What do you know about BPA-free stainless steel water bottles?

[ThetaDancer]

A heads up about one popular brand, Sigg: water bottles made before August 2008 contain BPA despite being made of metal. They have a plastic liner (that comes in direct contact with your water) that contains the chemical. Even though they've stopped using the chemical, some stores and websites still have the older versions, and as far as I know, there really isn't a way to distinguish the two unless the store specifically states that they are BPA-free because they look the same.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by ThetaDancer

A heads up about one popular brand, Sigg: water bottles made before August 2008 contain BPA despite being made of metal. They have a plastic liner (that comes in direct contact with your water) that contains the chemical. Even though they've stopped using the chemical, some stores and websites still have the older versions, and as far as I know, there really isn't a way to distinguish the two unless the store specifically states that they are BPA-free because they look the same.

True. I have a collection of stainless water bottles, including Sigg. The older Sigg bottles have an interior that looks coppery (visible around the neck of the bottle) & the newer BPA free ones have a greenish interior. It's definitely noticeable. I don't believe any of the new bottles have the old interior coating.

Sigg took quite a hit (negative press) in the summer about this & they did a free exchange (that has expired BTW) - you could trade in your old bottles for new ones, via the mail.

Sigg claimed that there was no danger b/c the bottles are only designed for cold liquid use & they had done rigorous testing, etc. You might find some press releases or info on this if you do a google search.

I did not like the GAIAM bottles (sold at Target & other locations) - they leak. Have had bad luck with the Laken bottles & certain styles of BILT bottles. I try as much as possible to avoid "made in China" bottles but that's a little challenging. Agree w/ previous posters that the Camelbak bottles are awesome; that's pretty much all I use. Living in the desert, water is a must & we are all gulping it all year around. I am forgetful at times b/c I'm traveling & moving from place to place during the day, which is why I keep replacing my bottles. Trying to be more mindful...

Another consideration is the ease of cleaning the interior of the bottle. Kits are sold for this purpose. And - many of the stainless bottles dent, easily. Not a one of my Sigg bottles wasn't damaged in some fashion.

I think BYO or some other company sells "sleeves" for the bottles. I look at places like Sierra Trading Post online to see if there are bottles on sale. This won't help right now, but for future reference a lot of bottles go on sale right after Christmas b/c they are winter/holiday designs. I've saved a lot of $ by buying on 12-26.