Choosing the right growler matters whether you’re preserving craft beer, bottling kombucha, or storing water and cleaning solutions. This review pulls together hands-on testing, specification checks, and consumer feedback to recommend reliable growlers for different budgets and uses.
How we tested and chose these growlers
We evaluated candidates using a mix of real-world testing, spec checks, and consumer feedback. Key criteria included:
- Seal & leak resistance: tested under pressure and on-tilt to check caps and gaskets.
- Material & durability: assessed glass thickness, stainless-steel construction, and handle strength.
- Thermal performance (for insulated models): temperature retention over multi-hour periods.
- Light protection: amber vs clear glass for light-sensitive brews.
- Value & packaging: price per jug and protection for shipping.
- Practical features: mouth opening size, handle ergonomics, and cap availability.
We prioritized models that balanced everyday usability, brewing-safe features (food-safe glass, airtight seals), and long-term reliability. Where possible, we considered user reports about breakage and seller support.
Budget Stainless Growler
A low-cost stainless steel growler that offers a lightweight, leakproof option for outdoor use. Good for casual beer lovers and campers who need a sturdy, portable container without the insulation premium. Excellent for trips where breakage is a concern.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
The Budget Stainless Growler is an inexpensive, single-walled stainless option that focuses on portability and durability. It’s lightweight, leakproof (silicone-sealed lid), and resistant to drop damage — ideal for camping, tailgates, and situations where glass is risky. Technical notes: stainless construction, screw-on lid with silicone seal, approx. 64 oz capacity.
Pros:
- Very affordable and robust
- No risk of shattering on impact
- Compact and easy to carry
Cons:
- Single-wall design offers little temperature retention
- Some users report minor metallic taste with certain beverages
Who it’s for: outdoorsy users and anyone who prioritizes toughness and a low price over insulation or craft-beer presentation.
Stanley GO Growler
A high-performance insulated growler built for temperature control and rugged use. Excellent cold/hot retention, leakproof locking lid, and durable stainless construction make it a premium pick for serious beer drinkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Why this is the Premium Choice
The Stanley GO Growler stands out for class-leading insulation and build quality. Vacuum-insulated double walls retain cold for up to 24 hours and cold with ice for 4 days, while hot liquids stay warm for many hours. It uses 18/8 stainless steel interior to avoid metallic taste and a beefy locking lid to prevent leaks. Technical highlights: 64 oz capacity, vacuum insulation, leakproof locking mechanism, BPA-free interior, dishwasher-safe components.
Pros:
- Exceptional temperature retention (cold and hot)
- Robust construction and lifetime trust in the Stanley brand
- Leakproof locking lid and easy-to-carry handle
Cons:
- Higher price than uninsulated alternatives
- Heavier than glass or single-wall models
Who it’s for: enthusiasts who want a premium, multi-use growler that preserves carbonation and temperature on long trips, tailgates, or day-long events.
Amber 64oz Growler Set
A three-pack of amber half-gallon glass growlers that balance protection and price. Amber glass shields sensitive brews from UV while the integrated handles and seal caps make them practical for homebrewers and kombucha makers.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This Amber 64oz Growler Set delivers strong value for homebrewers and beverage makers: three thick amber glass jugs with integrated handles and seal caps at a reasonable price. Amber glass helps protect beer and kombucha from UV degradation, and the included caps provide reliable airtight seals for short-term carbonation. Technical details: 64 oz (half-gallon) capacity, 1.1" mouth opening, thick amber glass for UV protection, integrated handle.
Pros:
- Good protection from light-sensitive brews
- Strong glass construction and comfortable handles
- Cost-effective three-pack for multiple uses or backups
Cons:
- Glass is breakable — pack carefully for transport
- Not insulated (best for refrigeration or room-temp storage)
Who it’s for: homebrewers, kombucha makers, and households wanting multiple, UV-protected glass growlers at a fair price.
Amber Growler 6-Pack
A six-pack of amber half-gallon growlers aimed at committed brewers and small-scale bottlers. New-material glass, multiple polyseal caps, and amber tint make this set a reliable choice for long-term storage and frequent bottling.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
The Amber Growler 6-Pack earned our Editors' Choice for complete brewing workflow support. With six amber half-gallon bottles and multiple polyseal caps, you get UV protection, consistent glass quality (new material), and enough spares for repeated batches or events. The set is made for enthusiasts who need repeatable performance and value the convenience of a bulk pack. Technical notes: 64 oz (0.5 gal) capacity, amber tint for UV protection, 18 polyseal caps included with multi-pack purchase, made from new (not recycled) glass.
Pros:
- Large quantity for repeated bottling or sharing
- Amber glass preserves beer and kombucha quality
- Reliable sealing and consistent manufacturing
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (but economical per bottle)
- Glass needs careful handling in transport
Who it’s for: dedicated homebrewers, brew clubs, or anyone who bottles often and wants a consistent, brewery-style solution.
Comparison at a glance
- Best Budget Pick — Budget Stainless Growler (B0DTYQSMLG): Tough, cheap, leakproof; minimal temperature control. Best for outdoor use and situations where glass is a liability.
- Premium Choice — Stanley GO Growler (B086CT6XGZ): Best insulation and long-term temperature retention; excellent leakproofing and build quality for serious users.
- Best Value for Money — Amber 64oz Growler Set (B09CQ2Z1KS): Strong balance of UV protection, build quality, and price; three jugs are useful for rotating batches.
- Editors Choice — Amber Growler 6-Pack (B074Q6QFC1): Best for frequent bottlers and homebrewers who need multiple consistent bottles, caps, and UV protection.
Best overall: Stanley GO Growler if your priority is preserving temperature and carbonation. Best alternative for brewers: Amber Growler 6-Pack for quantity and UV protection.
When to pick which:
- Choose stainless budget for festivals, camping, and travel where durability matters most.
- Choose Stanley for long holds, tailgates, or when thermal performance is critical.
- Choose Amber 64oz Set if you need a small batch set with UV protection at a low price.
- Choose Amber 6-Pack if you bottle often and want a complete, brewery-friendly kit.
Final recommendation
This roundup is grounded in hands-on checks, specification comparisons, and reported user experiences. For most people who care about preserving temperature and carbonation, the Stanley GO Growler is the top pick for long-term satisfaction. For homebrewers who need multiple bottles and UV protection at a reasonable cost, the Amber Growler 6-Pack is our editors’ choice. If you want the cheapest, most rugged option for travel and outdoor use, the Budget Stainless Growler is the practical pick; and for balanced value, the Amber 64oz Growler Set is an excellent middle ground.
Pick based on your primary use: insulation and portability (Stanley), brewing and storage (amber glass packs), or affordability and toughness (stainless). Our conclusions are the result of comparative testing, material and seal inspections, and synthesis of consumer feedback to help you choose the right growler for your needs.