Owala
Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz.
The Owala SmoothSip Insulated Mug is a 20 oz (590 ml) stainless steel travel mug designed for hot or cold beverages. It features triple-walled vacuum insulation, a patented leakproof slider lid, and a base that fits most cup holders; hand-washing is recommended. User feedback highlights a comfortable spout and easy cleaning, but some report inconsistent heat retention and concerns about slider durability and paint chipping.
- Material
- Rugged food-grade stainless steel
- Category
- Home & Garden > Kitchen & Dining > Tableware > Drinkware > Mugs
Size
Specifications
Insulated mug for hot or cold beverages. Features triple-wall vacuum insulation and patented waterproof lid.
Triple-walled vacuum-insulated, patented waterproof lid, BPA and phthalate free, 20 oz capacity.
- Material
- Rugged food-grade stainless steel
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Home & Garden > Kitchen & Dining > Tableware > Drinkware > Mugs
Additional Attributes
- rugged food-grade stainless steel
- BPA and phthalate free
- triple-walled and vacuum-insulated
- patented waterproof lid
- hand-wash recommended
- 590 ml (20 oz.) fill capacity
- base fits most cup holders
Product Insights
The Smoothsip Insulated Mug features a patented curved spout that naturally seals to prevent side spills and the wet-nose sensation, while its temperature-sensing design reduces burn risk by letting lips feel heat before hot coffee enters the mouth. A controlled 16-second pour for 16 ounces prevents scalding and glugging, and the leakproof seal outperforms Yeti in tests, staying secure without a lock even when shaken. However, the mug's tradeoffs include paint chipping within weeks, plastic lid components that may chip during reassembly, and warranty claims that can be denied or take months. It fits standard cup holders, opens one-handed, and eliminates metallic taste with a ceramic lining, but its 20-ounce size (weighing 344 g empty) causes hand fatigue for some, and users desire a 16-ounce option. At $42 CAD, it is slightly cheaper than Yeti and adds a leakproof lid, though hot coffee cools approximately 70°F per hour and ice melts overnight.
Verified claims
- Spout comfort
- Buyers report the patented curved spout seals naturally, prevents side spill, and avoids the wet-nose sensation.
- Temperature sensing
- Lips sense hot coffee temperature before it enters the mouth, reducing burn risk.
- Flow control
- Controlled 16-second pour for 16 oz prevents scalding and glugging.
- Leakproof seal
- In independent leak tests, the SmoothSip outperformed a YETI Rambler with MagSlider lid: the YETI leaked outright when shaken and inverted, while the SmoothSip shed only minor droplets. The slider is not a lock and can open if jostled or shaken, especially with pressurized contents.
- Slider operation
- Slider releases pressure before opening for safe one-handed use.
- Performance factors
- Independent timed tests found all SmoothSip Slider sizes lost 69–70°F over one hour regardless of size or lining; leaving the slider open accelerates cooling.
- Construction context
- The 'triple-wall' designation refers to an internal coating inside the vacuum rather than a third metal shell, so the mug stays as slim and cup-holder-friendly as a typical double-wall tumbler.
- Disassembly steps
- Lid disassembles via slider pop and 90° gasket twist.
- Cleaning
- The leakproof slider requires more involved disassembly for deep cleaning than magnetic lids like YETI's, which rinse instantly.
- Dishwasher compatibility
- Lid components are dishwasher safe; body hand-wash recommended.
- Lid function
- The slider lid opens with one thumb and is leakproof under normal conditions, but it can open if jostled or shaken, especially with pressurized contents; it has no locking mechanism.
- Overall value
- At $42 CAD, it is slightly cheaper than Yeti and adds a leakproof lid.
- Lid mechanism
- Plastic lid components may chip during reassembly and disassembly can crack parts, according to user reports.
- Durability
- After a 3-foot drop onto concrete, the SmoothSip suffered only a minor dent; the stainless steel interior resists chipping.
- Grip
- Flatiron shape improves grip for some, but weight and size cause hand fatigue for others.
- Fit
- The 20 oz SmoothSip has a 2.75-inch base and fits most standard car cup holders; the slight taper helps where a standard 3.4-inch body might not, and stroller cup holder compatibility varies by model.
- One-handed use
- Easily opened and used with one hand while driving.
- Size options
- Buyers want a 16 oz size between 12 and 20 oz options.
- Weight
- 20 oz weighs 344 g empty; full weight ~900 g is cumbersome for extended carry.
