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Most questions received at Klean Kanteen® are answered below. In order to avoid delays and speed up your answer, please review them to see if your question is answered here.

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Why Klean Kanteen®?

There are so many reusable bottles to choose from. Why should I buy a Klean Kanteen®?

In 2004 when we released the first Klean Kanteen® bottle, the only other options out there were either polycarbonate plastic bottles or aluminum bottles lined with plastic resin or epoxy.

The reason Klean Kanteen exists is because we wanted to give consumers a safe, healthy, BPA-free alternative to plastic, a bottle that's reusable, environmentally sustainable and durable enough to last a lifetime. We chose to make our bottle from high-quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel, one of the healthiest and most durable materials available.

Some of the key features that set Klean Kanteen apart include easy to clean rounded corners and threads; high quality, food-grade materials that are BPA-free and don't retain or impart flavors; and durable, all-stainless construction.

We also set up our company and our manufacturing to be environmentally sustainable from the beginning. We oversee our manufacturing every step of the way, from the sourcing of the basic materials to the retail floor and we're constantly working to cut waste and operate more efficiently. Read more about our our sustainability efforts.

What kinds of bottles does Klean Kanteen® make and what are the differences?

Klean Kanteen® has four products lines: Kid Kanteen®, Kanteen® Classic, Kanteen® Wide, and Kanteen® Wide Insulated. The Kid Kanteen® currently consists of a Sippy for toddlers. The Kanteen® Classic is the original Kanteen, the one with the longneck design. The Kanteen® Wide is a wide-mouth bottle, and the Kanteen® Wide Insulated has the same design as the wide-mouth bottle but uses double-walled, vacuum insulation for amazing insulating performance. Visit the Kanteen 101 pages to compare the Classic and Wide lines, and the main Kanteen® Wide Insulated page to learn more about our insulated bottles.

Which is better, stainless or aluminum?

While aluminum is lightweight, it can leach harmful substances and chemicals when it gets hot or comes in contact with anything acidic. Studies have also linked aluminum exposure to Alzheimer's disease. To ensure that the drinks inside aluminum bottles are safe, the bottles must be lined with something.

The most common materials used to line aluminum bottles include plastic or baked-on epoxy, both of which can leach BPA and other toxic chemicals or can get scratched, exposing the aluminum underneath. Ceramic is another material used to line aluminum bottles, but it's more rigid and can crack.

Of even greater concern is the fact that many companies won't release information about what the liner on their aluminum bottles is actually made from. The liner can also retain flavors, which can make your drinks taste funky.

The stainless steel used to make Klean Kanteens® is time-tested, safe and completely free of BPA, phthalates, lead and other toxins. It's fine for acidic beverages or foods, and doesn't retain or impart flavors. That's why it's the material most commonly used in food preparation and by the brewing and wine-making industries.

Health and Safety

Do Klean Kanteens® have BPA?

No way. Every Klean Kanteen® ever made is totally free of BPA and other harmful substances.

The whole reason we founded this company was because we read the early studies linking BPA to a number of illnesses and we wanted to give consumers a safe, healthy alternative to plastic and lined aluminum bottles.

We chose 18/8, food-grade stainless steel instead of aluminum or plastic because the metal is inherently safe and toxin-free. Stainless steel is made of many elements and minerals that come from the earth, including some of the very same minerals recommended by the FDA as part of a healthy human diet.

Food-grade stainless steel is used in the brewing, food and winemaking industries too. It's the material of choice because it doesn't retain or impart flavors.

All our caps are BPA-free polypropylene (pp#5) too, and we offer stainless steel cap options for Classic bottles as well.

Do Klean Kanteens® have a liner?

No. All Klean Kanteen® products are made from high quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel that's totally free of BPA and other harmful substances.

Because stainless steel is inherently safe, we don't need to coat the inside of the bottle with a plastic or epoxy lining, which is one of the main differences between a stainless steel Klean Kanteen® and aluminum bottles.

Why do Klean Kanteen® caps have plastic at all?

Caps made from solid stainless steel would be both heavy and costly. Caps made from safe, BPA-free polypropylene (pp#5)are lightweight and also cost-effective, enabling Klean Kanteen® to create a handcrafted product of exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

In the case of the Sport Cap 2.0, it's also a safety issue because people drink from their bottles while engaging in sports like cycling and running. Polypropylene is very durable, but it's also a softer plastic, which means you're less likely to damage your teeth if you hit a bump on the trail while you're drinking.

On Classic bottles, many people disliked the squeaking of the stainless caps, which are metal-on-metal because of the internal thread design of the bottles. Klean Kanteen® now offers all cap styles for Classic bottles in an all-polypropylene option.

The caps for all Klean Kanteen® Wide bottles have stainless steel on the inside. You can order stainless caps for Classic bottles as accessories in the Flat and Loop style.

Are the polypropylene (pp#5) caps safe?

