It depends on the model. Owala says the stainless steel FreeSip, the plastic FreeSip and the Kids’ FreeSip are not for hot, carbonated or perishable drinks, while the FreeSip Twist, the 24 oz and 40 oz Owala Tumbler and the SmoothSip Slider can take hot drinks with care. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.
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Which Owala models can take hot drinks?
| Model | Hot drinks | Carbonated | What Owala says |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeSip (stainless steel) | No | No | Not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids |
| FreeSip (Tritan plastic) | No | No | Same as above |
| Kids’ FreeSip, Kids’ Flip, Flip | No | No | Same as above |
| FreeSip Twist | Yes, with care | Yes | Hot, cold and carbonated drinks are fine; read the warnings |
| Owala Tumbler (24 oz, 40 oz) | Yes, with care | Yes | Holds cold, carbonated and hot drinks |
| SmoothSip Slider | Yes, with care | Yes | Holds cold, carbonated and hot drinks |
| FreeSip Sway, FreeSip Tumbler, Kids’ Tumbler | Check your care guide | Check your care guide | Not named in Owala’s FAQ answer on hot drinks |
The FreeSip Sway and FreeSip Tumbler use the same push-button FreeSip lid as the standard FreeSip, so treat them as cold-water bottles unless your product’s care guide says otherwise.
Source: Owala FAQ and the FreeSip Twist page.
Why the standard FreeSip is not for hot drinks
Owala’s warnings give two reasons. Hot, carbonated and perishable liquids can build pressure inside the sealed bottle, which can make it leak or spray when opened and can snap the spout cover open fast enough to hurt fingers near it. Also, the straw draws liquid from the bottom of the bottle, where a hot drink is usually hotter than at the top, so a big sip can burn.
How to use hot drinks safely in a model that allows them
- Do not use liquid hot enough to scald. Owala says never to use its bottles with liquids that hot.
- Fill part-way and let boiling drinks cool a little first. Do not boil water in the bottle.
- Open it slowly and keep your fingers away from the recess behind the spout cover.
- Release pressure. Loosen the lid a quarter turn, then retighten before you drink, as Owala’s care instructions describe.
- Take a small first sip.
- Wash it the same day. Coffee and tea leave residue in the lid; see how to clean an Owala.
Never microwave an Owala bottle. Owala warns that heating a sealed bottle can build pressure and blow the lid open.
Best Owala for hot drinks
- Coffee commute: SmoothSip Slider, a sliding lid with no straw. See the SmoothSip Slider review.
- Hot and sparkling in one slim bottle: FreeSip Twist. See the FreeSip Twist review.
- Iced or hot with a straw at a desk: Owala Tumbler. See the Owala Tumbler review.
FAQ
Can I put coffee in an Owala FreeSip?
Not in the standard stainless steel FreeSip, according to Owala. Use a Twist, Tumbler or SmoothSip Slider.
Can I put tea or hot water in an Owala?
In the models that allow hot drinks, yes with care. Not in the standard FreeSip.
Can I put milk, creamer or soup in an Owala?
Owala lists perishable liquids as a no for the FreeSip family. For models that allow hot drinks, follow the care guide and wash the bottle right after use.
What happens if I put a hot drink in a FreeSip anyway?
Pressure can build and cause a leak or spray when you open it, and the straw can deliver very hot liquid. It also goes against Owala’s instructions and may affect a warranty claim.
Related guides: What can you put in an Owala?, Is Owala safe?, Why is my Owala leaking?, Owala FreeSip vs Twist
Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala FreeSip Twist, Owala FreeSip