What are the benefits of bottle warmers?

Bottle warmers heat up your baby's breast milk or formula. Some also can defrost frozen milk, heat up baby food, and/or accommodate two bottles at once. Many babies prefer to drinker warmer liquid, mimicking the warm temperature of breast milk babies get when breastfeeding. However, note that other babies may do just fine drinking room temperature or cold breast milk or formula from a bottle.

Can you use tap water in a bottle warmer?

As long as your tap water is safe to drink, you can feel confident using it in your bottle warmer. In any case, the water does not go into the bottle, so your baby will not be consuming the water. See the manufacturer's instructions for the bottle warmer you buy. These may suggest distilled water to keep your warmer's water reservoir cleaner.

How do you clean a bottle warmer?

Clean your bottle warmer with warm, soapy water. You can use a mild dish detergent. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.

Can a bottle warmer stay on all night?

A bottle warmer should not be used overnight, as it is not safe to use the formula or breast milk that was prepared from the day before and left out all night, even if it's kept warm. Breast milk and formula should be used within 4 hours or can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Instead, the safest method is to use the bottle warmer to warm up the breast milk or formula right before you intend to use it.

The 10 Best Bottle Warmers of 2023

Bottle warmers are a convenient and easy way to warm breast milk or formula to a safe temperature. Some can also defrost frozen milk or warm up baby food, making bottle warmers a great addition to a baby registry.

When choosing a bottle warmer, convenience is key. Look for options that are both easy to use and easy to clean. Ideally, the bottle warmer will fit a variety of bottle shapes and sizes, so you can easily switch bottle types as your baby grows. For on-the-go families, consider a bottle warmer that can heat up bottles in the car. Families with multiples should look for an option to simultaneously warm two or more bottles.

When reviewing bottle warmers, we considered dependability, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and temperature control. We also looked for bottle warmers with additional features that some families might need, such as a built-in sterilizer, the ability to defrost frozen milk, and more.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dr. Brown's Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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Best Overall Runner-Up:

Philips AVENT Baby Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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Best for Formula:

Baby Brezza Warmer With LED Nightlight at Amazon

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Best Budget:

The First Years 2-in-1 Simple Serve Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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Best Rechargeable:

Quark BuubiBottle Smart Portable Milk Warmer at Amazon

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Best Travel:

Tommee Tippee Travel Baby Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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Best for Twins:

Kinto Tech Double Baby Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer at Amazon

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Best With Sterilizer:

EIVOTOR 6-In-1 Baby Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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Easiest to Use:

Tommee Tippee Easi-Warm Bottle & Food Warmer at Amazon

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Best Multi-Function:

GROWNSY 6-In-1 Baby Bottle Warmer at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.5

Amazon

Pros

Audio and visual alerts
Automatic shut-off
LCD control screen

Cons

Does not fit all types of bottles
Must be plugged in

Dr. Brown MilkSPA Breast Milk and Bottle Warmer is our top pick because it safely and conveniently warms breast milk or formula for your baby. The warmer comes with twelve pre-programmed time and temperature settings and a memory function so that you can repeat your most recent selection with the touch of a button.

This electric steam warming system offers enough extra features to make it convenient, but not so many that it becomes complicated to use. Audio and visual alerts let you know when the bottle has reached the desired temperature, and the machine automatically shuts itself off after 10 minutes to prevent overheating.

Once you fill the reservoir with water, you can heat multiple bottles consecutively without refilling. The unit works with all Dr. Brown’s bottles as well as most other bottle brands. In addition to warming bottles, the MilkSPA can thaw frozen milk storage bags and warm baby food pouches and jars.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: Two pounds | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: Customizable}

Amazon

Pros

Heats sippy cups, baby bottles, and baby food
Defrost setting
Small design

Cons

Only fits one bottle
Must be plugged in

This bottle warmer from Philips AVENT is hard to beat for overall functionality at a good price. It heats baby bottles, sippy cups, and baby food safely and evenly but also features a defrost setting. You just add water, adjust the dial, and warm your baby’s food in about three minutes. We love its compact design that won’t take up too much counter space, too.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 1.55 pounds | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: 3 minutes}

