S’well Water Bottle Review: Insulated, Stainless Steel Beauty
If you’re looking for a bottle that’s virtually indestructible, and want the best insulation modern technology will allow, then you need to check out some of these S’well bottles.
Built with aircraft grade steel they’ll keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12.
This is crazy.
It pretty much covers the entire day, so it doesn’t matter when you want your drink, it’ll be piping hot and ready.
Another great thing about S’well is just how much they care, about their products, their customers and their impact on the environment.
All their bottles are backed by a one-year Satisfaction Guarantee and they also support UNICEF and have helped in the planting of more than half a million trees.
I’ve compared S’wells 7 most popular flasks to see how they differ and which one is the best.
If you want a highly effective thermos flask that’s safe and has a positive effect on the environment then check these guys out…
Best S’well Water Bottle Comparison
**The Links below will bring you to Amazon.com**
- S’well Classic Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 17oz
- Sip by S’well Water Bottle, 23oz
- Sip by S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 16oz
- S’well Roamer Bottle 40oz | 64oz
- S’well Sport 10oz | 17oz | 25oz
- S’well Tumbler 10oz | 18oz
S’well Water Bottle Review Reviews
1. S’well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle — Best for Hiking and Backpacking
Whether it’s for your work time coffee or so your smoothie’s nice and cool when you get to yoga this will do the job
This is S’wells classic, original bottle, and it’s the main reason why the company has gained the reputation that it has today.
What I liked about it
- You can’t help but be impressed when it can keep your coffee hot for literally the entire day. It keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12.
- The body is made from premium grade, vacuum insulated, 18/8 stainless steel that is both puncture and rust resistant. This means he’ll last a good while without breaking. You could throw this fella off a cliff and he’d be fine.
- The steel is both non-leaching and non-toxic, so it’s completely safe to drink from and won’t make your drink taste metallic in the slightest.
- There are 26 different styles that are updated every 6 months by a team of designers. Some of them actually look seriously good and there’s definitely not a lack of funky ones in there.
Who’s it for?
This 17 ouncer is the perfect size if you’re looking for a bottle to use throughout the day.
If you just want something that works well, isn’t too fancy and isn’t too pricey either, this is the one for you.
Some other sweet features
- Using new triple wall technology they’ve integrated a layer of copper between the steel casing which completely stops any condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle. This is pretty sweet as there’s nothing worse than a soggy bag or getting your hands wet and this completely stops that.
- It has a wide mouth opening so you can chuck ice cubes in there super easily and most third party water filters will fit in fine too.
- Another really nice thing about this size is that it fits into car cup holders super easily, so you can have it chilling next to you as you drive along.
- It only costs about 30 bucks, which isn’t bad at all.
2. Sip by S’well Hot-Cold Water Bottle
Sleek and stylish, with a smooth tapered neck, this is a real looker.
And it doesn’t just look good it performs well too.
What I liked about it
- Built with cutting-edge technology, and made out of high grade 18/8 stainless steel, you simply don’t get bottles that have better insulating properties than this. It’ll maintain the temperature of a cold drink for up to 24 hours and a hot drink for 12.
- The triple wall design it has maximizes insulation and stops the bottle from sweating, so no more getting wet, cold hands.
- Will fit easily into most standard car cup holders, which is pretty damn handy.
Who’s it for?
Sophisticated, classy and likes to look good.
This has all the high-tech features and high functionality of the bottles that made S’well famous.
Mixed in with that is the good-looking design and that stunning finish.
If you want the best of heat retention technology mixed with good looks and style, then this will be right up your street.
Some other sweet features
- It’s super safe and much better for you than reusing a plastic bottle. It’s non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA free, what more could you want.
- Reasonably priced
3. Sip by S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug — Best for Coffee
This is another of S’well’s classics, and it definitely takes the win for being the most ‘cheap and cheerful’ on my list.
It works like a charm, is an incredible insulator, looks good and doesn’t cost nearly as much as some of the other models that are out there.
What I liked about it
- The sleekness of the design is just perfect. It goes well with most outfits and the jet black color does a nice job of keeping it both cool and discreet at the same time.
- With a double-wall design and high-grade 8/18, stainless steel
drinks are kept hot or cold for as long as science possibly allows. - It’s super friendly to the environment as it’s both reusable and recyclable.
Who’s it for?
If you’re looking for a bargain, then you’ve found one right here.
Seriously, getting insulating flasks for this kind of price normally just doesn’t happen.
Some other sweet features
- This is one of the cheapest on my list. It only cost 25 bucks, and no matter what brand you’re going for, it’s pretty rare to find one of these guys for so little.
- The cap makes a loud clicking sound when opened or closed so it should never accidentally open and leak without you realizing.
- Condensation doesn’t form on the outside of the bottle at all so you don’t have to worry about throwing it in your bag or it leaving a ring on the table.
4. S’well Insulated Stainless Steel Roamer — Best for Groups
This is the Goliath of thermos flasks.
It’s big, badass and looks cool too.
Perfect if you’re looking for something to hold more than just a cup of coffee.
