Stanley Tumblers & Cups Review: Are They Worth It? [2024]

Having a durable water bottle is essential for any traveler. Whether traveling through airports or enjoying long road trips, having the right water bottle keeps you hydrated and happy while on the road.

So many bottle brands are on the market today that it can be hard to spot their differences. While most purchase the first product they stumble across, you're here because you want to choose the best one to suit your needs. 

My colleague and I recently tested out the bottles from one of the top brands on the market. Stanley 1913 has been around for a while and is a reputable brand I've wanted to try. Find out if Stanley 1913 suits your lifestyle in my review of 2 of Stanley's most popular products.

What is Stanley 1913?

Stanley is a long-standing outdoor gear company. Founded in 1913 by inventor William Stanley Jr., Stanley represents a blend of history and practicality.

In the beginning, Stanley pioneered a brand new design and what it's best known for today: an all-steel vacuum bottle, which combined the durability of steel with the advantages of vacuum insulation.

This bottle was not just a product—it signified a shift in how beverages could be stored and consumed on the go.

Over a century, Stanley has maintained a reputation for quality. Beyond product development, the company also underscores the importance of sustainable manufacturing. The company integrated practices that lean toward using recycled materials and has consistently aimed at reducing its environmental impact.

If you're an avid outdoor adventurer or just starting to explore, let's find out whether you should also try popular products like the Stanley Tumbler and its other outdoor gear!

Which Products Did We Try?

Deanna and I both tested out different products from Stanley. We'll give a rundown of each of them!

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

You've probably seen this insanely popular mug all over social media... The Stanley Quencher.

Deanna tried the upgraded version: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler. It's made with double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring that your beverages maintain their temperature for prolonged periods, whether cold, iced, or hot. 

With various sizes, ranging from 14oz to a sizable 64oz, you can select one that matches your daily hydration needs. And if you're constantly on the move, you'll appreciate that most sizes—barring the 64oz—sport a narrow base, making them a perfect fit for most car cup holders.

Stanley's innovation isn't limited to insulation. The tumbler features the advanced FlowState lid, a user-centric design that offers 3 distinct positions: a splash-resistant straw opening with a sealing mechanism, a drink opening, and a full-cover setting for enhanced leak resistance.

Coupled with an ergonomic handle, carrying your tumbler, be it to the office, gym, or on a road trip, is both convenient and comfortable.

The H2.0 FlowState tumbler also aligns with the company's sustainability practices. Comprising 90% recycled, BPA-free stainless steel, it champions eco-friendly durability. 

By opting for this tumbler, you're choosing a reliable hydration companion and taking a step toward reducing single-use plastics!

The Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumbler (30 oz)

The Iceflow Tumbler is designed to ensure your drinks stay at their optimal temperature, boasting an adequate insulation system. That makes this the perfect choice for those who want their beverages cold, iced, or steaming hot for extended durations.

One of the IceFlow's standout features is its flip straw design, meticulously developed for ease of use. This thoughtful feature allows for simple sipping, reducing the chances of spills, especially when you're on the go.

Built with eco-conscious materials, it reinforces Stanley's commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. Its robust construction assures longevity and presents an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable bottles.

In line with Stanley's long-standing tradition of quality and trust, the IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler comes backed with a lifetime warranty when sourced from authorized Stanley dealers.

Why is Stanley So Popular?

Stanley, a brand with roots in 1913, has traditionally been associated with rugged outdoor adventures and durability.

But in recent times, its popularity has seen an unexpected resurgence, thanks mainly to social media, specifically TikTok. It has carved out its niche and is now the brand you see the young and hip accessorizing with. 

Social media can reshape brand perceptions and introduce classic products to a new audience. On TikTok, Stanley became a phenomenon. Young influencers and everyday users began showcasing their Stanley tumblers and thermoses, appreciating them for both function and aesthetics. 

These short, impactful videos created a ripple effect. Suddenly, owning a Stanley product wasn't just about having a durable drink container—it was also a style statement.

But is social media the only factor contributing to this renewed interest, especially among younger users? Here are some other considerations:

• Retro Appeal: The younger generation is fond of vintage and retro items. Stanley's classic design, with its hammered steel and iconic green, resonates with this sentiment.
• Sustainability: With increasing environmental consciousness among younger users, Stanley's durable, environmentally-conscious, and long-lasting products provide an alternative to disposable bottles and cups.
• Features and Functionality: Beyond the vintage appeal, Stanley products come with various functional features—vacuum insulation, leak-proof designs, and ergonomic handles, to name a few. This blend of style and substance makes it appealing across age groups.

Stanley's Product Warranty

Stanley's warranty, the Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifetime Warranty, covers all its products. They come with a guarantee against defects in both material and workmanship from the time of the initial purchase. 

What does it include? It encompasses the degradation of the thermal performance of its items. The warranty stands if the products are used as intended and cared for according to the given instructions.

This coverage is reserved for items bought directly from Stanley or its authorized sellers.

Stanley's warranty excludes damages from natural events or unforeseen accidents like fires. And any components that aren't made of stainless steel are exempt. The warranty also doesn't cover counterfeit products, normal wear and tear, and damages due to neglect, misuse, or failure to follow care instructions.

