The Stanley: Pros and Cons

Among McCall's students, and around the world, the Stanley water bottle has erupted in popularity recently. An incredible portion of middle schoolers here in Winchester adore Stanleys, but what on what grounds does this obsession stand on? Are they actually that great? I, personally, wanted to know, so I created this pros and cons list to help answer that question. Pros will be listed first, with cons following:

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Pro- It does keep the contents inside at the desired temperature. Stanleys have incredible insulation, and will normally help your drink remain at the desired temperature for a long time. Even though they are most famous for helping cold beverages retain their chill, Stanleys are also amazing at keeping hot drinks cold. 

Pro- Stanleys can be HUGE. Even though some might consider this impractical, I think it is actually great. When needed, you can buy a Stanley at 64 ounces! It is great to have a water bottle option that large for when you need it! I will admit, though, that many water bottles out there are that large.

Con- The most popular models have straws. The most popular types of Stanleys, which are the ones most students at the McCall are interested in, have open straws. This is simply an inconvenience, as these water bottles will spill when tipped over. Luckily, Stanley straw toppers are widely available. They are not included with the water bottle purchase, however. That seems especially unfair, since Stanleys are already not cheap. A closed top is not a lot to ask.

Con- Stanleys are stolen often. Sadly, since their demand is so high, some folks have had their Stanleys stolen. This adds a stress around leaving one out in the open, and puts it at risk.

Con- Trends like these could end at any minute. Right now, it seems awesome to buy Stanleys. But once everyone has them, they might not even be cool anymore! The next craze could be totally unrelated. Fads are just like that.

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I think that this list shows that it comes down to commitment. Stanleys are certainly cool, and if you find that you like to follow trends, buying one would be a fine option, even if it does not last. They are actually pretty good water bottles. However, if you would prefer to play it safe, avoiding the hassle around spilling would be nice. Also, like I said, their high demand puts them at risk. Overall, you should go with what feels right!

Stanley size info is courtesy of the Stanley website.