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Sigg vs Klean Kanteen Water Bottles

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Sigg vs Klean Kanteen Water Bottles

So, you've finally seen the light and decided that a reusable water bottle is better for the environment as well as your health, but which bottle do you purchase? Sigg and Klean Kanteen are the most popular brands, but which is better?

I've been using my Sigg bottle for years, but it's time to recycle it and find a replacement. Do I stick with Sigg or switch to Klean Kanteen?

Let's compare them head to head:

The Story of Bottled Water (2010): by storyofstuffproject | video info

14,887 ratings | 2,154,129 views

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Sigg vs Klean Kanteen Comparison

Material & Weight

SIGG: Made of aluminum with a superthin baked on epoxy liner (now BPA free) and smaller polypropylene tops, Aluminum SIGGs have the lowest empty weights per volume, from 2.8 - 5.9 oz. SIGG thermos bottles are made of double walled stainless steel and weigh more than any single walled bottles. 100% recyclable

Klean Kanteen: Made of unlined thin stainless steel with medium sized polypropylene tops, Klean Kanteens come in next with empty weights from 4 oz - 11 oz. 100% recyclable

Ease of Cleaning

SIGG: Small mouth bottle needs special brush to be hand washed or use cleaning tabs; can be put in the dishwasher (tops should be hand washed to retain leakproof nature)

Klean Kanteen: Medium mouth bottle allows for easy hand washing with a standard bottle brush; can be put in the dishwasher (tops should be hand washed to retain leakproof nature)

Opening for Ice

SIGG: Standard ice cubes fit in wide mouth. Specialty long thin ice cube tray must be used to make ice cubes fit in classic mouth.

Klean Kanteen: Standard ice cubes fit in classic and wide mouths.

Manufacturing Sustainability

SIGG: Aluminum bottles are made in Switzerland for 100 years by well paid and trained workforce. Cleaning agents and paints are environmentally friendly.

Klean Kanteen: Sustainably made in China; bottles are randomly tested in US to ensure there are no hazardous substances such as lead.

Sipping Lip

SIGG: Internal threads with well designed lip at top. No splashing and easy to drink right from bottle.

Klean Kanteen: Small depth external threads with rolled lip at top, can splash because of bigger opening.

Tops

SIGG: Mediocre Kids top - easy to pour from when open but conveniently attached dust cover. Very Good Active Sports Top - easy to use one handed with decent flow rate and dust cover. Satisfactory Loop and Flat Top.

Klean Kanteen: Best child's sippy top - no leaks, easy to replace spouts, no dust cover. Mediocre sports top - low flow, makes squeaky noise during use, hard to remove cap. Satisfactory Loop and Flat top.

Style

SIGG: Wide range of colors and designs including custom designs and skins

Klean Kanteen: Stainless Steel or Colors available

Durability

SIGG: Aluminum bottles will dent if dropped. Finish scratches are hard to avoid. Tops and gaskets are durable in our tests, dust cap is easy to break.

Klean Kanteen: Stainless steel is most durable in our anecdotal tests. Unpainted versions stay looking like new longest, as colored ones can scratch. Gasket on top may degrade over time.

Thermal Properties

SIGG: ingle walled versions have no insulation. Cannot be frozen or welds will break. Double walled 0.5L bottles and thermoses are available. Cannot cook in SIGG bottles.

Klean Kanteen: Single walled with no insulation, but neoprene sleeves are available. Cannot be frozen or welds will break. Can heat over flame in a pinch but smaller top means heating will be uneven. Obviously the bottle will be very hot if you cook in it so use proper tools to handle bottle after heating.

[adapted from Metal Bottle Comparison « Baying Hound Howls]

Do you prefer Sigg or Klean Kanteen?

Sigg vs Klean Kanteen Water Bottles

Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Sigg Water Bottles

athensfever says:

I'm using daily the same Sigg for more than 5 years. very happy with it. I vote Sigg!

Posted January 26, 2012

Alex says:

103 Years proves that a company's products are good. Also, while a SIGG bottle is more expensive, they last forever. I found an old Sigg from cerca 18980 in my parents' garage, and it still was leak-proof, and I ended up using it for about a year.

