I recently bought the Ello Pop & Fill bottle in the 32oz size in the colour Raincloud. Here’s my experience after using it for a couple of weeks, from desk days to carrying it around London.
One of the reasons I picked this up was because I’ve realised how much I value a covered straw. In my review of the Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumbler, one of my main criticisms was that the straw isn’t covered, which can feel less hygienic when it’s been in a bag. The Ello solves that with a flip cover that protects the mouthpiece, a small detail that makes a noticeable difference day to day.
Price, size range and availability
Prices for the Ello Pop & Fill in the UK can vary quite a bit depending on the colour, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re shopping around.
The bottle is available in three sizes:
- 22oz (651ml) — typically around £26
- 32oz (946ml) — typically around £30
- 40oz (1183ml) — typically around £35
In the UK, the easiest place to find the Ello Pop & Fill is on Amazon, where stock and colours can fluctuate. If you’re based in the US, the bottles are available via the dedicated Ello website, where pricing tends to be more consistent. They’re currently priced around $25.99 for the 22oz, $27.99 for the 32oz, and $29.99 for the 40oz.
There’s a good range of colours to choose from, with a noticeable focus on soft pastels. If you prefer neutrals or brighter shades, the selection is a little more limited, so it may be worth checking different retailers to find your preferred finish.
What I like about the Ello Pop & Fill
Leakproof design you can trust
So far, I’ve found it to be leakproof. I’ve carried it in a bag without any spillages. The locking mechanism feels secure, and as long as the seal is properly in place, it holds up well to everyday use.
Covered straw spout feels more hygienic
The flip cover keeps the mouthpiece protected from dust, bag debris, and general day-to-day grime. I don’t worry about carrying it around on the London Underground with me and picking up some illness from my bottle.
Two ways to drink – straw or chug
Having both options makes the bottle feel flexible. I tend to sip while working but switch to chugging when I want to drink more quickly and it adapts easily to both. The silicone mouthpiece is surprisingly comfortable to use as well.
I know a lot of other brands have a range of lids for their bottles but they’re usually an extra expense, whereas here the two options are built into one lid.
Secure locking system
The Ello Pop & Fill has a switch and a button to lock it and feels very secure, which gives reassurance when carrying it around.
Pop & Fill lid is genuinely convenient
Being able to refill without fully removing the lid makes topping up quick and easy. With so many other bottles I’m fighting with the ice to get the lid back on.
Easy to add ice
The opening accommodates ice cubes without fuss, which is ideal if (like me) you only drink very cold water. The mouth of the bottle is quite wide as well so you’re not spending ages trying to fit tiny pieces of ice in one at a time.
Good cold retention
With ice added in the morning, my water stays refreshingly cold for hours. Depending on how many times I refill my bottle throughout the day, I can have ice left at the end.
Easy to clean – dishwasher safe and comes apart easily
All parts of the Ello Pop & Fill can go in the dishwasher which is really convenient. The lid components separate without difficulty, which makes deep cleaning straightforward.
Separate carry handle
I never really carry my bottle by the handle but it’s useful to have.
More affordable than some competitors
It’s noticeably cheaper than comparable bottles, which makes it feel like good value for the features you’re getting.
Downsides to consider
Silicone mouthpiece can pick up lip product
Lip balm or lipstick transfers easily onto the silicone straw mouthpiece, so it benefits from regular wiping or washing. Also as the lid is clear, if you don’t wipe down the mouthpiece before putting the lid back on then you can see all the grim even when the bottle isn’t in use. Which is not very pleasant aesthetically speaking.
O-ring can come loose
When you’re cleaning the bottle and removing the components such as the o-ring, if you don’t put it back correctly then the bottle can leak. This is common with bottles that have this type of seal but it’s just a risk if you don’t double check when reassembling the bottle.
Handle feels slightly flimsy
It works well but doesn’t feel as sturdy as the bottle body.
Plastic lid may be vulnerable if dropped
The lid seems like the part most likely to take damage if knocked or dropped onto a hard surface.
Larger sizes not cup holder friendly
The Ello Pop & Fill comes in three sizes; a 22oz, 32oz and 40oz. The 32oz and 40oz are a fair bit wider and won’t in a standard cup holder which I know can be a bit of an inconvenience if you often take a water bottle with you while driving.
Ello Pop & Fill vs Owala FreeSip: Key differences
The Ello Pop & Fill and Owala FreeSip are often compared as they have similar 2-in-1 lid technology (along with the Simple Modern Mesa Loop).
Since these are often compared, here’s how they differ based on real use.
Where the Ello stands out
- Locking system feels more secure – switch and button vs Owala’s button
- Silicone mouthpiece may feel softer to drink from
- Generally more affordable
- Dishwasher-friendly components and easy disassembly (all parts of the Ello Pop & Fill are dishwasher safe, whereas the stainless steel base of the Owala needs to be handwashed)
Where the Owala shines
- Curved mouthpiece sits ergonomically against the lips
- Indents on the 24oz make it comfortable to hold
- Straw and chug openings sit on one level for easy switching
- The lid is less complex and has fewer nooks and crannies which means you can clean it more effectively
Who the Ello Pop & Fill is best for
- People who want a leakproof insulated bottle
- Anyone prioritising easy cleaning
- Commuters carrying a bottle in a bag
- Those who want a covered straw
- Anyone looking for good value for money – they’re a lot more affordable than Owalas and Hydroflasks.
Final thoughts: Is the Ello Pop & Fill worth it?
I really enjoy using the Ello Pop & Fill water bottle. It feels thoughtfully designed for everyday convenience. The covered spout, secure lock, leakproof design and that it’s dishwasher safe means it strikes a nice balance between practicality and usability. It also comes in a tonne of cute colours, I really like the muted blue of Raincloud and I love Fresh Dew as well.
The downsides for me would be having to keep an eye on the seal to make sure it doesn’t shift out of place causing the bottle to leak, and that the mouthpiece can collect lipstick and lip balm marks, but overall it’s a reliable bottle. Also that the lid might be prone to breaking, but fortunately I’ve not dropped it yet.
If you want a insulated bottle with a covered straw that’s user-friendly and competitively priced, it’s well worth considering.
I bought mine from Amazon but if you’re based in the US Ello have their own website with lots of colours to choose from.
