15 Best Beer Growlers For Storing And Transporting Beer In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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If you are a beer lover, chances are, you have a beer growler . It is said that the beer growler came into existence during the 19th century when people transported craft beer from a pub or tavern to a person’s home using a metal pail.

Today, the beer growler still serves the same purpose and more. Having one brings joy to any beer fan because it allows them to have draft beer wherever they go without ruining its quality. Here are the best beer growlers you should invest in!

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• VACUUM INSULATED: Preserves the beer’s cold temperature for an extended period.
• ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE GAUGE: Easily modify the pressure between 0 to 15 psi to achieve the carbonation you want.
• SIGHT GLASS: Monitor how much beer is left inside without opening the growler.
• STAINLESS STEEL: Ensures sturdiness and durability with fewer chances of developing rust.
• EASY-TO-USE TAP: Dispenses beer without removing the cap and can be locked to stop the flow.

What We Don’t Like

• It can be tricky to set up.

What Our Experts Say

“After doing a lot of research, I ended up buying a UKEG 64 from GrowlerWerks. For me, it’s not just important that beer stays at the right serving temperature but also that I can control its carbonation level,” says homebrewer and avid beer fan Phil Hawes from BeerCreation.com .

“This growler does both, and it’s small enough to fit in a rucksack or even a carry-on bag. I actually ended up buying three of these growlers. I now use them for weekend camping trips in remote mountain areas and for taking beer samples to homebrew meetups out of state,” he adds.

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: China

Related: The Best Beer Making Kits for Homebrewers

2. Runner-Up: Stanley Classic Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• 64-OZ. CAPACITY: Serves up to four people.
• DOUBLE-WALL INSULATION: Keeps your beer cold for hours and can also be used for warm drinks.
• STRONG CLAMP: Ensures you never have to worry about wasting beer or creating a mess on your next beer expedition.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY: Guarantees to fix or replace broken items at no cost to you.

What We Don’t Like

• The hinge is quite thin, which can result in a broken latch.
• The paint is prone to peeling.

What Buyers Say

“We love how this growler looks, and we’ve received countless compliments and questions about it. It looks lovely and works great too! Though we have four growlers in all, this Stanley variety has the best seal.

On a camping trip, we were able to keep a full beer fill cool and carbonated for over 24 hours. The durability and ease of cleaning seem to make this a good investment. Even after years of using this growler, its performance still hasn’t deteriorated, which speaks volumes about its quality.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Manufactured: China

3. Best Personalized: Crystal Imagery German Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• CUSTOMIZABLE: Adorn this beer growler with any letter initial, name, or any word for the banner.
• WIDE MOUTH: You can easily pour and fill it with beer without spillings.
• PORCELAIN FLIP TOP: Sturdy and scratch-resistant material that will not rust.
• SAND-CARVED: Raised and 3D appearance, thanks to the meticulous process by talented artisans.

What We Don’t Like

• Requires extra care when washing by hand.

What Our Editors Say

“If you're searching for a giftable beer growler, we suggest this one because personalized presents are always a hit! The customized design will be positioned front and center via delicate hand-carving sandblasting.

We enjoyed the growler's shape and patterned surface, especially how different it is from other glass growlers. The glass appears robust enough to last in the kitchen or brewery while the lid performs well by closing tightly.”

Material: Glass, Stainless Steel, and Porcelain | Capacity: 67.6 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No

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4. Best Gift: Hydro Flask Insulated Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• TEMPSHIELD TECHNOLOGY: Double wall vacuum insulation maintains the drink’s temperature for hours.
• POWDER COATED: Gives the growler a fashionable matte look and a more secure and non-slip grip.
• FRESH CARRY SYSTEM: Built with a leak-proof seal and sturdy and durable handle around the neck for improved portability.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY: Convenient product replacement if there are defects.

What We Don’t Like

• It is difficult to pour due to the small handle.

