Owala Water Bottle
An Overview of the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
The Owala FreeSip is a 32 oz stainless steel water bottle that has a few unique design features. It has a wide mouth opening with a flip up spout that allows you to sip from any side without tilting your head back. There is also a removable inner strainer that helps block ice and fruit from the spout.
The FreeSip is vacuum insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours or hot for 12 hours. It comes in a few different color options and is free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and other harmful chemicals.
Key Features and Specs of the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle:
- Stainless steel inner and outer walls
- Flip up spout with 360 degree drinking access
- Removable inner strainer
- Vacuum insulated — keeps drinks cold for 36 hrs, hot for 12 hrs
- Sweat-free exterior
- Leak-proof flip cap
- Ergonomic shape is easy to grip
- BPA and phthalate free
Review of the Owala FreeSip’s Design
One of the standout features of the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle is the innovative spout design. The flip up mouthpiece allows you to sip from any angle without tilting your head back. This makes it great for using while driving, working at a desk, exercising, etc. The mouthpiece itself is also ergonomically shaped for comfort.
The removable inner strainer is another smart design feature. The strainer helps block ice cubes and fruit chunks from getting into the spout. This allows you to add ice and fresh fruit to your water without it getting in the way when you go to take a sip.
The FreeSip has a sleek, ergonomic shape that makes it easy to grip and hold. The outer powder coating helps prevent condensation from forming on the bottle. It feels sturdy in the hand and not flimsy.
Overall, the design and features make this an incredibly functional and user-friendly water bottle. It fixes a lot of annoyances people have with standard water bottles.
Review of the Owala FreeSip’s Performance
In terms of keeping drinks cold, the Owala FreeSip performs very well. The vacuum insulation allows it to maintain cold temperatures for up to 36 hours. Even after 24 hours, ice cubes stayed fully frozen and water remained crisp and refreshing.
The flip cap creates an air-tight seal that prevents any leaks. You can confidently throw it in a bag without worrying about spillage. The wide mouth also makes it easy to add ice cubes without difficulty.
For hot drinks, the Owala FreeSip water bottle will keep them piping hot for 6–8 hours. After the full 12 hour mark, liquids were still warm but not necessarily hot. Performance-wise for cold and hot temperatures, the FreeSip delivers on its promises.
The durable stainless steel body also resists dents and dings well. It feels like it could withstand the rigors of daily use for years to come. All the components like the cap and inner strainer have held up nicely over several weeks of testing.
Pros and Cons of the Owala FreeSip
Pros:
✅ Innovative flip up spout allows you to drink from any angle
✅ Inner strainer blocks ice and fruit from spout
✅ Keeps water cold for 36 hours and hot for 12 hours
✅ Leak-proof, sweat-free exterior
✅ Sleek, ergonomic design is easy to grip
✅ Durable stainless steel body
✅ BPA and phthalate free
Cons:
❌ Only comes in 32 oz capacity (no smaller or larger sizes available)
❌ Inner strainer can be tricky to clean
Who is the Owala FreeSip Good For?
The Owala FreeSip is a great option for people who:
- Want to drink more water throughout the day without constantly refilling
- Prefer to flavor their water with fruit or enjoy it cold with ice
- Use water bottles in their cars, at their desk, or while being active
- Appreciate well-designed products with unique features
- Don’t mind spending more for quality and convenience
The flip up spout makes it ideal for minimizing spills while driving or being on the go. The strainer allows you to customize your water with ice and fresh fruit. It’s also great if you just want cold water conveniently available throughout the day without dilution.
While it does cost more than basic water bottles, the FreeSip delivers enough functionality and performance to justify the price for many people. It feels like a premium product that could last for many years.
Owala FreeSip vs. Competition
The Owala FreeSip goes up against other popular water bottles like the Hydro Flask, YETI Rambler, and Klean Kanteen. Here’s how it compares:
- Owala FreeSip has a more versatile spout design for drinking from any angle. The competitors only allow standard top-down drinking.
- The inner strainer is a feature none of the other major brands offer. It lets you add ice and fruit while keeping it out of the spout.
- FreeSip matches up well with vacuum insulation capabilities. Keeps drinks just as hot or cold as the other brands.
- Style and design is subjective, but the FreeSip has a nice ergonomic shape and comes in more color options.
- Owala FreeSip is the newest brand among the competitors so they don’t have the long-standing reputation yet. But seem to be building a good name with positive customer reviews.
For shoppers debating between the major brands, the Owala FreeSip is definitely worth considering if you want the benefits of the unique spout and inner strainer features. Beyond those standout features, it stacks up well to the competition in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
The Owala FreeSip manages to improve upon the standard water bottle in some innovative ways. The flip up spout and inner strainer create a new level of drinking versatility and convenience. It keeps drinks cold and hot for hours on end while maintaining a sleek, ergonomic design. Some may balk at the higher price tag, but it delivers enough added functionality to justify the cost.
Overall, the Owala FreeSip is one of the most well-designed water bottles on the market. If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic bottle and don’t mind spending more for premium features, the FreeSip is an excellent option. It’s built to last and will provide superior convenience that just makes staying hydrated so much easier.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Owala FreeSip water bottle:
Does the Owala FreeSip keep water cold for really 36 hours?
For most people, yes it will maintain cold temperatures close to the advertised 36 hours as long as you pre-chill the bottle and don’t open it frequently. The maximum duration will depend on external conditions.
What sizes does the Owala FreeSip come in?
Currently it is only available in a 32oz capacity. The company has not indicated if more sizes are in development.
Does the inner strainer come out for cleaning?
Yes, the stainless steel strainer pops out for cleaning to keep it free of buildup. It just presses into place inside the bottle opening.
Can you put carbonated beverages in the FreeSip?
It is not recommended. The flipping cap mechanism can cause excess fizz and spraying. It’s designed for non-carbonated still beverages.
Where is the Owala FreeSip made?
The bottles are manufactured in China to Owala’s specifications using food-grade stainless steel. They follow quality control standards set by the company.
Does the Owala FreeSip contain any plastic components?
No, it is constructed entirely out of stainless steel and food-grade silicone. It is free of BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
Do the Owala bottles come with any warranties?
Yes, they provide a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Proper care is required for the warranty to be valid.
Can the Owala FreeSip only be used for water?
No, while designed for water it can work for other cold beverages like iced coffee, tea, juice, etc. Hot drinks like coffee and tea are also fine.
What’s the best way to clean the Owala FreeSip?
Hand washing with mild soap and warm water is recommended. Make sure to remove the inner strainer and clean it separately. Do not put it in the dishwasher.
