The best reusable straws will be comfortable to use, durable, easy to clean, and can handle daily use. Reusable straws are more popular than ever since we’ve learned more about how harmful plastic straws are for the environment. Because of this, many restaurants and bars are also no longer offering straws. If you’re someone who can’t live without straws and you want to be more environmentally conscious, then buying a set of reusable straws is a great option and one that’s affordable.
However, you’ll have your work cut out for you in terms of finding a set that’s durable and actually designed to last. That’s where I come in. I’ve tested out several different types of straws, narrowing it down to four that you’ll love. These straws are comfortable to use, durable, and designed to last.
Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the models in my top lineup, their best features, and their rating.
Table of Contents
- Reusable Straws Comparison Chart
- Hiware Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
- Zmaxqii Plastic Straws
- Tegion Slender Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws
- Boonboo Straws Bamboo Drinking Straws
- Reusable Straws Buyer’s Guide
- Benefits of Reusable Straws
- Other Important Features
- Types of Reusable Straws
- Cleaning and Care
- How to Clean Reusable Straws
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Reusable Straws Comparison Chart
Product | Type | Number in Set | Dishwasher Safe | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hiware Reusable Straws Shop On Amazon! | Stainless Steel | 12 | Yes | |
Zmaxqii Plastic Straws Shop On Amazon! | Plastic | 32 | No | |
Tegion Slender Reusable Straws Shop On Amazon! | Silicone | 6 | Yes | |
Boonboo Bamboo Drinking Straws Shop On Amazon! | Bamboo | 16 | No |
Hiware Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
Straws that are made out of stainless steel are durable, designed to last, and can be a great choice if you’re looking for the perfect straw to use with cold beverages. However, straws made out of this type of material do have their limitations. This set by Hiwire earned a top rating for its versatility and high-quality construction.
These stainless steel straws include twelve reusable straws, with three bent straws and three straight straws measuring in at 10.5 inches, and three straight and bent straws that are 8.5 inches in length. The straws are made out of 18/8 food grade stainless steel and are lead and BPA-free. They’re also dishwasher safe for easier cleanup. If you want to wash these straws by hand then you can use the two long nylon cleaning brushes that come with this set.
Pros of Reusable Straws
- Set includes twelve straws
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Includes two cleaning brushes
Cons
- Cannot be used with hot drinks
Conclusion
These straws are durable, available in two style options and two lengths, so you can use them for your favorite ice cold beverage. The straws should not be used for hot beverages since stainless steel conducts heat very well. The straw’s durability, style options, and dishwasher safe design make this set a steal for the price.
Zmaxqii Plastic Straws
While it may seem odd to purchase a set of plastic straws, since disposable plastic straws are not considered eco-friendly, this particular set is free from harmful chemicals and can be reused for several months, allowing you to do your part for the environment by not using and tossing out several straws a year.
This is a set of thirty-two reusable plastic straws that come in a wide range of colors. The plastic is made out of BPA-free material and measures in at 10.25 inches long. This set also comes with a couple of cleaning brushes, so they’re easy to clean by hand, but they are also dishwasher safe.
The straws are easy to cut through, so you can cut them down to size for smaller cups. They are also compatible with cups ranging from sixteen ounces up to thirty ounces.
Pros
- Wide range of colors
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be cut down to size
- Includes two cleaning brushes
Cons
- Can melt if placed in the dishwasher, because of this washing by hand is recommended
Conclusion
These straws are reusable, durable, and a great choice for the kids. While the manufacturer claims that these straws can be tossed in the dishwasher, there have been some reports that these straws can melt, so washing by hand is recommended. The straws are BPA-free, sturdy, and made out of plastic that’s eco-friendly and food grade. While they’re not quite as durable as stainless steel, they’re a great choice for on the go use, and if you’re looking for straws that are more versatile and customization.
Tegion Slender Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws
Silicone straws can be a great alternative because they can be used for both hot and cold drinks, unlike other types of reusable straws. This set is a great buy if you prefer to chew on straws since the durable, soft material will not hurt your mouth and the material itself will not tear or crack.
These durable silicone straws are comfortable to use and are made out of an odorless, non-toxic material. The set consists of six straws and two cleaning brushes. While dishwasher safe, they cannot be used in the microwave. These straws are designed to fit cups that are twenty to thirty ounces long. They measure in at ten inches long and will bend after two-inches. The durable straws are wider and can be used for Boba tea, smoothies, and other types of thick drinks.