What Buyers Say

“We’ve had multiple growlers from various brands, and while some were okay, the HydroFlask was by far the most reliable option. This is an incredibly durable product and successfully maintains a drink’s temperature (hot or cold) for an extended period of time.

We left this bottle in the van after a day of trekking, thinking it would be room temperature, but when we returned, the drink was surprisingly cold. And considering how often it shifted position in the back seat, we were also amazed that it never leaked.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: China

5. Best Professional Grade: Craft Master Stainless Pressurized Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• STAINLESS STEEL: Gives a professional look and provides optimum sturdiness and heavy-duty performance.
• SQUARE SHAPED: Makes the growler unique, saves space, and fits the fridge better.
• CUSTOMIZABLE LOOK: Choose a brushed or a mirror finish with custom engraving.
• SIGHT GLASS: Conveniently shows the beer level without hassle.
• SWIVEL TAP: Rotates 180 degrees, allowing you to pour from left or right.

What We Don’t Like

• It can be too big for travel.

What Our Editors Say

“Whether it's the brushed finish or the mirror finish, we believe this growler by Craft Master has the best aesthetic appeal with commercial-grade quality. We are impressed by its unique square shape and 128-oz. capacity that accommodates more servings at parties or events.

It is crafted from a sturdy 304 stainless steel with double wall insulation that keeps beer well carbonated for two weeks. The elevated handle also has a solid appearance and a good grip. Finally, all the components are easy to put together and take apart for quick cleaning.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 128 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: USA

Related: The Best Beer Bongs for the Wildest Parties

6. Best for Home Storage: Sally’s Organics Beer Growlers

Why We Think It’s Great

• COMES WITH POLYCONE LIDS: Offer a tight seal and are safer than metal lids which may rust over time.
• DISHWASHER SAFE: It can be easily and thoroughly cleaned in a breeze with no damage afterward.
• LEAD-FREE MATERIAL: Tough, durable, and safe to use with beverages.
• AMBER-COLORED GLASS: Blocks UV light, the main culprit behind a skunked beer.

What We Don’t Like

• This growler is not designed for traveling.
• It doesn’t keep the beer cold long enough.

What Our Editors Say

“There’s nothing fancy going on with this amber glass growler, but it sure does get the job done effectively. We like that its construction can cater to more than just beer, such as kombucha, wine, homemade juice, and sauces.

The mouth is not very wide, which is fortunate because it reduces the possibility of spilling beer. The caps that came with it appear to work as they seal rather well with no leaks. We particularly appreciate that it is dishwasher safe so that cleaning won’t be a hassle.”

Material: Glass | Capacity: 32 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Manufactured: USA

Related: The Different Types of Beer Glasses

7. Best Handle: Euro Growler Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• METAL HANDLE: Sturdy and well-made, with a shape designed to be comfortable in your hands.
• WIDE MOUTH: Filling this beer growler is easy and mitigates spill accidents.
• AMBER-COLORED GLASS: Designed to filter off the ultraviolet radiation that spoils beer.
• CERAMIC SWING TOP LID: Strong material, accompanied by a rubber gasket to cover your beer.

What We Don’t Like

• Absence of a government alcohol warning label.

What Our Editors Say

“It was refreshing to see a glass growler with a metal handle because it adds to its uniqueness. We enjoyed how the grip was designed to fit the entire hand rather than the typical narrow handles.

We are also impressed with the ceramic lid’s brilliance and color, which complement the amber tone of the glass. The tight seal also helps retain the beer’s flavor profile with the help of the metal clips that are simple to close and remove.”

Material: Glass, Stainless Steel, and Ceramic | Capacity: 67.6 oz. | Manufactured: USA

8. Best Sleek Design: Legacy Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• SWING TOP STOPPER: Easily open and re-seal the growler without hassle.
• STAINLESS STEEL: Reliable material that can withstand continuous use.
• INSULATED: Makes a great travel growler as it can keep beer cold and fresh for hours.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY: Guarantees the benefit of getting a new product easily, should there be damages.

What We Don’t Like

• The paint may flake off over time.

