Klean Kanteen · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Klean Kanteen Steel Pint
Lower PFAS concern. Bare stainless steel container, no coatings.
Klean Kanteen Steel Pint is uncoated 18/8 stainless steel with no surface treatments. Inherently lower PFAS risk as a bare metal beverage container.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
18/8 stainless steel, bare metal
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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Klean Kanteen Steel Pint is constructed from 18/8 stainless steel, an austenitic alloy containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel with iron as the base. This material is selected specifically because it resists corrosion and does not require protective coatings, enamels, or polymer linings that can degrade or leach. The bare metal design means there are no ceramic glazes, epoxy liners, or Teflon-type coating-based coatings to break down with use or heat exposure.
The brand's record and disclosure
Klean Kanteen has built a reputation around minimalist, uncoated metal beverage containers and does not currently publish PFAS testing data or certification statements. The company emphasizes material purity and durability but maintains relative silence on third-party testing or independent verification of leaching. No major safety recalls or contamination incidents are documented in the public record for this specific product line.
How it compares in its category
Within reusable stainless steel drinkware, the Klean Kanteen Steel Pint represents a standard approach: uncoated 18/8 stainless steel avoids the risks present in enameled, powder-coated, or polymer-lined alternatives. Compared to plastic bottles (BPA/BPS leaching risk) or aluminum (potential for acidic beverage interaction), bare stainless steel carries significantly lower chemical leaching hazards. The trade-off is that uncoated stainless can impart a slight metallic taste in some users and requires more frequent cleaning to prevent discoloration.
If you buy it
Hand wash or use gentle dishwasher cycles to preserve the finish and minimize micro-scratching that could theoretically increase surface interaction. Avoid prolonged contact with aggressive acids (vinegar, citrus juice) or very hot water above 200F if stored for hours, though occasional hot beverage use is safe. Inspect the interior periodically for corrosion or pitting; if visible pitting develops, consider replacement. Do not use scouring pads that may damage the polished surface.
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.”
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
18/8 stainless contains 8% nickel. Nickel leaching is minimal from intact bare steel in neutral liquids (water, milk) but can increase with prolonged contact with acidic beverages, salt solutions, or if the surface is scratched. Individuals with nickel sensitivity may experience dermatitis with repeated lip contact; internal ingestion is not typically a concern for occasional use.
Surface degradation and micro-scratching
Uncoated stainless steel can develop micro-scratches from abrasive cleaning, utensils, or mineral deposits. While 18/8 stainless is corrosion-resistant, microscopic surface damage in high-chloride environments (salt water, heavily chlorinated water) could theoretically accelerate pitting over years of use. This is a durability rather than acute safety issue.
Metallic taste or off-flavor
Some users report a subtle metallic taste from bare stainless steel, particularly with hot beverages or acidic drinks. This is a sensory preference rather than a safety hazard and does not indicate leaching of toxic levels of metals.
Lid/gasket materials (if non-stainless)
The Steel Pint's lid typically includes silicone gaskets, plastic closure components, or rubber seals. These materials are not specified in the base product description and could potentially contain BPA, phthalates, or other additives if sourced from standard suppliers. Klean Kanteen does not routinely disclose lid component chemistry.
Chromium exposure from compromised surface
Chromium in stainless steel is generally considered stable and immobile in the base alloy. Leaching of chromium (VI) is not documented as a concern for 18/8 stainless in beverage use; concern would only arise if the steel were subjected to extreme heat or chemical damage that breaks down the chromium oxide passive layer, which normal use does not.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 92% 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.
More insulated drink tumblers 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.