With the birth of a child, every family is faced with a huge number of issues related to the care, feeding and hygiene of the baby. In the modern world, there are thousands of devices specifically designed to make life easier for parents, and one such device is a bottle sterilizer. There are many models of sterilizers on the children's goods market today, and in this article we will analyze the most successful models in our independent Top 6 and help you choose the best sterilizer for bottles.
- Sterilization method matters
- Choosing a sterilizer - which company is better?
- What to look for when choosing a bottle sterilizer
- TOP 6 best bottle sterilizers
- FAQ
Which bottle sterilizer is best to buy?
Modern bottle sterilizers are very diverse in appearance and size, type of action and functionality.
To buy the optimal model, you need to take into account the needs of a specific family:
- number and age of children;
- availability of free space in the kitchen;
- parameters of household appliances, etc.
Bottles are treated with steam, ultraviolet light or a safe chemical solution. With any chosen method, bacteria are destroyed almost 100%. The most common cleaning method is steam treatment.
The device can be operated from the mains, on rechargeable batteries, in a microwave oven, or without a special heating source at all (cold sterilization with a chemical solution). Depending on the design and size, the sterilizer can simultaneously clean from 1 to 6-8 bottles.
In large models, other items are also processed: baby dishes, pacifiers, breast pumps, rattles, teethers. The main thing is that the objects being processed can be heated to 100 °C.
Useful additional features include:
- built-in bottle warmer;
- drying dishes;
- double boiler;
- automatic switching on/off of the device;
- display showing the progress of operations;
- heating or water level indicator;
- sound signals, etc.
The sterilizer is a complete replacement for traditional boiling. It frees up a lot of time for mom and will be an excellent helper for both parents of bottle-fed babies and breastfeeding enthusiasts.
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How to choose the right one
There are a large number of different types of this device. The choice should be based on the significance of this device in each individual family and the need for additional functions.
According to the processing method, these devices are divided into three types:
- Ultraviolet;
- Steam;
- Chemical.
If you have twins, then an electric steam apparatus will be the most convenient, as it allows you to process four to ten jars of food at once. But it also has disadvantages: high cost and bulkiness.
- You can also steam dishes using a bottle sterilizer designed for microwave ovens. It is a sealed container into which you must add enough water to generate steam before use. It has a lower cost, but also less capacity.
- Devices that are sterilized using ultraviolet light are convenient for travel. They are also used to process dishes that are made from materials that are unstable to high temperatures. The disadvantage is that you can only process one or two jars at a time.
- Processing dishes using chemical sterilizers is convenient on the go. The disadvantage is that you need to constantly buy special tablets and powders to prepare solutions.
You also need to pay attention to the presence of such additional functions:
- The presence of a warmer function in the bottle sterilizer;
- Double boiler;
- Water level control;
- Auto-on and auto-off functions.
The best steam electric sterilizers
Steam sterilizers are capacitive devices that operate from an electrical network. Their design includes a hermetically sealed container (reservoir) into which water is poured.
When you turn on the device, it heats up to boiling temperature, and the dishes are treated with the resulting steam. This method of sterilization is the most popular; cleaning is carried out in one heating cycle.
Steam sterilizers are produced by all leading manufacturers of products for newborns. Such models operate automatically, are easy to use, and are often equipped with various indicators.
Among the disadvantages of electric sterilizers are high energy consumption, impressive dimensions and a fairly high price.
Philips Avent SCF 284/03 – 3 in 1 model
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Philips Avent steam sterilizer is a spacious model designed for 6 bottles of 330 ml.
It is also suitable for processing other dishes. The “3 in 1” function allows you to sterilize objects of three sizes: small (pacifiers, nipples), medium (spoons, forks, plates, breast pumps) and large - the bottles themselves.
The kit includes modular containers that can be used for bottles with a narrow or wide neck, as well as plastic tweezers.
The dishwashing cycle is completed in just 6 minutes, after which the appliance automatically turns off. When the lid is closed, the treated glassware remains sterile for 24 hours.
The elements of the device are made of safe polypropylene that does not contain bisphenol-A. The dimensions of the sterilizer are 16x29x15 cm, weight 1.5 kg.
Pros:
- Large capacity.
- Suitable for bottles and accessories of different brands and sizes.
- High processing speed.
- Reliability and high quality materials.
- Ease of use.
Minuses:
- Quite a high price.
Philips Avent SCF 284/03 is a functional and fairly compact sterilizer for processing a variety of baby feeding items.
