Bottle warmers are one of those pieces of equipment that many new parents wonder if they need. After all, there aren’t any health risks if you don’t warm milk or formula before feeding them to your child.
But, if you’re looking to make your first few months as a parent a little easier, a bottle warmer isn’t a bad idea. After all, your little one is probably used to breastfeeding. And breast milk is body temperature.
So, while your little one can drink cold milk or room-temperature formula, they’re more likely to fight the bottle if it’s cold.
These warmers help make bottle feeding easier, whether you’re warming stored breast milk or warming formula.
Like everything else you buy for your child, you want to have the best equipment you can at the best price you can get it. We’ve looked at some of the best options on the market, across a range of prices, to make sure that anyone who wants one can get a bottle warmer.
We also go over the pros and cons of each warmer so that you can make the best decision for you and your growing family.
| Bargain |
|---|
 |
| Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Eccomum 2-in-1 Double Bottle Warmer |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
Bottle Warmer Comparison:
If you already know that you want a bottle warmer, this table is for you. These warmers will all get the job done efficiently and well. But, if you want to know a little more about each of these warmers, read on.
| Bottle Warmers | Compatible Bottle Size |
Sterilize Bottles |
Travel Friendly |
Check the Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer |
Phillips Avent bottles, toddler cups, and most food jars |
No | No | Check the Price |
| Eccomum 2-in-1 Double Bottle Warmer |
All bottles | Yes | No | Check the Price |
| Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer |
All Dr. Brown bottles, most other brands |
No | No | Check the Price |
| Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer |
All standard size bottles |
No | Yes | Check the Price |
| The First Years 4-in-1 Remote Control Bottle Warmer |
Standard Size bottles | No | No | Check the Price |
| Baby Brezza Safe & Smart, Electric Baby Bottle Warmer |
Standard Size bottles, and Baby Brezza bottles |
No | No | Check the Price |
| Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer |
Most bottles, particularly wide profiles don’t work |
No | Yes | Check the Price |
| Kiinde Kozii Baby Bottle Warmer and Breast Milk Warmer |
All bottles, most breast milk bags, and other alternatives |
No | No | Check the Price |
The Bottle Warmers:
1. Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer – Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.7
Philips Avent is one of the most trusted names in baby gear. This bottle warmer isn’t an exception to that rule. The small warmer is designed to safely heat milk or formula quickly, but without damaging the delicate nutrients in your child’s food.
That’s critical. Especially if you’re serving stored breast milk some of the most important nutrients in the milk can be damaged by overly aggressive heating.
The bottle warmer works by circulating warm water around the bottle, gently raising the temperature while also stirring the milk. That means no hot or cool areas in the liquid and a much safer bottle for your child overall.
That gentle heating process doesn’t mean that you’ll have to wait ages to get a warmed bottle of milk. This warmer will heat 4 oz of milk to the right temperature for most babies in just 3 minutes.
With an opening measuring 78mm, the warmer is designed to work with most bottle designs, although some of the widest bottles won’t fit.
It also works for other heat-resistant containers, making it a good option for warming baby food and other items. That way you can ease the transitions from breast to bottle, and bottle to food so that they are minimally disruptive as possible.
This warmer gets our best value rating because it’s one of the more affordable options that doesn’t start taking short cuts in performance. Whether you have one child or several, this bottle warmer will keep feeding time the simple joy it should be.
| Pros |
|---|
| Quick, simple, easy to use |
| Works with most bottle types |
| Can also be used to heat food |
| Helps baby take bottle more readily |
| Cons |
|---|
| No auto shut-off feature |
| No option to sterilize or clean out bottles |
| Specs |
|---|
| Heats less than 5 oz of liquid to body temp in 3 minutes (larger bottles may take longer) |
| Suitable for any heat-resistant bottle or food container that fits in the opening |
| 78mm opening width |
| 8oz |
| Corded power |
2. Eccomum 2-in-1 Double Bottle Warmer – Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9
This bottle warmer gets out top pick rating for a few reasons. It’s a reasonable price compared to similar products. It has space for two bottles, which makes it a good option for parents with two bottle-fed babies. It’s also multi-purpose. You’ll be able to sterilize your bottles as well as warm them.
