Aluminum bottles have grown in popularity as more people demand BPA free choices for reusable bottles. There are many new and old companies now promoting these bottles for everyday use. The Swiss company, Sigg, has been producing aluminum bottles since 1908 and provides a variety of shapes, sizes and design options to meet most needs. However, there are some drawbacks to switching from plastic to aluminum bottles.
Benefits
Besides not being made of questionable plastics, Sigg bottles have several production benefits. These include:
- available for hot and cold drinks
- cold drink bottles available in 144 different designs and 22 lids, all of which can be swapped for personal preference
- sizes range from 0.3 Liters to 1 Liter
- shapes include the classic oval style, round, thermos and sport bottles
- liner is FDA approved and independently tested
- testing shows the liner is completely inert and resistant to any leaching
Several different styles designed for cold drinks were used by an active family for a period of six months. The bottles replaced all plastic ones previously used and were exposed to the same usage conditions. A conversation with the family members revealed the following benefits:
- do not add a strange flavor to water when left in the sun
- tend to hold a colder temperature longer than plastic bottles
- sippy top lid is convenient for all ages
- standard loop top lid attaches to a small carabineer that can be attached to belts and backpacks
- 0.3 Liter bottle fits into a standard size lunch box
- sports bottle has a special coating so it does not easily slip from sweaty palms
- variety of colors, lids and shapes means everyone has a bottle style he or she likes
- interchangeable lids makes it easy to switch tops for different needs
- paint and designs do not scratch or flake off
Negatives
Though the response of the family was overwhelmingly positive, there were some negative aspects revealed. Some of these aspects can be contributed to being acclimated to using plastic sports bottles, but others are unique. The negatives include:
- Sigg bottles are heavier than plastics for the same volume
- the bottles dent when dropped on hard surfaces
- the sport style lid’s hinge for the cover can break when dropped on a hard surface
- the sippy lid’s cover has a convenient lip for small fingers, but it can break off if dropped
- standard loop top lid can be difficult to remove if hands are sweaty or sore
- cannot be placed in the freezer to cool the water, the side will split as the water turns to ice
- sport style lid can be challenging to figure out for drinking and does not hold up well against braces
Overall, the Sigg aluminum bottles are as convenient to use as plastic bottles. They are more versatile than plastic bottles since there are many different lids, sizes and styles to choose from and the lids can be used on any of the bottles. Though they cannot be frozen, the aluminum bottles are able to stay cool longer than plastic and do not leave a strange flavor in the fluids when allowed to warm.
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