Most babies prefer to drink milk or formula at body temperature. Since it’s not considered ideal to microwave a bottle, one way you can bring your baby’s milk to the right temperature is to use a bottle warmer. A bottle warmer not only warms breast milk or baby formula but it can also keep it at the optimal temperature for a period of time. Some bottle warmers can also be used to keep jarred baby food warm. If you’re wondering when and how to start to make that transition, you will want to read our article about how to start a baby on solids.
We took a look at dozens of bottle warmers so we could bring you the best of the best. We considered how easy they are to use, whether they can be used during travel, and how many bottles they can warm at once. We also read reviews to see how parents liked the different types available.
Our top pick goes to the Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer. This bottle warmer uses steam heat to warm up bottles and it can also be used for baby food. It accommodates the Dr. Brown’s bottles as well as many other baby bottles. It’s easy to use and doesn’t have to be refilled very frequently, so that makes it convenient for new moms and dads.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Bottle Warmers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer | 4.1 |
| Best for Travel | Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Baby Bottle Warmer | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | Bubos Baby Bottle Warmer | 4.1 |
| Best With a Sterilizer | TBI Pro Dual Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer | 4.7 |
| Best With a Timer | OMORC Baby Bottle Warmer | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and might change over time.
Best Bottle Warmer Overall: Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer
The Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer earned the top spot in our list of the best bottle warmers. We liked several features, including the easy-to-use LCD control panel and the fact that you don’t have to refill the warmer after each bottle. You can warm up several before refilling, so that makes it easier on busy parents, especially in the middle of the night!
The bottle warmer will make a sound and also give you visual cues to tell you that the bottle is at the right temperature. It will shut off automatically after 10 minutes. There’s also a feature that will remember your preferred length of heating time, so you won’t need to reprogram it each time. The bottles and baby food jars fit easily into an adjustable warming basket. It’s safe to use with both breast milk and baby formula.
Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Warmer Key Features:
- Warms several bottles before needing a refill
- Uses hot water and steam to warm bottles
- Safe for breast milk and formula
- Can use for jarred baby food
- Visual and audio indicators
- LCD display
- Adjustable basket
Best Travel Bottle Warmer: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Baby Bottle Warmer
If you’re looking for a bottle warmer you can take on the go, our top choice is the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Baby Bottle Warmer. This bottle warmer has a simple design and it’s the right size to slip into your diaper bag. It’s the perfect low-tech way to warm a bottle when you’re at the park, camping, in the car, or otherwise not able to plug in or set up a traditional bottle warmer.
Use it by pouring boiling water into the stainless steel carafe, screw the top on tightly, and storing it in your diaper bag. When the time comes to feed your baby, simply pour the hot water into the roomy lid and place the bottle of milk or formula in the lid to warm. Before feeding your baby, shake the bottle well and be sure to check the temperature.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Baby Bottle Warmer Key Features:
- Simple design
- Will fit most bottles
- Doesn’t require electricity or batteries
- Can fit in most diaper bags
- Safe for use with breast milk
- Can also be used for jarred baby food
Best Budget Bottle Warmer: Bubos Baby Bottle Warmer
The Bubos Baby Bottle Warmer earned the top spot among the more budget-friendly bottle warmers. This is an electric warmer that uses steam to gently and safely warm baby formula and breast milk. Thanks to a basket, it can also be used to warm baby food jars. It doesn’t use much water, and it can be used with any bottle. You’ll find that your baby’s bottle will be warm within just a few minutes.
This bottle warmer will turn off automatically, so if you get pulled away from what you were doing, there are no worries about your bottle overheating. The system is BPA free. It includes a basket for holding baby food jars, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup.
Bubos Baby Bottle Warmer Key Features:
- Can be used with any bottle
- Safe for use with breast milk or formula
- Uses little water
- Has a basket for warming baby food jars
- Turns off automatically
- BPA free
- Includes an adapter ring and a measuring cup
Best Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer: TBI Pro Dual Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer
The TBI Pro Dual Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer is our favorite warmer/sterilizer combination. This product can do it all: You can use it to defrost breastmilk, warm either breastmilk or formula, heat baby food, and sterilize bottles. This can hold two bottles, so if you are feeding two babies or toddlers or if you simply need two bottles defrosted or warmed at the same time, you will be able to cut your prep time in half.
You can use the steam rack to sterilize bottles, nipples, pacifiers, and more. The warmer itself uses heating plates to gently defrost and warm bottles or jars of baby food. It has an LCD touchscreen so you can easily control the temperature or set a delayed timer. The warmer works quickly and can accommodate any type of baby bottles.
