Straight to the Level
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Metal Straw and Brush Set is our choose for the perfect metallic reusable straw, because of its silicone prime, cleansing brush, and carrying case. For those who’re on the lookout for a silicone straw, take a look at the Flathead Bent Reusable Straws—they’re broad sufficient to deal with thick smoothies.
I began utilizing reusable consuming straws in 2015 when a good friend gave me a glass straw for my birthday. I cherished that straw and used it each day till a 12 months later, it shattered into smithereens towards my mason jar. (Enjoyable truth: Glass straws can accumulate tiny nicks that finally compromise the straw’s structural integrity.)
Since then, I’ve tried all types of reusable straws: versatile silicone straws, chrome steel straws, and “all-natural” bamboo straws. I’ve realized so much about what makes a superb straw, however after misplacing an outdated favourite, I wished to seek out the finest reusable straw. To take action, I examined 15 of them, utilizing the straws to drink a number of chilly water, iced tea, and thick smoothies. I discovered 5 winners that gained’t go away you thirsty for extra.
The Winners, at a Look
These straws are simple to maintain clear—metallic doesn’t stain—and so they have a helpful carrying case, so you possibly can take them wherever your iced drink adventures deliver you. The silicone topper makes them simpler and comfier to sip from.
These straws had been sturdy and didn’t remind me of floppy worms! (I couldn’t say the identical for different silicone straws.) A lot of the silicone choices I examined had been too slim to accommodate a thick smoothie, however these had no downside.
Bamboo straws stain simply and aren’t as sturdy as metallic or silicone. However when you like their look and texture, the ibambo straws are a superb purchase. They’d a smoother end than the opposite bamboo choices I examined, and the cleansing brush was improbable.
There isn’t a lot variance between manufacturers of glass straws. They break simply, in fact, however look good in a smoothie glass and don’t stain. This set comes with each straight and bent straws.
The GIR straws got here with a carrying case that might match within the “tiny pocket” of my denims. The straws are skinny and supremely flexible, and the cleansing squeegee labored nicely. You’ll be able to select from three colour units, and so they’re dishwasher-safe.
The Assessments
- Chilly Water Take a look at: I crammed a consuming glass with ice water and popped in a straw. I let it sit for 3 minutes, then drank from the straw, noting if it had grow to be uncomfortably chilly.
- On the Go Take a look at: To find out how nicely the straws performed with to-go lids, I took them to a espresso store and ordered an iced tea. I inserted the straw into the lid’s opening, noting whether or not it punctured the lid simply or needed to be pressured in.
- Smoothie Take a look at: I made a thick smoothie with banana, peanut butter, and spinach. I used the straw to drink the smoothie, observing if the straw’s diameter was broad sufficient to accommodate the viscous liquid. As soon as I completed, I let the straw sit within the glass for 3 hours. I hand-washed the straw, utilizing the included brush or cleansing wand, and famous if it was simple to wash off the crusted-on smoothie.
What We Discovered
The Most Versatile Reusable Straws Have been at Least 0.3 Inches Extensive
For those who solely use straws for water and different skinny liquids, you don’t want to fret a couple of straw that’s broad sufficient to deal with thicker stuff. However smoothie drinkers will recognize a straw with a 0.3-inch—or wider—opening. My profitable straw, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Metal Straw and Brush Set, had a beneficiant 0.5-inch diameter. The ibambo Bamboo Reusable Straws squeaked by with a paltry 0.25-inch diameter opening, though that was simply the product’s official measurement. A number of the straws within the bundle I acquired had been wider, owing to the pure variations in bamboo.
The Finest Straws Mixed Steel and Silicone
Steel straws ticked all of my bins: sturdy, secure to drink from, dishwasher-safe, and stain-resistant. However the metallic didn’t really feel good towards my tooth, and it turned uncomfortably chilly in ice water or iced tea. One of the best straws had been manufactured from metallic with a silicone topper. The OXO straws had been an excellent instance of this design, with a snug-fitting prime that might be slid off or adjusted for a taller or shorter straw. The Zoku Reusable Straw with Journey Case had a silicone topper, nevertheless it was too small to be helpful. The Kleen Kanteen Stainless Metal Straw Set additionally featured silicone caps, however they had been lengthy and floppy—not simple to drink from!
10 Inches Was a Handy Size
Most straws I examined had been 10 inches lengthy—splendid for medium and enormous sizes of to-go cups, and highball-style glasses. As you may see in a lot of the footage on this overview, 10 inches appears to be like silly-long in most of my consuming glasses, however general I believe it is higher to have a too-big straw. Two of my winners—the ibambo Bamboo Reusable Straws and GIR Reusable Silicone Straws—had been a petite eight inches, which may fall brief in a 16-ounce iced espresso. However they’d be a more sensible choice for youths or blended drinks.
Oval Silicone Straws Have been a Miss, however Angled Bottoms Have been Nice
The silicone straws I examined had both round or oval openings. The oval openings had been a intelligent concept in idea: They’re meant to slip simply into the small openings of to-go lids. However in follow, they had been disagreeable to sip from, and it was powerful to suck a smoothie by means of their small openings. The Koffie Straw specifically was depressing with a peanut butter smoothie. Cleansing them was additionally powerful—particularly in the event that they weren’t washed immediately. A lot of the straws match within the to-go lids simply effective, so an oval form wasn’t vital.