What Buyers Say

“We set our sight on this product as we decided to switch from glass growlers. So far, this growler has worked very well for us as it’s giving carbonation.

We filled it with Kefir water and refrigerated it, and the second fermentation was on its second day. When we opened it to check, CO2 leaked out, which is a good thing. Moreover, the seal seems reliable enough and secure. We just placed another bottle order!”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: China

9. Best for Travel: Coleman Insulated Stainless Steel Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• NO CONDENSATION: Double-walled construction means you can keep a firm and dry grip.
• OPTIMUM INSULATION: Maintains cold temperature for up to 76 hours, while hot drinks stay hot for up to 41 hours.
• INTEGRATED LID: You never have to go through the trouble of losing a lid with this growler's double-hinged cover.
• EASY TO OPEN: Designed with textured areas for a more firm grip when twisting the lid.

What We Don’t Like

• Its small handle makes it a bit hard to pour.

What Buyers Say

“This is the best growler we’ve owned so far, particularly considering the cost. We like how the lid can be opened and closed with little effort.

Although it has a simple design, this container is significantly more functional and long-lasting than others. We filled it with water and ice, and the water stayed cold for up to three days, and most of the ice stayed frozen.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: China

10. Best for Parties: NutriChef Mini Keg Pressurized Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• AMAZING LONGEVITY: Stores and keeps beer fresh for up to three months.
• SCRATCH-RESISTANT: Thanks to its matte black powder coating, the exterior has great resistance to abrasions.
• HEXAGONAL CAP: Allows a firmer and easier grip than round caps.
• TWO HANDLES: It makes lifting and carrying easy, especially when the growler is full.
• ADJUSTABLE REGULATOR: Easily regulates the pressure and psi from 0 to 50 to suit your carbonation and foam needs.

What We Don’t Like

• It doesn’t come with CO2 chargers.
• The growler can be difficult to assemble.

What Our Editors Say

“You usually see a keg sitting on a fixed place at a party since it’s too big to move around. Now, you can carry your mini keg with the NutriChef Beer Growler! It utilizes carbon dioxide chargers and a detachable regulator so you can adjust and monitor the pressure.

We like how the black matte powder coating gives it a streamlined, professional appearance while preventing scratches. We also appreciate how the manufacturer reduced the size so it can fit inside a refrigerator, which is its biggest improvement.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Manufactured: China

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11. Best Look: Reduce Insulated Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• STAINLESS STEEL: Looks sleek and stylish and won’t add smells, flavors, and chemicals to your drink.
• ATTRACTIVE COLOR: The light and shiny exterior is aesthetically pleasing.
• LEAK PROOF: Say goodbye to beer spills and mess, as this growler won't sweat on the outside and doesn't have leaking issues.
• DUAL PURPOSE LID: Aside from tightly closing the growler, it also doubles as a cup convenient for travel.

What We Don’t Like

• This growler can be easily scratched.

What Buyers Say

“The first thing that compelled us to buy this growler was its lovely appearance, and we loved how the pastel colors looked and how shiny it was. We also appreciate the wide opening for ice cubes without spilling when drinking straight from the container.

We think the lid was a genius design since it can be used as a cup or removed entirely for direct consumption. The water in the bottle makes it rather heavy, but the carry handle makes it manageable. Additionally, the water remains icy for a very long time, and it lasts us over six hours during hikes.”

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (lid); No (body) | Manufactured: China

12. Most Elegant: GrowlerWerks uKeg Go Carbonated Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• DOUBLE WALL INSULATION: Keeps beer cold and carbonated for a long period.
• PATENTED AUTOMATED CARBONATION CAP: Allows the carbonation level to be adjusted either at high or low, depending on the type of drink.
• DURABLE STEEL HANDLE: Strongly attached to the neck and effortlessly carries the weight of the growler.
• THREE-POSITION TAP: Used for locking, unlocking, and pouring for a more organized function.
• RUBBER BOTTOM: This won't give a scratched-up bottom and ensure the growler stays in its place.

