Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Growlers

Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hydro Flask 64-Ounce Beer Growler
Hydro Flask
64-Ounce Beer Growler
Expert Recommended

This beer growler has a durable build and is a customer-favorite thanks to its sleek design and double-wall vacuum insulation.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Expert Recommended
Bottom Line

This beer growler has a durable build and is a customer-favorite thanks to its sleek design and double-wall vacuum insulation.

Pros

This alloy steel growler has a Fresh Carry system designed to keep carbonation for extended periods and ensures a perfect, drip-free pour. The silicone base provides excellent traction on any surface, and the cap provides a leakproof seal and maximum temperature retention. Plus, it's machine-washable.

Cons

The mouth isn't as wide as that of other beer growlers.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kook Six-Pack Amber Glass Growlers
Kook
Six-Pack Amber Glass Growlers
Budget Friendly

This six-pack of amber glass growlers is fantastic for storing root beer, kombucha, wine, cider, distilled water, or micro-brews.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Budget Friendly
Bottom Line

This six-pack of amber glass growlers is fantastic for storing root beer, kombucha, wine, cider, distilled water, or micro-brews.

Pros

These growlers are a good size for keeping your favorite brews and are made from dark amber glass to keep them safe from harmful UV rays. They're dishwasher and freezer-safe, and each one comes with a black plastisol lined cap for an airtight seal and optimal fermentation.

Cons

They're not as durable as other growlers.

GrowlerWerks uKeg Pressurized Growler
GrowlerWerks
uKeg Pressurized Growler
Steampunk Appeal

This keg-style growler’s ability to preserve flavor and carbonation for longer is sure to please, and our tests found the tap feature fun and convenient.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Steampunk Appeal
Bottom Line

This keg-style growler’s ability to preserve flavor and carbonation for longer is sure to please, and our tests found the tap feature fun and convenient.

Pros

Unique variable pressure regulation cap uses CO2 cartridges to maintain optimal carbonation for up to 2 weeks. Can also be used to force carbonate home brews. Dispensing tap allows users to draw beer without losing carbonation and features a locking mechanism for drip-free transportation.

Cons

Lots of little parts can make maintenance complicated.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler Thermos
Stanley
Classic Vacuum Growler Thermos
Durable & Rugged

You definitely won't want to miss this growler if hard-wearing durability and fuss-free use rank high on your list of must-have features.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

You definitely won't want to miss this growler if hard-wearing durability and fuss-free use rank high on your list of must-have features.

Pros

Rugged and durable construction. High quality vacuum insulated food grade stainless steel keeps beverages cold for up to 16 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Flip top lid is easy to handle and flavor maintains its authenticity. Seals well. Sturdy handle offers effortless pouring and carrying.

Cons

Large handle requires extra storage space.

Coleman Insulated Stainless Steel Growler
Coleman
Insulated Stainless Steel Growler
Simple Yet Solid

This 64-ounce durable growler is made from BPA-free materials for added safety and is built to last.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This 64-ounce durable growler is made from BPA-free materials for added safety and is built to last.

Pros

This growler is an excellent size for keeping a solid amount of your favorite brews. The interior is double-walled and vacuum-insulated. Keeps beverages hot for up to 41 hours and cold for up to 76 hours. The textured grip is glove-friendly, and the double-hinge lid is flexible and wear-resistant.

Cons

The handle is small, with only two fingers fitting at the most.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
September 03, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best growlers

Lauren Corona
Written by Lauren Corona

Updated January 2023

There's nothing like sipping a cold, carbonated beer on a hot day (or a cool day, for that matter), but if you brew your own beer or your favorite draft isn't available in cans or bottles, you might want to add a beer growler to your bar setup.

All you need to do now is pick the best beer growler to fit your needs. Easy, right? Not necessarily. You'll find thousands of growlers on the market, with a range of different varieties, materials, shapes, and sizes available, so choosing just one can seem overwhelming. Luckily, we're here to help.

Content Image
Using a growler is an easy way to transport beer – it's lighter and less awkward to carry than the equivalent volume or beer in bottles or cans.

Types of growlers

Insulated growlers

Insulated growlers are usually made from double-walled stainless steel. The vacuum between the two walls helps the liquid inside stay at the temperature it was when it was poured inside. So, chilled beers will stay cool and those served at room temperature should remain tepid. These are probably the most popular variety of modern growler, and rightly so. Some models can keep beer chilled for as long as 48 hours, so they're perfect for taking to music festivals (if outside booze is allowed in) or on camping trips.