A number of the silicone straws had angled bottoms, which had been very useful in slurping up the previous few drops from a cup. This design wasn’t discovered on any of the bamboo, metallic, or glass straws, so if sipping each ounce of smoothie out of your cup is essential to you, get a silicone straw, just like the Flathead Bent Reusable Straws.
Bamboo Straws Have been Typically Tough Across the Edges
Pure bamboo straws look interesting, and so they’re touted as a extra eco-friendly possibility (most are biodegradable). However they stain simply, a truth I observed in an unofficial follow-up take a look at with a blackberry shake. They’re additionally essentially the most “naturally flavored,” and so they imparted a woody style to the water, iced tea, and smoothie. Extra concerningly, the Bambaw bamboo straws had been cracked and splintered across the edges straight out of the field. The ibambo straws had smoother edges, however there was a giant variance in width.
The entire Glass Straws Have been Positive
There isn’t a lot room for innovation relating to glass straws: They’re all just about the identical. The glass straws I examined had been thick and had broad openings. Dried-on smoothie was simple to clean off. The truth is, I couldn’t discover any discernible variations between the Hiware and JimJim straws past the truth that the JimJims are actually unavailable. Nevertheless, I’m relentlessly powerful on glassware and fear it’d be solely a matter of time earlier than all of my glass straws shattered. The much less accident-prone amongst us can take pleasure in glass straws with out concern.
The Standards: What to Search for in a Reusable Straw
One of the best reusable straws had been snug to drink from, sturdy, and might be cleaned simply. Taking your straw on the go? You’ll need one with a carrying case. For medium- and large-sized cups, 10 inches was a really perfect size, however eight inches labored simply effective for sipping at residence. If you would like a metallic straw, search for one with a detachable silicone topper. Silicone straws ought to have rounded openings and angled bottoms, and shouldn’t be too floppy. One of the best bamboo straws are comparatively uniform in dimension and form, with no splinters on the edges. Glass straws ought to be manufactured from borosilicate glass, which is robust.
Our Favourite Reusable Straws
What we preferred: These metallic straws are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and really sturdy. The silicone prime slid on simply and might be adjusted for a taller straw. The topper was robust, and by no means flopped round. The straws include a carrying case and the cleansing brush is well-designed, with a deal with on the finish for higher leverage. (The comb additionally matches contained in the case.) After testing all the straws, that is the one I opted to maintain for on a regular basis use.
What we didn’t like: The silicone topper was vulnerable to selecting up scents and flavors, so that you’ll need to hand-wash it and use an unscented dish detergent. They’re fairly dear for simply two straws.
Key Specs
- Materials: Chrome steel, silicone
- Model: Straight
- Size: 10.5 inches
- Diameter: 0.5 inches
- Care directions: Dishwasher-safe
What we preferred: These silicone straws are simply the precise thickness for a sturdy-yet-squishable straw. (For those who prefer to chew or chew on straws, you’ll doubtless discover this one very palatable.) The underside of the straw is angled—a sensible characteristic for getting the previous few drops of no matter you’re consuming. It was notably useful with my smoothie. They’re 0.3 inches in diameter, which is a lot broad for many shakes and smoothies. The seams that run alongside the highest and backside of the straws are skinny and discrete. The set features a drawstring carrying case.
What we didn’t like: As a result of the straws are bent, they’re more durable to wash with the comb. The model’s emblem is stamped onto the highest portion of the straw, which wasn’t a giant deal however felt a bit bizarre in my mouth (though that’s the norm with silicone straws). These value nearly $25 for 10 straws, which is greater than most individuals want.
Key Specs
- Materials: Silicone
- Size: 10 inches
- Model: Bent
- Diameter: 0.3 inches
- Care directions: Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is good to reduce scent pickup)
What we preferred: The ibambo straws had a evenly lacquered end that resisted staining and smells. It additionally made the straws good to drink from. (The opposite bamboo straw I examined, the Bambaw, had a tough, splintered texture.) The included bristle brush was top-of-the-line I attempted, with a number of lengthy, fluffy bristles.
What we didn’t like: The straws different wildly by way of thickness, however that’s as a result of they’re made out of actual bamboo stalks. They shouldn’t be soaked, so that you’ll need to clear them proper after use to keep away from crusted-on smoothies or lingering flavors. They’re a bit of brief for 16-ounce to-go cups.
Key Specs
- Materials: Bamboo
- Size: 8 inches
- Model: Straight
- Diameter: 0.25
- Care directions: Hand-wash
What we preferred: This set contains two straight and two bent straws. They’re 10 inches lengthy, which works nicely with highball and tall glasses. The cleansing straw is nice, and since the straws are completely clear, you possibly can see and eliminate stuck-on particles. I had no downside cleansing them, irrespective of how a lot smoothie turned caked on.
What we didn’t like: Like all glass straws, these are extremely breakable. They’ll accumulate tiny, invisible-to-the-eye nicks and dings, which is able to make them much less secure to make use of over time.
