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If you love to brew your own beer or just a lover of craft beer, a beer growler may be just what you need.
As a homebrewer, filling a growler with your own brew is a great way to easily transport and share your creations with your family and friends.
Or if you don’t brew your own beer, but like to drink the beer selections from your local craft brewery or bar, a growler is the best way to get your favorite craft beer on draft “to go”.
There are certainly other ways to store and serve beer like a kegerator or beer dispenser, but if you want portability and flexibility, a new beer growler may be your new sidekick.
Table of Contents
11 Of The Best Beer Growlers
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect growler size and style. We’ve tried more than a few growlers out there on the market and here are our thoughts on some of the top insulated growlers available on the market.
But if you just want something quick, here are the best beer growlers we recommend you have a look at:
- Yukon Insulated Growler (Best Value for the Money)
- Stanley Classic Easy Pour (Most Versatile)
- Growlerwerks uKeg Carbonated Growler (Best Pressurized Growler)
- Hydro Flask Beer Growler
- Drinktanks Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Growler
- MiiR Insulated Beer Growler
- Bottle Bud Insulated Beer Growler
- Amber Glass Growler Jugs
- Growlerwerks uKeg Go Carbonated Growler
- SENDESTAR Stainless Steel Beer Growler
- Malt Mountain Insulated Beer Growler
Yukon Insulated Growler
Like many similar products, the 64 oz Yukon growler has two layers of coated interior insulating material which keeps your chilled beer chilled longer.
The vacuum inside ensures that you will not lose carbonation quickly. Plus, the Yukon comes with a carrying case which gives extra protection against leakage and makes it easier to transport.
And to back up their claim, Yukon offers a lifetime warranty. It is also one of the less expensive growlers out there.
The big disadvantage is that the design is fatter than most other growlers, making it more difficult for transporting. I guess that’s why they include the carrying case.
Stanley Classic Easy Pour
There’s a lot to love about the Stanley Classic Easy Pour: it has a leak-proof lid and the sturdy handle makes for easy one-handed pouring, and it comes in four different colors.
It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleaning easy. It also has volume markings to help you maintain the perfect pour. Plus, it comes with the Surgeon General’s alcohol working. This is required in some states to have a growler filled at a brewery.
Not only does it keep beer fresh for a long time, but it will keep your beer cold for up to 24 hours, almost like it has it’s own temperature control. Also, it is moderately priced but still comes with a lifetime warranty.
It’s no surprise that this model makes many growler top ten lists, and frequently in the top spot.The big drawback is that it only comes in only the 64 oz size. But if you are happy with this size, then it’s really not a drawback at all!
Growlerwerks uKeg Carbonated Growler With Pressure Gauge
The big problem with larger (64 ounce) growlers is not only can the beer go stale before you finish it, but even quicker is the loss of carbonation. The Growlerwerks Ukeg carbonated growler solves this problem with a CO2-pressurized tap to keep beer cold and carbonated at the same time.
The carbon dioxide cartridges help to keep the beer fresh for a few weeks, and two CO-2 cartridges are included. Added bonus: you can use a tap, which is included, to pour your beers and be a true bartender-on-the-go.
Plus, it comes with a pressure gauge so you can always know when you are running low on CO2.
The dispensing tap allows for you to pour beer without removing the cap. Plus, the tap handle can be swapped out to personalize the growler or your favorite brewery. Also, this is one shown is made of copper so it will surely stand out, but is available in stainless steel and black chrome as well.
It is also one of the heavier ones on the market, at over four pounds for a 64-ounce container. While very popular, it is also one of the priciest growlers on the market.
If you have a few more bucks to spend and want something that holds twice as much beer, check out the Growlerwerks uKeg 128 ounce model.
Hydro Flask Beer Growler
Hydro Flask may be best known for making water bottles, but they also make this handy growler with a leak-proof seal and a stainless steel, double-walled interior. This vacuum insulated growler keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
The double walled vacuum insulation technology, as well as the powder coated matte finish insures against condensation, so your hands don’t get too slippery.
It is one of the lighter growlers, at just over a pound for the 32-ounce model and 1.8 pounds for the 64 ounce model. And, like their water bottles, you can choose a range of colors.
