Best Bottle Steriliser Australia: Steam, UV or Cold Water? (Top 7 in 2026)

You must have heard it a thousand times: stop worrying about germs. Kids need some exposure to them so their immune system becomes more resilient early on.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to those bottles and dummies and teats. At least until your little one turns 1. Microbes are our inevitable companions, but that bottle doesn’t really have to turn into a breeding ground!

Now, there are a variety of ways to sterilise baby bottles, and the solution you choose will depend on size, function, and price.

In this shopper’s guide, we have compiled a list of the best bottle sterilisers in Australia, with the Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Steriliser Set taking out the first place.

Best Bottle Sterilisers Available in Australia

Our Top Pick — Philips Steriliser Set

One of the best bottle sterilisers in Australia is the Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Steriliser Set. This is a fast option that helps you avoid the arduous task of sterilising on the stovetop. 99.9% of germs will be eliminated, and when stored correctly with the lid shut, the bottles and accessories will be safe for up to 24 hours.

Now, of course we can’t really testify to the germ elimination efficiency. That’s what all the manufacturers will say, after all!

Still, steam is a well-known microbe exterminator. And even if some of its efficiency gets lost in the process, the product is easy to use and affordable for what it offers, and you can really feel that the bottle is clean.

Also, the cleaner itself is very easy to clean, which is also another important concern when you have a baby consuming most of your time and attention.

The compact design fits neatly in most microwaves and you can fit up to 4 compatible Philips Avent bottles inside. This is a good solution for travel as it is lightweight and can be packed easily.

There are a few safety features to prevent burning including durable materials and a safety clip on the lid. The time to sterilise is between 2 and 6 minutes, and this will depend on the wattage of your microwave. For example, it would take 2 minutes at 1200-1850W, or 4 minutes at 850 – 1100W. The Philips AVENT Microwave Steriliser Set is white with a clear lid, so you can see exactly what is inside. This is a simple, affordable solution that is highly rated by parents and made by a trusted brand.

Cons: Not all bottles will be a perfect fit. To be 100% safe, you should use Philips Avent bottles too!

Best UV Bottle Steriliser — Tommee Tippee UV Steriliser & Dryer

If you are looking for a chemical-free alternative to a microwavable steam solution, UV light is the second best. Like steam, it also kills up to 99.9% of germs. But unlike steam or boiling, you won’t be dealing with water.

Just fill this Tommee Tippee UV device up with 6 bottles, turn it on and come back in an hour to pick them up. If you need the bottles to dry only, it will take half an hour.

Not everybody feels that drying is something you should be paying for. But trust me, THIS drying is superb as it gets rid of the smell that’s so typical for used baby bottles!

And it’s not just bottles you can sterilise, dry and store in it. It will also accommodate teats, smaller toys, dummies. Unlike many competing bottle sterilisers, it doesn’t include proprietary bottles, so it isn’t nearly as finicky about the bottle size or shape.

Yes, this option doesn’t work nearly as fast as steaming. So it could take a bit of adjusting. I’ve found it most convenient to leave it overnight. Just put in whatever you need to sterilise, turn it on, and the bottles will be clean and ready when you wake up in the morning. They’ll be safe inside, in a sterile environment, and you can get them one by one, as you need.

Cons: It’s not as fast as some other options, so you’ll need to organise your habits around it.

Best Budget Option — Milton Steriliser

You may be familiar with the brand Milton, as it has been trusted for over 70 years. The Milton Cold Water Steriliser bucket has a large 5L capacity which is equivalent to about 6 bottles. You simply fill the bucket up with water and a Milton tablet, and add washed accessories as required.

The solution is sterile for up to 24 hours and once your bottles and dummies have been immersed for 15 minutes, they are ready for use. No rinsing required. When it is ready to change the solution, the pouring spout makes disposal a breeze.

This feature is especially convenient for travelling. But when you’re at home, you can just put the steriliser in your microwave and have your bottles ready in 2-3 minutes!

The Milton tablets and liquids are readily available at your local supermarket, making this a convenient purchase. The lid locks in and it comes with a carry handle in case you do need to transport the system. The Milton Cold Water Steriliser is recommended by doctors and can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This is our best budget pick in Australia, as it is excellent value for money.

Cons: Once you spend the 30 tablets that come included, you’ll have to keep buying them separately.

Best Bottle Steriliser Starter Kit — Tommee Tippee Starter Kit

The Tommee Tippee Essentials Starter Kit would be an ideal baby shower gift or purchase for first-time parents. It is a complete set featuring an electric steriliser, 8 best selling Closer to Nature bottles and teats in 2 sizes, a newborn dummy, bottle brush, bottle warmer, and storage pouch. This BPA free electric steam steriliser doesn’t need any chemicals to work and will fit neatly on your kitchen bench.

The bottle warmer can be used to heat milk or food and has a control dial to ensure you get the right temperature. This set comes in black and clear and will match any decor. The included Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles have teats which are designed to mimic mum, making the transition to bottle feeding easier. The steriliser is easy to use and with all of the included accessories, it will save you from purchasing multiple products. Tommee Tippee is a household name and this product won the My Child Excellence Award for Favourite Baby Steriliser Product in 2019.

Maintenance is easy too. All you need is put some vinegar every few days, let it sit and wipe it clean.

Granted, it is a bit pricey. But you’ll get an amazing value for the money!

Cons: Not the most affordable option if you already have bottles and a bottle warmer.

