Q. What is the difference between PVC hot water bottles and rubber hot water bottles?

A. For anyone with an allergy to rubber (Latex allergy) PVC hot water bottles are the ideal options. PVC hot water bottles are also Phthalate free (a must for children) and are odourless, can be steam sterilised and recyclable. Rubber hot water bottles are the traditional type and have been around since 1903 and still going strong with many customers preferring a traditional bottle. Rubber is also a great insulator, rubber hot water bottles hold heat for longer than PCV hot water bottles.

Q. Are all rubber hot water bottles the same?

A. The short answer is no, as with most things in life you get what you pay for. Budget rubber hot water bottles are manufactured with lower rubber content than a good quality bottle. Hard to spot the difference since they all look the same, but budget hot water bottles will have chalk and chemical fillers added to bulk up, look for a white powdery feel and chemical smell. With fillers taking the place of natural rubber the budget rubber hot water bottles will wear out much quicker and need replacing more often and in the long run cost more than a good quality bottle. This is the main reason why quality rubber hot water bottles carry a 3 year warranty. Worth also remembering that rubber is a good insulator and why budget bottles struggle to match heat retention.

Q. How safe are your hot water bottles?

A. All our hot water bottles are QC tested to BS 1970:2006 and carry a minimum 2 year warranty. We do not stock budget generic hot water bottles as the low rubber content on budget bottles produces a very ineffective bottle with added leakage problems. For peace of mind and a good night's sleep it's worth investing in a well made quality hot water bottle that is up to the job. Read more on hot water bottle safety information.

Q. What is the normal size of a hot water bottle?

A. The standard size is a 2.0 litre hot water bottle. The next size down is 1.0 litre hot water bottle closely followed by 0.80 litre hot water bottle for the children's range. There are other sizes in between the main sizes but most of the odd sizes struggle to find hot water bottle covers to fit and replacement stoppers will be hard to hunt down. It is best to stick to the main sizes of hot water bottles, for more information please see hot water bottle types information.

Q. How do microwave hot water bottles work?

A. By placing the grain filled hot water bottle, hottie or hot soft toy in the microwave for the time and power recommended the grains heat up and will slowly cool down over the next two hours giving plenty of warmth. Very fast and very safe to use time and time again. Many hottie's are supplied with removable covers that can be machine washed, for more information please read microwavable hot water bottles.

Q. What are heat click pads?

A. Heat click pads are reusable, portable and non-toxic heat pads that once activated will reach 55°c in seconds and can be reset to use again and again. These heat pads contain a small disk that activates the heat, simple to use and very convenient. For more information on heat click pads read heat click facts page.

Q. What is the delivery time and cost?

A. Standard Royal Mail to UK postal addresses is just £1.99 no matter how many hot water bottles, covers or anything from our wide range is ordered. Stock items ordered by 3.15pm are dispatched same day, any items temporarily out of stock will be dispatched when new stock arrives at no extra cost. For express service please book next weekday courier service which is £5.75 to UK mainline addresses, deadline is 3.15pm dispatched via City Link or UPS.
For USA and all non EU countries please see our delivery page for details on how to buy.

Q. Can I return anything?

A. No problem, we understand that sometimes the item might be the wrong colour or size and not quite right. As long as it's unused, returned in good condition in it's original packaging you can simply post it back for a full product refund.
If replacing an old hot water bottle please see information page on recycling hot water bottles.

Q. Can I collect from the warehouse?

A. Our warehouse holds most items in stock for immediate delivery, if you wish to collect personally just call 01793 613900 to book in advance and we'll prepare your order ready for collection. Please note our warehouse is for bulk storage only and does not have any customer facilities. The warehouse address for collections is:
Urban Industry Limited
Thor Industrial Estate
Braydon Lane
Cricklade (3 miles from Swindon)
SN6 6HQ Tel: 01793 613900