Unless you’ve been living under a rock or you’ve managed to stay off social media over the past year, you’ll know that Stanley cups have taken the internet by storm.
The brand’s viral Quencher Cup (often referred to as an emotional support water bottle) has racked up over 300,000 billion views and counting on TikTok and keeps selling out.
Earlier this year, the iconic brand released its very first dedicated gym bottle, the IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle in the UK, and unsurprisingly, it caused quite a stir on social media.
To find out if it’s worth the £40 price tag, I used the bottle consistently for five months, putting it to the test in a variety of settings, from strength training sessions to spin classes, at home, in the office, and out and about.
Here’s everything you need to know, and why it's become my new go-to reusable water bottle.
Tempted by the original Stanley Quencher? Read our full review here.
What is the Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle?
Key specifications
| Capacity | 0.6L |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled stainless steel |
| Insulation | Double-walled vacuum insulation |
| Colours available | Tigerlily plum, azure, lilac, citron, black, frost |
The Stanley launch is designed for those with an active lifestyle, whether you’re an avid gym-goer or you’re just always on the go.
It’s smaller and lighter than the Quencher, but it still boasts double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure your drinks stay chilled for up to 10 hours and iced for two days. It has a leakproof, angled lid and a wide spout to allow for quick, easy gulping when you’re mid-exercise. It also boasts a robust, ergonomic handle and you can snap the lip into the handle while you drink, so you don’t have to hold it in your hand.
The IceFlow Fast Flow is made from recycled stainless steel and uses innovative Aerolite technology, making it more sustainable and 33% lighter than standard stainless-steel bottles. As a bonus, it’s dishwasher safe (no need to faff around with hand washing) and comes with a lifetime warranty.
What I learnt from using the Stanley gym bottle for five months
It’s lightweight and portable
I love my Stanley Quencher, but I do find the bulky design takes up significant space in my rucksack and it’s pretty cumbersome to lug around when I’m out and about. There was no such problem with the IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle, however.
It’s extremely lightweight – I barely noticed it when it was in my bag, even when it was full – and the ergonomic handle added to its portability credentials. It was great during fast-paced exercise classes as I was able to grab it quickly and move onto the next station, but I also loved using it for walks and even jogs.
It’s genuinely leakproof
For those who were disappointed by the Quencher’s leaky lid situation, you’ll be pleased to know that the IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle is fully leakproof thanks to its cleverly designed fast flow lid. I've stashed it in my gym bag along with my laptop and other important bits and bobs numerous times over the past five months, and everything has remained bone dry. Hurrah!
It’s great for exercise
Initially, I was sceptical about the screw-cap design (who's got time to unscrew a lid when you’re gasping for a gulp during a spin class, or want a quick sip between sets?), but the cap really is easy to screw off and I didn't find myself wasting any time.
I also loved the wide spout, which allowed me to get enough water in between exercises and helped me stay properly hydrated, unlike when sipping through a straw.
It really does keep your drinks cold
There’s nothing worse than a mouthful of tepid water when you’re in the middle of a sweaty workout. Thankfully, I found the IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle kept my drinks icy cold, even hours after filling it up. The wide mouth opening also means it’s easy to fill up with ice cubes, which has been a lifesaver on hot summer days.
It looks good
I know, I know, practicality is key when it comes to finding the best water bottle, but I must admit, the stylish design encourages me to carry it around and drink more water. I love the sleek silhouette and choice of fun colours.
It’s durable
I'm a little clumsy, so I’ve managed to drop the bottle a fair few times, including on hard gym floors, and it’s remained in excellent nick. I haven’t noticed any marks or scratches, and I can tell the bottle will be with me for the long run (so long as I don’t lose it!).
Final verdict: Is the Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle worth it?
Pros
- Lightweight, portable design
- Cap of drinking spout can hook onto the handle
- Easy screw-off lid
- Sturdy handle
- Keeps drinks cold for long periods
Cons
- Expensive
The Stanley bottle is on the pricey side, but when you consider the quality, it’s worth every penny. It’s not just great for exercise, though. I also think it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel light and don’t fancy lugging around a hefty tumbler all day.
I also rate it highly in terms of style and functionality – water won’t leak out and create a pond in your bag (as long as you remember to screw the lid on properly!) and it’ll keep your beverages icy cold all day long.
Will I continue using it? That’s a resounding yes. It’s become my new go-to bottle for the gym, walks, commuting and sipping at the office. I’d suggest nabbing one fast before it achieves viral TikTok status.
The Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle is available to buy directly from the the brand's website and John Lewis. Be warned: Stanley cups sell out fast!
More editor's picks
Not only does this Lululemon bottle look extremely sleek, the lid is easy to open mid-exercise and it's vacuum-insulated to keep your beverage of choice cold. It's also coated in powder for better grip when your handy are sweaty.
This 750ml bottle from the outdoor experts at YETI is perfect for lengthy hikes. It's big enough to keep you hydrated throughout and the bottle itself is super light, so it won't weigh down when you're on the go.
If you like a water bottle with a straw for quick sipping, this double-insulated Gymshark offering is a great choice. It's the perfect size for slipping in your gym bag and it's made from durable stainless steel.
This 800ml SiS bottle is ideal for outdoor cycling or spin classes – it has markings on the side so you know exactly how much of your favourite electrolyte mix to add and it's quick to open the lid with your teeth and squeeze into your mouth when you need a drink. For just £5, it's great value for money.
Like to sip on a protein shake during or after your workout? This Innermost bottle comes with a stainless steel whisking ball so you can easily whizz up your favourite drink. You can also take out the ball and use it as a standard water bottle. It's made from Tritan, which is BPA and BPS-free.
This gorgeous mint green bottle from Gym + Coffee claims to keep you water ice cold for up to 24 hours. The slim design fits in most drinks holders, its clever coating is designed to stay dry and it's BPA-free. The screw lid is extremely secure, too.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
