Fun fact: there’s no nutritional reason to heat breast milk or formula. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t! Warm milk will soothe baby during a bottle feeding, prevent stomach upset, and make feedings go smoother overall. Bottle warmers are for the parent who wants to save time- and who doesn’t? Some can even be used to warm baby food once they are ready for that stage. Of course, not all bottle warmers are created equally. Here’s a look at some of our choices for the best bottle warmer.
Best Bottle Warmers
The Philips Avent Bottle Warmer has a defrost feature for frozen breast milk which warms the milk at a higher temperature, while the Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer does not have a defrost feature and takes two cycles to warm frozen breast milk.
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Warmer has simple features like a one-button start and easy-to-use LCD panel. It also can be used several times before needing to be emptied, whereas most bottle warmers need to be refilled with every use.
Functionality
One of the major benefits of the Dr. Browns model is that you do not have to empty it every time you use it.
This works using steam from a water reservoir that can be used several times throughout the day. Even though the reservoir is a great idea, the way it is installed is not. You must fill it with water and hold it upside down, then install it. This can be messy.
Since this works with steam instead of submerging the bottle, you don’t have to guess water levels or worry about the water tipping over.
You can set to your preferred heating time once you learn what works best by using the repeat cycle memory.
Other nice features include a single-button start and an audio and visual timer.
Other Considerations
Inside the warmer, an adjustable basket lets you accommodate different sizes. It works at a fairly quick rate, warming a 9-ounce Dr. Brown’s bottle in just 5 minutes. (compare Dr. Brown bottles vs Avent bottles).
Even though this is a quality warmer, it is only available to parents in the United States and Canada.
A major downside of this warmer is the clean-up. Even though it does not need to be emptied after each use, it needs to be cleaned thoroughly every week. This is a hassle because of the small parts like the inside of the reservoir.
Over time, using tap water in the warmer makes particles stick to the inside of the machine. You can prevent this by using distilled water. If you are not diligent enough about cleaning, you will notice a mold/mildew smell after a week or two of use.
Pros
- Do not need to empty the reservoir after each use
- Warms bottles quickly using steam
- Repeat cycle memory stores preferences
- Very easy to use
- Audio and visual timer
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Hard to install the reservoir
Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer
The Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer warms slowly to preserve the nutrients in baby food and breast milk.
Functionality
The low warming temperature stops this warmer from heating up milk too much and destroying nutrients. Even so, it works quickly. Small bottles take around three minutes, while larger bottles can take up to eight.
You can control how quickly the baby food or bottle is prepared by adjusting the temperature dial for cool or warm heating. A warming reference table is included, which takes out some of the guesswork.
It can be difficult to adjust the water level, which should be the same as the contents of the bottle.
Another cool feature is the defrost setting for frozen milk. This warms at a higher temperature, without causing hotspots that harm valuable nutrients.
A great feature of this model is that it’ll keep milk warm for up to an hour and then automatically shut off.
Like many models, you should unplug this bottle warmer and dump the water after each use.
Other Considerations
This bottle warmer will not take up excess space on your counter. It is compact and weighs just 1 pound. It is also recommended to use this with normal tap water and clean it with distilled vinegar and water every four weeks.
Like most warmers, this is compatible with a wide range of bottles. If your little one suffers from colic, the Philips Avent could work with some of the bottles on this list of anti-colic baby bottles.
It is free of BPA, phthalates, latex, and lead.
Pros
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Has a defrost setting for breastmilk
- Keeps milk warm for an hour before automatically shutting off
- Can adjust the temperature for slow or quick heating
Cons
- Need to unplug, dump water, and wipe after every use
Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer
The Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer uses low temperatures and a swirling bath to avoid hotspots. Like the Philips Avent Bottle Warmer, its focus is not on speedit is on being sure your baby gets the maximum nutrients from their breast milk, formula, or baby food once it is warmed up.
Functionality
An auto shut-off function and low-temperature water bath method let this warmer preserve the nutrients in your child’s milk or baby food.
Generally, 5-8 minutes are needed to heat a bottle. Some parents note that two cycles are needed to thoroughly heat breast milk from a frozen state.
The unique thing about the Kiinde Kozii warmer is its swirling bath. To use, you fill the reservoir that sits under the bottle of water. Set the bottle inside its holder and push the start button. The water rises and covers the bottle before flowing back into the reservoir. The bath moves the entire time the bottle is being warmed.
Another major benefit of this warmer is that you do not have to refill the reservoir every time it is used.