What I liked about it
- You’ve got to be at least slightly impressed by the gigantic size of this monster. With options of either 40 or 64 ounce capacities, it doesn’t matter how big your family is, this guy will ensure you don’t have to fight over the hot chocolate.
- With a triple wall design and built out of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel it’ll keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12.
- With a layer of copper in-built into the walls of the bottle, condensation will never form on the outside of the bottle. So no need to worry about where you put it or any of your other stuff getting wet.
Who’s it for?
If you want something to share with the entire family and don’t want to worry about it running out, this is just fantastic.
Whether it’s so you can all share hot chocolate at a football game or you just want to have smoothies for everybody when you’re at the beach, this has got you covered.
Some other sweet features
- There are 5 different designs to choose from, and they all look super cool. The five different colors are moonstone, night sky, onyx, teakwood and yellow gold. Even the names sound sexy.
- Free from BPA and toxins, it’s completely healthy to use again and again.
- It only costs about 55 bucks, which considering how big it is, is a damn good deal.
5. S’well Sport Water Bottle — Best for the Gym
It’s the classic swell bottle with a pop-up cap so you can take a quick and easy sip without having to unscrew it.
It looks cool, has great insulating properties and keeps your drink nice and cold.
What I liked about it
- Just like the rest of the S’well bottles, the insulating properties of this thing are crazy impressive. It’ll keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12. So no matter the time of day you can always have a fresh cool beer.
- This bottle comes in a lot of colors and prints, so you can do you.
Who’s it for?
On the go, sporty types. It’s a solid as hell, made to last and won’t be breaking on you any time soon.
Some other sweet features
- It fits into most standard sized cup holders, so you can take it with you on the drive to work
- Made out of 18/8 stainless steel, it’s free from toxins and BPA and won’t leach any metallic tastes into your drink
- It’s got a wide mouth opening so you can fit ice cubes in there easily and keep your drink extra freezing cold.
- It costs just under 55 bucks, which is a bit more expensive than the others but it does look damn tasty.
6. S’well Tumbler
Unlike most tumblers, The marble finish to this just feels so sexy.
Your standard teacup, redesigned, upgraded and improved.
What I liked about it
- The 10-ounce tumbler is adorable it is and the teacup size. Not having to rush your cuppa and just being able to relax in the knowledge it’ll still be there waiting for you all nice and piping hot is really lovely.
- Just how cheap it is! It’s around 25 bucks which are crazily cheap for something with such good insulating properties.
Who’s it for?
Tea and coffee lovers assemble!
If you don’t like rushing your daily cuppa and want to be able to sit back, relax and take your time, this is just right for you.
The perfect mix of functionality and style, if you’re a tea lover, you’ll love this.
Some other sweet features
- Built with a triple wall design the cup doesn’t sweat at all. This means no more worrying about leaving a ring mark on the table or having to use coasters. Just place it down and relax.
- Made from high grade 18/8 stainless steel, it’s completely safe to drink from and is free from nasty chemicals like BPA.
What Makes a great insulated stainless steel water bottle?
There are four main things to look out for.
It’s insulating properties, cost, style, and sweat-free design.
Number one, you want an insulating bottle that insulates. The top of the market bottles will be able to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12.
credit: swellbottle.com
You also don’t want to get ripped off. You should be able to get a decent one for between 25 and 65 bucks, don’t be paying any more than that.
Of course, you want a bottle that looks good and suits your style. Luckily there are literally hundreds to choose from so you’re bound to found one that suits you.
Finally, a sweat-free design is important. This means that condensation won’t form on the outside of the bottle, so you won’t get a damp bag and you won’t make rings on the table.
Double Wall construction
The effectiveness of some of these bottles, at insulating and maintaining temperature, is right on the edge of what’s possible with technology today.
This is achieved through a double wall construction that traps a layer of air between two layers of 18/8 stainless steel. This air acts as a fantastic insulator and is what makes keeping a drink cold for 24 hours achievable.
For hot and cold drinks
Most will keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.
Size
Whatever size you’re looking for, they’ll have the right one for you
Anything from a tiny, teacup size 10oz cup, to a massive 62oz family, sized flask, they’ve got it all.
credit: swellbottle.com
It’s important to get the size right.
Consider how much you drink throughout the day and how important compactness and weight are to you. Balance these and make your pick.
Safety
All S’well bottles are incredibly safe. They’re manufactured in sterile clean factories and are free from nasty chemicals like BPA.
BPA free
All S’well bottles are completely free from BPA, a chemical which is commonly found in plastic water bottles.
BPA is infamous for causing hormone problems and as such more and more people are starting to use reusable bottles like these ones.
Easy to clean
Unfortunately, S’well bottles are not machine washable but luckily they’re super easy to clean by hand.
Just give them a scrub down with some hot soapy water and then rinse them off with a bit of cold water and you’ll be good to go.
Durability
Built out of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel, these are puncture and rust proof.
They’re built to last and even if you threw one off a cliff it would probably be ok.
credit: swellbottle.com
All of S’wells bottles have a 1 year satisfaction guarantee that comes with them. Not only does this give you a bit of peace of mind it also just shows how much faith they have in their own products.