- Thermal performance
- 20 oz and 12 oz cool identically (~70°F per hour); no thermal advantage from size.
- Size & value
- The 20 oz size suits larger drinks, iced coffee, and commutes; the 12 oz is cuter and fits under a Nespresso, and many buyers wish for a 16 oz middle size. On the 20 oz, ceramic and stainless linings are priced the same.
- Pricing
- Ceramic and stainless linings cost the same on the 20 oz mug.
- Lid performance
- Leakproof for bag carry but slider may open if jostled and can chip during cleaning.
- Insulation
- Without preheating, hot coffee drops below 140°F within an hour; preheating likely extends time above 140°F only to about 30–45 minutes, and ice melts overnight.
- Commute ergonomics
- Fits cup holders, opens with one thumb, curved spout, no glug, secure grip, 12.15 oz.
- Build and value
- The 20 oz SmoothSip has a tough stainless steel interior and is priced around $30 USD (≈$42 CAD), slightly undercutting the YETI Rambler while adding a leakproof seal.
- Color appeal
- The pale pink colorway is described by a buyer as beautiful.
- Beverage compatibility
- The food-grade stainless steel interior is safe for acidic drinks like lemon water or soda without corrosion or taste issues, but the manufacturer warns against using the mug with carbonated beverages because pressure can open the slider or cause leaks.
- Slider stiffness
- The slider can be stiff initially but often loosens with use.
Product record
- Title
- Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz.
- Brand
- Owala
- Price
- 42 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 12 sourcesUses
Sipping coffee or cold drinks over hours
Made for sipping at your own pace — whether that's coffee through the workday or class, or an icy cold drink on the go. The triple-walled, vacuum-insulated design is meant to keep drinks hot or cold for several hours, and reviewers often report coffee staying hot for hours on commutes. Cold retention works best if you start with an icy cold beverage, and one reviewer found their unit didn't keep drinks hot for long, so experiences vary.[1,6,7,10]
Hot coffee that's ready when you arrive
Take the Smoothsip Insulated Mug along on your work or class commute — customer reviews report it keeps coffee hot for the whole journey, so it's ready to sip when you arrive. Its base is designed to fit most cup holders, making it easy to keep by your side on the ride. With the heat holding over a commute or class, you can sip at your own pace rather than rushing.[10]
Sipping hot coffee comfortably, without scalding your mouth
Reviewers highlight this mug's sip hole and spout geometry for drinking hot coffee: the shape lets you gauge the temperature with your lips before it floods your mouth, and one user who switched from a well-known competitor reports it's perfect for avoiding burned mouths. Others say the spout is easy to sip from without spilling from the sides of the mouth, and one analysis of customer reviews notes the shape makes desk-side drinking strain-free during long work sessions. Experiences with the flat-sided grip vary, though — while many love the Flatiron shape, one user found the mug large in her hands and heavier than expected.[2,3,10]
Carry it in your bag on the go
The Smoothsip's securely sealed lid is designed to be leakproof and dust-proof, so the mug can ride in a bag or purse without spilling or letting debris reach the mouthpiece. One reviewer says they toss it into expensive purses with no fear of leakage, and another reports it is even splash proof, needing to tilt more than 90 degrees before anything spills.[2,5,7,10]
Taking the Smoothsip lid apart for cleaning
For a deeper clean, the lid can be disassembled: the slider pops off with a little force, and the rubber seal rotates 90 degrees until its attached plastic piece pops out. Reviewers report the mug is very easy to clean once taken apart, though some found getting the lid apart tricky and one reported the plastic chipping during reassembly despite following Owala's instructions. Owala recommends hand washing the stainless steel base to help keep it bright.[2,3,4,6,7]
Everyday drinking when you want extra capacity
One Reddit user reports reaching for the 20 oz Smoothsip as their everyday mug, saying the smaller 12 oz option seemed like it would be too small for their needs. They note they don't always fill the 20 oz, so it can suit you even if you pour less than a full mug.[9]
A stylish mug for office and café settings
Bring the Owala Smoothsip Insulated Mug along to the office or a café when you want your drinkware to match a polished look. Reviewers highlight its carefully matched colors, including a praised pale pink, as an attractive touch of personal style.[10]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz.: Choose this if you want a triple-walled, vacuum-insulated 20 ounce travel mug for coffee on work or class commutes: reviewers report it keeps coffee hot for hours, the spout geometry lets you gauge temperature with your lips before it floods your mouth, and its sealed slider lid is described as leakproof and bag-safe. The stainless steel body has a 590 ml fill capacity, a base that fits most cup holders, and color options including pale pink and black. Note that hand washing is recommended, deep cleaning requires disassembling the lid (some users find this tricky and worry about breaking parts), and individual experiences vary—one owner reported their unit not keeping drinks hot for long, and another saw paint chip within two weeks.[2,3,6,8,10] | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 12 Oz.: Choose this if you want a compact 12 oz (355 ml) insulated mug for commuting and bag carry: it has a patented waterproof slider lid, a base that fits most cup holders, and triple-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that keeps drinks hot or cold for several hours. Reviewers praise the soft, ergonomic spout, easy thumb opening, and quick cleaning, and report tossing it in purses and diaper bags without spill worries. Note that some reviewers say hot drinks can cool faster than expected unless the mug is pre-heated, and the slider may feel stiff at first, though it loosens with use.[5,11,12] |
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Tall cylindrical insulated travel mug with a matte black body, a slightly darker black screw-in style lid with a shallow recessed drinking area, and a vertical light-blue logo printed near the lower side.
