The Stanley and Yeti brands have their own cult followings, and when put head-to-head, people have thoughts. I own both the Yeti Rambler Tumbler and the Stanley IceFlow and reach for both 30-ounce bottles on a regular basis. And while I don’t like to play favorites with my insulated drinkware—I have a cabinet full of Yetis, Corksicles and BrüMates, and enjoy each for different reasons—if you’re looking for your next go-to tumbler, I would recommend the Stanley IceFlow based on its performance, practical features and overall value. Want to know more? Read on.
Based on performance, practical features and overall value, I'd recommend the Stanley IceFlow as a ... [+]
My affinity for insulated drinkware started with Yeti—I’m a slow sipper in general, so keeping iced beverages in glasses results in sweat rings and watered-down drinks. But when fellow Forbes Vetted staffers began scooping up Stanleys, I had to check them out. (I work in e-commerce, after all.) While Stanley’s 40-ounce Quencher is the model that’s repeatedly sold out, I found the Stanley IceFlow on sale at my local Whole Foods and snagged it to see what the fuss was about.
Though the tumblers vary in design, both hold 30 ounces of liquid, making them compatible for my standoff experiment to see which holds ice the longest. Since my Stanley IceFlow vs. Yeti Tumbler video garnered interest—and some controversy—amongst Forbes Vetted followers, it inspired this deep-dive into the insulated drinkware debate. (In case you’re wondering, the Stanley IceFlow won.)
Pros:
- Great value
- Lid includes built-in straw and handle
- Screw top is virtually spill-proof
- Holds ice for 10+ hours without lid (according to my experiment)
Cons:
- Not customizable
- Not hot drink compatible
Pros:
- Accompanying lid has magnetic slider and is clear for viewing contents
- Hot drink compatible
- Customizable design (though it costs extra)
Cons:
- On the pricey side
- Straw and accompanying lid sold separately
- Not completely spillproof
- Holds ice for less than 10 hours without lid (according to my experiment)
A side-by-side comparison of the Stanley IceFlow and the Yeti Rambler tumblers.
Stanley IceFlow Vs. Yeti Rambler Tumbler: The Major Differences
Shape and size: Though both tumblers hold 30 ounces of liquid, the Yeti Rambler is shorter and wider than the Stanley IceFlow. One similarity, though, is the size of the bases, both of which measure about 3 inches high with a cupholder-friendly 10-inch circumference.
Lid: The Yeti Rambler comes with a Magslider Lid which, as the name suggests, consists of a magnetic plastic slider to open and close the drinking hole. The lid is pressed on and secures snuggly with a rubber seal. While you can fit a slim straw through the drinking hole, you can purchase Yeti’s dedicated straw and lid set separately for $10.
Conversely, the Stanley IceFlow lid is a screw top with a flip-up straw, plus there’s a carrying handle for greater portability. This spillproof design is more secure than the Yeti Rambler Tumbler if you want to toss it into a bag or the backseat of a car. As far as overall ease of use and drinking experience goes, it really comes down to a matter of preference. And keep in mind, both brands have different styles of bottles, several of which are featured below.
Ice retention: While the hard evidence is anecdotal, according to my Instagram video experiment, the Stanley IceFlow Tumbler held ice for at least 10 hours while the ice in the Yeti Rambler completely melted somewhere between hours 7 and 10. (Note that the test was performed without lids to show progress, and each tumbler would have likely retained more ice for longer if they had been covered).
Officially, the Stanley website claims that the bottle holds ice for 2 days. Yeti, on the other hand, makes no explicit promises on its FAQ page, saying that “variables can affect ice retention” but “more ice is better” when it comes to long-lasting cold.
Hot liquids: While Yeti is clear that the Rambler Tumbler can also be used for hot drinks, the Stanley IceFlow doesn’t specify—and, given the name, it doesn’t appear to be designed for hot liquids (I have not tested this out myself). Further, the MagSlider lid on the Yeti Rambler Tumbler is compatible for sipping steaming beverages.
The Bottom Line
Based on its good looks, functional features and $30-ish price point, I’d consider the Stanley IceFlow to be the superior tumbler. I sip from my Stanley when I want to stay hydrated, whether it’s filled with ice water or my latest hydration fixation, Liquid IV. And because Stanley champions its quality and craftsmanship, the tumbler comes with a lifetime warranty, so I’ll never need to worry about its longevity.
When drinking iced coffee or iced tea, I still prefer my Yeti Rambler Tumbler with the replacement lid and straw. Seeing your drink through the clear top is somehow especially satisfying, plus the large straw makes it easier to gulp down your caffeine. Though it may not hold ice as long as the Stanley, the Yeti still keeps my drinks plenty cold for hours—and as mentioned earlier, I’m a slow sipper, which is why I generally prefer insulated drinkware over glass.
Further, if you’re sticking with hot beverages, the MagSlider lid that comes with the Rambler Tumbler is definitely the cover of choice as it seals in heat or, conversely, lets it escape to cool off your warm beverage.
More Options From Stanley And Yeti
A Versatile Cover Lets You Sip From The Lid Or A Straw
A Yeti With A Flip-Up Straw Option
A 12-Ounce Bottle That’s Perfect For Little Kids
Or Stanley’s Kid-Friendly 17-Ounce Bottle
