Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Greg Head
Glass water bottles are becoming more popular as people seek to be healthier. They are BPA-free, easy to clean, and are often made from recycled glass.
The best thing about a glass water bottle is you will never have to worry about plastic breaking down over time. Also great is they are dishwasher safe, saving you time from hand-washing and ensuring they are clean.
Depending on the brand, they may not be made in China like other water bottles.
Yes, there is the chance of it breaking if you drop it. But you will buy a glass water bottle with a protective silicone sleeve — which most of them have — so you will protect the bottle and may get lucky should it drop. In most instances, you can still see the glass under the sleeve.
After years of using glass water bottles, I’ve accidentally dropped them 8-9 times. But only once did one break. It broke on my concrete driveway. It really depends where you are, and how it hits when it lands.
There are also some brands that are double-walled and vacuum-insulated. The interior is made from glass while the exterior is made from stainless steel. If you like your drinks cold, this is insulated which will keep it colder longer.
This gives you the benefit of drinking from glass with extra protection from breaking.
In addition, you can buy a glass water bottle that has a BPA-free protective shell that covers the glass completely.
Glass Water Bottle
The best things about glass water bottles are:
- No metallic taste
- Chemicals won’t leach into your water like they might from plastics or non-food grade metals
- You can usually put them in the dishwasher
- BPA-free
- Eco-friendly material
Dishwasher Safe
Being able to safely put them in the dishwasher is a huge benefit to owning glass over stainless steel or plastic bottles. Typically, other types of reusable bottles aren’t dishwasher-safe.
This is a huge time saver, especially if you get in the habit of bringing your glass water bottle with you every day. In addition, you’ll know it’s clean.
Also, because you can wash it in the dishwasher, you may find yourself adding tea bags or fruit to your water (whether or not you have a fruit infused glass water bottle) knowing you can wash it well.
Types of Glass Bottles
Here are some types of glass water bottles. There are many options to consider. You might choose one with a combination of many features.
- Can be glass in a protective silicone sleeve (you see the glass) or covered completely (can’t see the glass)
- Can be glass encased in stainless steel for protection and insulation (you can’t see the glass from the outside)
- Large or small; capacity
- Fruit infused glass bottle
- Glass water bottle with straw
- Twist cap or flip lid
- Wide-mouth (if you want to add ice cubes)
- Can be made with recycled glass
- Borosilicate glass water bottle
- Water bottle with time markings
- Also called a measuring water bottle
Most bottles will say somewhere they are leak-proof. However, much of this depends how securely you tighten the lid. Most glass bottles have a twist lid.
However, some glass bottles are entirely covered in a durable plastic shell. These sometimes have a flip lid.
Are Glass Water Bottles Better
Overall, glass water bottles are better for the planet because they are made from glass instead of plastic. It is also considered healthier for the person using it because glass won’t break down over time. With plastic water bottles, even when they are BPA-free, they will still slowly deteriorate over time.
Glass water bottles are odor-free, stain-free, and clean-tasting.
In addition, you can leave a glass water bottle in the sun and drink from it safely. However, with plastic water bottles, it’s typically not a good idea.
If you want to put hot and very cold liquids inside, choose a borosilicate glass water bottle.
Choosing a reusable water bottle made from glass is often a better choice but it depends on how you will use it. It may not be practical in all situations.
Is Glass Bottle Safe for Drinking Water
Absolutely, yes, a glass bottle is safe for drinking water. The mouth part is made from glass, so you will have to watch your teeth. They are geared more toward older children and adults than young kids.
In general, glass is considered safer for drinking water. Glass won’t deteriorate over time like plastic does. They are considered the healthiest water bottle to use.
Do Glass Water Bottles Break Easily
As glass bottles have become more popular, they are getting better at protecting them. Even still, over six years ago, I was using glass bottles almost exclusively. At that time, the only glass bottles available were in plastic silicone sleeves. Generally, the bottom of the bottle was covered. This helped to minimize breaking.
While I did drop them multiple times, only once did one break. It really depends on the angle it hits the ground and what the surface is. Because the base is protected, it’s not easy to break.
