Simple Modern vs HydroFlask water bottles – how do they compare? Insulated stainless steel water bottles are the ‘in’ thing these days and for a good reason. They keep water and other drinks cold (or hot) for far longer than you’ll probably need.
There are so many insulated water bottles to choose from, and sometimes making decisions is tough. That’s why we were eager to compare these 2 bottles to see how they stack up.
Utility
Table of Contents
Many insulated water bottles also work for hot beverages. The water bottles we reviewed are great for carrying hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even plain hot water on those chilly days.
Since these bottles are constructed with a double-walled vacuum seal, you won’t have to worry about condensation when filled with cold liquids, or burning your hands when carrying hot beverages. The airless space between the walls slows the temperature exchange between the drink in the bottle and the outside. So you can sip safely, and with dry hands!
On-the-Go Hydration
The great thing about these water bottles is you can take a beverage wherever you go. Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential since water is one of the most important ‘fuels’ that keeps the body going. Your body uses water to disperse nutrients and oxygen, allows your kidneys and liver to filter out wastes efficiently, keeps your bowels running smoothly, and so much more. Getting enough fluids will help your body feel (and function) better. Keeping water with you at all times in a bottle is a great way to get into a healthy hydration routine.
Are Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles Right for You?
Insulated stainless steel water bottles are a great way to keep water and other drinks hot or cold for long periods, even if you’re not at home. They’re great for students, working professionals, outdoorsy adventurers, and anyone else who likes to stay hydrated.
However, these bottles also require proper care to maintain their vacuum seal and prevent damaging the steel. They’re more of an investment than frivolous purchase (due to their higher prices). If well taken care of, insulated stainless steel water bottles should last for many years.
The majority of insulated bottles require handwashing and air drying; they’re not dishwasher safe (though sometimes their lids are). If you don’t think you’ll keep up with cleaning the bottle and lid properly, this product might not be for you.
Also, Simple Modern and HydroFlask bottles aren’t really marketed towards small children. If you’re looking for a water bottle for your young child (6 years old or younger), you should check out our product review for kids insulated stainless steel water bottles.
Simple Modern vs HydroFlask Features
Price
One of the most significant differences between Simple Modern and HydroFlasks bottles is the cost. Insulated stainless steel water bottles tend to be more expensive than plastic bottles due to the materials and craftsmanship. Still, the price difference between these two types of bottles is a little mind-boggling.
There’s often a correlation between the price of an item and how good the quality is, but this isn’t always the case. HydroFlask is known for their high-quality products as well as their price. However, the Simple Modern bottle line is a less expensive option.
Sizes Available
Both Simple Modern and HydroFlask bottles come in a variety of different sizes. Simple Modern bottles range in size from 14 ounces (414 mL) to 64 ounces (1893 mL). HydroFlask’s insulated water bottle comes in 2 sizes: 32 and 40 ounces (946 and 1183 mL).
The smaller bottles are suitable for school-aged children and teens, and the larger bottles work well for adults. You can pack the 14-ounce bottle in your kid’s school bag, fill the 18-ounce bottle with coffee before you go to work, or use the 40-ounce bottle to stay hydrated on a road trip. And the variety of sizes means you can choose the bottle size best suited to your lifestyle.
Temperature
In general, most insulated stainless steel water bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and HydroFlask and Simple Modern are no exception. But some of the larger bottles we reviewed were able to keep liquids cold for over 30 hours, some getting even closer to 40 hours, depending on their size.
Colors & Designs
Simple Modern’s Summit bottles not only come in a variety of sizes but also colors and designs. Color availability changes according to which size bottle you want, but even so, you won’t be disappointed by the selection. The hardest part about buying a Simple Modern bottle might be picking the design you want!
HydroFlask’s water bottle doesn’t have as large of a color selection as Simple Modern’s, but that comparison is hardly fair. Most of the insulated water bottles we’ve reviewed don’t have over a dozen colors to pick from like Simple Modern’s Summit bottle. HydroFlask’s water bottle color choice includes neutrals like graphite and white, to a bright pink and blue.
Overall, beauty (or in the case of water bottles, functionality) is really on the inside. Our detailed product review for Simple Modern and HydroFlasks’ water bottles is just ahead!
Product Reviews
Simple Modern’s Summit Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle with Extra Lid
Simple Modern water bottles are double-walled and vacuum insulated, which keeps your favorite beverage hot or cold for hours. They feature a thin layer of copper on the wall in the vacuum sealed area, which provides added insulation.
The bottle is made from premium gauge 18/8 stainless steel and is powder-coated for extra durability.
The Simple Modern Summit bottle is available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs, meaning you can purchase a water bottle that suits not only your drinking habits but also your personality.
The 32oz (946 mL) size bottle keeps drinks cold for 28 hours and hot for 12, while the 40oz (1183 mL) bottle keeps things hot for the same amount of time but cold for up 32 hours!
Purchase of the Summit bottle includes 2 lids: a stainless steel twist-on lid, and a plastic flip lid (best for hot drinks).
Pros
- Purchase includes 2 lids (a twist-on and a flip lid)
- More affordable than HydroFlask.
- BPA free.
- Leak-proof (twist lid)
- Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Larger sizes don’t fit cupholders.
HydroFlask’s Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Straw Cap
HydroFlask is known for their durable products, and this bottle is no exception. It is constructed with premium food-grade 18/8 BPA-free stainless steel and features a powder-coat finish.
This bottle will keep beverages hot for up to 6 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. The double-wall vacuum means condensation won’t develop on the outside of the bottle, and the cap is insulated to help maintain your beverage temperature.
The bottle’s wide mouth makes pouring easy and fits most backcountry water filters.
The finger ring in the lid lets you carry this bottle by hand and provides a place to clip the bottle to your bag.
Pros
- Convenient sizes.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Sweat-free.
- Other lid styles available.
Cons
- Price
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Straw lid isn’t leak-proof or suitable for hot liquids.
- Doesn’t fit in standard-sized cup holders.
And our winner is…
Our testers were most impressed the Simple Modern Summit Bottle after comparing the two bottles.
The biggest deal-breaker for us were the lids. The Summit bottle comes with a leak-proof twist-on lid and a flip lid, making this bottle suitable for hot and cold drinks right from the box.
HydroFlask comes with one straw lid, which is not leak-proof or safe to use with hot drinks. If you’re using your water bottle anywhere besides on your desk or at home, having a leak-proof bottle is really important, and HydroFlask’s lid falls short.
Whichever water bottle you choose, we hope it’ll keep you well-hydrated for many years to come!