What We Don’t Like

• CO2 chargers are not included in the package.

What Buyers Say

“This growler is the real deal as it keeps beer fresh for the whole two weeks it claims to. We filled it with beer from a brewery in town, and two weeks later, the last pour still tasted great. We also experimented with several pressure settings, which required zero effort.

We were able to put the insulation to the test as well. We had a four-hour road trip with the growler in the trunk, and the beer stayed nice and cold the whole time.”

Material: Stainless Steel and Plastic | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: No | Manufactured: China

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13. Best Lid: DrinkTanks Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• PASSIVATED STAINLESS STEEL: Pairs well with the double wall vacuum insulation and prevents flavor and odor transfer.
• INSULATED LID: Contains a cork inside the lid, improving the growler’s temperature retention by up to 30%.
• DUAL BAIL CLOSURE: Strong and airtight seal, so no liquid or CO2 can leak.
• MAINTAINS TEMPERATURE: Retains cold temperature for 45 hours, hot temperature for 25 hours and keeps beer fresh for about a month.
• AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT COLORS: Caters to various preferences and gift-giving.

What We Don’t Like

• Not every brewery can fill it, depending on state laws.

What Our Editors Say

"We consider this among the most travel-friendly growler options due to the handle's ergonomic design and ability to accommodate various hand sizes. In addition, its capacity is sufficient for a small group to share.

This growler is suitable for many beverages, and we adore how it doesn’t retain the aroma and flavor of the prior beverage stored inside. We also appreciate how effortlessly the lid closes and how tight it is."

Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 64 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer Food Pairings

14. Best for Brewing Big Batches: KooK Amber Glass Growlers

Why We Think It’s Great

• SET OF 6: It provides more beer storage for home or commercial use.
• DARK AMBER GLASS: Aids in preserving the beer's quality by protecting it from sunlight.
• PLASTISOL LINED CAPS: Offer a reliable airtight seal.
• FREEZER SAFE: Safely chill these growlers in your freezer to get cold beer every time.

What We Don’t Like

• The growler is not immune to breakage.

What Buyers Say

“For the price and the number of pieces it includes, this set is such a steal! For the most part, we were interested in buying this because of its affordability; we didn’t think much of its quality. But to our surprise, the growler’s quality is actually pretty amazing.

The glass is thick, meaning it’ll survive inside the freezer and can withstand long-term usage. The amber color adds to its beauty, together with the shape. If you’re not using this to hold beer, it could pass as a house decoration.”

Material: Glass | Capacity: 32 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

15. Best Value: Strange Brew Beer Growler

Why We Think It’s Great

• BROWN-COLORED GLASS: Protection from UV light to prevent skunked beer.
• POLYSEAL CAP: Sturdy, long-lasting and have great tolerance to temperature.
• DURABLE GLASS: It has a great quality that can withstand multiple fills for years.
• STURDY HANDLE: Bears the weight of a fully filled growler.

What We Don’t Like

• The glass has a few blemishes.

What Our Editors Say

"Better options come in sets if you want to buy glass growlers in bulk. However, this is your best choice if you just want a single growler. The glass is thick and hefty, yet it's not difficult to carry with a comfortable handle.

We like how the polyseal cap fits well, does not leak, and feels sturdy enough for a beer growler. Bottom line, we are impressed with the quality and believe this purchase is worthwhile for the price."

Material: Glass | Capacity: 32 oz. | Manufactured: USA

Final Verdict

Beer growlers allow you to create homebrews, transport craft beer anywhere you like, and still taste all of its deliciousness. They’re also environmentally friendly because they are reusable, unlike cans and bottles.

Among the different growlers, the GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Beer Growler has our vote for the best overall. It's perfect for storing and transporting your favorite craft beer. It also keeps beer well carbonated and has all the necessary features to maintain its fresh quality.

Which beer growler would you get? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Best Beer Growlers Buying Guide

Beer growlers come in different forms, so if you need help choosing one, here are some factors to consider.

