A good quality flask is great for camping trips, trail biking, jogging, picnics or any activity that requires you to stay outdoors for a while. They will keep your water cool during a hot day or keep them warm during winter. Two of the top brands that sell these flasks or insulated water bottles are Hydro Flask and Iron Flask. They have a wide array of products to choose from and in this article, we’ll be taking a look at their water bottles to find out which one is better. Should you buy a Hydro Flask water bottle? Or are Iron Flasks better? Read on to find out.
Hydro Flask vs Iron Flask Comparison Chart
| Model | Hydro Flask Standard | Hydro Flask Wide | Iron Flask Standard | Iron Flask Wide |
 |  |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Sizes | 18 oz, 21 oz, 24 oz | 32 oz, 40 oz (straw lid) 20 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, 64 oz (flex cap) | 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 64 oz | 14 oz, 18 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, 64 oz |
| Material | Stainless steel Powder coated | Stainless steel Powder coated | Stainless steel Powder coated | Stainless steel Powder coated |
| Insulation | Double wall vacuum insulation | Double wall vacuum insulation | Double wall vacuum insulation | Double wall vacuum insulation |
| BPA and Toxin Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Included Lids | Flex cap Sports cap | Straw lid or Flex cap | Straw lid Flip lid Handle lid 2 straws | Straw lid Flip lid Handle lid 2 straws |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Design
Both Hydro Flask and Iron Flask water bottles are made with stainless steel.
Design-wise, they are very similar. They are both made from stainless steel to prevent rust and for durability. Also, stainless steel is easy to clean. That said, the Hydro Flask is easier to clean than the Iron Flask as the former is dishwasher safe while the latter is not. Both Hydro Flask and Iron Flask water bottles are BPA and toxin free, so you can use them without having to worry about ingesting harmful chemicals.
The exterior for both Hydro Flask and Iron Flask water bottles are powder coated so they are durable and easy to grip. Their powder coating can absorb impact from drops very well, and combined with their stainless steel construction, these water bottles can take a beating. Another benefit of having powder coating is that they are easy to grip, which is very useful during outdoor activities.
Hydro Flask and Iron Flask insulated water bottles come in a variety of colors. From simpler black and white colors to more elaborate designs like carrara marble and terrazzo, there are a lot of options to choose from.
You have the option to get either a standard or wide mouth version with either Hydro Flask or Iron Flask water bottles. An advantage that Iron Flask has is that they offer several lids with their bottles while Hydro Flask only offers one with their wide mouth bottles and two with their standard mouth bottles.
Insulation
Iron Flask water bottles have better insulation than Hydro Flask bottles, but only by the tiniest of margins.
When buying an insulated water bottle, one of the most important factors to consider should be their ability to keep water and other beverages cold or hot. After all, that is their main function. In this regard, both Hydro Flask and Iron Flask bottles perform well.
Both Hydro Flask and Iron Flask water bottles can keep water and other beverages cold for around 24 hours, with minimal rise in temperature. This makes them great for overnight camping trips, mountain hiking and more. While they are both great, the Iron Flask performed a little bit better here.
As for heat retention, Iron Flask water bottles performed better as well, but just by a tiny bit. They both were able to keep hot liquids warm for around 12 hours. Drinks like coffee, tea and other hot beverages will stay warm for half a day, which is great if you brew your own coffee, if you go mountain hiking or if you live in a cold area.
Features
Hydro Flask water bottles are dishwasher safe while Iron Flask bottles aren’t.
An advantage that Hydro Flask water bottles have over Iron Flask water bottles is that they are dishwasher safe. Due to this, they are easier to clean. You don’t have to worry about discoloration or if your Hydro Flask bottles will get damaged. As for Iron Flask bottles, it is recommended that you wash them with warm soapy water, which is easy enough, but not as convenient as Hydro Flask bottles.
As for Iron Flask water bottles, one of the main reasons why they are popular is that they come with several lids/caps—three in total. With Hydro Flask water bottles, you’ll only get one or two, depending on the version that you buy. With Iron Flask water bottles, you’ll always get three lids and two straws, regardless of the version or size of water bottle that you buy.
You also get more size options with Iron Flask water bottles. In contrast, the size options for Hydro Flask water bottles is a bit limited. For instance, you can only get Hydro Flask standard mouth water bottles in 18, 21 or 24 oz options. On the other hand, Iron Flask standard mouth bottles come in 12, 16, 20, 24, 32 and 64 oz options. It’s similar when it comes to wide mouth water bottles—Iron Flask offers more size variations.
Pricing
Iron Flask water bottles are more affordable than Hydro Flask water bottles while also offering more accessories.
When it comes to pricing, Iron Flask wins since they offer more budget friendly prices. A 24 oz standard mouth water bottle from Iron Flask is significantly cheaper than the same 24 oz bottle from Hydro Flask. In addition, they also come with more caps/lids and two extra straws. In terms of value for money, Iron Flask definitely has the advantage over Hydro Flask.
Verdict
Iron Flask is more budget friendly and offers more size options than Hydro Flask.
Hydro Flask and Iron Flask insulated water bottles share a lot of similarities, so choosing which brand will come down to some specific features. If you want more affordable water bottles and more sizes to choose from, then you should consider Iron Flask water bottles. They have various sizes to choose from, they are affordable and they come with three lids, which is great value. If you want insulated water bottles that are easier to clean, which is convenient, then you should go with Hydro Flask. Either way, you won’t be disappointed as both brands offer excellent insulation and build quality.
FAQs
Both are great when it comes to insulation, but Iron Flask has the advantage when it comes to pricing and size options while Hydro Flask is easier to use and maintain.
Yes, you can put almost any type of beverage in a Hydro Flask or Iron Flask.
Unfortunately, yes there are fakes, so it is recommended that you only buy from trusted retailers.
Yes, Iron Flask is a good brand when it comes to water bottles and travel friendly drinkware. They offer affordable products that have excellent build quality and functionality.
Last update on 2020-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API