TBI Pro Dual Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer Key Features:
- Holds two bottles
- Sterilizes, defrosts, and heats
- Safe for use with breast milk
- Uses heating plates
- Has a steam rack to sterilize
- LCD touchscreen
- Has a delayed timer
Best Bottle Warmer With a Timer: OMORC Baby Bottle Warmer
If you are looking for a baby bottle warmer with a timer, we suggest the OMORC Baby Bottle Warmer. This product has two modes. The first is the fast heating mode, which allows you to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula or a jar of baby food in under five minutes. The other is the constant temperature mode, which allows you to keep breast milk at a constant temperature to keep it fresh and full of nutrients.
It’s easy to use: Simply fill with water, then use the LED buttons to increase or decrease the time, adjust the temperature, and switch between the two functions. The warmer has an automatic shutoff to prevent overheating or boiling dry, and it is compatible with most baby bottles. It comes with a two-year warranty.
OMORC Baby Bottle Warmer Key Features:
- Heating and constant temperature modes
- Heats in under 5 minutes
- Safe to use with breast milk
- Adjustable timer
- Adjustable temperature
- Automatic shutoff
- Compatible with most baby bottles
Who Should Buy a Bottle Warmer
Any new parents might appreciate a bottle warmer. This is not limited only to parents who bottlefeed their babies; many parents who choose to breastfeed will pump a bottle of breast milk occasionally or regularly. Bottle warmers can usually be used for both formula and breast milk, but you should check the specifications if you will be warming breast milk, as it is more sensitive to temperature changes than baby formula is. If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, check out our list of the best breast pumps.
Those who provide childcare services to babies also often have one or more bottle warmers. Grandparents and other family members who might care for a baby at their house will also find one useful.
Important Features to Consider
If you are looking for a bottle warmer, it’s helpful to consider the various features that they might or might not include. Here’s what to think about before making your purchase.
- Compatibility. Most bottle warmers will fit most bottles, but if you use bottles that are wider or taller than the average, then double-check that they will fit.
- Heating method. Bottle warmers can use steam, hot water, or heating plates to warm bottles. If you have a preference, be sure to look for the type you prefer.
- Safety. If you will be warming breast milk, look for a bottle warmer that is safe to use to heat breast milk.
- Various functions. Do you prefer a bottle warmer that will defrost breast milk? Maybe you need one that will warm two bottles or that will sterilize bottles. Look for these special features.
- Portability. If you travel a lot or you anticipate needing to use your warmer while away from home, look for a travel bottle warmer that won’t require an electrical outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bottle warmer and how does it work?
A bottle warmer is a product that warms baby bottles of breast milk or baby formula to the right temperature for a baby to drink comfortably. They work by using hot water, steam, or electric heating plates to gently warm the bottle without causing hot spots like a microwave might. There are various types available, including those that will sterilize bottles, those that will warm two bottles at once, and those that are able to be used while away from home (and electricity).
Do you really need a bottle warmer?
A bottle warmer is a nice thing to have and makes warming bottles convenient for new parents, grandparents, and other caregivers. With that being said, it is not a strict necessity. You should not warm bottles in the microwave, but you can also warm bottles by filling a large mug or thermos with very hot water and placing the filled bottle in the water so it can warm.
Do all bottles fit in bottle warmers?
Most bottles will fit in most bottle warmers. If you are using very wide or tall bottles or if you are using a small bottle warmer or one that is only compatible with the bottles of the same brand, then you will need to check the specifications to see if it will fit your particular bottles.
Do bottle warmers ruin breast milk?
Most bottle warmers can be used to safely warm breast milk. Some might create hot spots or warm the milk too much, which can deplete some of the nutrients. Most, however, can be used without a problem. Just check the listing carefully to be sure that it is safe to heat your breast milk.
Other Bottle Warmers We Reviewed
In addition to the bottle warmers described above, we reviewed 20 others. These did not make our top 5 list, but they’re still great choices to consider for keeping your baby’s bottle at the right temperature.
Single Bottle Warmers
Sterilize and sanitize your bottles, nipples, and pacifiers in addition to warming up either baby formula or breast milk safely.
Key Features:
- Sterilizes and sanitizes baby items
- Safe for breast milk
- LED indicator
Cost: $23
Eccomum Fast Breast Milk Warmer
This bottle warmer has four functions: warming breast milk and formula, heating baby food, defrosting breast milk, and sterilizing bottles and nipples.
Key Features:
- Four functions in one product
- Takes 3 minutes to warm a 4-ounce bottle
- Automatic shutoff
Cost: $28
This is another multi-function bottle warmer. It defrosts, warms, warms fast, heats food, and sterilizes baby items within just a few minutes.