Klean Kanteen® uses polypropylene (pp#5) because it contains no Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that leaches from some kinds of plastic and has been linked to various diseases. Polypropylene has no known leaching characteristics and is softer than other types of plastic.

The caps for all Klean Kanteen® Wide bottles have stainless steel on the inside and stainless cap options are available as accessories for the Classic bottles in the Loop and Flat cap styles.

What is stainless steel and what does 18/8 stand for?

Stainless steel is an iron-containing alloy made from some of the basic elements found on earth: iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon, nitrogen and manganese. The properties of the final metal change depending on varying amounts of these elements. More than 57 stainless steels exist and are sold as standard alloys on the market.

Klean Kanteens® are constructed from high-quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel. The numbers stand for the percentages of chromium and nickel in the steel, 18% and 8% respectively. Chromium increases the metal's hardness and nickel gives it strength. Together they also make stainless steel highly resistant to stain or rust.

Stainless steel is easy to clean, durable, inert and sanitary. That's why it's the material of choice among the food processing, dairy and brewing industries.

What is nickel and how can it affect my health?

Nickel is a naturally abundant element found in the earth's crust, soil and ocean floor. It is generally resistant to corrosion and is therefore used to make metal alloys such as stainless steel.

Approximately 10-15% of the population is sensitive to nickel, but the health effects of nickel are highly dependent on the manner and degree of exposure. The stainless steel used to make Klean Kanteens® has a low nickel content and is the preferred material used by breweries and dairies.

Does the paint on a Klean Kanteen® contain lead?

When we introduced our colored bottles, we wanted to find a safe and durable paint that also looks fantastic. We reviewed and tested dozens of different paints and selected an acrylic paint that contains no toxins or lead. We test the paint regularly and though it is safe, we recommend the Brushed Stainless finish bottles for small children who like to chew on things.

My child chewed on a Klean Kanteen® and might have eaten some paint. Should I be concerned?

No. The paint on Klean Kanteen® bottles is a nontoxic, acrylic, resin-based finish that's mostly water and is totally free of lead and toxic chemicals. So you've got nothing to worry about if your child ingested some paint! That said, we do recommend the Brushed Stainless finish for small children who like to chew on things..

General

How do I decide which bottle is right for me?

Klean Kanteen® bottles come in three bottle styles, Classic, Wide and Insulated and multiple colors. You have different cap options too. First figure out what the primary use for your bottle is going to be. Are you hiking in the backcountry? Driving around in the car a lot? Biking to work?

Then visit the Kanteen® 101 section, where you can compare all the different bottle styles and features. How you'll use your Klean Kanteen®, along with your personal style and preference, will determine which bottle(s) work best for you. If you do order a product that you don't like, you have 30 days to return or exchange it.

How much does a Kanteen weigh?

Klean Kanteen® bottles are lighter than they look. We've tested various wall thicknesses and struck a balance between durability and weight. The stainless steel walls in our bottles are significantly thicker than other, lower quality bottles on the market. They don't dent or bend easily, but they're still lightweight and easy to carry.

Classic Bottles:
Capacity	Weight*
12 fluid ounces (355 ml)	3.75 ounces
18 fluid ounces (532 ml)	5.125 ounces
27 fluid ounces (800 ml)	6.125 ounces
40 fluid ounces (1182 ml)	9.375 ounces
*doesn't include cap
Wide Bottles:
Capacity	Weight*
12 fluid ounces (355 ml)	3.375 ounces
18 fluid ounces (532 ml)	4.625 ounces
27 fluid ounces (800 ml)	6.25 ounces
40 fluid ounces (1182 ml)	7.375 ounces
64 fluid ounces (1893 ml)	10.875 ounces
*doesn't include cap
Wide Insulated Bottles:
Capacity	Weight*
12 fluid ounces (355 ml)	7.125 ounces
16 fluid ounces (473 ml)	8.75 ounces
20 fluid ounces (591 ml)	10.25 ounces
*doesn't include cap

Fill It Up

Can I fill a Kanteen with acidic beverages such as apple juice or orange juice?

Yes. Acidic beverages will not corrode or damage the high-quality stainless steel.

Can I use a Kanteen for carrying alcohol?

Yes. In fact, we make a special bottle, the Wine Karafe™, designed just for wine. We've also heard that many people use the 12oz bottles to carry spirits.

Functionality

Do Kanteens® sweat?

It depends on which bottle style you're using.Our Classic and Wide lines are single-walled.

If you have a cold drink in them and it's hot out, you're going to have condensation build-up on the bottle.

Our Insulated bottles are made using durable, double-walled construction and vacuum insulation, which has amazing insulating properties. Because they're insulated, these bottles will not have condensation build-up on the outside, regardless of what's inside them or the temperature outside.It depends on which bottle style you're using.

The best solution to naturally occurring condensation on Classic and Wide bottles is to put your Klean Kanteen® in an insulated sleeve such as the insulated totes made by our partner, Built®. Whatever size Klean Kanteen® you prefer, there's a Built® tote in a color and style you'll love. Check them out on our accessories page.