- Body shapeTall, slightly tapered cylindrical stainless-steel mug body visible from near top to bottom with a smooth matte finish.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.15 · w 0.44 · h 0.70 (high) - Lid constructionLow-profile, screw-on style lid in a darker black with a shallow recessed drinking well and a small domed slider or cap feature visible in the center of the recess.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.44 · h 0.14 (high) - Finish textureExterior shows a matte, slightly textured finish that produces a subtle specular sheen on the right side where light hits.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.40 (medium) - Logo text“owala”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.62 · w 0.12 · h 0.22 (high) - Logo orientationLower-side logo printed vertically (characters rotated so text reads bottom-to-top along the mug side).
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.62 · w 0.12 · h 0.22 (high)
Other
Studio product shot with neutral light gray background, the mug placed on a textured gray surface casting a soft shadow to the left; even soft lighting from right creates highlights on the mug body.
- BackgroundSmooth pale gray gradient backdrop occupying the upper portion of the frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 0.55 (high) - Supporting surfaceTextured mid-gray horizontal surface on which the mug sits, occupying lower portion of image.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.55 · w 1.00 · h 0.45 (high) - Shadow and lightingSoft shadow projects leftward from the mug; primary lighting appears from right producing a soft highlight on the right side of the mug body and a gentle rim on the lid.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.65 · w 0.40 · h 0.28 (medium) - Shot compositionCentered, vertical portrait framing showing the full height of the mug with slight perspective narrowing toward the top.
Colors
matte black· body#201F24deep black· lidpale sky blue· logo- Body shapeTall, slightly tapered cylindrical stainless-steel mug body visible from near top to bottom with a smooth matte finish.
- 02
Product
Close-up of the mug's lid and upper body edge showing a circular push-button or plug with molded brand text and an integrated drinking spout at the rim.
- Circular push buttonRaised circular button recessed into the lid center with molded brand text and three short raised parallel lines above it.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.36 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high) - Brand text on button“owala”
1 region
x 0.43 · y 0.43 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high) - Raised parallel marks“///”
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.40 · w 0.10 · h 0.05 (medium) - Integrated drinking spoutOval drinking opening recessed into the rim at the lower edge of the lid, aligned with the lid center; rim around the spout is slightly raised.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.72 · w 0.32 · h 0.18 (high) - Inner lid contourConcave inner lid surface forming a smooth circular well around the central button with a uniform matte finish.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.22 · w 0.52 · h 0.52 (high) - Exterior body edgeVisible section of the mug body at top-left showing a cylindrical wall with a slightly textured matte finish and a thin raised rim at the lid interface.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.54 · h 0.33 (high)
Other
Studio shot with the mug laid on its side on a neutral light-gray surface, soft directional lighting from top-right producing a shadow to the left.
- Shot compositionClose-up detail shot framing the lid and rim at an oblique angle; body recedes to the upper-left corner and the spout sits near the bottom edge of the frame.
- Background and surfaceSmooth light-gray background and surface with a soft shadow cast by the mug toward the lower-left.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.60 · w 1.00 · h 0.40 (high) - Lighting and reflectionsSoft directional lighting creates subtle specular highlights on the curved plastic surfaces and mild gradients across the matte finish.
Colors
matte charcoal black· outer body#201E1Ematte dark gray· inner lid and button#2A292Edeep black· drinking spout rim interior#1C1A1E- Circular push buttonRaised circular button recessed into the lid center with molded brand text and three short raised parallel lines above it.