Beurer JBY 76 – digital model with screen
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The German Beurer JBY 76 sterilizer allows you to simultaneously sterilize 6 bottles and other accessories.
The steam cycle takes 8 minutes and the dishes remain sterile for 3 hours. There is a screen on the body of the device that displays the time remaining until the end of work. After cleaning is completed, a light and sound signal is given.
The device comes with a bottle holder and tongs. It also has a cable winder for easy storage. The dimensions of the device are 22.5x33.5 cm, weight – just over 1.2 kg.
Pros:
- Fast and high-quality disinfection.
- There is a digital display.
- At the end of the work, signals are given.
- Compact dimensions and light weight.
- Energy saving mode.
Minuses:
- High price.
The Beurer JBY 76 sterilizer has an attractive, bright design. The body has smooth lines and is made in a stylish combination of white and yellow, and the transparent lid allows you to monitor the cleaning process.
Dr. Brown's 856 – spacious sterilizer with compartments
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
Sterilizer Dr. Brown's allows you to sanitize up to 6 bottles at a time. The maximum sterilization time is 12 minutes.
The power button on the case lights up all the time. The device can accommodate Dr. brand bottles. Brown's of any standard size, it also processes pacifiers and other accessories.
The set includes a removable basket (convenient for removing bottles), a divider panel for utensils, a measuring cup and tongs. When the water overheats or boils, the device turns off automatically. Sterilizer dimensions – 30x22 cm, weight – 1.9 kg.
Pros:
- Capacious container for 6 bottles.
- The basket is divided into compartments for different utensils.
- There is an automatic shutdown function.
- The kit includes a measuring cup and tongs.
- Acceptable price.
Minuses:
- Non-removable design, which is inconvenient for draining water.
A spacious sterilizer is suitable for parents of twins or the same age. It is suitable for disinfecting bottles and other feeding equipment.
Medela B-well Electric Steam Steriliser – easy to use
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
The sterilizer from the Swiss manufacturer Medela B-well is designed for simultaneous cleaning of up to 5 feeding bottles. It can also disinfect pacifiers, pacifiers, and teethers.
The device operates from the mains, power consumption is 580 W. Switching on and control is done with one button.
The device operates in two modes: sterilization and cooling. The operating time is 23 minutes: 8 are spent on steaming and 15 minutes on cooling the dishes.
After the cycle is completed, the device automatically turns off and beeps. The Medela Bottle Warmer can be stored inside the sterilizer body.
Pros:
- High quality cleaning.
- Ergonomic design.
- Ease of storage and care.
- There is a light indicator and a sound signal for the end of work.
- Durability, good build quality and materials.
Minuses:
- Short wire.
Thanks to its stylish design and thoughtful storage system, the B-well sterilizer will easily fit into the decor of any kitchen.
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The best sterilizers for microwaves
In such models, sterilization is also performed by treating objects with water vapor. The difference from electric steam devices is in the power source and heating method.
The bottles are placed in a container, which is filled with water and closed tightly. And heating is carried out in a microwave oven turned on at full power.
These devices are smaller in size, convenient and easy to use. The main disadvantage is that sterilizers cannot be used independently without a microwave.
When choosing a model, you need to take into account its dimensions so that the container fits freely in the oven. Also, metal products and objects with a shiny coating cannot be processed in microwave sterilizers.
Philips Avent SCF 281/02 – sterilizer for home and travel
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Philips Avent Microwave Sterilizer holds 4 wide or standard neck bottles. The compact device is suitable for most models of microwave ovens.
The dimensions of the case are 28x16.6 cm, weight - 740 g. The lid on the container is fixed with plastic latches that do not heat up during sterilization.
The set includes special tweezers for bottles. The processing time for dishes depends on the power of the microwave.
At 1200-1850 W, disinfection takes 2 minutes, at 850-1100 W – 4 minutes, at 50-800 W – 6 minutes. The glassware remains sterile for 24 hours after treatment (if stored in a closed container).
Pros:
- Simplicity and ease of use.
- High sterilization speed.
- Compact sizes.
- Suitable for bottles and other items.
- Compatible with most microwave oven models.
Minuses:
- Quite a high price.
The Philips Avent SCF 281/02 sterilizer is suitable for travel and home use. In an airtight container, bottles will remain clean for a long time.
Chicco Natural Maxi – stylish sterilizer for 5 bottles
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Chicco sterilizer effectively destroys 99.9% of known pathogens: fungi, bacteria and viruses.