Can I put hot liquids in my Klean Kanteen® or use it like a thermos?

If you have a Kanteen® Wide Insulated bottle, absolutely! Our high-performance, double-walled, vacuum insulated bottles are designed to function as a thermos, a to-go mug and food storage container and will keep contents hot or cold for up to six hours and iced drinks chilly for up to 24.

We do not recommend using single-walled Klean Kanteen® Classic or Wide bottles for hot beverages because you can burn yourself. Warm beverages can be used at your own personal comfort level. They're fine for cold beverages, but unlike the Insulated Kanteen®, condensation will form on the outside.

Can I put my Klean Kanteen® in the freezer?

No. The force of liquids expanding as they freeze can cause your Klean Kanteen® to break apart, so we strongly advise against it. Freezing any Klean Kanteen® (Classic, Wide or Insulated) will void the one-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Can I put my Klean Kanteen® on a stove?

In a pinch, single-walled Kanteen® Classic and Wide bottles with the Brushed Stainless finish can be placed on a fire or a stove as long as you take the cap off. Do not do this with a colored bottle, as it will damage the paint.

But it's VERY important that you know what kind of bottle you have because this is absolutely NOT an option with an Insulated Kanteen. Heating a Kanteen® Wide Insulated will damage the bottle and voids the one-year warranty.

It's pretty easy to tell what kind of bottle you have, even if you've had your bottle so long the logo's worn off. Insulated bottles only come in the wide-mouth design, so if you have a Classic, a bottle with a long neck and a small rolled lip at the edge, you have a Classic. Insulated bottles also have a separate piece at the bottom and come in different sizes (12oz, 16oz, and 20oz) than the single-walled Wide bottles (12oz, 18oz, 27oz and 40oz).

Care & Maintenance

How do I clean my Kanteen®?

Some Klean Kanteen® products are dishwasher safe, but some are not.

Visit our Care & Use page to figure out if it's safe to put your Klean Kanteen® in the dishwasher and for more information on handwashing.

What do you consider normal wear and tear for the paint on colored Klean Kanteens®?

Under normal use, the paint on the colored Klean Kanteens® will not flake or chip off. When we tested paints for our colored bottles, safety was our first concern but durability was a close second.

The paint performs well in lab tests. Many of us at Klean Kanteen® also use the colored bottles so we've been putting them to the test in the real world too. Sure, if you drop your Klean Kanteen® or jam it into a metal water bottle cage, you can scratch it. It's also possible to scrape off the paint if you try hard enough, just like any other painted surface.

But if your paint is flaking or peeling off, you might have gotten a bottle from a bad batch, which does happen occasionally. If that's the case, it's covered by our warranty and we'll replace it at no cost to you. Contact our returns department.

To prolong the life of your colored Klean Kanteen®, we recommend hand washing it with mild detergent. The Brushed Stainless finish is the best choice for ultimate durability.

Manufacturing

Why are Klean Kanteens® made in China?

The very first Klean Kanteen® was created to promote healthy living and respect for the environment by giving people an affordable alternative to plastic and lined aluminum bottles.

Klean Kanteen® has always shared many of the concerns you, our customers, have expressed about manufacturing the bottles in China. Before a single bottle was ever produced, Klean Kanteen® set in place checks and balances to ensure that our bottles are produced safely, sustainably and that the people making Klean Kanteens® are treated well and paid fairly. By manufacturing in China, Klean Kanteen® can provide a handcrafted bottle of exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

For more information about our commitment to operating Klean Kanteen sustainably and manufacturing our products in a way that’s environmentally responsible with fair labor and human rights standards, read how our sustainability and responsibly made pages.

Is Klean Kanteen's stainless steel from China safe?

Yes. Klean Kanteen® representatives visit the manufacturing facilities several times a year and perform audits every six months to make sure all their products are produced with respect for the environment and that the workers in the factories are safe, protected and paid a living wage.

We currently perform regular product testing through third-party, accredited laboratories to meet regulatory requirements and our own high standards for product safety

Klean Kanteen® is and will continue to be one of the safest and most sustainable beverage containers on the market. We are implementing an even more extensive testing protocol in 2010 with better defined testing parameters and guidelines. These include sampling raw materials, products from the production line overseas and finished products from our distribution center in California.

Ordering

Can I order a Kanteen® Classic with a stainless cap instead of a polypropylene cap?

You can order any Klean Kanteen® Classic with a Sport Cap 2.0. Some bottle sizes can also be ordered with a polypropylene Loop Cap. If you want a stainless Loop or Flat cap for your Classic bottle, you can order it separately as an accessory.

Warranty

My sport cap broke and/or leaks, will you replace it?

Absolutely. All Klean Kanteen® bottles, caps and lids have a one-year warranty against manufacturer's defects. Please send us your damaged goods along with your return address and we'll replace them free of charge. If you have questions or comments, email them to customerservice@kleankanteen.com