Klean Kanteen · Insulated Travel Drinkware
Klean Kanteen 20oz TKWide with Café Cap, Tofu
Lower concern. Stainless steel construction, brand claims PFAS-free.
Klean Kanteen uses 18/8 stainless steel with no reported Teflon-type coating or PFOA coatings. Brand makes explicit PFAS-free claims backed by material choice, not third-party lab verification.
Brand says: “Klean Kanteen products are manufactured without PFOA or PTFE and are made with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel”
Shop Klean Kanteen on Amazon →Material
Stainless steel bottle, stainless steel cap
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This bottle is constructed from food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 austenitic), which is chemically inert and does not leach metals or compounds into beverages under normal use. The cap is also stainless steel with a silicone gasket for the seal. Stainless steel is one of the most chemically stable food-contact materials available, with no known hazards from the metal itself at normal temperatures.
The brand's record and disclosure
Klean Kanteen has publicly committed to PFAS-free manufacturing and markets its products on this basis. The brand does not use non-stick coatings (Teflon-type coating/Teflon) that would introduce fluorinated compounds. No major product recalls or safety controversies have been documented for this product line. The company provides transparent material sourcing and avoids proprietary coating systems that obscure ingredient disclosure.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel bottles like this one are considered the safest option in the reusable hydration category compared to plastic alternatives (BPA/BPS risk), aluminum bottles (potential internal coating issues), or coated steel bottles (coating degradation over time). The TKWide design avoids internal ridges or seams that trap bacteria, making it easier to clean than many competitors. This product sits at the premium end for safety profile in its segment.
If you buy it
Hand wash with hot soapy water or place in the dishwasher on the top rack; stainless steel tolerates both. The silicone gasket should be inspected annually for degradation and replaced if discolored or cracked. The bottle is rated for hot and cold beverages but not for prolonged exposure to extremely corrosive substances (vinegar-based cleaners should not be left standing inside for days). Store with the cap removed when not in use to allow the interior to air dry fully.
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.”
Silicone gasket degradation
The seal gasket may degrade or absorb odors over years of use, especially with hot beverages or acidic drinks, though silicone is generally stable. Replacement gaskets are available separately from the manufacturer.
Bacterial colonization in seals
Any reusable bottle cap with a gasket can harbor bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly after use. The TKWide design minimizes internal seams, but the cap assembly should be disassembled and dried completely between uses.
Metal leaching (stainless steel)
Food-grade stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and leaching under normal drinking conditions. No cases of nickel or chromium leaching from Klean Kanteen bottles have been documented in public records.
Coating or lining hazards
This product uses no interior non-stick or epoxy coating, eliminating risks from Teflon-type coating, BPA-containing liners, or degrading ceramic finishes common in coated alternatives.
Off-gassing or odor transfer
New stainless steel bottles occasionally emit a faint metallic or oily smell from manufacturing residue; this typically dissipates after washing and a few uses. Some users report silicone gaskets absorb flavors from strongly aromatic beverages (e.g., coffee) if not cleaned immediately.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 85% 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.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More insulated travel drinkware grades
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.