That’s an important feature. If you’ve read much about bottle feeding you already know that your bottles need to be sterilized in addition to normal washing. That’s because your child doesn’t have the same antibodies and reactive immune system an older child or adult can have.
Occasionally sterilizing your bottles will help prevent a buildup of contaminants that might not cause a problem for you, but which could be a serious issue for your little one.
While this system uses steam to sterilize the bottles, it still uses a gentler heating method to warm the bottle. Circulating water gently raises the temperature of your bottle without breaking down the nutrients in breastmilk.
It also has an auto-off function that will prevent the system from attempting to heat your bottle without the protective layer of water between the bottle and the heating element.
That way, even if the reservoir is empty, you won’t ruin a bottle or overheat its contents.
It also comes with an LED display that allows you to see the bottle’s current temperature. You’ll be able to preset the desired temperature, as well as programming regular feeding times so that the warmer kicks on just as your little one starts to get a little peckish.
You’re also protected by a lifetime warranty and a 180 no questions asked return policy. If for any reason you decide that this isn’t the right baby warmer for you, inside that window, you’ll be able to return it for a refund.
| Pros |
|---|
| Comes with a good warranty |
| Can heat two bottles at once |
| Also sterilizes bottles |
| Direct temperature control |
| Anti-dry-heating sensors keep your bottles safer |
| Multiple settings for different types of liquid and different purposes |
| Defrosts breast milk safely |
| 24-hour thermostat |
| Cons |
|---|
| Needs a good amount of counter space |
| Buttons and user menu not easy to use |
| Specs |
|---|
| Designed to heat up to 2 bottles simultaneously |
| Works with all standard size bottles |
| Steam sterilizing function |
| Settings for breastmilk, formula, and other options |
| LED display |
| Comes with a user manual and a measuring cup |
3. Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
Dr. Brown’s is another well known and well-trusted brand for baby products. Their baby bottles are widely available, though you don’t need brand-specific bottles to use this warmer.
If you already have other Dr. Brown’s equipment, this may be a good addition to your set.
Armed with an auto-shutoff feature, you won’t have to worry about bottles (and the milk inside them) getting too warm because you had to take care of something else after turning on the warmer. It will turn itself off after ten minutes, which protects the bottles and nutrient density of your child’s food.
The basket inside the warmer itself is adjustable. That means that you’ll have more options to help fit a wider variety of bottle types.
The warmer also has a cycle memory, so it knows what your preferred warming time is, and can mimic it during future warming cycles.
Suitable for breast milk or formula, the one-button operation makes this one of the easier bottle warmers on this list.
Because of the electrical design, however, this bottle warmer can only be used in the United States and Canada.
| Pros |
|---|
| Easy to use |
| Comes from a well known and trusted company |
| Adjustable warming basket |
| Auto-shutoff protects your bottle and food |
| Warms several bottles before the water reservoir needs to be refilled |
| Cons |
|---|
| No low-water warning |
| The tall profile may not fit under all cabinets |
| Specs |
|---|
| 2 lbs |
| Fits most standard bottles |
| Corded operation |
| LCD control panel |
| Auto-shutoff after 10 minutes |
4. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer
Editor’s Rating: 4.4
A slightly different option, this is a good choice for parents who normally only need a bottle warmer on the go, or who want a travel-friendly option to go with their regular bottle warmer at home.
This system is essentially an advanced version of a thermos and allows you to bring warmed bottles with you on the go. Small enough to slip into your bag, the baby’s diaper bag, or any other bag or container you have with your regularly.
That means that you won’t have to fight over feeding time at the store or on the go on those busy days when you just can’t schedule everything around your baby’s normal routine.
