Best Reusable Straws: Stainless Steel and Silicone
A practical guide to reusable straws: stainless steel vs silicone compared on durability, cleaning, safety, and which actually gets used long-term.
March 25, 2025
Most plastic straws are polypropylene, used for 20 minutes, and take 200 years to decompose. They're too small and lightweight to be processed by most recycling facilities, so nearly all of them end up in landfills or the ocean. Reusable straws fix that ratio, but only if you actually carry and clean them. The best material depends on how you plan to use it.
Our Top Picks
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel straws are the most durable option. 18/8 food-grade steel won't rust, bend, or break. They're dishwasher safe and essentially indestructible. The main drawback: they conduct temperature, so hot drinks can burn your lips, and you can't see if they're clean inside.
Buy straight straws for tumblers and bent straws for cups. Most come with a thin cleaning brush, which you'll actually need.
For Kids
Kids and stainless steel straws aren't a great mix. Silicone straws are the safer option: soft, flexible, and bite-proof. Food-grade silicone is non-toxic and dishwasher safe. Look for wider diameter straws that are easier for small mouths.
What to Look For
- 18/8 stainless steel: food-grade, non-reactive, and long-lasting
- Cleaning brush included: you need to clean the inside regularly to avoid buildup
- Carrying case: a straw you leave at home doesn't replace anything. Look for sets with a travel pouch
- Diameter options: standard (6mm) for water and juice, wide (12mm) for smoothies and boba
- Silicone tips: optional add-on for steel straws that protects teeth and reduces temperature transfer
The Bottom Line
Buy a set of stainless steel straws for home and keep one with a cleaning brush in your bag. That covers 90% of straw use. Add a silicone option for kids or anyone who bites their straws. A set of 4-6 reusable straws lasts indefinitely and replaces thousands of disposable ones.