However, there is a safety feature that can be triggered when the reservoir starts to get dry. The water will rise, but it will not get warm. There are instructions for resetting the device if this happensit must be unplugged, emptied, and reset.
One major downside is that the device will malfunction permanently if it is run dry more than three times. You must keep it full to continue proper functioning.
Other Considerations
The wide range of compatibility lets this be used with metal, glass, and plastic bottles, as well as pouches and baby food storage containers. It works especially well with the Kiinde Kozii baby bottle and pouch line.
It is also safe, being the first bottle warmer to specifically adhere to guidelines by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
There is some guesswork, as this works using a timer that you set. However, included instructions for bottles, baby food jars, and more make this a little easier.
Pros
- Detailed guide included
- Uses a circulating bath
- Follows USDA and CDC guidelines
- Works for baby food and a wide range of bottles
- Do not have to refill every time
Cons
- Running dry three times destroys warmer
- Might take two cycles to warm frozen milk
Tommee Tippee Pump and Go Baby Bottle Warmer System
The Tommee Tippee Pump and Go Intelligent Pouch and Baby Bottle Warmer System takes the guesswork out of warming bottles. This warmer has a great range for compatibility and is one of the best models designed to work with breast milk pouches.
Functionality
This warmer heats milk with high levels of accuracy using three buttons on the front.
For people wondering how to use the Tommee Tippee bottle warmer, begin by selecting the temperature of the starting milk from room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. Then, select the type of container (pouch, glass bottle, or plastic bottle). Finally, choose the amount of milk you are trying to warm, close the lid, and push the power button.
When the bottle is warmed, the device will flash and beep three times. Even though there is a timer in this way, there is no display that tells you how long it will take to warm.
It is nice that you do not have to remove milk from the pouch before using the Tommee Tippee, as this stops mom’s hard work from being lost in the transfer.
Even though it only takes a few minutes to warm the pouches or small bottles, this loses its effectiveness with larger bottles. Some parents say that it might be better to use the hot tap water from your sink.
Other Considerations
The Tommee Tippee model is free of BPA and phthalates. It is a little pricier than the average model, possibly because of the included pouch.
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Model is a good choice for parents who want to save money on the Tommee Tippee brand.
The Pump and Go Intelligent warmer is also a little larger than some of the other options.
Pros
- Works with breast milk pouches
- Don’t have to guess how long you need to heat milk
- Works with a wide range of bottle sizes and brands
- Easy to use
Cons
- No countdown timer
- Larger than some other warmers
Boon Orb Bottle Warmer
The cute size and shape of the Boon Orb Bottle Warmer make it a great addition to any modern kitchen. It is simple to use and can steam heat a baby bottle in under 5 minutes.
Functionality
If you want a bottle warmer that simply warms without a thousand settings, then this is the bottle warmer for you. All you do is measure the water in the included graduated cylinder and dump it into the main warming chamber. The more milk or baby food you are trying to warm, the more water you’ll want to measure and add. When you are done using the graduated cylinder, you can store it in the back of the unit so that it doesn’t get lost.
Then, just press the front button and let it warm with the steam. This method is great for even heating. When the warming cycle is done, you’ll see the light on the front go off. The auto-off feature means that it won’t just run and waste water.
The large warming chamber means that you can fit most standard, wide neck, and angled bottles in this baby bottle warmer. The top silicone ring comes off to allow for the included basket, which holds a standard baby food jar.
All of this comes with a non-skid base, a small footprint on your kitchen counter, and construction that’s free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
Pros
- Small and stylish
- Works for nearly any size bottle
- No settings to figure out
- Steam heats bottles evenly
Cons
- Bottle gets very hot and has to cool before handling
- No beep or warning when the cycle is through, unit just turns off
- Front button sticks over time
Munchkin High-Speed Bottle Warmer
The Munchkin High-Speed Bottle Warmer is the fastest bottle warmer on the list, with the manufacturer promising warmed bottles in 90 seconds. It works using a steam bath.
Functionality
Whether you are warming something frozen, refrigerated, or room temperature, this Munchkin delivers fast warming. You fill to the indicated line depending on how much you are trying to warm, then place the basket and bottle in place before plugging in the warmer. When everything is in position, turn it on and wait.
It is important to keep the Munchkin warmer out of the reach of children. Steam may escape because there is not a full seal around the top of the device.
Another downside is measuring water levels. To get the perfect temperature, the water levels must be precise. It can be hard to see inside the device to achieve this.