Pros
- Includes six bendable straws
- Ten-inch length
- Dishwasher safe
- Two cleaning brushes
Cons
- Cannot be used in microwave
Conclusion
This set of six bendable straws are made out of durable silicone, come with cleaning brushes that will allow you to remove stuck on food, and can be tossed in the dishwasher for easier cleanup. The straws are compatible with cups that are twenty to thirty ounces in length only, which can be somewhat limiting. Overall, the straws can handle daily use and are very versatile.
Boonboo Straws Bamboo Drinking Straws
Bamboo straws are not as durable as stainless steel or even silicone and tend to hang onto flavors after several months of use, however, this particular set is impressively durable and a great buy if you’re looking for a beautiful set that can be used for all types of liquids.
These straws are made out of one hundred percent bamboo. The straws themselves are tasteless and odorless and will work well for both thin and thick liquids, such as smoothies. They can also be used for both hot and cold beverages. These eco-friendly straws can last for several months, with proper maintenance. Keep in mind, they are not dishwasher safe and should be washed by hand using the included cleaning brush.
Pros of Bamboo Drinking Straws
- Eco-friendly
- Can be used for hot and cold beverages
- Odorless
- Cleaning brush included
Cons of Straws
- Must be washed by hand
Conclusion
These long-lasting straws are built tough and made out of one hundred percent bamboo. They’re odorless, tastes, and eco-friendly. They cannot be washed in the dishwasher, since doing so can cause the straws to warp. Instead, you’ll need to wash them by hand using the included cleaning brush. These straws are a great buy if you’re looking for a set that’s more versatile and straws that can be used for both hot and cold beverages.
Reusable Straws Buyer’s Guide
Just a few years ago, you didn’t see the wide selection of reusable straws available that you’ll find today. Back in 2018 many cities and states started a ban on plastic straws, since they contributed to a significant portion of waste each year. Even in cities and states where there is not a ban, many places are making the switch to straw-free life. This can be frustrating for people who prefer to use a straw, or even those with medical conditions that require the use of a straw in order to drink properly. Reusable straws are now in high demand, and offered at reasonable prices, so it’s totally possible for people to stock up on a variety of types and styles. But choosing the most durable and comfortable type can be a hit or miss, since the market is now flooded with them. If you’ve never purchased this type of straw before, then this buyer’s guide will come in handy, helping you to find the perfect type for you and your family.
When you’re shopping for reusable straws, there are many factors you’ll want to consider before you buy. In order to find the right type, you’ll need to consider why you need them. Consider which type of material you prefer, the types of liquids you’ll use them for, and how many you need.
Before I dive into what features to look for, I’ll discuss the many benefits of using these straws and why you’ll never want to drink your favorite beverage without one.
Benefits of Reusable Straws
- Reusable straws have gained a lot of attention over the last couple of years since many companies began phasing out plastic straws. Some cities have even totally banned plastic utensil use, including straws. Reusable straws are highly portable, so you can take them with you when you’re dining out, and drink more comfortably.
- Americans use more than five million straws a day, which is terrible for the environment. Reusable straws help to cut down on waste, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
- Plastic straws can be uncomfortable to use. With a reusable straw you’ll have your choice of the type of material used.
Other Important Features
As more cities, states, restaurants, and coffee shops begin to phase out plastic straws, you may find yourself having to drink your favorite smoothie or iced coffee without one, which can be difficult to do. Even though some public food places are now offering paper straws as a more environmentally friendly alternative, they tend to get soggy rather quickly and aren’t exactly comfortable to use.
Because of this, many people are turning to reusable straws as a much more comfortable alternative. These straws are durable, flexible, and more comfortable to use than plastic or paper straws, and you can take them with you wherever you go.
Now that you know more about the benefits of using these types of straws, let’s check out what features to look for to ensure you end up with a set that’s designed to last.
Types of Reusable Straws
Below, I’ll go over the different types of straws to choose from and which type will be a great choice based on the consistency of a drink and whether you’re making a hot or cold beverage.
Stainless Steel
This type of straw would be a bad choice for hot beverages such as tea or coffee, since they’re not heat resistant. However, they’re an excellent choice for cocktails and cold drinks since the steel will help to keep the drinks cold for a longer period of time.