This is also a good option for parents that love taking their child outdoors, or who regularly go on hikes and other trips where they are away from home for several hours at a time. You’ll be able to bring your child with you without having to worry about not having a way to feed them
| Pros |
|---|
| Small enough container to take with you |
| Designed to fit easily into a purse or diaper bag |
| Gives you more flexibility around feeding time |
| Keeps bottles a perfect temperature for your child |
| Can be used as a standard thermos once your child no longer needs it |
| Cons |
|---|
| Does not independently heat bottles |
| Specs |
|---|
| Fits all standard size bottles |
| Comes with the thermos, and a bottle-warming cup |
| BPA and phthalate-free |
| Weighs 11.7 oz |
5. The First Years 4-in-1 Remote Control Bottle Warmer
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
This is one of the best options for parents who hate those late-night feedings, and would rather spend as little time as possible getting the bottle ready.
Instead of trying to feed a too cold bottle, or standing for minutes while your bottle warms under a flow of warm water from the sink, this bottle warmer is designed to give you the added convenience of working remotely.
The design doesn’t require an app or any extras on your phone. You’ll simply use a remote control from your bedroom to trigger the bottle warmer.
Programable with your desired heating time, you won’t have to worry about the bottle being too hot it takes a little longer than normal to get out of bed.
The bottle warmer also considers that you won’t want to leave a bottle of breast milk sitting out at room temperature. The two ice packs that come with this kit will keep breast milk or formula a safe temperature overnight until the heating kicks on. The ice packs don’t slow heating by any significant amount, so you’ll still have bottles ready within a few minutes of starting the heat cycle.
While this is a larger bottle warmer, it’s still designed to fit easily under counters or on your nightstand for late-night feeding.
Also safe for heating baby food jars, or sanitizing pacifiers, you’ll get a lot of use out of this one appliance.
However, this option is a little more expensive than most bottle warmers, so it may not be as good of an option for parents who don’t mind the late-night wakeup.
| Pros |
|---|
| Sanitizes pacifiers |
| Works for all standard sized bottles |
| A good option for baby food jars |
| Remote eliminates bright lights and apps |
| Quickly heats bottle to the desired temperature |
| Ice packs keep bottles cold and safe overnight |
| Cons |
|---|
| Slightly expensive |
| Does not beep or indicate the end of the heating cycle |
| Specs |
|---|
| Comes with base, water reservoir, warming area, and two ice packs |
| User manual included |
| 1 button start operation |
| Remote included |
6. Baby Brezza Safe & Smart, Electric Baby Bottle Warmer
The Baby Brezza bottle warmer is one of the more advanced warmers on this list, with a price tag to match. It offers two heating cycles, one for formula and one for more delicate breast milk. Either way, you’re sure to get bottles out at a safe and consistent temperature for your little one.
You’ll also be able to set the starting temperature of the liquid in the bottle. There’s a big difference between warming a liquid that’s already room temperature and defrosting stored breast milk. Since you’ll be able to set the starting temperature, you’re more likely to preserve the nutrients stored in each liquid.
This is also a good option for busy parents who are always on the go, or who are used to managing a smart home from the convenience of their phones. With a phone app for easy operation, you’ll be able to trigger the Baby Brezza bottle warmer from anywhere, with ease.
Available as a single item, or included in a larger kit including several Baby Brezza bottles, this warmer is a good option for parents who are looking for an upgrade, as well as parents who need to buy bottles and other parts of the basic kit at the same time.
However, since this is a premium product, it is also on the more expensive side, both as a single product and in combination with other offers.
| Pros |
|---|
| Can set starting temp |
| Designed to heat breast milk without degrading nutrients |
| Faster heating setting for formula |
| Safe for baby food jars |
| Phone app compatible |
| Cons |
|---|
| Rather expensive |
| Large bottles can take multiple cycles to warm |
| Specs |
|---|
| 2.3 lbs |
| 1’ tall |
| 4 setting option buttons |
| LCD display |
| Auto shut off feature |
| Cord powered |
7. Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer – Best Bargain
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
Parents today are on the go more than ever. But that doesn’t mean that your little one should compromise with a less than ideal snack on the way.