Now, in addition to glass bottles in plastic protective sleeves, there are vacuum-insulated bottles which further protect the glass. From the outside, the bottle appears to be stainless steel or metal. Inside, the drinking vessel is glass. In addition to keeping drinks cold or hot, the insulation protects the bottle from breaking if it drops.
Many water bottle brands have a lifetime guarantee.
What is the Best Glass Water Bottle?
When you choose a glass water bottle, you know it’s BPA-free. The best one is one you will use. Will you feel safer using one with a plastic sleeve or one that’s encased in metal or a BPA-free plastic outer shell?
Not only will you likely be taking on healthier habits — drinking water — you will reducing the demand for plastic and single-use containers.
Decide if you prefer the screw on top which is easier to clean and prevents leaks, or if you prefer one with a flip cap, which is easier to open and close and use in general, especially on the go. Note, flip caps are typically only on water bottles with a plastic or metal outer shell. They aren’t on bottles protected in silicone.
Best Glass Water Bottles
I am always on the lookout for the best glass water bottles and love trying them out. Here’s a review of glass water bottles. All of these bottles are lead-free and BPA-free. They create little-to-no condensation on the outside of the bottle.
EcoVessel Surf Glass Water Bottle
22 ounces. It’s made with up to 60% recycled glass. Dishwasher safe. This one has a flip straw top and protective silicon sleeve. EcoVessel water bottles have a good reputation.
It’s 1.4 oz empty.
ZULU Atlas 20 oz
ZULU Atlas is known as a glass sports bottle. There are many great things about the Atlas. All of the parts are dishwasher safe. In addition, all of the parts are BPA free. The plastic sleeve is made from food-grade silicone.
It’s also easy to hold with the loop holder that’s attached to the lid. You can push a button to pop it open to drink or can remove the entire lid to drink from the rim.
The sleeve is designed to withstand impacts. It’s 1.3 pounds empty.
Be sure to check out our review of the recycled glass water bottles: Eco Vessel and Zulu.
Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle
With lots of colors to choose from, Lifefactory makes them in 12 oz, 16 oz, and 22 oz sizes. They are in protective silicone with a non-slip grip. They are all top-rack dishwasher safe.
Lifefactory bottles are made in the United States and in Europe. Their lids and sleeves are all BPA-free.
They have wide-mouth access making it easy to add ice. All of their sizes will likely fit in a standard cup holder.
- 12 oz (350 ml): 2.5″ diameter at the base
- 16 oz (475 ml): 2.6″ diameter at the base
- 22 oz (650 ml): 2.8″ diameter at the base
Their height will depend on which type of lid you use.
Another feature from this brand is you can buy the bottles with the Classic Cap or with the Active Cap. Then, you can purchase different lids. All of them will fit with each size bottle. You’ll find more options on their website than on Amazon. Lifefactory lids include:
- Active Flip Cap
- Classic Cap
- Press-N-Go cap
- Pivot Straw Cap
Takeya Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Twist Cap
22 ounces. This BPA-free and lead free bottle has a twist cap with a loop handle. The silicone sleeve protects most of this bottle making it safer if you drop it. You can still see inside it. We love that it’s dishwasher safe. Bottle opening is 1.25 inches. It fits in car cup holders.
It’s easy to grip as well. The carry loop makes it easy to carry with you.
You can definitely fit ice cubes in it but not as easily as a wide-mouth bottle. The glass bottle is made in Japan; the silicone sleeve and cap are made in China.
EQUA Glass Water Bottle
At 25 oz, EQUA is made with borosilicate glass. It has a leakproof, twist on and off cap. It comes with a felt cover which is easy to remove to put the glass in the dishwasher.
Ello Syndicate with One-Touch Flip Lid
20 oz. They offer many colors making it a popular choice. To inhibit mold growth in the lid, be sure to leave it out to dry completely. This is true for all water bottle lids and bottles.
It makes a cute popping sound when you open it. (You can open it slowly and it won’t make any noise.) It has a smaller mouth opening which takes longer to fit ice cubes in. This may or may not matter to you.
It weighs 1.25 lb empty. Also, unlike with a twist-off, if the button is pushed accidently, you’ll have water spilling everywhere. I’d use this at work and in the car but wouldn’t trust it in a backpack or purse.
