64 oz Growlers: Using a Stainless Steel Jug for Beer
A 64 oz growler is a half-gallon jug for carrying beer from the tap. A stainless steel outdoor jug of the same size can do the job, as long as its lid can let pressure out safely. Here is what the size means, why the vent matters, and which jug models come close to 64 oz.
By Feng, Head of After-Sales Service & Online Marketing Lead
A 64 oz growler holds 64 US fluid ounces, half a US gallon, or about 1,893 ml. A stainless steel outdoor jug of about the same capacity can be used as a beer growler, provided the lid can release pressure: beer gives off gas, and a sealed jug that cannot vent may open with a burst. BG Drinkware, a drinkware manufacturer in Yongkang, China, makes outdoor jugs of about 64 oz whose lids have an automatic vent, so the jug does not burst open when the lid is opened suddenly. The closest sizes are a 1,900 ml jug with a large handle and 2,000 ml jugs; confirm the vented lid on the model you choose. All use a 304 stainless steel inner wall and a 201 outer wall. Custom orders start at 500 pieces, per colour on most models, and logos can be laser-engraved or printed.
How big is a 64 oz growler?
Half a US gallon. A 64 oz growler holds 64 US fluid ounces, which is about 1,893 ml, or just under 2 litres. The nearest metric jug sizes are 1,900 ml and 2,000 ml; a 2,000 ml jug holds about 67.6 oz and is labelled 67 oz.
| Size | In millilitres | In ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 64 oz growler | about 1,893 ml | 64 oz (half a US gallon) |
| 1,900 ml jug | 1,900 ml | about 64 oz |
| 2,000 ml jug | 2,000 ml | about 67.6 oz |
For a wider view of large jugs, including bigger sizes, see stainless steel water jugs and outdoor jugs.
Why does a beer growler need a vented lid?
Because beer gives off gas. In a sealed jug, that gas builds pressure under the lid, and a lid that cannot release it may open with a burst. On BG Drinkware's 64 oz-class outdoor jugs, the lid has an automatic vent, so the jug does not burst open when the lid is opened suddenly.
The vent works on its own, so the user does not need to remember to release pressure first. For a brand, that makes the lid the part to check most closely on the sample: open it with the jug full and closed for a while, and check that it opens without a burst and closes again without leaking. For leak checks, see why a bottle leaks after washing.
Which stainless steel jugs are close to 64 oz?
BG Drinkware makes four outdoor jug models at 1,900 ml or 2,000 ml, which are the closest to a 64 oz growler. All use a 304 stainless steel inner wall and a 201 outer wall, and they differ mainly in the lid and the handle. The details below come from the product pages.
| Model | Capacity | Lid and handle | Size and weight | Minimum order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jug with large handle | 1,900 ml | Transparent lid with airtight closure; large side handle; 140 ml small cup accessory | 18.8 × 13.9 × 24 cm with lid | 500 pcs per colour |
| Jug with spout lid | 1,500 or 2,000 ml | Flip-up spout lid; large side handle | 22.4 cm tall with lid (2,000 ml); 760 g | 500 pcs per colour |
| Jug with dual handles | 1,500 or 2,000 ml | Flip-up spout lid; carry handle and side handle | 12.8 cm base; 760 g (2,000 ml) | 500 pcs per colour |
| Insulated flask jug | 1,500 or 2,000 ml | Dual-drink, single-drink or magnetic lid; top carry handle | Varies with the lid; 25 pcs per carton | 500 pcs |
The 50 oz and 67 oz names are model labels for the 1,500 ml and 2,000 ml sizes, not exact conversions. Confirm the size, the handle and the vented lid on a physical sample before approving artwork and packaging.
What does it cost to brand a 64 oz jug?
On an existing model, there is no mould cost: a new colour, an existing lid or a logo needs no new mould. The unit price is quoted by sales. Screen printing and laser engraving start at about US$0.035 per piece, and UV printing at about US$0.20, depending on the logo design.
A new shape is different. A new body mould costs about US$3,000–3,500, most often about US$3,500, while a new lid mould can cost US$10,000 to US$40,000, depending on the design. Mould fees are paid as a deposit and a balance, or spread across the product price on orders of at least 20,000 pieces. Samples are charged, and the fee can be credited against a bulk order. See custom drinkware costs and laser-engravable finishes.
What should a brand specify for a custom growler?
Choose the model and capacity first, then the lid, because the lid decides how the jug vents, pours and seals. Add the colour, the logo method and the packaging. Ask for a sample, fill it, close it for a while and open it again to check the vent, the seal and the pour.
- Capacity: 1,900 ml for the closest match to 64 oz, or 2,000 ml.
- Lid: confirm the vent, and check opening and closing on the full sample.
- Logo: laser engraving, screen printing or UV printing.
- Care: for cleaning large jugs, see how to clean a stainless steel bottle.
A sample of an existing model takes up to 7 days, and bulk production takes 7–12 days after the sample is approved. Rules on refilling growlers at bars and breweries vary by place, so check the local rules for the market you sell into.
64 oz growler FAQ
Short answers to the questions people ask most about 64 oz growlers, their size in millilitres, why the lid needs to vent and how to order a branded stainless steel jug. Jug details come from BG Drinkware's product pages; the vent and branding details, from its own records.
How many litres is a 64 oz growler?
About 1.89 litres. A 64 oz growler holds 64 US fluid ounces, which is half a US gallon, or about 1,893 ml. The closest metric jug sizes are 1,900 ml, which is about 64 oz, and 2,000 ml, which is about 67.6 oz.
Can I put beer in a stainless steel water jug?
Yes, if the lid can release pressure. Beer gives off gas, and a sealed lid that cannot vent may open with a burst. BG Drinkware's 64 oz-class outdoor jugs have a lid with an automatic vent, so they do not burst open when the lid is opened suddenly.
Does a growler lid need a vent?
For beer and other fizzy drinks, a vent is the safer choice, because gas builds pressure in a closed jug. On BG Drinkware's 64 oz-class outdoor jugs the vent is automatic, so the user does not need to release pressure by hand before opening the lid.
What is the minimum order for a custom 64 oz jug?
BG Drinkware's outdoor jugs near 64 oz start at 500 pieces for custom orders, per colour on most models. Logos can be laser-engraved, screen-printed or UV-printed. A sample of an existing model takes up to 7 days, and bulk production takes 7–12 days after the sample is approved.
Related guides: stainless steel water jugs, insulated beer mugs and a lid that leaks after washing.
Planning a branded growler?
Send the capacity, quantity, model, lid, colour, logo method, packaging, payment terms and trade terms for a quotation.
