Why You Should Never Use Hot Liquids in Shaker Bottles

As the weather gets colder outside, it might be tempting to take your trusty shaker bottle and fill it with hot liquids. But that would be a massive mistake! And we’re here to explain why.

We’ll admit, it’s easy to feel like shaker bottles can do anything. But the truth is, while they’re convenient, easy to clean, and portable, they’re not a Swiss Army knife. There are things they aren’t designed for. And if you want one piece of advice to save you from a messy, or even dangerous, experience: never use hot liquids in your shaker bottle, whether we’re talking classic protein shakers or cutting edge electric shaker bottles.

If we take our shaker bottles for example, they’re either made from high-quality ECOZEN plastic or stainless steel and every single one has a tightly securing lid - and it’s that last bit that’s the most important. Here’s why:

One of the main functions of a shaker bottle is to create a sealed environment to prevent spills and mix your shake properly. When you add hot liquid into that sealed container and shake, the heat creates steam. Steam increases the internal pressure in the bottle, which has nowhere to go, especially in a tightly sealed space. As that pressure builds, it can force the lid open, causing a messy or even explosive spray of hot liquid that can burn your skin or damage your surroundings.

Shaker bottles are meticulously designed for a specific purpose and high temperatures can cause the materials to warp or weaken. Regardless of how good the build, if the shaker isn’t designed for hot liquids, it’ll have a negative reaction. The problem is, the plastic may not appear to warp immediately, and it’s only through repeated exposure to heat that you compromise its strength over time. Which, again, increases the chance of a leak or break when you least expect it.

Our electric shaker bottles take the standard shaker up a notch with a motor that creates a powerful vortex. This mixes your shakes and supplements effortlessly. But this motor was never designed with hot liquids in mind. So by adding hot liquids you can stress the motor, potentially leading to malfunctions or a shortened lifespan. What’s more the x-blade is delicate (which is why you shouldn’t add whole foods) and can be warped or damaged by the hot liquid.

Ok, let’s create a scenario. Imagine you’ve just brewed a fresh cup of coffee or heated up some soup to take with you on your day. You pour it into your shaker bottle, screw on the lid, and give it a shake. Here’s what happens next:

The heat from your liquid starts generating steam, which rapidly fills the confined space of your shaker bottle. Steam is simply water vapor that takes up more space than the original liquid, and it creates a surprising amount of pressure when trapped in a small, sealed container.

With classic shaker bottles, the lid is held in place by a secure thread. While effective at keeping drinks chilled and spill-free, these closures aren’t built to withstand pressure. So, as the pressure builds up, the lid may pop open or burst off entirely. Hot liquid can then spray out, causing burns or damaging surfaces nearby.

You use an electric shaker bottle by adding your liquid base, turning it on to create the vortex, and then adding your powdered shake or supplement. Simple, quick, and easy. But if you add hot liquid and turn on the motor, you’re going to be creating a powerful vortex that’s spinning hot liquid. And all the additional steam and potential splashes creates more pressure and can cause burns or injury.

Some people assume that “high-quality” shaker bottles or those labeled as BPA-free are safe for all types of liquids, including hot ones. Let’s debunk a few of these common myths.

Just because a bottle is BPA-free doesn’t mean it’s safe for hot beverages. Even BPA-free materials can release other chemicals when exposed to high heat, and the structural integrity of the bottle can still be compromised.

Even if the shaker bottle is made from stainless steel (which is generally more heat-resistant than plastic) you still face the issue of pressure build-up. Shaking hot liquid in a stainless steel bottle can cause the same steam explosion effect. So while it may handle the temperature better, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of burns or messy spills.

Some people assume that electric shakers are essentially a blender (if you’re looking for a blender, look for the best) and can handle anything because of their motorized design. In reality, they’re typically designed for cold or room-temperature beverages and not whole foods. Using hot liquids can cause lasting damage to the motor, leading to malfunctions.

Look, we love shaker bottles (obviously); they’re an excellent tool for cold and room-temperature drinks, but they’re not safe for hot liquids. Using hot liquids in your shaker bottle creates significant risks, from burns and messes thanks to pressure build up. So shake smarter and you won’t be disappointed.