When the bottle is ready, there is an audible alarm. The warmer also shuts itself off, which prevents over-heating of the milk.
This is also compatible with baby food jars.
Other Considerations
A nice feature of this warmer is the included adapter ring. The adapter ring creates a better seal for narrow bottles, while wide-mouth bottles fit in the warmer as well. This makes it compatible with many bottle brands.
However, the quick speed that it heats at can cause the glass to crack or break, so it may not be suitable for glass bottles.
The included basket is a nice feature, as it stops burns when you are removing the bottle once heated. You must let the unit cool for five minutes before trying again.
However, this is not an inconvenience since most babies don’t eat back-to-back.
Pros
- Basket makes removing bottles or baby food jars easy
- Automatic shut off and audible timer
- Heats faster than any of the other warmers mentioned
- Adapter ring improves seal for narrower bottles
- Steam bath allows even heating
Cons
- Steam may escape from the top, burn risk
- Must be very precise when measuring water
- Not a good choice for glass bottles
Grownsy Bottle Warmer
The Grownsy Bottle Warmer is designed highly functional, being able to heat and defrost baby food, breast milk, and water, as well as sterilize bottles. It can also hold more than one bottle at once.
Functionality
An LCD screen lets you view both the temperature that the water is and the ideal temperature for the milk. You can easily adjust it to meet your needs.
What is not as easy to adjust is all the parts. To make this work as a warmer, defroster, and sterilizer, you can even heat baby food in it! However, it will get easier to use with practice.
The fact that this is a sterilizer as well makes things more convenient for many parents. It does not have the same problems of mold and mildew growth that are common in some of the other models.
Another convenient feature is the stay-constant temperature setting. This is ideal for parents who want to be prepared when their baby gets hungry.
Unlike other models that shut off, this warmer keeps the milk or formula at a constant temperature. Since it is not fluctuating, it does not allow bacteria growth.
The manufacturer reports that the bottle can stay at the same temperature for up to 24 hours.
Other Considerations
Even though this is designed as 6-in-1′, many of the other models also heat formula, breastmilk, and baby food. The only extra feature is sterilization. For parents who don’t want to use this 6-in-1 warmer and sterilizer, you can find separate sterilizers for your bottles.
The Grownsy warmer is compatible with glass, plastic, and metal bottles. It is constructed using food-grade materials.
It can also warm more than one bottle, which is great when you want to stay prepared and for when you are babysitting or hosting a playdate.
Pros
- Can be used as a bottle sterilizer
- Holds two bottles at once
- Keeps milk at a constant temperature for up to 24 hours
- Prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew growth
- Easy-to-use LCD screen
Cons
- The 6-in-1 label is misleading
- Might shut-off early
The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer
The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer is convenient and affordable. It costs around the same as the Tommee Tippee Close to Nature Model, but has additional benefits and is an electrical model.
Functionality
When you are ready to use this warmer, pull the vial off the side. Fill this with water and pour it in the warmer. It is nice this is conveniently located on the side. Additionally, the clear markings ensure you are adding just enough water.
Put the baby food jar or bottle inside the basket and place it inside the warmer. Then, set the timer and press the on button. The device will automatically shut itself off once your little one’s food is ready.
This is designed to work with wide, narrow, and angled bottles, which is good for parents who have already chosen a favorite bottle brand.
One downside is that it may take some fiddling to get the timing perfect, especially if you are not using Munchkin bottles.
Though there is a wide range of compatibility, different thicknesses of bottles can make it hard to guess the right time.
Additionally, while there is information about warming times printed on the device, these times are off for some bottles.
Other Considerations
This features a sleek design that will easily sit on your countertop. It works with formula, milk, and baby food jars, as well as pacifiers.
Another benefit is the non-slip feet. This ensures that it stays firmly in place while you are handling the basket and managing water levels.
The ability to pre-measure the liquid and put it in the reservoir is an excellent feature for night feedings. You will be able to put the bottle in the warmer and get it started, rather than struggling while you comfort a cranky baby.
Pros
- Pre-fill vial for middle-of-the-night feedings
- Timing instructions conveniently on warmer
- Basket makes handling baby food jars and bottles easier
- Auto shut-off when the bottle is warmed
- Non-slip legs
Cons
- Can be tricky to adjust the feeding amount
- Vial is small
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Warmer
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Warmer is designed for parents who frequently need to warm bottles on the go. It is designed to work quickly without water.