Variants
6 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4350916 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - Black - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
| 4350917 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - White - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
| 4350918 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - Baby Blue - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
| 4688848 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - Salmon/coral - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
| 4350919 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - Pink - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
| 4688847 | Smoothsip Insulated Mug 20 Oz. - Golden Yellow - One Size | CA$42.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
7 total7 reviews · out of 5
Excellente tasse
Je l’adore! Elle fait ce qu’elle doit, mais en plus elle est belle. Un beau rose pâle.
Cadeau idéal
Cadeau idéal
Parfaitement étanche, facile à laver,
Parfaitement étanche, facile à laver, ergonomie pour boire parfaite.
Smooth sip insulated mug 20oz
Love it
Great isotherm cup
Great isotherm cup, the coffee stay hot for hours. It's a good purchase for class or working hours.
Beau et chaud.
E Les couleurs sont parfaitement agencées et elle garde chaud et à l'abris de la poussière très longtemps
Tasse
Je l’adore
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/OwalaReddit's overall sentiment on the Owala Smoothsip is mixed: many praise its leakproof design and comfortable spout, while common complaints include inconsistent temperature retention, slider durability issues, and poor warranty service.
While a majority of users appreciate the leak-proof construction and mouthpiece comfort, significant negative feedback regarding temperature retention, slider mechanism, and customer service prevents an overwhelmingly positive consensus.
Themes
Use Cases
- Commuting with coffee/tea
- Daily iced coffee consumption
- General hot drink enjoyment at home or work
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Brumate MUV
User chose Owala over Brumate for its easier one-thumb opening and superior spill-proof design.
vs Contigo
User switched from Contigo to Owala because Contigo mugs would get moldy and were hard to clean; Owala is easier to maintain.
Source Threads
User reports poor heat retention and cheap slider
I’m gonna play devil’s advocate and say I probably wouldn’t purchase it again if I had the choice. Mine doesn’t keep drinks very hot for long and the slider on the lid feels cheap and flimsy. When putting it back together after cleaning, the plastic on mine chipped even though I followed owala’s instructions for assembling/disassembling 😑
u/justnadier/OwalaView thread →
User chose Owala over Brumate for leakproof design and easy opening
I'm extremely picky about coffee mugs and did some extensive research between the Owala SmoothSip Slider vs. Brumate's MUV line. I ultimately went with Owala because of how easy it is to open with your thumb (I drink coffee while driving to work) and how spillproof it is (I've literally chucked them in relatively expensive purses with no fear of leakage). Another cherry on top is that Owala just released some ceramic-lined mugs yesterday if taste is important to you.
u/Unique_Following41r/OwalaView thread →
User discusses size preference, wishing for 16oz option
The 12oz is so cute but I use a 20oz everyday. I wish there was a middle version because I don't fill up the 20oz but know the 12 would be too small for my needs. 16oz seems better
u/silent_antelope28r/OwalaView thread →
User praises easy cleaning and leakproof design
I really like it, the slider is not stiff after you take it apart to clean it and put it back together, which I did immediately after getting it. Now the slider is really easy to open and close and I like the spout since it is easy to sip from and doesn’t spill from the sides of my mouth. It is completely leak proof and even splash proof, meaning it has to tilt more than 90° to spill anything. It is also extremely easy to clean after you take everything apart, which is a huge plus. I used to use contigo coffee travel mugs but they would without fail get moldy over time and were extremely difficult to clean
u/mochimmy3r/OwalaView thread →
User experienced paint chipping and poor warranty service
I have the exact one from your picture. It’s my second one. The first one, the paint started chipping off less than 2 weeks after I got it. Owala did not want to honor their warranty, and it took almost 3 months for me to get a replacement after much back and forth and many delays. It left a very sour taste in my mouth. The tumbler itself is nice, but nothing groundbreaking. I like the size, and I like the color. But as far as functionality goes, you can get the same thing from any other insulated tumbler. Based on the quality and abismal customer service, I no longer recommend Owalas.
u/sinjin_wolfer/OwalaView thread →
User praises heat retention and easy maintenance
Definitely a smoothsip slider. Love the mouth feel. Stays hot for soooo long. Only the gasket of the top is silicon. It stays on super well. The slider does not leak and is super easy to take apart and clean once you watch the video.
u/Reasonable_Ideal_356r/OwalaView thread →