The best beer growler for most people in 2026 is an insulated stainless steel 64 oz model such as the Stanley Classic Easy-Pour, which keeps a fill cold for roughly a day and pours with one hand. If you want carbonation to last for weeks rather than hours, the GrowlerWerks uKeg is the better choice because it holds beer under pressure with a small CO2 cartridge. A traditional amber glass growler remains the cheapest way to carry a brewery fill home for the same evening.
Our top picks
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Quick Comparison of Beer Growlers
| Pick | Best for | Key specs | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler | Best overall insulated | 64 oz, double-wall vacuum steel, one-handed pour, leakproof lid; keeps cold about 24 hours per the maker | Mid-range |
| GrowlerWerks uKeg (64 oz, Go model) | Best for keeping beer carbonated | 64 oz, pressurized, CO2 cartridge system, tap with pressure gauge; weeks of freshness per the maker | Premium |
| Hydro Flask 64 oz Growler | Best non-pressurized with a long neck | 64 oz, vacuum insulated, powder-coated grip, foam-reducing lid design | Mid-range |
| DrinkTanks Craft Growler | Best value for long cold retention | Insulated steel, lifetime warranty, long cold hold quoted by the maker | Mid-range |
| Amber glass growler (64 oz) | Best budget and tradition | 64 oz glass, UV-blocking amber, screw cap; no insulation | Budget |
Specs follow manufacturer statements. Always check the current listing for capacity and lid type before ordering.
Best Overall Insulated: Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler
The Stanley is the most common recommendation for general use because it combines vacuum-insulated steel, a leakproof lid and a design that pours with one hand. Stanley says it holds cold for about 24 hours, which is longer than most trips from a brewery to a backyard. Steel also blocks light, which protects hops flavor better than clear glass.
Trade-off: it is not pressurized, so beer will gradually lose carbonation once opened. Plan to finish a fill within a day or two.
Best for Keeping Beer Carbonated: GrowlerWerks uKeg
The uKeg works like a miniature keg. A CO2 cartridge feeds a regulator so you pour from a tap and the remaining beer stays carbonated. Per the maker, a sealed fill can last for weeks, which changes how you use a growler: you can fill once and enjoy several pints across a week. The 64 oz size suits two people, and the larger 128 oz version suits groups.
Trade-off: it costs the most, you must buy cartridges, and cleaning the tap, lines and seals takes more effort than rinsing a bottle.
Best Non-Pressurized With a Long Neck: Hydro Flask 64 oz Growler
The Hydro Flask has a long neck, which makes pouring into a glass tidy, and its lid design aims to reduce foaming. The powder-coated grip stays comfortable to hold and resists dings. It is a good fit for people who like the brand’s other bottles and want a matching growler.
Trade-off: like the Stanley, it is not designed to hold pressure, so open it once and finish it.
Best Value for Long Cold Retention: DrinkTanks Craft Growler
DrinkTanks makes insulated steel growlers with a lifetime warranty and claims long cold hold times. It is a popular alternative for buyers who want a stainless steel growler with a strong warranty at a mid-range price.
Trade-off: details vary between models, so check which lid and size you are getting.
Best Budget Option: Amber Glass Growler
A classic amber glass growler costs little, shows how much beer is left and blocks much of the UV light that damages beer. Many breweries still sell them filled. For a same-day trip it works perfectly.
Trade-off: glass breaks, has no insulation, and the screw cap lets carbonation escape sooner than a pressurized system.
How Much Beer Fits? A Worked Calculation
Volume is easy to misjudge. A 64 oz growler holds exactly four US pints (16 oz each), or about 5.3 standard 12 oz cans. A 128 oz growler holds eight pints, or about 10.7 cans. If you pour 16 oz glasses and share with a friend, a 64 oz fill gives two pints each. At a brewery that charges by volume, filling a 64 oz growler costs the same as four pints to go, so the saving comes from choosing a vessel you will reuse, not from the beer price.
| Growler size | US pints (16 oz) | 12 oz cans | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 oz | 2 | 2.7 | One person, single evening |
| 64 oz | 4 | 5.3 | Two people, one evening |
| 128 oz | 8 | 10.7 | Groups or several days with a pressurized system |
How to Choose a Beer Growler
Pressurized or not
If you drink a fill within 24 hours, an insulated non-pressurized growler is enough. If you want to pour a pint on Monday and another on Thursday, choose a pressurized model.
Material
Stainless steel blocks light and resists breakage and is the best all-round choice. Glass is cheapest and lets you see the beer. Plastic growlers are lightweight but do not protect beer for long.
Lid and seal
A gasket that seals tightly prevents leaks in a backpack, and a one-handed pour lid is helpful when you are at a tailgate. Check that your local brewery accepts your growler, because some require specific caps.
Size
The 64 oz size is the most commonly filled at breweries. Thirty-two ounce sizes are good for stronger beers and sampling.
Cleaning and Ownership Realities
Rinse the growler right after pouring and clean it thoroughly with warm water and a mild unscented detergent or a growler brush. Dry it upside down with the lid off. Leftover beer residue becomes sour and can ruin your next fill. Seals and gaskets wear first, so check for cracks, and replace them when they flatten. For pressurized models, flush the tap and line, and keep spare cartridges on hand. Avoid scented soaps, as they cling to steel and glass and alter flavor.
Some breweries refuse to fill dirty or non-standard containers, and some states require specific labeling. Ask the brewery before you buy a unique shape, and consider whether a fill is legal in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does beer stay fresh in a growler?
In a standard growler, beer is best within 24 to 48 hours of opening because carbonation fades. Insulated steel growlers keep it cold, but they do not hold pressure. Pressurized systems like the uKeg can keep beer fresh for weeks, according to the manufacturer.
Is stainless steel or glass better for a growler?
Steel is better for travel because it blocks light, resists dents and keeps beer cold. Glass is cheaper and shows the level but is fragile and lets temperature rise faster.
Can I put carbonated beer in any growler?
Beer can be poured into most growlers, but only pressure-rated growlers are designed to handle the pressure from carbonation over time. Do not fill a container that is not designed for it and leave it in a warm car.
How do I clean a growler?
Rinse it with hot water right after use, scrub with a bottle brush and unscented soap, rinse thoroughly and let it dry upside down. Avoid dishwashers unless the maker says the growler is dishwasher safe.
How many beers is a 64 oz growler?
It holds four 16 oz pints or about 5.3 twelve-ounce beers. Plan accordingly if you are sharing a fill with friends.