Functionality
For parents looking for simplicity on the go, this is a lifesaver. It works as a well-insulated thermos. Pour boiling water inside, be sure the cap is sealed, and go on your way.
As long as the seal is in place, this does not leak (which is a good thing since it is too wide to fit most cup holders). The water stays hot for 12+ hours.
Once you are ready to warm a bottle, place it inside the plastic cup that comes with the warmer. Set the bottle (or baby food jar) inside and press the button on top of the thermos’. Pour it carefully into the warmer. To close the thermos, push the button on top of the lid again.
One of the downsides of this method is that you have to transfer boiling hot water. You cannot pour above a point where you can grab the cup without the risk of burning your fingers. This can also be difficult when in a moving car.
Other Considerations
The Tommee Tippee travel baby bottle warmer is more affordable than many other options Its simple design makes it easy to use.
It also avoids the pitfalls of car travel baby bottle warmers that may take too long or the need to find an electrical outlet while you are out.
Pros
- Works with most bottles and baby food jars
- Does not need electricity to work
- Very affordable
- No-spill seal keeps water inside
- Water will let you warm bottles for hours
Cons
- Risk of burning yourself with boiling water
- Does not fit in most car cup holders
- No timer or way to know if the bottle is done
Compare Bottle Warmers
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer | 9.3 | 8.2 | 74.99 |
| Grownsy Bottle Warmer | 9.7 | 9.0 | 43.99 |
| Boon Orb Bottle Warmer | 7.9 | 8.2 | 29.99 |
| Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Warmer | 9.8 | 9.2 | 20.99 |
| The First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer | 9.8 | 8.8 | 19.99 |
| Munchkin High-Speed Bottle Warmer | 9.3 | 8.6 | 19.95 |
| Dr. Brown's Deluxe Bottle Warmer | 8.3 | 9.0 | - |
| Tommee Tippee Pump and Go Baby Bottle Warmer System | 3.9 | 8.4 | - |
| Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer | 9.9 | - | - |
Bottle Warmer Buying Guide
Parents want to be confident they are giving their baby the best. There are several types of bottle warmer designed to work for different parenting styles.
Here are a few of your options:
- Standard Bottle Warmer– This is the most basic of the models. Many are designed compatible with a wide range of bottles, some even being universal. Generally, it takes 2+ minutes to use a standard bottle warmer, but this is still a lot faster than warming up using the tap!
- Express Bottle Warmer– This express warmer works fast. Some of these do not work with breast milk, as the warmer works by emitting sterilized warm water and mixing with formula. It is important to be careful using these. If the milk is warmed too quickly, it can cause nutrient loss and hot spots.
- Travel Baby Bottle Warmers– These are designed for parents on the go. Some use an energy source like a battery, while others plug directly into the car. Others (like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature warmer) are designed to work like a thermos, without an energy source. They are a good investment when you don’t want to search for warm water on the road.
After you have decided on a bottle type, there are many other factors to weigh before making your decision. Here’s a look at what you need to know.
Functionality
Think about how you want to use your bottle warmer. Do you need it exclusively for bottles, or will you be warming pouches of food, too?
For mothers who plan on freezing breast milk, they might want to choose a model that has a defrost or heat-from-frozen function.
You should also consider if you want the warmer to heat baby food. Bottle warmers can be a good alternative to a microwave once your baby is old enough, especially if you want to prevent hot spots.
Heating Time
Even though speed might seem like it is everything in a bottle warmer, what really matters is consistency. Be sure that your little one’s bottle is being warmed right, without hotspots.
Something else to consider is the temperature used for warming. High temperatures can destroy valuable nutrients that your baby needs to thrive.
Something else to keep in mind is that the timing differs depending on the consistency (formula, breastmilk, or baby food) and the size of what you are warming up.
Ease of Use
When you are stumbling out of bed in the early hours of the morning, the last thing you want is to deal with a complicated warmer. Take the guesswork out of it by looking up tutorials of some of your options online. This will give you an accurate idea of how easy the warmer is to use.
Power Source
Some models rely on ready-made hot water to warm your baby’s formula and milk. Most rely on some type of battery charge or electricity.
When you are out and about, you may also find models that attach to the cigarette lighter or AC adapter in your car. These seem like good options but keep in mind that most models plugging into the car take 10+ minutes to heat bottles.
Those that plug into the wall are generally quicker.
Many also require you to keep water handy for use in the warmer.
Consistency
It can be challenging to plan ahead for feeding time if the bottle warmer does not deliver every time. Choose a warmer that consistently warms milk.