The model is designed for simultaneous processing of 5 baby bottles and is intended for microwave ovens with a power of 600-1200 W.
Bottles can be stored in a closed container for a day after cleaning. To make it easier to remove dishes, the set includes hygienic tongs. The dimensions of the sterilizer are 30x24x11 cm.
Pros:
- Stylish corporate design.
- Large capacity.
- Effective cleaning of bottles.
- Convenient storage of dishes.
- Affordable price.
Minuses:
- Dimensions are not suitable for all microwave ovens.
The Chicco microwave sterilizer is suitable for sterilizing any baby items made of glass or heat-resistant plastic.
Tommee Tippee – compact model for processing bottles and teats
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The sterilizer is designed for use with Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature branded bottles.
Water is poured into the container, and a platform with holes and holders is installed on top - it can accommodate 4 bottles, nipples, pacifiers and small toys that will be treated with steam. The top of the sterilizer is covered with a transparent lid.
Microwave processing time takes 4-8 minutes depending on the power of the equipment. After disinfection, the dishes can be kept in a closed container for a day.
The sterilizer comes with special tweezers for nipples, a Closer to Nature pacifier for babies 0-3 months old, and instructions.
Pros:
- Modern and stylish design.
- The sterilizer is easy to use.
- Suitable for objects of different shapes.
- The set includes a transparent branded pacifier.
- Can be used to store dishes for 24 hours.
Minuses:
- Not a lot of recesses for bottles and nipples.
After processing, the bottles remain sterile and clean - without streaks.
Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags – sterilization bags
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
75%
buyers recommend this product
Medela airtight pouches are designed for steam microwave disinfection of bottles and other baby supplies.
The package contains 5 bags, each designed for 20 uses. After the next sterilization, a mark is made on the package in a special window, so you will not miss the expiration of its “expiration date”.
To disinfect, place a bottle or other item in a bag of water, close it tightly and place it in the microwave for 3-6 minutes. The amount of liquid required for processing is 60 ml.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Suitable for repeated use.
- Sealed bags with a convenient clasp.
- You can sterilize your bottle or other feeding items.
- Compact size - bags can be put in a bag.
Minuses:
- Limited number of cleanings.
- It is not very convenient to drain the water.
After processing the dishes, you can use a sealed bag to transport bottles and nipples; it is convenient to take it with you on the road or for a walk, after draining the water.
When is sterilization necessary?
Many children (and mothers) can do without a sterilizer, but in some cases it is simply necessary.
Bottle sterilization is necessary in the following cases:
- A bottle-fed child is with his mother outside the home (long walk, visiting, trip, vacation, hospital treatment). Outside your home, the microflora is foreign and unusual, and often dangerous (especially in hospitals, where it can be not only pathogenic, but also resistant to drugs). Therefore, if you have to dilute the formula for your baby away from home, use only pasteurized bottles.
- The mother expresses milk for later storage (in the refrigerator or freezer) and feeding the baby. Many student mothers and women who went to work early try to prolong natural feeding as much as possible and, although they cannot breastfeed, they can express milk and leave it for the baby. But milk is an excellent nutrient medium, and microorganisms that enter it begin to multiply quickly. To protect your milk from external microbes, you should use only sterile bottles (or containers) and a sterile breast pump for expressing.
- When bottle-feeding (whether with milk or formula) premature, low-weight, weakened or sick babies, their immunity may not be able to cope even with ordinary microorganisms, so at first you will need to use sterile care items and sterile feeding utensils.
- When a child is bottle-fed from birth or early age, sterilization will be necessary at least from time to time when diluting the formula outside the home or simply for periodic processing of dishes (bottles need to be pasteurized once a week).
- New bottles, nipples and pacifiers should also not only be washed with soap, but also pasteurized at least once before first use.
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And if sterilization must be carried out daily, and even more so several times a day, using a sterilizer is much more convenient and easier, than boiling:
- sterilization in special devices does not require constant monitoring, bottles will never burn or melt;
- scale does not form on the walls of the bottles and on the nipples, as in the case of boiling.
The best UV sterilizers
In ultraviolet sterilizers, disinfection is carried out by irradiating objects with UV rays. The design of such devices includes a sealed chamber with a transparent door and a lamp located inside.
UV sterilizers do not require water to operate; they work quickly and quietly, effectively destroying pathogenic bacteria and microbes. Among the disadvantages of such models are small capacity and the lack of a chamber for storing already cleaned items.
