I think the Iceshaker is the best steel shaker bottle for mixing protein powder and preworkout drinks. I use my shaker bottles daily for pre-workout, smoothies, protein powder shakes, and more. But it can be hard to find the right bottle with all the best features.
So, I wanted to review some of my favorite steel shaker bottles I’ve tried and why I actually don’t think they’re the best option for home gym owners.
What Makes a Great Shaker Bottle?
For me, a great shaker bottle must be steel. Plastic bottles always develop an odor that is hard to get rid of and I end up throwing them out. Steel bottles are also more durable and hold up better over time.
Three shaker bottles in my rotation
I currently have three steel shaker bottles in my rotation. Each one has different features that I do and don’t like.
Iceshaker Shaker Bottle Review
I’ll get right into it: the Iceshaker bottle is my favorite shaker bottle, hands down.
First, it is pretty quiet when you shake it. Instead of a blender ball, there’s an agitator built into the lid. Ice makes some noise but the bottle and agitator itself are not shaking around making noise. The agitator also blocks ice chips from getting into your mouth when you drink.
The one thing I don’t like about the agitator is its plastic and can break. I had to get a replacement, which was inconvenient, but it was inexpensive and shipped quickly so it wasn’t a huge problem.
Next, I love that the Iceshaker has easy-to-read fill lines on the inside so you can see how much fluid you’re adding.
Finally, I like that the Iceshaker is great on the go. It comes with a built-in carrying handle that is nice and durable, and the bottle fits in all my cupholders on my power rack, at my desk, and in the car. I’ve also thrown this bottle in my backpack and it doesn’t leak.
FYI, I am not sponsored by Iceshaker. It is just my favorite steel shaker bottle!
Shakesphere Protein Shaker Review
The Shakesphere design is so simple. There isn’t much that can break and there’s a ton of room inside.
Instead of using a shaker ball or an agitator, the Shakesphere works like a shaker that a bartender uses to mix drinks. This is great for space, but it means there is nothing to dampen the noise so it is loud when you shake ice.
This bottle has measurement labels, but they are on the outside, so it is hard to tell how much liquid you are adding. The labels only go up to 18 oz, but since the bottle is so large, I have actually fit up to 24 oz inside.
Another negative about this shaker bottle is the plastic carrying handle is easy to break. They don’t sell a replacement part for the handle. Instead, you have to buy an entire new bottle. So, mine doesn’t have a carrying handle anymore!
The bottle is too wide to fit into the cupholders in my office, home gym, and car so it usually stays at home.
One thing that redeems the Shakesphere is it is compatible with hot liquids. There is a vent in the lid that you can pop open to relieve the pressure created by hot liquids. This is great if I want to drink something hot in the wintertime, like a hot chocolate that uses protein powder.
Bolde Shaker Review
The newest bottle to my rotation is the Bolde steel shaker.
First, I like the additional storage in the bottom of the bottle. You can take extra powder if you’ll be on the go for a while and need to make a second shake. You could also store vitamins or other things in that compartment.
This shaker bottle is also quiet because it uses a spring-style agitator built into the lid. There is nothing shaking around inside and the spring dampens the sound.
Similar to the Iceshaker, the Bolde shaker has liquid measurements clearly labeled on the inside so you know how much liquid you’re adding. It also tells you where to add your powder.
One issue I have is it’s small. The spring and the storage compartment take up usable space so there’s only about 12 oz you can use for drinks.
Another thing I don’t like is there is no carrying handle so it is hard to take on the go. They sell a carrying handle separately that you can add, but it feels flimsy, and I don’t use it.
What’s The Best Way To Mix Shakes and Preworkout Drinks At Home?
The best way to mix shakes as a home gym user is actually not shaker bottles. While I use bottles on the go, they’re not the best option at home.
Instead, I prefer to use my blender. It is easy to use, mixes superior, and provides more options for what I can make.
My shaker bottles are great for running errands, going to work, and any other time I am on the go. But, at home, the blender does the trick!
Final Verdict: What is the Best Steel Shaker Bottle for Protein and Pre-Workout?
So, if I am at home, I prefer to use my blender for shakes. But, if I am on the go, I prefer to use steel shaker bottles — never plastic.
If I had to have just one shaker bottle, I’d choose the Iceshaker bottle. I love the bottle design. It is quiet, easy to clean, has lots of room, and it very portable. There are also great add-ons you can get too, such as a fruit infuser.
Right now, the Iceshaker is my ride or die companion as far as shaker bottles go.
Support Garage Gym Life
If you’d like to see more, you can watch my full video review of the Best Steel Shaker Bottle on my YouTube Channel.
Want to see more home gym product reviews like this? Support us by getting our official merch, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and follow us on Instagram.