Glass
Glass is corrosion resistant, which makes them a great choice for acidic beverages such as fruit juices or soda. Glass is also a type of material that’s heat resistant, which makes them a good choice for hot beverages. Considered very versatile, these types of straws are a great option if you need a type you can use for both hot and cold beverages.
Bamboo
This is a great natural option. These straws are made out of one hundred percent biodegradable material, making them a more environmentally friendly option. However, they can carry a distinct taste over time, so they will need to be replaced more often than stainless steel or glass straws.
Silicone
Silicone is a flexible material that makes it very comfortable to use. They can remain at room temperature, even when they’re submerged in hot liquid. They can also be useful when it comes to Boba tea and smoothies, since they often feature a wider diameter compared to other types of reusable straws.
Cleaning and Care
Straws that are made out of stainless steel are very easy to clean and can be washed by hand or tossed into the dishwasher. However, since they’re very narrow it can be difficult to see if the inside of these straws is clean.
Silicone straws are often washed by hand. They can be difficult to clean, so I recommend using a little baking soda to clean out the inside.
Bamboo straws should be washed by hand, or they can be boiled on the stove with water and vinegar.
Models made out of glass can be placed in the dishwasher or washed by hand. Since they’re transparent, it’s easy to see if they’re clean or still dirty.
BPA-Free
Make sure the products you choose are BPA-free. BPA is a type of chemical that is commonly found in many household items and it’s been closely linked to health problems, including many types of cancer.
Liquid Type
Whether you need a straw for drinking iced coffee or a smoothie, you need to choose a straw based on your drinking preferences. As an example, you won’t use a narrow stainless steel straw to drink Boba tea or a smoothie, but you would use a silicone straw. In some cases, you may need to buy different types of straws for the different drinks you often enjoy. Fortunately, most sets are very affordable.
Ease of Use
The diameter, length, and shape of the straw can have an impact on how it feels to drink from it. If the straw is too narrow, then it will be difficult to use for thicker liquids. If the straw is too wide, then you’ll end up sucking up too much liquid at once. A shorter straw may not be able to reach the bottom of a glass, while a straw that’s too long may protrude awkwardly from the top of your glass. In most cases, straws that are eight to ten inches in length are a good choice and can fit most types of glasses, making them more comfortable to use.
How to Clean Reusable Straws
These straws need to be cleaned just as often as your regular eating utensils. Some types of straws will come with special cleaning tools and instructions that will make the process much easier.
Before you toss them into the dishwasher, take a look at the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Some straws will need to be washed by hand and will melt or become severely damaged if placed in the dishwasher.
For most types of straws, follow the cleaning instructions below:
- Use a gentle dish soap and hot water. Use a straw cleaning brush or pipe cleaner and dip it into the cleaning solution. Insert the brush or pipe cleaner inside the straw and ensure that the tool is thick enough to reach all sides of the straw. You may need to purchase a thicker brush for some types of silicone straws. The cleaning tool must also be long enough to clean out the length of the straw.
- If you notice that the cleaning tool comes out very dirty, dip it in the cleaning solution and clean the straw an additional time.
- For stuck on food you can use baking soda.
- Thoroughly rinse out the straws and set them on a flat surface to air dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Metal or Silicone Straws Better?
Silicone can be a better choice for people who like to chew on their straws. They can also be a safer and better alternative for kids, for the same reasons. Metal straws can be uncomfortable to use, especially when it comes to drinking hot drinks since this material conducts heat very well.
Are Reusable Straws Good?
A reusable straw will not tear, acquire holes, or break like a plastic straw can. They’re also very easy to clean and maintain.
Are Stainless Steel Straws Safe?
Yes, this type of straw is safe to use. However, they should not be used when you’re drinking hot drinks since they can conduct heat very well, so they can burn your tongue and mouth if used for a hot beverage such as coffee.
Are Bamboo Straws Hygienic?
They are. Bamboo is a type of natural material that is resistant to bacteria. It’s also pressure washed, and steam cleaned during production. Unlike metal straws, bamboo also won’t conduct heat, so you can use them for both cold and hot drinks.
Final Thoughts
The best reusable straws will benefit the planet, helping you do your part to minimize waste. They can also be much more comfortable to use than a standard plastic straw. Additionally, by owning your own set of reusable straws you can choose the appropriate type based on the type of liquid you’re drinking. My buyer’s guide and product recommendations can help you choose the perfect type of straws for you and your family, and a set of straws that can handle daily use without breaking, tearing, or splitting.