Owala Water Bottle Review
My favorite feature of the Owala is that you may sip from the spout like a straw or tilt it upwards for larger gulps. I dislike water bottles with straws since they are difficult to drink from and clean. But this one is a game-changer.
It takes almost no effort to drink from; all you have to do is purse your lips slightly around the spout and apply the least amount of pressure to get a full, smooth drink of water. It’s almost as if the spout is tailored to the form of your specific lip – some could even compare it to a pillow for your bottom lip to rest on. One tester assumed it would be too flat for a decent grip, but noted “it was so seamless to use.”
In addition to being a joy to drink from, the Owala is small and easy to grasp. While the base is spherical and fits into regular cup holders, the sides are flat to provide a better grip. The lid snaps shut and opens fast and effortlessly with the press of a button. The carrying handle is also a lovely feature, as it folds down into the cap when not in use. All of these features make it ideal for travel.
Don’t forget about all the amazing color combinations. There are options for everyone, whether you want to stand out or fit in. One tester notably mentioned how much she enjoyed the FreeSip’s appearance and colors. “I like how pretty it looked to carry, like an accessory,” she told me.
Another amusing feature mentioned by GH Lab Analyst Eva Bleyer is that the straw is colored, making it easy to identify which water bottle it belongs to if you have a bunch at home.
What to know before buying an Owala
- Owala recommends you hand wash the FreeSip, but I will say that I put mine in the dishwasher and you’d never know the difference.
- There’s a silicone tab in the lid that needs to be removed for cleaning. If you’re anything like me, you might forget to put it back on and you’ll wonder why your Owala is leaking. But I only made that mistake once!
- The lid benefits from being washed with a bottle brush to get into all the little crevices.
- The 24-ounce size might seem small for people who are trying to load up on water. If you’re looking for something bigger, you can get the 32-ounce or 40-ounce, but they’re wider and don’t fit in average sized cup holders.