Compare the best bottle warmers

If your little one prefers warm milk, investing in a bottle warmer can save you lots of time and headaches. See which models are the most popular and learn which features to look for when shopping.

Compare some of the best bottle warmers

Name	Average price	Type	Power source	Warming time	Purchase
Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer	$39	Warm water bath	Electric	3 minutes	Buy now
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer	$28	Steam	Electric	5 minutes	Buy now
Munchkin High Speed Bottle Warmer	$19	Steam	Electric	90 seconds	Buy now
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Bottle Warmer	$14	Warm water bath	None	Varies	Buy now
Munchkin Travel Baby Bottle Warmer	$21	Flexible heating band	Car adapter	A few minutes	Buy now
The First Years 4-in-1 Remote Control Bottle Warmer	$55	Steam	Electric	2 – 5 minutes	Buy now

Do I need a bottle warmer?

While a bottle warmer isn’t a necessity, it can make your life easier if your baby prefers warmed milk. Since breast milk is naturally mom’s body temperature — around 98.6ºF — many babies refuse or have trouble with cold milk.

There are other ways to warm bottles, such as swirling the bottle under warm tap water or placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water and swirling it occasionally. But these methods require more time and effort on your part than bottle warmers do.

Bottle warmer options

Many bottle warmers require electricity, but some models can run on batteries or even your car’s power adapter. There are two main ways that a bottle warmer can work:

• Warm-water bath. These bottle warmers circulate warm water around the bottle to create an even temperature throughout. While these models take a little more time than steam options, they can operate at lower temperatures.
• Steam. These warmers use a heating element to heat water to a high enough temperature to produce steam. The steam then heats the contents of the bottle. This method is faster than the warm water bath but usually makes the exterior of the bottle hot as well, requiring a cool-down before meal time.

Can I use a microwave to warm bottles?

No! Never use a microwave to warm your baby’s bottles. Microwaves heat unevenly, which can result in “hot spots” in your baby’s milk or formula. Some evidence also suggests that microwaves may decrease vital nutrients found in breast milk.

How to compare bottle warmers

Consider these features when shopping for bottle warmers:

• Price. Most bottle warmers range from around $10 to $50.
• Efficiency. Choose a bottle warmer that boasts consistent heat times and temperatures, every time. If you have twins or need the ability to warm two bottles back-to-back, look for a model with a short wait time in between uses.
• Ease of use. Scan through the instructions and settings that come with a particular warmer to determine how easy it might be to use. You don’t want to add a complicated device to your daily routine.
• Portability. Will you need to take your bottle warmer to a caretaker’s home, work or while traveling? If so, portability is a must.
• Compatibility. Some bottle warmers are compatible with a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles of bottles, while others might be less versatile. Make sure the one you’re interested in will work with your bottles.
• Water reservoir. How large is the water reservoir, and will it need to be filled before each use? If so, this can take extra time.
• Auto shut-off and timer. These handy features can help you multitask while warming bottles and prevent overheating.

How to use a bottle warmer

Start by reading the instructions and safety warning that come with your bottle warmer. Instructions can vary from model to model, but these are some basic steps to follow:

1. Pour the correct amount of water into the unit. The water reservoir or measuring device should be labeled according to bottle size.
2. Place the lifting basket into the warming unit.
3. Place the bottle into the basket.
4. If the adapter ring fits over the bottle, place it on. If not, set it aside. The purpose of this piece is to allow narrow bottles to warm evenly.
5. Plug the warmer in and turn it on.
6. When complete, remove the bottle from the warmer using the basket handle.
7. Always shake the bottle and test the temperature before giving it to your baby.
8. Let the unit cool before using again.

How to clean a bottle warmer

Regularly clean your bottle warmer to prevent bacteria buildup and to ensure your device continues to work properly. To clean it, follow these general steps:

1. Read specific cleaning instructions for your model.
2. Unplug the warmer and allow to cool.
3. Remove the basket, adapter and other removable parts from the warmer.
4. Clean these items with warm water and dish soap.
5. Use a clean sponge and a small amount of dish soap to wipe the inside and outside of the warmer.
6. Wipe again with a clean sponge and dry.
7. Pour a mixture of water and white vinegar into the warming unit and allow to sit for several minutes before rinsing. This removes mineral deposits.

Bottom line

Adding a bottle warmer to your kitchen can help you save time and hassle when prepping baby’s meals.

Ready to buy? Compare popular bottle warmers

Looking for other baby essentials? Compare some of the best baby bottles or read our breast pump buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the ideal temperature for my baby's milk?

  Ideally, milk or formula will be at or just under body temperature, which is 98.6ºF.

• Can breast milk be heated in a bottle warmer?

  Yes, you can use a bottle warmer to warm breast milk. Never use a microwave.

• How long does it take a bottle warmer to heat milk?

  It can take anywhere from around one to five minutes for a bottle warmer to warm milk to its ideal temperature.