Posted December 14, 2011

renstar says:

When I was travelling around Asia sigg was my water bottle of choice

Posted August 16, 2011

Kevin says:

Look into Liberty Bottleworks at libertybottle.com. The only American-made metal water bottle. 100% recycled aluminum and BPA free.

Posted May 26, 2011

James D says:

My K Kanteen just fell 2 feet and ripped a hole in the side. So, I bought a Sigg. So far, the bottle is easier to drink from and appears great! Keep in mind that businesses do production in countries like China that have weak environmental policy for $ reasons, not your health. Go deeper and research how stainless steel is processed with Chromium!

Posted May 02, 2011

walrustrick says:

Sigg. I like mine. Plus I get to support a manufacturer that HASN'T moved production to China.

Posted February 10, 2011

Yourshowman says:

Sigg Is Cool For Me :-)

Posted December 07, 2010

marianne says:

I just bought a crocodile creek for my kid....there is too much air coming through the mouth, so I was going to buy a sigg, now, after reading all this I'm not sure....I guess now that Sigg changed their bottles I will go for the nice design...

Posted November 23, 2010

newbizmau says:

I haven't tried either. The Sigg looks more appealing to me.

Posted October 09, 2010

lizziebeth says:

Sigg is the one we have. So I will vote for it.

Posted September 14, 2010

fanfreluche says:

Just because Kleen Canteen is made in China is enough for me to not trust them. I'd stick with Sigg.

Posted September 14, 2010

Tiffany says:

Hands down SIGG! Correction to above, Sigg Bottles are made in Switzerland not Sweden.

Posted August 26, 2010

siggy says:

SIGG IS SO MUCH BETTER! Kleen Kanteen's are annoying 'cuz after a while the bottom kinda goes out and then it wobbles on your table/desk. And it's annoying. And my friend said the bottom pops out. I just overall don't like the look though! No offence to Kleen Kanteen!!!

Posted May 22, 2010

brlittle says:

China? Sigg it is.

Posted April 30, 2010

linedpaperification says:

Sometimes after washing a Klean Kanteen, I find that they hold on to odours and smell. While you drink,you can smell unpleasant odours, and nobody wants to smell something smelly while they drink, although the water still tastes ok. I reccomend SIGG as the better choice.

Posted January 12, 2010

hlkljgk says:

i have to be honest, i think the negativity toward sigg is a bit unwarranted; they didn't do anything wrong; they never disclosed what their proprietary liners were made of and if bpa was used or not. they DID do extensive testing to ensure there was no leaching of any chemicals - and none was found. it's a great company that has offered a wonderful alternative to disposables and really helped to boost the movement.

Posted October 05, 2009

Joshua says:

I don't think that you have to throw out any good reusable bottle. Having a range (Nalgene, sigg, camelbak, Klean Kanteen) would be great. The materials are also versatile.

Now, in terms of durability, the Sigg would win. Even though the bottle will dent if dropped, what would break a Klean Kanteen would just flatten a Sigg. There was a golf ball test where leading bottles faced golf balls being shot out of a cannon. Every bottle, including Nalgene Lexan bottles and steel bottles broke. The Sigg only had major dents which were fixable. But the Klean kanteen is more heat resistant.

Posted September 26, 2009

hlkljgk says:

i've loved my sigg for years, and i don't think i'm ready to switch. i especially love the designs and the option to create my own.

Posted September 04, 2009

Klean Kanteen Water Bottles

feliciasfavs says:

After reading the info on this lens I would prefer Klean Kanteen.

Posted September 27, 2011

green girl says:

Klean Kanteen are easier to keep clean, as well as to put ice cubes in. Plus, their new insulated bottles are amazing for keeping drinks hot or cold (and the outside of the bottle dry--no sweating!) and can be used as commuter mugs with the optional cafe cap. Also, I don't like how Sigg originally claimed their liners were BPA free when they weren't. They have fixed this now apparently, but it still makes me wonder how trustworthy they are. I was concerned about Klean Kanteen being made in China too, but at least they've been honest about it and are apparently trying to do it responsibly. If eco-friendly companies to do business in China, won't that help encourage more responsible practices globally?