This warmer made our best bargain rating for several reasons, but the most important is that it’s one of the only true portable bottle warmers you can get. Designed to operate in your car, you simply wrap the warmer around your bottle and plug in the warmer.
A few minutes later, you’ll have a perfectly warmed bottle of breastmilk or formula.
The warming process is gentle, so you don’t have to worry about feeding your child a lower nutrient meal.
This is also a great choice if you’re about to go on a road trip with a little one that still needs the occasional bottle. Road trips can be hard with babies, but having this tool will make it easier since there will be fewer changes to your child’s routine with a warmed bottle.
Best of all, this car accessory is very affordable and accessible for most families.
| Pros |
|---|
| Timer display |
| Highly portable |
| Affordable |
| Conforms to bottle shape |
| 1-year warranty |
| Cons |
|---|
| No temperature gauge |
| Warms milk slowly |
| Specs |
|---|
| 6.7 oz |
| Standard car plug |
| Timer displayed on the plug |
| Plastic and polyester construction |
| Imported |
8. Kiinde Kozii Baby Bottle Warmer and Breast Milk Warmer
Editor’s Rating: 4.4
This simple to use warmer is another variant on the warm water warming design. It has a built-in reservoir that gently heats the bottle to the perfect temperature before draining unused water back into the reservoir chamber.
That design means that you won’t have to re-fill this warmer as often as many alternatives. The auto shut off prevents this warmer from overheating the bottle, or from heating the bottle with no water in the reservoir.
Those features prevent costly burnt bottles and wasted breastmilk.
It’s also designed to be a universal bottle warmer. All standard sized bottle warmers will work well with this machine.
The Kiinde Kozii is also one of the only options that will also work with breast milk bags and other formula and breast milk storage solutions. The gentler design means that you won’t have to make so many transfers as you prepare your child’s meal.
| Pros |
|---|
| Universal warmer |
| Works with breast milk bags |
| Gentle and safe heating design |
| Highly efficient water reservoirs |
| Easy to use |
| Cons |
|---|
| Some users have noticed that this warmer is less durable than many alternatives |
| Specs |
|---|
| 2 lbs |
| Universal warmer |
| Works with breast milk bags |
| BPA free |
| Lead-free |
| Latex-free |
Why a Bottle Warmer?
Many parents question the need for a bottle warmer since there are so many other ways to heat liquids in a modern house. While bottle warmers are undoubtedly a convenience more than a necessity for most new parents, there are still several important reasons you might want to get one.
Microwaving your child’s meals isn’t a good idea. A microwave has several important problems. For one thing, the microwaving process has been shown to break down key nutrients in breast milk, robbing it of some of its nutritional value before your baby can benefit.
Microwaves are also notorious for uneven heating, even with a rotating tray. Even after shaking the bottle to distribute heat, you (or your baby) may find some of the liquid is much hotter than the rest or find a patch that’s still icy.
Lastly, it’s hard to control what temperature your microwave heats the bottle to. While you can practice with plain water, both breast milk and formula have different properties, meaning they heat differently. Chances are you’ll under- or overheat the bottle a few times before you find the right settings and time.
Bottle warmers are also usually easier to use than running hot water over the bottle and generally take less time. While the warmer uses the same basic principles as a hot water bath or running hot water, it’s in a much more confined space and is generally designed to speed the whole process up.
Lastly, bottle warmers can let you set up for future meals, or schedule the whole warming process, in advance. That saves you time and gives you more time for chores, cooking your own meals, or spending more time with your little one.
Final Thoughts
Bottle warmers aren’t for everyone. But, we hope that this guide helps you pick the right bottle warmer for you if you’ve decided that this is one appliance your growing family needs.