Accessorise
There colors and designs are constantly updated so there’s always a new fresh look to choose.
You can also get them personally engraved or even engrave them yourself if you go to a professional.
Design
The designs are constantly updated by a team of handpicked designers.
credit: swellbottle.com
The majority of models have about 20 unique designs to choose from and they all look super sleek and swish.
Vs Hydro Flask
The main difference between these two is simply the cost. S’well bottles are much cheaper.
credit: amazon.com
With S’well you’ll save at least 20 or 30 bucks and the only real difference is that Hydros have wider mouth openings which are handy for if you’re using a third party water filter.
Vs Yeti
Yetis are machine washable while Swells you have to wash by hand.
This is a great feature but in every other field, S’well knocks Yeti out of the park.
credit: amazon.com
It’s cheaper, looks better, insulates drinks more effectively and is definitely just an all-around better flask.
Vs Corkcicle
I really wouldn’t recommend buying a Corkcicle flask.
credit: amazon.com
There are lots of reviews by people saying they don’t insulate their drinks that well and they’re pretty pricey too.
Vs Mira
The top two sellers have to be Mira and S’well.
They’re both incredibly dedicated to constantly improving and making the best, most effective designs possible.
As well as this they seem to always put their customers first and have a great history of dealing with any customer problems.
While S’well bottles insulate drinks better and look cooler too, the price of some of Mira’s bottles is pretty mad.
If you’re on a super tight budget and want the cheapest ones out there check out Mira. They may not maintain the temperature of your drink as well but when they’re that cheap you really can’t complain.
Vs Simple Modern
Simple Modern is another example of a company that I’m not too much of a fan of.
credit: amazon.com
Their bottles are ok, but there are lots of reports of them breaking easily or having manufacturing defects and when you’re paying that much for a bottle that’s really not alright.
If none of the S’well ones catch your fancy though, I’d suggest checking out another article I wrote where I compared all the best S’well alternatives and some of the ones in there are really cool – click here to check it out
FAQ SECTION
Where are these bottles manufactured?
While all S’well bottles are designed in the United States, the manufacturing process takes place in responsibly run and ethically managed Chinese factories.
This means they’re able to keep their prices down while still keeping the quality of the bottles so high.
How long does it keep hot drinks like tea or coffee?
This can vary a lot depending on which model you go for so it’s definitely worth checking each individual one.
However, what makes S’well so great is how much they value maintaining the best insulating properties possible in every bottle they produce, so most should keep your drinks hot for up to 12 hours.
Will any of these bottles fit in car cup holder?
They sure will!
The only one of these guys who won’t fit into a standard cup holder is the Insulated Stainless Steel Roamer 40oz and 64oz.
These are just too huge but all the others will fit in there easy as pie.
Can S’well bottle go in the fridge?
S’well bottles are completely safe to put into the fridge, but there’s absolutely no reason to whatsoever.
This is because of how well insulated the bottles are. Not only do they not let inside temperatures out they also don’t let outside temperatures in, so your drink won’t get any colder.
Instead, put your drink in a normal cup, whack that in the fridge and then when you’re ready to go, you pour it into your flask.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
Unfortunately no they can’t. As dishwashers use such hot water it can damage the seals around these bottles, ruining their insulating abilities.
Luckily they’re super easy to wash by hand. Just give them a rub with soapy hot water and then rinse them off with some cold and you’ll be ready to go.
Can I take my S’well bottle on a plane?
Most airlines only allow you to take bottles that are 100ml or smaller onto their planes.
Unfortunately, this means that all S’well bottles are too big to bring on your carry on. But there’s nothing stopping you putting it in your hold luggage so you can still have that refreshing cold beverage no matter where in the world you are.
Can you engrave an S’well bottle?
While you can engrave a bottle yourself it’s often advised against as it can be easy to damage the insulating wall.
There is, however, a special vendor on the website Etsy called ‘Let’s Tie The Knot’ who sells custom engraved S’well bottles.
They cost a little bit more than if you buy them straight from Amazon, but the technique that the lady who runs the store uses to engrave them does give them a really nice effect.
Where can find a personalized bottle?
If you buy directly from S’well website there is the option to add a monogram of up to 10 characters onto your bottle for a small extra cost.
The other option is to buy through ‘Let’s Tie The Knot’ who sell custom engraved bottles on their Etsy website.
Can I put a soup inside?
Absolutely.
If you like your soup piping hot, there’s really no better way to ensure that it always is that by using one of these guys.
What are the dimensions of 16oz?
Depending on which model you choose the dimensions will vary, so it’s worth checking.
However, most of S’wells 16oz flasks tend to be around 3 x 3 x 7.75 in.
Can I put food into?
Absolutely, there’s no reason whatsoever not to.
All of these would work absolutely fine at keeping your food nice and hot but I would suggest buying one that’s designed with a wide mouth opening. This’ll just make it easier to get the food out when you’re ready to eat.
If you’re a fan of hot meals no matter where you are, these are perfect. Whether it’s bringing your lunch into work or out to the park with you, you’ll never have to go without a home cooked meal again.