Posted June 09, 2011

Jimmy says:

I've went through 3 sigg bottles. There was a recall at one point but i still stuck to good ol' siggs after. I just got tired of siggs being so easy to dent that I decided to switch to something more durable...Klean Kanteens!

Posted January 04, 2011

TWOnline2 says:

klean because even though the Sigg has a thin liner, anything aluminum in my mind is always one of the most wrong things you can do for your health.

Posted December 13, 2010

Sylvestermouse says:

This just happens to be the brand that we use, but I can't say whether it is better or not.

Posted December 07, 2010

Asinka says:

Just because I've used Klean Kanteen!

Posted October 28, 2010

Kristopher says:

Kleen Kanteen for sure! Aluminum vs. Stainless? Thats a no brainer.

Posted October 22, 2010

Rajays says:

I have used Klean Kanteen. Never used Sigg so going with the one I know.

Posted September 28, 2010

tandemonimom says:

I haven't tried Klean Kanteen, but I have tried Sigg and the metallic taste was too much for my kids; they wouldn't drink it.

Posted September 16, 2010

AkitaJitsu says:

I have to go with Klean Kanteen since the company is from my hometown :)

(Cheaper than Sigg too - at least around here)

Posted September 12, 2010

carlos says:

yo no recomiendo las de aluminio,hacen dano ,debemos usar stainless steel
a mi hijo se le hizo una prueba de metales pesados y entre los metales mas elevados era el aluminio, y lo dificil que es eliminar del cuerpo ,en mi casa no se usa nada en aluminio
todo es stainless steel , cristal

Posted July 31, 2010

carla says:

yo compre una botella de klean kanteen verde,y la verdad que la pintura se le salio bien rapido,es mejor las sin color,no compren las de colores

Posted July 31, 2010

HappyMomof1 says:

Klean Kanteen works for our family. Something about the baked-on inner coating of Sigg bottles doesn't sit well with me. Also, the whole Sigg BPA controversy left a sour taste in my mouth (no pun intended).

Posted July 24, 2010

thedean says:

Klean Kanteen. Stainless is better and you can cook in it.

Posted July 17, 2010

James says:

WELL, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS....

http://realgreengirl.blogspot.com/2008/07/sigg-vs-klean-kanteen-no-contest.html

Posted July 15, 2010

Heather says:

I was disappointed when it turned out that Sigg had BPA in the liner, after saying that their company was a good alternative to BPA bottles. Then it was really difficult to get a replacement, and twice my new bottle's liner flaked away. I've since ordered a Klean Kanteen.

Posted May 23, 2010

steelhead says:

The stainless bottle gets my vote. If you are going to choose a metal bottle why would you want a plastic liner. The other issue is freezing. If you live some place cold and ever leave your water bottle in the car or use it in the wilderness the aluminum bottles tend to split open when frozen while the steel do not

Posted April 27, 2010

Ben says:

Klean Kanteen all the way!! If you put booze in a Sigg the alcohol messes with the epoxy line.

Posted February 11, 2010

James says:

If you're smelling something when you drink from your Kleen Kanteen, even after cleaning it, most likely it is something living under the gasket on the top (and squeezing out onto the lip of the bottle when you close it). Gently pry off the gasket, and clean it and the cap with warm, soapy water. Let dry thoroughly before replacing. In my experience, this will make it good as new.

Posted January 24, 2010

Annie says:

The ice cubes fit it Klean Kanteen. That's the difference.

Posted January 14, 2010

view all 43 comments

Buy a Sigg Water Bottle

Sigg Simply Eco Loop Top Water Bottle (1.0-Liters, One step at a time)

Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)

Perhaps you're sick of your boring-looking plastic water bottle that makes water taste like yesterday's fruit punch, and sick of worrying about stuff leaching into your water. Grab Sigg's Lifestyle 1.0L Screw Top Bottle. Sigg's non-leaching interior lining combats residue buildup, so flavors won't stay behind even if your Lifestyle 1L Bottle sits out in the sun all afternoon. Sigg extruded this decorative bottle out of a single piece of aluminum, so it's rugged and crack-resistant, although it might ding if dropped (dents don't crack or harm the interior lining).