Ecomom Eco-22 – capacious anionic UV sterilizer
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
The Ecomom Eco-22 sterilizer effectively disinfects children's accessories. When purified, it destroys up to 99.9% of all known bacteria and viruses, including streptococci and salmonella. It also eliminates all foreign odors.
The device's spacious chamber allows you to clean up to 12 bottles at a time. The treatment is carried out with UV rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nm. The sterilizer operates in two modes: with a single key press it irradiates objects for 15 minutes, and with a double key press – 25 minutes.
The design has a built-in RTS fan heater - thanks to it, the bottles become completely dry after processing. The device is controlled using an intuitive touch panel.
There is a raised reflective metal plate inside the chamber, so UV rays hit the surfaces of the objects being processed from all sides. The chamber also includes a convenient patented nipple shelf.
Pros:
- High disinfection efficiency.
- Elimination of odors.
- Versatility - suitable for different items.
- Holds up to 12 bottles.
- Convenient touch control panel.
- There is a built-in drying and heating of dishes.
Minuses:
- High price.
- Significant weight (5 kg) and dimensions 33x34x40 cm.
The sterilizer is suitable for processing baby bottles and other accessories: pacifiers, toys, toothbrushes, dishes. It is available in 3 colors: pink, blue and green.
Nuvita NV1556 – portable bottle sterilizer
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
76%
buyers recommend this product
The Nuvita brand NV1556 is a compact, portable device for sterilizing a bottle or pacifier. It is also suitable for dishes with a wide neck.
To process, you need to open the device at the top, insert the nipple, close the sterilizer and press the button.
The pacifier can be disinfected without removing it from the bottle. A complete cleaning cycle takes 3 minutes. The portable device can be carried in a bag or backpack - it runs on 2 AAA batteries.
Pros:
- Ease of use.
- Suitable for cleaning nipples on bottles and most pacifiers.
- Compact dimensions - the sterilizer fits into a small bag.
- Effective disinfection.
- The batteries last a long time.
Minuses:
- Small and therefore not particularly roomy.
The portable sterilizer is recommended for use in the age group over 3 months. The model is available in 2 colors for boys and girls: that is, blue and pink.
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The best chemical sterilizers
Chemical (or cold) sterilization is performed without connecting the device to a power source and heating the dishes.
To disinfect, add a safe antibacterial agent in the form of a liquid or tablet to a container of water, and after complete dissolution, immerse children’s dishes in it.
Devices of this type are convenient to use on the road when there is no access to electricity. They are quite rare, and special cleaning concentrates are not sold everywhere.
When using a chemical sterilizer, you need to monitor the expiration date of the solution. It is convenient when the device has an indicator with the date and time of its last replacement.
Beaba Steril Express Evolutif – a universal device for steam and cold sterilization
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The Beaba Steril sterilizer is a universal model that is suitable for steam and chemical disinfection. The device can operate from the mains, like a regular electric sterilizer, or using a chemical solution.
The device has a modular system and is designed to process 9 items. Suitable for disinfecting bottles, pacifiers, dishes and other baby supplies.
Operating time in steam mode is 6 minutes (there is an auto-shut-off function). The set includes tongs and a measuring cup. The body is made of durable plastic and has no foreign odors. The weight of the device is 2.2 kg, dimensions are 36x29x25 cm.
Pros:
- Versatile – suitable for steam and chemical cleaning.
- Spacious.
- Modular device system.
- The set includes tongs and a measuring cup.
- Ease of use.
Minuses:
- High price.
- Quite big dimensions.
The capacious sterilizer can be used in two modes, so power outages are not a problem with it. With cold disinfection, cleaning is completely silent and there is no risk of getting burned.
Disadvantages of the device
The disadvantages are usually determined by the specific sterilizer model. Some appliances have too high a price, which makes them a luxury for many low-income families.
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Some sterilizers take up a lot of space due to their bulkiness, which not all mothers like. Chemical models take a long time to disinfect and can leave an unpleasant odor on the child’s dishes - this can also cause a refusal to purchase.
However, all of these problems can be easily solved by purchasing an alternative device: in the first case, you can choose an accessory option with a minimal set of functions, in the second, you can pay attention to compact models, and in the third, you can give preference to a device based on the steam or ultraviolet disinfection principle.
In general, the sterilizer practically does not have any significant disadvantages . The average price of a bottle sterilizer is 4-5 thousand rubles, although cheaper and more expensive models can be found.