HydroMATE with TimeMarker
This glass timed water bottle is 32 oz. With time markings on the side of the bottle, it is meant to motivate you to increase water intake and stay hydrated. The idea is that you drink to the line by the hour mark so that you drink more water throughout the day.
We like this one because it has a plastic silicone sleeve that surrounds the bottle, including full coverage on the bottom. This makes it less apt to shatter if dropped. The downsides to this bottle is with repeated use, the markings will eventually wear off.
The HydroMATE has measurements that start at 8am. You are meant to be refill it at 12pm. Then you repeat the cycle until 6pm. It has motivational quotes instead of ounces on the bottle.
We don’t recommend a glass bottle with measurements if it doesn’t have a sleeve or some way to protect it. Some companies sell the glass bottle and then you can purchase a sleeve (also a carrier) which has the time markers on it.
Glass water bottle review
For my use, the best glass water bottle is the Lifefactory 22 ounce bottle. The Lifefactory 22 ounce glass water bottle is easy to grip. These bottles are made in France, and the silicone sleeves are made in the United States.
It has a wide mouth which makes easy to add ice to it. With the wide opening, it’s very easy to clean the bottle too, though I usually put it in the dishwasher.
Plus, because of the silicone grip if there’s condensation on the bottle it won’t be slippery. Like most of these water bottles, it’s dishwasher safe (even the silicone sleeve).
Also note they make a glass Lifefactory baby bottle.
Other glass water bottles
A great option is the Aquasana 18-ounce bottles. These bottles also have wide mouths but they don’t come with silicone sleeves. You can, however buy a 6 pack of colorful silicone sleeves designed just for these bottles on Amazon.
These bottles are a little smaller than some, holding 18 ounces of water.
Bormioli Rocco Giara Bottles are made in Italy (though there is some indication that some are made in the United States) and very reasonably priced.
They come in the largest size of the glass water bottles at 33 3/4 ounces and there are lots of cool colors. These bottles seem to us to be more for your dining table instead of toting about, however.
The Love Water Bottle allows you to write on your own bottle. However, these glass bottles are made in China.
Camelbak used to make a CamelBak Eddy in glass but it’s no longer available.
Hydro Flask does not make a glass bottle.
Klean Kanteen does not make one in glass either.
Large 3 Gallon Glass Water Bottle or 5 Gallon Glass Water Bottle
If you are considering very large containers or a large glass water bottle, consider a 5 gallon (sometimes called a glass carboy). These are great for storing water as well as more making homemade beer and wine. They are generally not for toting water around, however.
Glass Water Bottles Made in the USA
(…or at least not made in China) We’ve been supporters of made in USA products. Because of production costs and requirements, it’s difficult to find a glass water bottle made in the USA entirely.
Glass water bottles that are (mostly) made in America include Lifefactory and BottlesUp bottles.
Lifefactory’s bottles are made in the USA, Poland, and France.
Parts of BottlesUp glass water bottles are made in the USA. The other parts are made in North America and Central America.
These (partially) American-made bottles are the only bottles I can find that are made in the US. Even though it’s tough to find a bottle made in America, the glass bottles listed above, with the exception of the Love Bottle, are not made in China.
Why Use a Glass Water Bottle
Glass bottles are free of chemicals including BPA/S, phthalates, PVC, lead and cadmium. With a glass water bottle you know what you’re getting – a BPA free water bottle that’s durable and dishwasher safe.
It won’t break down over time. You can drink the water if it’s been left in the sun.
People tend to prefer glass bottles to stainless steel water bottles because they are made in countries other than China. You won’t have to question what chemicals make up the bottle… it’s glass.
Plus, if you don’t like the slight metallic taste that comes with some stainless bottles you’d likely want to try a glass bottle.
They also usually can be washed in the dishwasher safely. This means you can ensure it’s thoroughly clean.
It’s also great to be able to see into the water bottle. Other water bottles, especially if they aren’t cleaned well, can grow mold if they aren’t washed well and air-dried. But how would you know if you can’t see inside? Learn how to choose healthy water bottle.