Pressurized growlers

Pressurized growlers are part keg, part growler. They have a built-in tap so you can enjoy a glass or two of the beer inside without exposing the contents to air and spoiling it. As such, there's no need to drink the full growler within a few hours of opening it. Pressurized models use CO2 cartridges and variable pressure regulation caps to maintain the perfect amount of carbonation for as long as two weeks. While they have plenty of benefits, this style of growler is costlier, bulkier, and harder to clean that other options.

Glass growlers

Glass growlers are the original growlers, though they're starting to fall out of favor now as insulated models become more readily available. Glass growlers are simple and inexpensive, but they don't have any insulating properties, so they're not the best option if you want a growler that will keep your beer chilled. Many craft breweries offer glass growlers printed with their logos. While these make a nice souvenir, you might find them more practical as a home-bar decoration.

Considerations for selecting a growler

Capacity

Think about how much beer you'll want to store or transport. The most common growler sizes are 32 and 64 ounces (the equivalent of just under three and just under six standard bottles of beer) but we've seen pressurized beer growlers that hold as much as 128 fluid ounces. The 64-ounce growler is a fine choice for someone who might normally take a six-pack to a party or to enjoy at home over the weekend.

Material

Due to the popularity of insulated beer growlers, the vast majority of those on the market today are made from stainless steel. Not only do double walled designs keep your beer at the desired temperature, they’re also a lightweight and durable material. Glass is another common option, but it's not nearly as durable and is unlikely to survive a fall onto a hard surface.

Exterior finish

Most stainless-steel growlers have a powder coated exterior finish that's specially designed to avoid condensation. Without this, piles of condensation will form on the outside of your beer growler when you're transporting cold beer on a warm day. If you put your growler in your bag, the condensation can make other items inside wet. You might also want to consider the color finish out your chosen growler. Sure, it's not the most important factor, but an attractive color or pattern can be a decent tiebreaker between two growlers of equal quality.

Portability

Although compact growlers are easier and lighter to transport than large models, it's not the only factor in portability. If you're likely to carry your beer growler in your hand, rather than in a backpack or tote, it should have a decently proportioned handle that's comfortable to hold.

Content Image

 

Growler Prices

Inexpensive

You can find basic models starting at around $10 to $20, with glass being the cheapest option.

Mid-range

These growlers, such as decent insulated models, cost roughly $20 to $60.

Expensive

If you want a high-end growler, such as a pressurized model, expect to pay $60 to $150.

Tips

  • Check the lid type on your chosen beer growler. The lid is important for keeping the growler properly sealed and maintaining carbonation. Some users find flip top lids more convenient than screw caps.
  • Think about how often you'll use your growler. If you're a huge beer connoisseur who's always trying out new options at your local brewery or you make beer at home, you'll probably want a high-end model, whereas a cheaper option will do for occasional use.
  • Consider the quality of the rim on your chosen growler. A growler is meant for drinking from, so it should be something you feel comfortable taking a swig out of.
  • Decide if you want a growler that will keep your beer chilled. An insulated beer growler can keep beer cold for a day or more, even without refrigeration.
Content Image
Did you know?
A growler keeps beer tasting fresh and retains carbonation for days.
STAFF
BestReviews
Content Image
You can store or share your own home brew using a beer growler.

FAQ

Q. What's the best way to fill a growler?

A. When filling a growler from a keg or with a beer on draft, you can fill it straight from the tap as is, but you tend to get lots of head, so you must overfill it to remove the excess head, which is wasteful. The better way is to fill it from the bottom up, using an extension tube that fits on the tap. This produces less foam, so you're left with less spillage and wasted beer.

Q. How can I keep my beer growler clean?

A. It's important to thoroughly clean your growler between uses. Not only could harmful bacteria grow if you don't, but the taste of stale beer will taint the next brew you put inside. After use, fill your growler with hot, slightly soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, use a bottle brush to thoroughly scrub the inside – without a brush you won't be able to properly clean out the old beer. Rinse it thoroughly to remove all dish soap residue and leave it upside down to dry on a dish rack. When it's completely dry, store it with the lid off to allow air circulation.

Q. How long will a growler keep my beer fresh?

A. If your growler is filled right to the brim and you refrigerate it when you return home, the contents will stay fresh for as long as four to six days. Once opened, the beer is best consumed within four to six hours. The exception to this is pressurized beer growlers, which utilize CO2 cartridges to keep beer fresh for up to two weeks, even after pouring yourself a mug.

Our Top Picks