel bottle to remove heat away from the source or the beverage.

• Hydro Cell drinking bottles use stainless steel as the main component. There's still a vacuum sealing surrounding the stainless steel, preventing quick heat transfer. In effect, this kind of stainless steel bottle can keep hot beverages hot for 12 hours and icy cold for 24 hours.
• Stainless steel bottles typically add powder coating. This feature prevents condensation from wetting your hands or things inside a bag. It also helps improve grip when holding the bottle while running or walking.
• Aluminum has a low resistance to temperature change. This is why you may quickly feel the water's cold or hot temperature through the bottle's walls.
• Aluminum has a low thermal mass. As a result, it won't hold much heat compared to stainless steel.

Recyclability

Since the large-scale production of synthetics in the 1950s, about 79% of those ended up in landfills or the environment. If this trend continues, approximately 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will become waste by 2050.

The good thing is that stainless steel and aluminum are among the most recyclable materials on earth. It's relatively easy to clean bottles, as well as remove mold or disinfect them.

Even if they don't end up in processing plants, you can repurpose the bottles into everyday items in your home.

Health Hazards

One of the main differences between the 2 kinds of bottles is that aluminum is generally reactive to certain liquids while stainless steel is not. This reactivity to chemicals and drinks can also influence the bottle's integrity.

• Exposure to aluminum is inevitable because this is a common element found in household items, food, and medicines. However, aluminum toxicity relies on the food contact material. 
• Studies show that aluminum can migrate from containers to food. The European Food Safety Authority states that 1-7 mg/kg body weight is the tolerable aluminum weekly level for all weight groups.
• While aluminum bottles use enamel or resin lining to protect your beverage, the lining still contains plastic.
• Aluminum may rust and release toxic substances when in contact with hot, carbonated, or acidic drinks.
• Stainless steel is non-reactive, so it won't retain or conduct heat even when in contact with hot beverages.

Major Distinguishing Factor

Aluminum is reactive to certain liquids, whereas stainless steel is non-reactive. While aluminum is generally durable, stainless steel is more crack-resistant. Aluminum is lightweight, while stainless steel is heavier and offers more insulation.

When to Use an Aluminum Water Bottle?

Use an aluminum water bottle if you want a durable yet recyclable material. This is also a good option if you need a more lightweight and less expensive drinking bottle.

When to Use a Stainless Steel Bottle?

It's better to use a stainless steel bottle if you prefer a functional container that's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Moreover, stainless steel bottles are perfect to use if you want to avoid condensation while ensuring your beverages remain hot or cold.

The Verdict

Aluminum and stainless steel water bottles are worthy contenders when selecting a drinking container. A stainless steel bottle is perfect if you're looking for high quality and functionality, whereas aluminum is suitable for practicality. However, it's wise to balance your personal preferences and budget without sacrificing quality.