Key Specs
- Materials: Borosilicate glass
- Size: 10 inches
- Model: Bent and straight
- Diameter: 0.4 inches
- Care directions: Dishwasher-safe, however hand-washing is beneficial
What we preferred: These straws had been tremendous enjoyable to fold and pack away! They nestle right into a small carrying case roughly the dimensions and form of an earbud holder. The set contains 5 straws, which gave me a pleasant vary of colour selections however didn’t take up area in a drawer. Though I used to be initially skeptical of the silicone squeegee, it labored very well on crusted-on spinach bits. For those who don’t like this dimension, you should buy related kinds from GIR in additional broad, cocktail glass, and kid-friendly sizes.
What we didn’t like: These straws are undoubtedly floppier. That’s intentional—they must be versatile to allow them to fold into the carrying case—however individuals who choose a sturdier straw will need to look elsewhere. The silicone case picked up pet hairs and mysterious bottom-of-the-tote-bag confetti. They’re on the shorter aspect.
Key Specs
- Materials: Silicone
- Size: 8 inches
- Model: Straight
- Diameter: 0.3 inches
- Care directions: Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is good to reduce scent-pickup)
The Competitors
- Kleen Kanteen Stainless Metal Straw Set: The Kleen Kanteen straws took the silicone topper directive too far: They featured a straight metallic straw with a really versatile, very floppy bent silicone mouthpiece. They had been awkward to drink from, though I did like the intense major colours of the silicone toppers.
- ALINK Stainless Metal Straws: With no silicone sheath, I cringed each time my tooth clinked towards these straws’ chrome steel. They obtained very chilly throughout the ice water take a look at.
- Koffie Straw: The Koffie Straw is marketed at espresso drinkers who concern tooth staining. However the lid-friendly oval mouth was disagreeable to drink from, and I couldn’t match the cleansing brush inside. May I recommend a whitening toothpaste as a substitute?
- JimJim Clear Glass Straws: It was a toss-up between these and the glass straw winners, the Hiware—till I realized that the JimJims had been now not obtainable.
- Bambaw Bamboo Reusable Straws: These straws had been poorly manufactured. A couple of had cracks and splinters across the mouth, and their thickness and diameter different extensively from straw to straw.
- Nightingale Reusable Silicone Straws: Though this set earned factors for its agency, steady building, the mouth was extra flat than spherical and was troublesome to drink a smoothie from. (This design, just like the Koffie Straw, is made for use with a disposable to-go cup’s lid. An attention-grabbing concept, however in the end not that helpful.) I disliked the heavy seams operating alongside the highest and backside of your complete straw. Though that was a characteristic shared by all silicone straws, these had been notably pronounced.
- Softy Straws: So far as silicone straws go, these had been effective. However the extra-long, notched cleansing squeegee was a nightmare to make use of. Rumor has it I nonetheless haven’t been in a position to extract it from the center of one in all my take a look at straws.
- Zoku Reusable Straw with Journey Case: This collapsible metallic straw hit a lot of my marks—it had a (small) silicone topper, a cleansing brush, and a carrying case that wasn’t a lot larger than a tube of lip balm. However it had a behavior of collapsing whereas I used to be utilizing it, a betrayal I merely couldn’t forgive.
FAQs
What’s one of the best ways to wash a reusable straw?
It is determined by the kind of straw. Steel straws are dishwasher-safe, however you need to take away any silicone components earlier than operating them by means of a cycle as a result of silicone traps and holds onto scents and flavors (dishwasher detergent doesn’t pair nicely with iced tea.) Bamboo, silicone, and glass straws ought to be hand-washed. Keep away from soaking bamboo straws to reduce warping. The within of all straws ought to be cleaned with a cleansing brush—most include one, however you possibly can purchase them on-line for reasonable.
Are plastic straws dangerous for the surroundings?
Plastic straws contribute to land and ocean air pollution, though they’re not the only wrongdoer. Plastic baggage and single-use plastic packaging additionally contribute to the issue. Small plastic particles (microplastics) are absorbed by soil, animals, and people. Past being dangerous (clearly) to the surroundings, microplastics could make their approach into people who devour seafood and salt. That mentioned, microplastics have been confirmed to be current just about all over the place, together with faucet water and produce.
Are reusable straws higher for the surroundings?
Probably. As with reusable napkins, the fabric sourcing and manufacturing practices matter. It’s additionally essential to reduce your waste, so when you do select to purchase a reusable straw, maintain it in good situation and use it for so long as you possibly can. An eco-friendly model of any product loses its inexperienced shine if it’s shortly discarded right into a landfill.
Why We’re the Specialists
- Rochelle Bilow is a commerce editor at Severe Eats. Earlier than becoming a member of the group, Rochelle freelanced for the positioning.
- She has been writing about meals professionally for 15 years, and has been reviewing home equipment and cooking gear for Severe Eats for 3 years. Her current opinions embrace dishwashing gloves and waffle makers.
- For this overview, Rochelle examined 13 straws, evaluating them on their efficiency in smoothies, iced tea, and to-go cups.