Amazon

Pros

3 temperature settings
Holds 50 ounces of water
Built-in LED nightlight

Cons

Small leakage

The BPA-free Baby Brezza Instant Warmer Advanced is, well, advanced. It holds up to 50 ounces of water to instantly dispense warm water whenever you need it without waiting several minutes (which can feel like a lifetime with a crying baby). Customize the water’s temperature through three settings—body, warmer than body, and room temperatures—all of which are color-coded, so there’s no second-guessing your selection. Plus, a built-in LED nightlight makes prepping a bottle in the dark much easier.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 2 pounds | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: Instant}

Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Automatic shut-off function
Compact design

Cons

Needs frequent cleaning
Not customizable

You won't find a more straightforward bottle warmer than this one from The First Years. It doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but it promises to heat milk, formula, and baby food simply and effectively. It works with most bottles and features an automatic shut-off function for safety. To use, measure the water with the enclosed measuring cup, press a button, and wait until the light goes off. However, note that you do have to clean it occasionally.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 3.52 ounces | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: 1 to 5 minutes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Portable
Saves last temperature setting
LED display

Cons

Not dishwasher safe

Whether you’re traveling or just want something simple to keep by your bedside, a rechargeable bottle warmer like the BuubiBottle by Quark is your new go-to. A USB type C cable allows you to recharge the portable bottle warmer without having to be plugged in 24/7. With up to 10 hours of battery life on a full charge, you can take advantage of warming your baby’s bottle all day at the temperature of your choice (98 to 122 degrees). The bottle warmer’s memory function saves your last temperature used, too.

We love the sleek design, digital display, carry strap, and durable, shatter-proof material of the BuubiBottle, making it secure to carry anywhere. Although it’s important to note that this BPA-free bottle warmer must be hand-washed.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: USB type C | Product Weight: 2.48 pounds | Bottle Capacity: N/A | Heating Time: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Holds up to 18 ounces of water
Stainless steel material

Cons

Not all bottles may fit
Requires a source of hot water

If your plans often include being out all day, you might want to invest in a portable baby bottle warmer. This model from the baby bottle brand Tommee Tippee keeps water hot in its thermos. Then when your baby is ready to dine, you pour that hot water into the large BPA-free lid and place the bottle inside to warm up. The generously sized lid will fit Tommee Tippee bottles, and most others, including Avent and Dr. Browns.

While the size might be a bit cumbersome for those trying to travel light, this product is a real problem-solver for warming up baby bottles on the go. And while you could just use a regular thermos, this one's lid is designed to fit baby bottles.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: None | Product Weight: 11.64 ounces | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: Not Listed}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Auto shut-off
Adjustable temperature settings
Defrost, sterilize, or warm

Cons

Must have water to work

If you’re expecting twins, a double bottle warmer will be a lifesaver. The Kinto Double Baby Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer holds two bottles of various sizes from brands like Dr. Brown, Philips Avent, Tommee Tippee, MAM, and more. In addition to the warming function, an included lid allows you to sterilize bottles or defrost frozen breast milk.

Adjust temperature settings via easy-to-use buttons on the front of the warmer and heat bottles safely, thanks to the 30-second timer interval option. When done heating, the bottle warmer makes a sound and features a nicely-lit digital display for easy reading.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 2.46 pounds | Bottle Capacity: Two | Heating Time: 3 minutes}

Amazon

Pros

LED panel control
Fits two bottles
Steam clean option

Cons

Long dry time
Bulky

Cleaning bottles just got a whole lot easier for parents and caregivers as this bottle warmer is also a sterilizer. Sterilize pacifiers and bottles at 212 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure all are clean and safe for your baby to use.