Downsides to Glass Water Bottles
The biggest problem with glass bottles is that they break more easily than stainless steel. The silicone cases are supposed to help, but because they break so easily a glass water bottle may not be the best choice for children.
In addition, you’ll need to be sure you don’t bump your teeth with the mouth of the bottle.
Also, don’t put hot drinks in glass water bottles unless you buy one made with borosilicate glass. Otherwise, they are mildly heat resistant. Ice water is generally okay but you shouldn’t add ice to the bottle soon after taking it out of the dishwasher.
Also, never put them in the microwave.
Features to Consider When Buying Glass Water Bottles
It’s important to consider what is most important to you for your situation. Here are details to consider.
Size
The sizes of water bottles made of glass vary. They typically range from 22 ounces to 33 ounces.
Depending on your access to water during the course of the day, you may want a larger capacity. Also when considering a reusable water bottle, consider if you want a wide-mouth bottle or regular. Wide-mouth enables you to add ice cubes easily.
Straw or No Straw
I prefer drinking right from the bottle so my mouth is on the glass and not a silicone straw. We avoid straws in water bottles when possible because they are typically made from plastic. They are also difficult to clean.
Also, it sort of defeats the purpose of drinking from glass if there is plastic inside. However, for kids or when driving, it may make sense. Sipping can be safer.
Sling / Protection
The best bottles have a built-in protection via a silicone sleeve. But depending on your lifestyle and use for the bottle you may be fine with no sling or protection.
But really, you won’t regret having this sleeve. It’s meant to stay on the bottle, even in the dishwasher. It will protect your bottle and give it more of a chance from breaking if you should drop it.
Encased in Stainless Steel
Instead of a silicone sleeve, you can also get one enclosed in stainless steel or other metal. In this way, you won’t need to worry about it breaking. Another advantage is it will keep drinks cold.
Handle
Consider how you can hold the bottle and if it’s comfortable for you. Do you like to carry the bottle from a handle on the lid?
Where It’s Made and Manufactured
As previously mentioned, many people like glass water bottles because they aren’t made in China. If this is important to you consider the bottles that are manufactured in France, Italy, Japan, or the US. Remember to consider the cap, sleeve, and any parts.
Use of the Bottle
Are you planning on using your glass water bottle for sports? Hiking? Sitting at your desk? Around your house? In the car? You may want a wide-mouth bottle if you are more active or one with a straw if you will use it a lot while driving. Will it fit in the car drink holder?
You’ll have to consider the size, grip, and if it’s leakproof when you consider the best water bottles for kids.
Features
There are other features to consider such as if you want a fruit infused water bottle. Or you can buy a wide mouth bottle to also enjoy water with fruit.
If you want to ensure you can use it safely with hot or very cold drinks, you’ll want a borosilicate glass water bottle. If you want it to keep drinks hot, you’ll need one that’s insulated.
Also consider insulation and how protected you want the bottle to be.
You may also want to purify water in it so you’ll need to find one that has water bottle with a filter.
Mouth Size
Consider if you want a narrow mouth or a wide mouth. If you don’t put it in the dishwasher or if you choose a narrow mouth, consider also buying a bottle brush to clean it.
Replacement Lids
Some brands offer replacement lids. This can be helpful so that you can still use the bottle should something happen to the lid. Some lids are made with eco-friendly materials. Consider a bamboo lid.
Can You Reuse a Glass Water Bottle?
The idea with any reusable water bottle is that it reduces one-time use plastics. Carrying your own water makes it easier to drink more water throughout the day.
You can drink from a reusable water bottle every day but should wash it thoroughly before using it the next day. Bacteria can grow. Also, empty and airdry water bottles at night. They should have time to dry completely.
Choosing Best Glass Water Bottle
A lot of it comes down to personal preference and how you want to use it. Will you be carrying it with you as part of an active lifestyle? If you, you may want a convenient carry loop.
Do you want to be able to open it with one hand? Consider a bottle with a push button lid.
Consider capacity as well. You want it to be large enough to get the ounces you want to drink without needing to refill it but also need to consider the size and weight so you can stay hydrated. Will it need to fit in a car drink holder? If you’ll be carrying it in a backpack, consider a screw top lid rather than a push button.
You can find the perfect bottle for your situation.