Best Adjustable Bottle Steriliser — Chicco SterilNatural

The CHICCO SterilNatural 3 in1 Steriliser is the best adjustable bottle steriliser we could find. It can transform into 3 different sizes to suit your needs. The full-size model is for larger batches, as it fits up to 6 bottles, lids, and teats. You can save up to 30% of energy by compacting the steriliser to fit 2 bottles or smaller items such as dummies and teething rings. This is called the eco option. The third mode is for use in the microwave, which is quick and easy and handy for those on the go. The sterilisation process will take approximately 4 minutes for a 1000 watt microwave.

When the cover is sealed, any sterilised items will be safe for use for up to 24 hours. When using the full size or eco mode, it works quietly in the background and will turn off when the process is complete. It is a clear and white design and has a digital display.

With sterilised bottles and accessories in as little as 5 minutes, it is little wonder why the CHICCO SterilNatural 3 in 1 Steriliser has been receiving rave reviews from happy parents.

Cons: The base could get scaley after a few days if you don’t wipe it off after every use. Easy to prevent, but annoying if you forget about preventing!

Hassle-Free Option — Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags 5-Pack

Are you one of those mums and dads who don’t want to buy yet another contraption to sit on the counter? If yes, Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags could be your pick of the litter.

For once, there are no instructions manuals to read, storage to worry about, or despair because bub’s bottles don’t fit on the rack of a $100- or $200-worth device. And if you notice that a bag is broken or damaged in any way, you can just toss it into the bin and grab another one from the pack.

In other words, this product is incredibly hassle-free. All you need to do is take a bag, fill it with bottles, soothers or breast pump accessories, pour 60+ ml of water, and microwave it.

With each bag being used around 20 times, a 5-pack will last you for quite some time too.

However, these bags won’t hold nearly as many accessories as your big bottle steriliser. So they might best for when you’re on the go, or are leaving bubs with grandparents.

Cons: Be extremely careful when taking it out of the microwave. There’ll be water and very hot steam as you open up the bag. Something akin to opening up a bag of popcorn, but hotter and trickier to handle!

Bonus: Best for Dummies — Milton Soother Steriliser

We’ve all been there. Going for a short walk that becomes even shorter just because the baby has decided to throw BOTH of her dummies on the ground.

Well, Milton Soother Steriliser was made just for those situations. It’s compact enough to fit in your purse or even a bigger pocket. And it’s ridiculously easy to use:

1. Pour some cold water into the tool (or do it before going out).
2. Dunk Milton’s sterilisation tablet along with the dummy.
3. Close the lid.
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
5. Give the dummy back to bubs!

Cons: You’ll have to buy Milton tablets separately – just like with the Milton Steriliser above. When you take that into account, this might not be a very cheap solution, especially because it only works with the smaller accessories. But if your baby is crazy about dummies (or about throwing dummies!), it’s a marvellous buy.

What to Consider When Buying a Bottle Steriliser in Australia

Size

Bottles come in different shapes and sizes, and your steriliser needs to accommodate this. If you want to sterilise other accessories such as spoons, dummies, and toys, finding a solution with extra room can be useful. However, bigger is not always better.

If you have limited bench space or want a portable option, you may prefer a compact bottle steriliser. Just remember, a secure lid is essential as it will keep your items sterile when the cycle is complete.

Method

There are a number of different ways to sterilise your baby bottles in Australia. The solution you choose will depend on your own personal preferences, as they all sterilise effectively. Steaming is a popular choice as there are no chemicals required. Steaming can be done with an electric steriliser device, or in the microwave with a dedicated container.

If you prefer, you can use cold water to soak your bottles, by adding steriliser tablets or liquids. These tablets can be purchased from your local supermarket or chemist and have a wide range of uses. Alternatively, a UV system uses the power of UV light so you can sterilise safely without water.

Price

The price you will pay will vary depending on the solution you choose. For example, electronic steam or UV sterilisation systems will generally be more expensive than microwavable ones. Prices range between about $30 and $250. If this is your first child and you are exclusively bottle feeding, you may want to invest more than someone who is breastfeeding and only needs it for occasional use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sterilise?

Until your baby turns 1, you should sterilise bottles, dummies and other accessories before use to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Once exposed to open air, the effectiveness of the process will start to diminish and you may need to sterilise again.

This is why most systems will have a sealed lid and a time limit for storage. For steam sterilisers, this will usually be up to 24 hours, and for UV systems it could be up to 72 hours.

How do I prepare the bottle for sterilisation?

Before sterilising your baby bottles or dummies, they should be cleaned thoroughly. Take them apart and wash each component separately. You can do this with warm soapy water, making sure you remove any milk residue.

When finished, you should rinse and dry before placing in your chosen bottle steriliser.

Can I sterilise without a dedicated baby bottle steriliser?

Yes. You can sterilise your bottles in a deep saucepan with boiling water. This can be time-consuming and there is a risk of burns, but it can be a cost-effective option for occasional washes. It may also be possible to sterilise accessories in your dishwasher but you do need to check with your manufacturer for the specifications. If using the dishwasher, it is recommended you still sterilise daily and separate all components before washing. Stick to the top shelf and be careful to not put other things in as discolouration can occur.

While it is possible to sterilise without a dedicated product, for a small price you can have a safe and effective solution that will save you time!

Whether it is steam, UV, or cold water, there is a sterilisation solution for every parent!

Contributor Anna Wood is a freelance writer and mother of 3.

Last update on 2026-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API