Pros & Cons of Plastic Vs. Stainless Drinking Bottles

With so many people "going green" these days, you probably don't want to buy a bottle of water, drink the water and dump the bottle in the trash. But if you choose a reusable water bottle instead, you need to decide which kind to buy. Reusable water bottles are available in many forms now, with plastic and metal choices available.

  1. Pros for Plastic Water Bottles

    • Co-polyester bottles are durable, lightweight, and safe to drink from, and retain few odors. Bottles made of high-density and low-density polyethylene are free of Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor which is not safe for your health and may cause cancer.

      Overall, plastic bottles are cheaper to buy and simpler to clean, as most of them are dishwasher safe. They come in many sizes and shapes, so you have a greater variety of choices. They do not affect the taste of your liquid.

    Cons Against Plastic Water Bottles

    • Some plastic water bottles are not recyclable or dishwasher-safe. Check the bottom of the bottle you are considering and look for a number inside a recycling triangle. If your bottle is labeled "1," it is recyclable but not reusable due to the possibility of bacteria build-up. If the bottle is labeled "2," "4" or "5," it is safe to reuse, but will not stand up to repeated washing in the dishwasher. If it is labeled "3," "6," or "7," it may leach BPA. Older bottles in particular are more likely to contain BPA.

      Some plastic bottles, including those made of co-polyester materials, can crack or break if dropped. Plastic bottles labeled "2," "4" or "5" retain odors and stains, and may leak if not held upright. High-density polyethylene have a tendency to stain and to retain odors. Low-density polyethylene bottles can melt, including in the microwave, and are easy to puncture. Many plastic bottles cannot handle hot liquids or be heated successfully in a microwave.

    Pros for Stainless Steel Water Bottles

    • Stainless steel bottles are safe to drink from as they do not require a liner; aluminum bottles, by contrast, require a plastic liner which may leach BPA into the liquid. Your drinks will stay cooler longer in a stainless steel bottle. Stainless steel tends not to retain odors or metallic taste, so your water will taste fresher. They can also handle hot liquids with no problem, keeping them warm, and can handle acidic liquids such as orange juice as well. They are very durable. They are also recyclable and are usually dishwasher safe.

    Cons Against Stainless Steel Water Bottles

    • Stainless steel water bottles are significantly more expensive than plastic water bottles. Where a cheap disposable water bottle can be bought for less than $1, a stainless steel bottle will cost somewhere between $10 and $30. Stainless steel bottles cannot be heated in a microwave. Because they transfer temperature between the inside and outside of the bottle easily, they may be hot to the touch if you are transporting a hot beverage, and they may heat up your cold drinks during hot weather.