It should not have any hotspots. It should also heat the same amount of milk, formula, or baby food within the same amount of time each time it is used.
Size
You want your bottle warmer where you can access it. For people with small kitchens or little counter space, a compact model may be best.
However, larger models may be better if you plan on heating more than one bottle at a time. This might happen if you frequently babysit or if you are a parent of twins.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Bottle warmers should make your life easier, not more difficult. Some warmers are difficult to upkeep, while others just require regular wiping.
In many cases, the manufacturer recommends cleaning with white vinegar and water at least once monthly to prevent mineral build-up and mold growth.
Additional Features
Some warmers are designed only with the basics. However, countless others have extra features that add to the quality of the warmer. Here are a few things you might want to consider:
- Audible/Visible Timer– Some warmers do not automatically shut off. The timer alerts you when the bottle has reached the right temperature, getting your attention and preventing over-warming.
- Temperature Adjustment– Have you ever wished you could get your baby’s bottle ready while you were giving them their bedtime bath? By choosing a bottle warmer with adjustable temp settings, you can slow heat bottles when you would like. This helps bottle warming fit around your schedule.
- Automatic Shut-Off– Some warmers automatically shut off after use. This is nice for those times you are busy with your little one and forget about the bottle. For example, if they lay down for a nap while you are waiting.
- Instructions and Guides– Feeding a baby should not be a guessing game. Consider choosing a bottle warmer that comes with clear instructions. If the manufacturer does not include any with the product, look around online.
- Warranty– Warranties are always nice to have, especially for baby products you plan to get a lot of use out of. It is also a reinforcement that a company values its customers and trusts its own product.
FAQs – Bottle Warmers
Do I need a bottle warmer for my baby?
Bottle warmers are one of those baby products that first-time parents aren’t sure if they need.
You absolutely can thaw frozen breast milk and serve it cold or serve cold formula. Most parents choose to warm it up simply because it is more like breast milk and it has the benefits we discussed in the intro. The warmth can make it easier to transition if you are trying to wean or when mom goes for a night out (or goes back to work) and leaves her little one with a sitter.
That being said, it is best to be prepared. By having a bottle warmer, you will be prepared if that is your baby’s preference.
You could warm formula or breastmilk up using hot water, but this usually takes longer. Microwaving is not an option because it can destroy breast milk nutrients and create hot spots that might burn your little one.
Bottle warmers deliver a warm bottle fast, typically much faster than you could warm a bottle using hot water.
It is not an absolute necessity for your baby, but it is nice to have one on hand!
Does the warmer need to be the same brand as the bottle?
Manufacturers often recommend their customers buy their bottles to accompany their brand of bottle warmer. However, their opinions are a little biased.
Generally speaking, bottle warmers are universally compatible with standard-shaped bottles. Their mouths are made to accommodate different shapes and sizes.
Something that might differ is warming times. A bottle made of thinner materials is going to heat much faster than one made of thick glass.
How do I use a bottle warmer?
As you consider how to get the best results with a bottle warmer, you should always default to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most bottle warmers work using circulating water or steam. You set the bottle inside and pour water over the top.
Alternatively, you add water to a reservoir and then add the water.
For models requiring you to add the water to the chamber with the bottle, you should match the amount of liquid to stop the bottle from spilling or toppling over.
Next, you set the temperature and/or timer and turn the warmer on according to manufacturer instructions.
Remember that each bottle warmer is unique. You’ll have the best results using manufacturer guidelines. Here is an example of how to use the Tommee Tippee bottle warmer:
Who makes the best bottle warmer for breast milk?
When you are warming breast milk, it is best to choose a warmer compatible with pouches. You lose milk every time you transfer.
Additionally, many mothers freeze their breast milk to ensure it stays fresh. Frozen milk will need to be defrosted in pouches.
There are several models mentioned on this list designed to warm breastmilk, including the Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer, the First Years Quick Serve Bottle Warmer, and the Tommee Tippee Pump and Go Intelligent Warmer.
Are bottle warmers safe?
Generally speaking, bottle warmers are safe.
Some may have hot components that should be kept away from children, but one of the major purposes of a warmer is to stop hotspots from developing in your baby’s formula or breast milk.
Still, you should always test the bottle before giving it to them, as some of the machines heat unevenly.
Something else to keep in mind is that you must regularly maintenance the warmer to stop mold and other residues from building up. Always default to manufacturer instructions to do this thoroughly, properly, and regularly.