Sigg Water Bottle Accessories

Important!

SIGG USA
Eco-Friendly, Reusable Swiss Water Bottles
♲
Klean Kanteen Official Site
The original eco-friendly, bpa-free, reusable stainless steel water bottle

Buy a Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Poly Loop Cap (40-Ounce)

Amazon Price: $23.32 (as of 02/16/2012)

When you're looking to replace your kids old plastic water bottles or just need a small bottle for your office or gym bag, fill up the Klean Kanteen 12oz Water Bottle. This bottle features a 100% recyclable, food-grade stainless steel construction that's BPA free and doesn't have a synthetic lining like some other steel bottles. Adapt it into a sippy cup for your little one with the optional spout (sold separately) or clip the included loop-top cap to your backpack or work bag.

Klean Kanteen Water Bottle Accessories

American Made Aluminum Bottle

BPA free

Liberty Bottle Works 24 Oz. Audrey Kranz Bottle, Coded Flowers

Amazon Price: $15.65 (as of 02/16/2012)

* Made in the USA!
* Made from 100% recycled materials and 100% recycleable
* Patented 1/4 turn lid closure for quick and easy access
* Large mouth, no thread design for easy cleaning and splash free drinking
* Certified BPA Free

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Insulated Drinking Bottle

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle, Classic Stainless, 24-Ounce

Amazon Price: $22.75 (as of 02/16/2012)

Hydro Flask are made of high quality 18/8 stainless steel. There are no liners, like with aluminum bottles and are completely safe and BPA free. This double wall insulated bottle is lightweight, which is great for everyday or long hikes. The mouth is the perfect size for ice cubes, but not too big to cause you to spill down your shirt. You can put the beverage of your choice in these bottle, hot or cold, and know that they will stay that way for hours.

Double wall insulation keeps drinks cold for more than 24 hours and hot for at least 12 hours
Premium grade 18/8 Stainless Steel, BPA free
Does not sweat
A perfect fit for bike racks and most car cup holders
A great way to give back%u2026Hydro Flask donates 5 % to a charity of your choice

And There Are Reusable Glass Bottles

Lifefactory 22-Ounce Beverage Bottle, Red

Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 02/16/2012)

BPA, phthalate, PVC, and polycarbonate free
Silicone sleeve is free of plastics and 100% non-toxic
All materials are FDA approved
With glass there is no chemical leaching and no metallic taste
Widemouth bottle make it easy to add ice, citrus slices, tea bags, etc
Patent pending silicone sleeve provides a great gripping surface and helps to prevent breakage
Bottle and sleeve can be put in the dishwasher together
22oz (650ml)

Do you use a reusable water bottle?

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sousababy Oct 11, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete

Came back to google +1 this gem.

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sousababy Oct 11, 2011 @ 9:08 am | delete

You know, I have always suspected that something changed the taste of my water - I have a BPA-free one and a metal one. To be honest, the best tasting water is from a glass container though. I am glad you addressed what so many of us suspected. In Canada, we don't have these brand names (and off-hand I forget the brand names, sorry). Good to see a purple star on this one.

Reply

adamfrench Sep 28, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete

Impressive lens, thumbs up

Reply

feliciasfavs Sep 27, 2011 @ 4:10 pm | delete

I normally use plastic water bottles but I would prefer metal so I would totally love the Klean Kanteen.

Reply

renstar Aug 16, 2011 @ 6:08 pm | delete

Great Lens, I love sigg water bottles

Reply

HSSchulte Feb 23, 2011 @ 8:40 am | delete

Sigg lied about the liner being BPA free for years. Now they have replaced it, I see no reason to believe them when they claim this one is BPA free.

Reply

hlkljgk Jul 15, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete

SIGG never lied. they just never told what was in their liners (proprietary). however, they had their liners tested by a reputable 3rd party to find there was no leaching of any chemicals.