Stanley's drinkware and food containers have a lifetime warranty. But it's noteworthy that this doesn't cover components like lids, seals, and straws.

How Do You Make a Claim?

If you have a product that you believe is defective, Stanley might require proof of purchase or even the return of the product in question. The company may also ask for a visual verification of the defect. 

Should the claim be valid, Stanley will repair or replace the product. However, replacements might not match the original's color or finish. For custom designs, the artwork won't be replicated on the replacement.

Our Honest Opinion on the Stanley Quencher & Iceflow Tumblers

Deanna's Thoughts on the Stanley Quencher

Deanna tried out Quencher 2.0 for a few weeks, and here's what she thought: "I really liked the versatility of the screw-on 3-position lid. You can use it with or without a straw since it has a mouthpiece. And when it's not in use, you can close it fully.

Another thing about this Stanley tumbler is that it lives up to its reputation of keeping things cold! I was able to use it with iced drinks, and the ice stuck around for hours—in fact when it took me to drink an iced drink, the ice never entirely melted!

I'm also a big fan of the variety of colors and its design. 

Liked

• Love the variety of colors and designs.

Disliked

• It's not 100% leak-proof, so I don't recommend putting it in the bags.
• The handle is helpful, but sometimes it's annoying—putting it in the car's cup holder is hard because of the large handle.
• I wish I got extra straws and brushes—you can still get 4 extra straws for roughly $20, but it would be lovely if I at least got one extra.

Sarah's Thoughts on the Stanley Iceflow

Liked

• Loved the handle; it felt sturdy and comfy to carry, unlike other water bottles with handles.
• It's 100% leak-proof.
• It holds a lot of liquid, so I can easily get my required water intake with fewer refills.
• Keeps things super cold.
• Fits in my car's cup holder super easily.

Disliked

• Not a huge fan of the lid's straw portion as it's bulky and isn't super comfortable to drink from
• Wish I could put hot drinks in it (I feel like that'd be a bad idea with the straw)
• Wish it had an interchangeable lid that came with it to suit your style of drinking

Other Stanley 1913 Products We Have Our Eye On

Product Comparisons

Stanley 1913 vs. Yeti

You can't go wrong with either option. Both are made from durable, quality materials that can keep your beverage hot or cold.

There are, however, slight differences in the design and durability of the lid and straw, with the Yeti coming out on top with the better design. 

Stanley 1913 vs. Hydro Flask

Stanley has been around for a while. With a lifetime warranty, it's hard not to choose this trusted brand over the newer Hydroflask. It also offers a wider variety of colors and designs to suit your needs. 

But Hydroflask has also proven capable of maintaining beverage temperatures at an affordable price point. It's also slightly better at preventing spillage than the Stanley. 

Stanley 1913 Reviews: What Others Are Saying

The general sentiment towards the brand is a positive one. People love that you can customize the cups and choose from various colors and styles. The cups also do it's job of keeping beverages cold or hot.

Complaints about the products are primarily about cosmetic damages like dents and scrapes. But these are common with most reusable water bottles on the market today. 

The lids are also an issue for some customers. It seems to lose its durability after a few months of use. 

Other Important Questions

What Are the Best Places to Purchase Stanley Products?

Since Stanley tumblers are so popular, getting one for yourself can often be tricky. I suggest getting email notifications from Stanley—you can go to the official website to sign up for those.

To up your chances of getting one, consider looking out for Stanley's products at other official retailers. You'll find the following stores selling Stanley: 

• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Wiliams Sonoma
• Target
• Walmart

Alternatively, people also turn to 2nd-hand stores like eBay and Poshmark. 

How Many Stanley Tumblers Do You Need?

This depends a lot on you! I personally love water bottles and rotate through many during the week. If you're like me, you could benefit from getting one or two of Stanley's different tumblers.

That said, they are pricier than some goodies on the market, and you only need one to take advantage of all of the brand's benefits! It's more about what you want vs. what you need.

Consider pairing a durable, multi-functional bottle like the Stanley tumbler with a simple bottle like a Nalgene. While it doesn't hold temperature well, the Nalgene bottle is lighter and great for hydration during hiking or daily activities. 

Is Stanley 1913 Worth It?

Stanley cups are worth it for people looking for customizable bottles to keep their beverages hot or cold. Not only are they great for travelers and those always on the go, but they also make great gifts for just about anyone.

Its long-standing reputation makes it a reliable brand, making the steep price tag worth it. The lifetime warranty also helps to give you peace of mind when purchasing an essential item meant to last a long time.

But that doesn't mean Stanley 1913 is the only brand in the market worth purchasing. Its competitors also offer great options, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. Remember to research and choose the bottle best suited to your lifestyle.

My Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• Customizable colors and designs
• Will keep beverages hot or cold
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Limited lid options
• Not entirely leak-proof
• Lid is less durable than the competitors
• Expensive

Stay Hydrated on Your Next Adventure!

Staying hydrated helps keep you on your feet while traveling. Purchasing the right bottle can help make your travel experience more convenient and smooth. 

With your new knowledge of one of the best beverage bottles on the market, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.