And yeah… you can use it for water as well.
The big drawback is the smaller sizes. If you are looking to hold more beer, look elsewhere. Also, some users have reported that it can rust easily.
Drinktanks 64oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Growler
This Drinktanks 64oz growler has a lot of great features to like. It has a dual-bail closure system which helps create an airtight seal that can keep your beer fresh for up to 30 days if unopened.
The double-walled stainless steel insulated growler will keep drinks cold for up to 45 hours and hot drinks for 25 hours. It also comes with a keg accessory that allows you to tap it and pour when you are ready, and it comes in a variety of colors.
The biggest drawback is that at three pounds it is a bit heavier than the average growler.
If you and your friends need more that the 64 ounce, Drinktanks also makes a 128 ounce model. But be warned: that holds a LOT of beer. Also, it weighs nearly five pounds while empty.
MiiR Insulated Beer Growler
The MiiR insulated growler is well built, with the interior double walled and vacuum insulation. This keeps beer colder and fresher for longer.
It’s made of a BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel so it’s sleek and durable. The leak-proof flip top lid does the job. Plus, it comes in two sizes, the standard 64 ounces and a smaller 32-ounce.
This Miir growler is one of the more affordable, and one of the lightest growlers on the market. Plus, buying a Miir does good for the world: the company donates five percent of their revenue to clean water projects around the world.
There are a few drawbacks with the Miir growler: The lid clasps are a bit fragile and some users have complained that they break easily. Also, it is only sold in one size.
Bottle Bud Insulated Beer Growler
The Bottle Bud is one of the best-looking insulated growlers on the market. It has a leak proof design that the manufacturer says is 100% effective, and they back up that claim with a lifetime warranty.
Made of 18/8 stainless steel which is BPA free, the Bottle Bud is durable, lightweight, and it comes with a carry bag for easy transport. It is versatile and can handle a variety of non-alcoholic beverages as well. It
is also one of the most affordable growlers on the market.
Not only will it keep your drinks cold for 24-hours, it will also keep other drinks like coffee and tea hot for up to 12-hours at a time.
The main complaint is that this beauty only comes in the 64 ounce size.
Cornucopia Amber Glass Growler Jugs
No this isn’t a vacuum insulated growler, but they are not intended to keep your beer cold for long periods of time, or meant for heavy duty use.
Each one of these no frills amber glass growlers will hold 64 ounces of your favorite beer… or kombucha, iced tea, water, or other beverages of your choice.
In fact, it holds twice that since each order comes with two growlers. Each comes with airtight seal polycone lids for an airtight seal, and it’s one of the least expensive growler option on the market.
Amber or brown glass is better than clear glass for keeping your beer fresh. That said, amber glass is still not as good as stainless steel or ceramic when it comes to blocking out sunlight.
Another disadvantage is that these are more fragile and break easier than other growlers.
Growlerwerks uKeg Go Carbonated Growler
Another carbonated choice from Growlerwerks This uKeg Go insulated growler is one of the most durable options for travel. It’s a pressurized growler which contains an inline Automatic Carbonation cap.
This cap dispenses carbon dioxide with every pour from the tap, which locks so you don’t have any accidental leaks when not in use. The footing and neck are rubberized, which provides that extra grip security.
There are two drawbacks with this growler bottle: first, the lid is fragile and if not handled very carefully it might have leaks. Second, the CO-2 cartridges are not included and will have to be bought separately which adds to the cost.
SENDESTAR Stainless Steel Beer Growler and Water Bottle
This 64 oz stainless steel model from SENDESTAR is a nice option for the outdoor drinker. Made of rust-proof, BPA free stainless steel, it is fitted with double-insulated vacuum to maintain freshness.
There is an added level of insulation because the vacuum sealed area is dipped in copper, which reduces the transfer of temperature.
The wide mouth is not only easy for drinking, but for cleaning as well. It is manageable at 2.55 pounds while empty, no neither the lightest or heaviest option on the market.
The growler comes with two different lids, a wide mouth and a spout, plus a carrying bag, and can be used for both hot and cold liquids. Both the bottle and bag come in a wide variety of colors.
