On testSterilisers
| |||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||
|
Avent
IQ 24 |
Boots
Steriliser |
Bruin
Rapid Steriliser |
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
About this test
Sterilisers are one of those important little buys that will help keep your baby's feeding equipment scrupulously clean and germ-free throughout their first year. Un-surprisingly, there are a multitude of designs on the market so to get a feel for the best methods and models, our panel have spent a busy two months putting six to the test.
Models reviewed include sterilisation bottles ('super-fast and great for holidays'), electric units ('spacious and practical') and multi-purpose units ('great if versatility is a priority'). Our panel agreed that time and space are essential points to consider, especially if you're going to be using it on a daily basis. It's also important to consider quality: 'if you want it to last more than one baby, its worth spending a little bit extra on a robust model'.
We tested for
- Ease of use
- Storage size
- Efficiency
- Special features
- Quality
- Value for money
Points to consider
Do I actually need one?
If you're exclusively breastfeeding and your baby hasn't been weaned, a steriliser isn't essential (though if you're using a breast pump, nipple shields or feeding aids you will need to keep them sterile). You can sterilise in cold water using any kind of container but sterilisation units can be very convenient - especially if your baby is bottle fed or you have twins or more. Milk can create nasty bacteria which can be harmful to your tiny tot so you need to ensure their feeding equipment is thoroughly clean at all times.
Sterilisation method.
Will it be cold water, electric or microwave? Yep, believe it or not even sterilisers work in different ways so you need to decide on the best method for you. Cold water sterilisers tend to take the longest of the three with the microwave variety generally offering the quickest option.
Electric steam units remain a popular choice for parents as they tend to come with more accessories with extra space for bottles and equipment.
Our panel liked the Lindam Steriliser for 'fast steam sterilisation' but if you're after something more versatile, the Boots steriliser and Mothercare steriliser bottles can be cleaned using all three sterilisation methods.
Size
If it's a case of expressing into a bottle every now and again so your partner can help feed the baby, a small compact steriliser will suffice. But if you're using formula or use lots of feeding equipment, you're going to need a more substantial model that fits at least six bottles.
The Avent IQ steriliser and Bruin Electronic Steriliser offer a good amount of space for bottles with a 'useful internal rack for teats and feeding accessories'. For additional work-top space, the Tommee Tippee steriliser has a 'functional space-saving design that allows easy storage without compromising on bottle capacity'.
Efficiency
Our panel agreed that time was a major factor to consider - 'especially if you have a hungry, crying baby in your arms and need to clean your equipment at the drop of a hat'. Microwave options like the Boots steriliser work quickly but electric sterilisers 'can be more practical as they hold more and have the ability to keep equipment sterile for longer'.
For the ultimate in efficiency, the Avent IQ steriliser can keep bottles and feeding equipment sterile for up to 24 hours - ensuring you have a continuous stream of clean equipment to hand. Our panel found it 'an attractive feature', though admitted to 'being uncomfortable with using it for this length of time as it repeatedly uses the same water, and potentially uses a lot of electricity'.
Awards - which products won
Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Steriliser for its 'brilliant design, quality accessories and easy sterilisation'. Best Value went to the Lindam Steam Steriliser - 'a high quality unit that delivers fully sterile bottles in just 6 minutes'.
Where to next?
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
Avent IQ 24 Electronic Steam Steriliser 7/10
Boots Steriliser 5/10
Bruin Rapid Steriliser 6/10
Lindam Rapid Steam Steriliser 7/10 BEST VALUE
Mothercare Steriliser Bottles 7/10
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Steriliser 8/10 BEST BUY
- Read our features on feeding your baby
- Read our reviews of feeding products
- Add a review and you could win a prize
- About our Product Tests
- Visit the babyworld shop
