Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Yeti Rambler vs Stanley Tumbler – the choice is clear

Should you get a Yeti Tumbler, or a Stanley Tumbler?

Stanley tumblers

The back-and-forth sways and seemingly random twists of trends in pop culture are fickle and peculiar. While we can always count on the masses to be eagerly chattering about new music and movies, it’s the “stuff” that baffles us. The hot items we all scramble to have in our possession, associating with them things like popularity and status. Sure, there are the big names in merchandise we love to tote around on our wrists or drape over our shoulders, dropping subtle hints of taste and wealth. These are the items that cost thousands for no other reason but their well-stitched, cleverly placed logos. But every once in a while, an obscure, non-luxury object steps into the spotlight that seems to greedily hold the public rapt. In recent years, that item has been – oddly – a cup.

While we all understand the importance of adequate hydration, this surge of water tumbler devotion has been nothing short of jarring. Fans of popular brands will wait in lines for hours on end, hoping to score yet another for their collection, its only difference being a slightly different hue from the several they already own. It’s an odd obsession, to be sure. And while we could dissect the reasons behind the craze (social media influencers), that’s a story for another day.

Recommended Videos

Today, we’re looking at two of the most popular brands of to-go tumblers – Stanley and Yeti – and breaking down which of the two is the more deserving of all this mania.

Stanley tumbler

The Stanley Quencher

Arguably the more popular of the two brands, Stanley has developed a brand that’s every bit as much a fashion accessory as it is a tool to hold a beverage. The Stanley Quencher is undoubtedly enjoying its time in the warm rays of TikTok sunshine, but how does it hold up as an actual tumbler? Does it matter, we wonder?

It turns out the Stanley Quencher is actually a pretty great little cup. Available in five sizes, the Quencher has a double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel body that keeps cold drinks cold for up to 11 hours and hot drinks hot for up to seven hours. It also boasts an airtight lid, is dishwasher safe, can be used with or without the included straw, and can be personalized…if that’s your thing. The large handle is also extremely comfortable, and we do appreciate the wide range of colors.

Yeti tumbler

The Yeti Rambler

The Yeti Rambler is made from 18/8 dent-resistant, dishwasher-safe stainless steel and keeps beverages cold for hours. We love the ever-so-slightly-more rough-and-tumble design, making the Rambler feel sturdier and less like something to compliment our outfit. Having said that, we do appreciate the many DuraCoat peel-resistant colors that refuse to crack or peel, even after frequent trips to the dishwasher.

While there are fewer sizes than the Stanley Quencher, we love that handles are included in all of the Rambler’s dimensions, not just the more extensive options. We also appreciate the shatter-resistant straw of the Rambler.

Yeti tumblers

The winner

The differences between these two tumblers are subtle, to be sure, and both brands make a great product. Cynicism aside, there are actually some big annoyances that come with cheap water tumblers that you just don’t get with these two. Both are sweat-proof, leaving hands completely dry and non-slippery. Both seem to fit smoothly into many sizes of car cup holders; both have comfortable handles and dishwasher-safe parts. These are the best things we can ask for in a water tumbler.

But if we’re after a winner, our pick is the Yeti Rambler. The Rambler is slightly lighter than the Stanley Quencher, yet somehow simultaneously feels more sturdy. And while both brands did a fine job of keeping our beverages icy cold, Yeti did stay colder longer, if only by a hair.

So, while we know that the Stanley Quencher is the more popular choice – at least according to TikTok – we prefer the Yeti Rambler.

Lindsay Parrill
Lindsay is a graduate of California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, from where she holds a degree in…
What is masago exactly? You probably already love it
All about masago
Sushi rolls with masago

Even if the name is unfamiliar to you, you're probably already well acquainted with masago. This popular seafood ingredient is most often used in Japanese dishes but can be used to add a pop of color, zing, and texture to just about any dish you can dream up. The best part is that it's getting easier to find and at a great price. So, what is masago?
What is in masago sushi?

If you love sushi, you've probably already eaten your fair share of masago, whether you've realized it or not. These teeny tiny fish eggs are often piled atop or pressed into the outsides of sushi rolls, providing both a pop of texture and a pop of color. Naturally pale yellow but often dyed bright orange, red, black, or even green to add visual interest to a dish, these bright little eggs add vibrancy, color, and a delightful little crunchy burst to each bite of your dish.
Is masago actually fish eggs?

Read more
How to froth milk without a frother — you probably already have what you need
You probably already have other kitchen tools that you can use for milk frothing
Coffee with milk froth

Milk froth is undoubtedly an essential component of a variety of beverages, from macchiatos to lattes and even tea drinks. Frothing milk creates a rich, velvety texture that creates the perfect smooth drink. If you're looking to become your own at-home barista, learning how to froth milk is a must. But what do you do when you don't have a milk frother?

Milk frothers are handy little tools that create a thick, light foam by using a battery-operated device. As helpful as this device is, there are many other ways to froth milk without a milk frother on hand. Interestingly enough, you're likely to already have many other kitchen devices that work just as well for frothing milk to make your delicious drinks. In this guide, explore everything you need to know about how to froth milk without a milk frother.
What can I use instead of a milk frother?

Read more
A quick guide to wine bottle sizes, shapes, and names
Did you know that there are different names for all of the different wine bottle sizes?
Standard wine bottle with a glass of red wine

There are more than just a few kinds of wine bottles out there. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of shape and the same amount of liquid. Other times, it’s a broad spectrum of volume sizes, from the petite and personal split to the ridiculously large Nebuchadnezzar, which holds roughly twenty regular bottles. If you really want to be a wine expert, you must know the unique names of each of the wine bottle sizes and shapes as well as how much wine each holds.

Below, check out the names for the various bottle sizes, as well as an explanation for why some look the way they do.
A guide to wine bottles

Read more