Key Features:
- Several different functions
- Automatic shutoff
- Can keep milk at a constant temperature
Cost: $23
Kiinde Kozii Baby Bottle Warmer
This bottle warmer uses a warm water bath (not steam) to gently defrost and heat breast milk and warm formula. You don’t need to add water each time.
Key Features:
- Safe and gentle for breast milk
- Doesn’t require adding water each time
- Can be used with any container
Cost: $40
Munchkin Digital Bottle Warmer
Make warming bottles easier with this warmer, which remembers the last temperature you set it at. It’s virtually foolproof, even in the middle of the night.
Key Features:
- Digital memory timer
- Lift-out basket
- Safe for breast milk
Cost: $40
The First Years 2-in-1 Simple Serve Bottle Warmer
You can use this bottle warmer to heat breast milk, formula, or baby food. Sanitize nipples, pacifiers, and other small items, too.
Key Features:
- Compact size
- Works quickly
- Compatible with most bottles
Dual Bottle Warmers
This remote-controlled smart double bottle warmer allows you to heat breast milk, formula, and baby food and keep it at a constant temperature.
Key Features:
- Fast steam heating
- Water bath defrost
- Remote controlled
Cost: $35
Eccomum 2-in-1 Double Bottle Warmer
Feed two babies at once with warm bottles ready at the same time. You can also sterilize bottles and defrost breast milk with this system.
Key Features:
- Heat food, formula, and breast milk
- Sterilize bottles
- Steam and water bath options
Cost: $35
EIVOTOR 6 in 1 Double Baby Bottle Warmer
This warmer can heat milk or formula evenly in a matter of minutes, helping your baby (or babies) to be soothed and satisfied sooner.
Key Features:
- Sterilizes bottles
- LED controls
- Keeps milk warm
Cost: $27
Warm either formula or breast milk or heat up food with this convenient remote-controlled double bottle and jar warmer.
Key Features:
- Remote controlled
- Automatic shutoff
- Works quickly
Cost: $27
Gimars Baby Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer
Thanks to smart technology, this bottle warmer won’t overheat your milk and it will also keep bottles at a constant temperature for up to three hours.
Key Features:
- Automatic shutoff
- Safe for breast milk
- Quick steam heating
Grownsy 6-in-1 Baby Bottle Warmer
This machine does it all when it comes to keeping your baby’s milk or formula at the right temperature. It sterilizes bottles, too.
Key Features:
- Compatible with all types of bottles
- Defrosts breast milk
- Smart technology
Cost: $55
Mosfiata Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer
This bottle warmer can hold an impressive four bottles, allowing you to heat enough for the day or for several babies you are caring for.
Key Features:
- Made of food-grade, BPA-free material
- 7 different functions
- Includes tongs and bottle brushes
Travel Bottle Warmers
Aquaheat Stainless Steel Baby Bottle and Travel Bottle Warmer Set
You can use this unique bottle warmer without electricity: Just use one of the heat packs (two are included) and a bit of water.
Key Features:
- Includes stainless steel bottle
- Includes two heating packs
- No electricity needed
Cost: $35
Bopopo Portable USB Baby Bottle Warmer
The USB cord on this bottle warmer allows you to warm up your baby’s milk or formula in the car or with your laptop or phone charging adapter.
Key Features:
- Warms milk in 4 minutes
- Has a USB
- Lightweight and compact
You don’t need electricity or a USB to warm bottles thanks to the power of a thermo-insulated carafe and hot water that you add before leaving home.
Key Features:
- Safe for breast milk
- Can be used for food, milk storage bags, and bottles
- Keeps water hot all day
Cost: $20
Munchkin Travel Car Baby Bottle Warmer
Plug this bottle warmer into your car’s power port and your baby will enjoy evenly warmed milk or formula in minutes.
Key Features:
- Flexible heating band
- Warms quickly
- Lights up to use at night
Cost: $25
Papablic Mini Portable Travel Baby Bottle Warmer
This easy-to-use bottle warmer uses hot water and has a waterproof seal. It fits most popular brands of bottles; check that yours is in the list.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and compact
- Water stays hot all day
- Warms bottles quickly
Cost: $16
Sunsbell USB Portable Milk Heater
This portable warming bag heats up when you plug it into your car’s power port and can keep the bottle warm and ready for use.
Key Features:
- Soft, portable bag
- Uses car’s power port
- Large capacity
Cost: $25
This bottle warmer is a soft sleeve with a handle and a zippered pouch. It helps warm bottles and keeps them from cooling off on cold days.
Key Features:
- Has a USB cord
- Includes a handle and zippered pouch
- Warms milk quickly
Cost: $21
