Experimented on insulated water bottles during a heatwave: Affordable option failed to maintain cool liquid temperatures, while the priciest unit cost £12 and proved most effective.
Comparing Insulated Water Bottles from Major UK Retailers
In the quest for a reliable insulated water bottle to keep drinks cool during hot summer days, we took a closer look at options from Tesco, Ocado, Waitrose, Very.co.uk, and WHSmith. Here's what we found.
The Insulated Dual Adventure Water Bottle Cup With Handle 880ml, Tesco (£12) boasts a dual straw and chug hole, and it performed well, with a temperature rise of 5.1°C after 8 hours in direct sunlight. Notably, it didn't leak when turned upside down or laid on its side.
The Gym + Coffee 750ml, Very.co.uk (£22) is a popular choice among gym-goers, with a temperature rise of 4°C after 8 hours in the sun. It's watertight, ensuring no leaks when turned on its side or upside down.
From Ocado, the Ocado Smidge Reusable Water Bottle, 500ml stood out for its fluorescent orange design and impressive leak-proof performance. It had a temperature rise of 4.3°C after 8 hours, and the initial water temperature was 17°C.
The Sistema, 500ml, from Waitrose impressed with its stylish pinky-purple colour and excellent insulation. After spending 8 hours in the sunshine at 30°C, the liquid inside remained cool, and the bottle didn't leak when turned upside down or on its side. It was the best insulated bottle in this test.
The Contigo Streeterville Thermalock Tumbler 1.2l was available from both Ocado and Tesco. The Ocado version had a temperature rise of 5.7°C and leaked when everything was closed and lying on its side. The Tesco version, priced at £12, was a dupe of a Stanley Cup and had a removable straw but lacked storage for it when not in use.
The Black Matt 500ml Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle, WHSmith had a temperature rise of 4.2°C after 8 hours in direct sunlight. However, its screw-off lid became scorching hot after just 2 hours in the sun.
Lastly, the NPW Hydrate Feel Great, Waterstones was not actually insulated, and it felt cool to touch despite the soaring temperature of the water inside. It had a total temperature rise of 14.6°C after 8 hours in direct sunlight and 30°C heat.
While general knowledge suggests that insulated stainless steel water bottles from major UK retailers can keep beverages cold for around 6 to 12 hours, performance can vary significantly between brands and models. To make an informed decision, it's recommended to check independent review sites or consumer reports that test insulation effectiveness over extended hours, look at customer reviews on each retailer’s website, focusing on feedback related to heat retention, and consider well-known insulation brands like S'well, Hydro Flask, or Chilly's if performance is a priority.
Without detailed comparative tests or ratings in current search results, no definitive answer can be given about the relative performance of these retailers' insulated bottles for an 8-hour cooling period on a hot day. But with this overview, you're now better equipped to make a choice that suits your needs.
- For those seeking a versatile water bottle suitable for fashion-and-beauty routines or sports activities, the Insulated Dual Adventure Water Bottle Cup With Handle 880ml from Tesco would cater to both lifestyles, offering a dual straw and chug hole along with effective insulation.
- For avid travelers and food-and-drink enthusiasts tired of lukewarm bottles, the Sistema from Waitrose stands out with its stylish design and exceptional insulation capabilities, maintaining cool drinks even after 8 hours in the sun.
- To spruce up the home-and-garden area while ensuring a fresh drinking experience, one might consider the fluorescent orange Ocado Smidge Reusable Water Bottle, 500ml, with its impressive leak-proof performance and contemporary fluorescent design.