Material

Most growlers are available in glass and stainless steel. The material is essential because it is linked with other factors such as price and convenience. To better understand the two, here are some of their differences:

Glass growlers are great if you only consume beer for a short time. People appreciate this growler mainly because it is transparent, allowing people to see how much beer is left. But since glass is fragile, it is more likely to be broken or chipped when dropped.

These growlers are either clear or amber-colored. While the former is great for showing the beer’s visuals, especially the color, people don’t like it as much because it is not safe from sunlight and can turn the draft beer dull and unpleasant-tasting. So, opt for an amber glass growler because its dark color protects the beer from UV light.

Stainless steel growlers are the right choice if you intend to travel with beer. Compared to glass growlers, stainless steel ones do not break when dropped, but you can’t see the contents from the outside. Still, it is a popular choice because the metal is a great conductor, so the beer stays cold for a long time.

“When searching for the perfect growler to keep my beers fresh, I always prefer stainless steel growlers with double-wall insulation. While more expensive, they last much longer than glass and are well worth the investment,” says Isaiah King, co-owner and brewmaster at Gasper Brewing .

“I aim to choose bottles with vacuum-sealed lids for better carbonation and prefer those with large openings to aid in the cleaning process. Storing beer is an equally important step in the brewing journey, so it's important to choose your growlers wisely,” King adds.

Capacity

The standard fluid capacity of growlers is 64 ounces, but some have less or more. If you often have parties or large gatherings with people, you would need a big growler. But if you buy one to accommodate yourself or a few people, choose a smaller growler.

Convenience

The most common form of beer growler is bottle-shaped with an airtight flip cap. Some also have handles for easy transport. Glass growlers’ handles are relatively small and are intended to lift the vessel rather than carry it; that’s why they’re not suitable for traveling.

Stainless steel growlers are the most convenient because they are lighter, durable, have oversized handles, and maintain the beer’s temperature. Choose an easy-to-open growler that doesn’t drip when the beer is poured.

Effect on Beer’s Taste

A good growler should not affect the beer’s taste. Whatever the container is made of, the beer should taste fine as long as it’s clean.

You don’t want to taste metal in your beer so beware of growlers made from low-quality materials. Also, choose a growler with a tight seal to ensure oxygen cannot get in, and the carbonation and flavors are retained.

Price

The price varies depending on the growler's size, material, and style. Ensure you have the proper budget to buy the growler that suits your needs. Also, consider the warranty that a product offers.

Beer Growler FAQ

1. Will breweries fill growlers?

Even with beer growlers' benefits, you can’t always get them refilled in some breweries. Some states have specific laws that prohibit the refilling of beer in growlers.

Some will refill a growler if you bought it from them or their brand, so you can’t just use any container; however, other breweries will refill any kind of growler. These laws tend to change, so double-check if your state allows this practice.

2. Can you pour bottled or canned beer into a growler?

Growlers are reserved for draft beer from breweries, but you can pour your own bottled or canned beer in them. You will lose some carbonation, but it will taste good when consumed within 24 hours.

3. What is the difference between a growler and a crowler?

They both serve the same purpose, but crowlers only measure 32 oz., whereas growlers are available in 32 oz. and 64 oz. Crowlers are also made of aluminum and are protected from oxygen and UV light, which is a problem with growlers made of glass.

Unlike growlers that can be refilled, crowlers are sealed once filled and cannot be resealed. Basically, a crowler is like a can that is filled with draft beer on the spot.

4. How many people can a beer growler serve?

A 64-oz. growler is about 4 pints, which can serve four people. But, it depends on the amount you pour because if you use smaller glasses, five people can be accommodated.

5. Can a beer growler be put in the refrigerator ?

Technically, you need to put the growler in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before filling so the beer maintains its temperature. If you plan on bringing the growler somewhere or keeping it in the house for your next pour, properly seal and store it in the refrigerator, so the contents remain cold.

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We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.

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