If you’re looking for a way to help the planet, switching from single-use plastic straws to reusable straws is a simple and affordable step to take.
While reusable straws are commonly available in materials ranging from bamboo to glass, one of the safest and most popular materials is stainless steel. For instance, if you want the option of different lengths as well as a long-lasting, easy-to-clean straw, OXO Good Grip’s Stainless Steel 5-Piece Reusable Straw and Brush Set may be the right pick for you. Here’s what to look for to choose the best metal straw for your needs.
What to know before you buy a metal straw
Benefits of reusable straws
Single use plastic straws cause serious pollution. They’re too small and lightweight to recycle, and they cause harm to marine wildlife all around the world. Plus, plastic straws can break down into microplastics, which further harm waterways and wildlife. Reusable straws like stainless steel straws are longer-lasting and more durable than one-time-use straws.
Drawbacks of metal straws
While metal straws are versatile, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to replacing plastic straws. Metal straws are not recommended for hot drinks since they can easily absorb and transfer the heat of whatever you’re drinking to your lips and mouth. Stainless steel straws with silicone tips can make drinking something hot safer and more comfortable, but even with these tips, the inflexible construction of metal straws makes them unsafe for some users with disabilities. Metal straws are also among the more expensive reusable straw options.
Metal straw features
Durability
Of the materials used for reusable straws, stainless steel is probably the most durable. Stainless steel straws are dishwasher-safe and won’t break or dent when dropped. If it’s high-quality metal, your straw won’t corrode or develop odors, either.
Straw shape options
Straws with a bend are generally easier to drink from, and they can be found in both all-metal and silicone-tipped straws. Metal straws are also available in a variety of lengths and diameters, so whether you’re looking for a straw to let you sip water or drink boba tea, you can find one that fits your needs.
Metal straw cleaning kit
While stainless steel straws are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing with a brush can more thoroughly clean and sanitize the interior of the straw. Many metal straws are sold in kits that include at least one flexible cleaning brush that can clean the inside of a straw.
Silicone straw tips
Metal straws with silicone tips are not only more comfortable to drink from, they protect your mouth from extreme temperatures. They can even save you from chipping a tooth on your straw. Silicone tips can also add flexibility and a bend to a previously straight and rigid straw. If a metal straw comes with silicone tips, check to make sure the tips are detachable to make cleaning easier.
Collapsible metal straws
Since we’re more likely to need a straw when we’re out and about and getting a drink from a coffee shop, having a reusable straw that’s portable is a huge bonus. Many metal straws come with carrying bags, but the most easily portable stainless steel straws are collapsible models that come with a compact case to keep them clean. If you rarely use straws at home, a collapsible reusable straw that fits neatly into your purse, pocket or glove box can help you reduce waste every time you order an iced coffee.
Metal straw cost
Metal straw prices vary based on the quality of the materials used and included features. One collapsible stainless steel straw with a cleaning brush, carrying case and silicone tips can cost $20, while packs of eight or more metal straws that aren’t collapsible can be found for less than $10.
Metal straw FAQ
Do metal straws with silicone tips contain BPA?
A. BPA, a chemical compound used to strengthen plastic, has been linked to multiple health issues, leading consumers to seek out products that are BPA-free. Silicone is a polymer made primarily from silica-rich sand and is free from BPA, latex, lead and other harmful toxins. Look for food-grade, or better yet, medical-grade silicone to ensure your straw is made with safe, high-quality silicone.
How should you clean metal straws?
A. Rinse out the straw as soon as possible after drinking something like a smoothie to prevent the inside from getting clogged with hardened gunk. Use a pipe cleaner or the straw’s included brush to scrub the inside of the straw with hot, soapy water. Alternatively, rinse the inside of the straw well and run it through the dishwasher. Let the straw air-dry before putting it away.
Which metal straw should I get?
Best of the best metal straw
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 5-Piece Reusable Straw and Brush Set: available at Amazon
Our take: This five-piece set from a reliable brand includes two straws in two different sizes, plus a cleaning brush.
What we like: The straws’ silicone tips detach for easy and thorough cleaning. The straws come in two sizes — 10.5 inches and eight inches — so you can pick the one that’s best suited to the cup you’re using. For an added environmental bonus, the brand donates 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits.
What we dislike: This set doesn’t come with a storage bag, and the straws aren’t wide enough for thick drinks like smoothies.
Best bang for your buck metal straw
ALINK 8-Pack Stainless Steel Straws: available at Amazon
Our take: These 10.5-inch straws are long and skinny enough to fit almost any cup.
What we like: This set includes both straight and bent 18/8 stainless steel straws (four of each) with removable silicone tips. They come with a storage bag and two brushes. Choose from stainless steel or black finish.
What we dislike: These straws are comparatively skinny, and depending on the cup they’re in, they may not balance well. Some users found that the silicone tips did not fit the straws correctly, resulting in them getting lost or not providing adequate suction.
Honorable mention metal straw
FinalStraw Collapsible Metal Straw: available at Amazon
Our take: For a reusable straw that’s easy to bring anywhere you go, this collapsible model is portable and made with food-grade silicone and stainless steel.
What we like: The straw comes with a collapsible cleaning brush, silicone tips and a case that’s small enough to fit on a keychain. The silicone-lined straw self-assembles into a nine-inch airtight straw. It’s available in a variety of colors and finishes.
What we dislike: Its construction makes it challenging to thoroughly clean, leading some to use it only to drink water. It’s pricey for a single straw.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
