Contigo · Insulated Travel Drinkware
Contigo Ashland Chill 2.0 Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Lower concern. Bare stainless steel bottle with no disclosed coatings.
Contigo Ashland is a stainless steel water bottle with no reported surface treatments or coatings that would require PFAS. Brand makes no PFAS claims; material itself carries lower PFAS risk.
Shop Contigo on Amazon →Material
stainless steel, bare uncoated
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Ashland Chill 2.0 is constructed from food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 304 grade) with no internal coating, enamel, or polymer liner. This material does not leach metals under normal drinking conditions because stainless steel is a stable alloy that resists corrosion even when in prolonged contact with water. The bare metal design eliminates the degradation pathways that plague coated bottles, where protective layers can chip or degrade over years of use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Contigo does not publicly disclose PFAS use or avoidance in their product line, though the Ashland Chill 2.0's bare stainless construction naturally sidesteps PFAS-containing water repellent coatings. The brand has not faced major safety recalls or contamination incidents involving this model. Contigo maintains a standard consumer-product safety posture with no documented controversies specific to stainless steel bottles.
How it compares in its category
Bare stainless steel bottles are among the safest reusable water bottle options because they lack the coating-related risks (peeling, leaching) present in some plastic, aluminum, or enamel-lined alternatives. Unlike BPA-containing plastics or PFC-coated fabrics, stainless steel introduces no chemical migration pathway under normal use. This design is more durable than cheaper alternatives but offers no special advantage over other quality bare-steel bottles in the mid-price range.
If you buy it
Stainless steel bottles are safe for hot and cold liquids and tolerate dishwasher cleaning without degradation. Inspect the interior periodically for surface rust (rare but possible if water sits unused for extended periods); if rust appears, rinse thoroughly and dry. The lid gaskets and hinges may wear over years; replacement components are typically available. No special storage conditions are needed beyond keeping it dry when not in use.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Stainless steel corrosion and leaching
Food-grade stainless steel (304/18-8) is passivated and does not leach iron, chromium, or nickel into plain water under normal conditions. No reported incidents of metal leaching from the Ashland Chill 2.0 exist.
Coating degradation and flaking
This product has no internal coating, eliminating the risk of enamel, polymer, or epoxy flaking that affects coated bottles over time.
Plastic lid and gasket components
The lid typically contains plastic gaskets and seals that may include BPA or phthalates depending on Contigo's polymer sourcing; however, these do not contact the drinking water directly and present minimal migration risk during normal use.
Bacterial biofilm in crevices
Stainless steel seams and the lid mechanism can harbor bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly; this is a use-dependent hygiene risk, not a material defect. Regular dishwashing or hot-water rinsing minimizes this.
Dent and surface damage leading to oxidation
Physical denting can expose underlying steel and create localized oxidation spots; while not a leaching hazard for plain water, it may accelerate minor discoloration if the passivation layer is breached.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.