Malt Mountain Insulated Beer Growler
This Malt Mountain selection is a sleek 64 ouncer is vacuum sealed and with double-walled stainless that keeps beer and other drinks cold, and your hot drinks hot. Up to 24 hours for cold, and 12 hours for hot beverages.
So when you are not in the mood for beer or water or iced tea, warm up with coffee or tea. It comes with a travel bag for easy hauling, and the lid is attached by a cable to the bottle so you won’t lose it.
It is also one of the less expensive insulated growlers on the market.
The disadvantages are that it only comes in one color, so if you don’t like the dark green you are out of luck. Also, the seal tends to leak more than on other similar products.
What is the Best Type of Growler?
More than likely, your growler will be used to transport your beer and other beverages from place to place, so you need to make sure the growler you choose will get your beer to its destination safely. And if you want it to keep your beer cold for as long as possible, make sure you get an insulated growler.
There are three different types of beer growlers, and each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Stainless Steel
- Ceramic
- Glass
Stainless Steel
Growlers made with stainless steel construction are practically unbreakable. They are also durable and easier to clean than the others. However, you cannot see inside which means it will be harder to tell if your beer has gone bad. It is also harder to tell how much beer you have remaining.
Just make sure you are getting one that is made from food grade stainless steel.
Ceramic
These ceramic growlers are rarer but often more aesthetically pleasing. They preserve beer longer than glass. They can be more expensive than glass or stainless steel. They are also more prone to chipping and breaking.
Glass
Generally they are lighter than ceramic and cheaper than both ceramic and stainless steel. Also, the taste is purer in glass, as liquids can slightly absorb taste of steel and ceramic. Plus, you can see inside which helps you gauge if your beer is still fresh.
However, like ceramic they can break (and once glass breaks, do not continue to use it). Also, glass growlers come in amber and clear, and the clear ones let in UV light and will spoil your beer quicker.
How to Choose the Right Growler
There are over 100 different growlers on the market at any given time. With so many choices, which one is right? Well, consider your personal needs.
Size
Most growlers are either 32, 64, or a whopping 128 ounces. How much beer do you (and your friends) plan on consuming in one, or possibly two, sittings?
Getting a growler that is too large for your needs will result in possibly throwing away precious beer that has gone flat. And we all know what happens when the opposite happens and you run out of beer before you are finished with the party.
Material Type
As discussed above, you can choose from ceramic, glass, or BPA free stainless steel construction growlers, and some will be powder coated as well. You will need to factor in portability, durability, and yes, breakability if while you are drinking you have, ahem, butterfingers.
Also, if you are considering glass, keep in mind that clear glass growlers should not be exposed to light while filled with beer, and make sure you know if it’s dishwasher safe or not.
Price
As it is with most products, the decision ultimately comes down to the price. You might be tempted to just buy the least expensive item you can find, but you run the risk that it won’t do what you think it should, or it just won’t last.
But then again, it also might not make sense to buy the most expensive model, and then not get your moneys worth because you won’t use it that often.
Go with one that has good reviews and one you can comfortably afford to buy.
Why Own a Growler?
In a word: portability. You want to take beer home from a brewery or craft beer store? Take it in a growler. You want to go to a party or share your home brew with your friends while tailgating before the game? Bring a growler.
Also, if you enjoy the way beer tastes from the tap instead of a can or bottle, then a growler is for you.
How Long Does Beer Last in a Growler?
If your growler remains chilled and tightly sealed, it should last for several days. However, once you open it up, that beer will go flat within 24 to 36 hours, so be prepared to drink it all in a day or share it with friends.
Just because the beer will go flat relatively quick once you open the growler, does that mean you need to dump it? Well the good news is that the expired beer will not make you sick, but it just won’t be very enjoyable to drink.
Final Say
If you want a good quality beer growler that is affordably priced, that also comes with a lifetime warranty, our top choice for the best beer growler would be the 64-ounce Stanley Classic Easy Pour Growler.
Not only is this growler one of the most popular growler sold, it is assembled with stainless steel construction, double-walled vacuum insulated, and one of the best growlers you can find for the money.
It will keep your beer and other drinks cold for 24-hours. If you want to use it as a thermos, it can also keep coffee, tea, and soup hot up to 18-hours too.
Cheers!