Parents of multiples can rejoice, as two bottles can safely be warmed up at the same time. And you don't have to worry about the safety of the heating element of the warmer because it shuts off automatically after use.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 2.09 pounds | Bottle Capacity: Two | Heating Time: 4 to 11 minutes}

Amazon

Pros

Warms baby bottles and food jars
Budget-friendly
Takes 4 minutes

Cons

Only fits one bottle

If you're looking for a simple, easy-to-use bottle warmer strictly for warming purposes, this bottle warmer from Tommee Tippee is it. Most bottles will fit inside the warmer, along with baby food jars, and it can warm up milk in just four minutes or keep items warm once they've been heated.

Simply pour water into the warmer and adjust the dial for the temperature. Four minutes later, the bottle is ready to serve.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: Not Listed | Bottle Capacity: One | Heating Time: 4 minutes}

Amazon

Pros

6 different functions
Quick heating time
Auto power-off

Cons

Settings not saved when cord disconnects

The GROWNSY bottle warmer does it all thanks to its six different functions that are sure to fit your family's needs. From warming formula or breast milk to thawing or steaming, bottles of all sizes will fit with the warmer's adjustable cover.

Keep food warm for hours without having to worry about the heating element since there's an automatic power-off option. It can hold up to two bottles at once and is fully customizable for how much milk you're warming at the desired temperature.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Power Source: Electric | Product Weight: 2 pounds | Bottle Capacity: Two | Heating Time: 3 to 11 minutes}

How We Selected the Best Bottle Warmers

In order to select the best bottle warmers, we studied the design and features of more than 20 baby bottle warmers available on the market. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. Additionally, we reviewed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the proper storage and preparation of breast milk.

When reviewing products, we carefully considered power source, design, product weight, bottle capacity, features, heating time, bottle sizes, and value. We chose bottle warmers that are easy to use, available for a variety of budgets, and work for any family’s needs.

What to Look for in a Bottle Warmer

Ease of Use

A bottle warmer should make feeding a hungry baby quick and easy. Try to find a bottle warmer that doesn't require any complicated assembly. You'll also want one that will heat the bottle fast and evenly. Additionally, consider the clean-up required. You'll want to keep the water reservoir clean between uses, so make sure it can be easily emptied and wiped down.

Features

Some bottle warmers offer chill, defrost, and keep-warm options, as well as a sterilization feature that not only works on bottles but other baby gadgets, too. There are also some that are remote-controlled so you can heat up the bottle without getting up from bed right away. How many and which features your bottle warmer should have will depend on your personal preferences.

Dependability

The most important quality you want in a bottle warmer is dependability. You need it to be able to warm bottles evenly and to the right temperature (as well as quickly). If breast milk or formula is not warmed evenly, or worse, it's too hot, you risk burning your baby's mouth and throat. Overheating milk also can lead to the breakdown of nutrients in the milk as well. And if the warmer fails to work at all, you're stuck looking for a plan B in the middle of the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of bottle warmers?

Bottle warmers heat up your baby's breast milk or formula. Some also can defrost frozen milk, heat up baby food, and/or accommodate two bottles at once. Many babies prefer to drinker warmer liquid, mimicking the warm temperature of breast milk babies get when breastfeeding. However, note that other babies may do just fine drinking room temperature or cold breast milk or formula from a bottle.
Can you use tap water in a bottle warmer?

As long as your tap water is safe to drink, you can feel confident using it in your bottle warmer. In any case, the water does not go into the bottle, so your baby will not be consuming the water. See the manufacturer's instructions for the bottle warmer you buy. These may suggest distilled water to keep your warmer's water reservoir cleaner.
How do you clean a bottle warmer?

Clean your bottle warmer with warm, soapy water. You can use a mild dish detergent. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
Can a bottle warmer stay on all night?

A bottle warmer should not be used overnight, as it is not safe to use the formula or breast milk that was prepared from the day before and left out all night, even if it's kept warm. Breast milk and formula should be used within 4 hours or can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Instead, the safest method is to use the bottle warmer to warm up the breast milk or formula right before you intend to use it.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Katrina purchased The First Years 2-in-1 Simple Serve Bottle Warmer when her child was a newborn and says it's a solid, budget-friendly bottle warmer. She loved the lack of bells and whistles, which made it easy and quick to use.