Master Series Stanley vs. Classic Stanley Thermoses Ultimate Endurance Test

I have previously tested Made in USA classic Stanleys against Made in China classic Stanleys ( • U.S.-Made Stanley Ther... ). You can see the results in that video or in its description if you don't want to sit through the whole thing.
In this video I took the best-performing Stanleys and pitted them against Stanley's new (Made in China) Master Series which is supposed to keep liquid hot up to 40 hours and have new "quad-vac" technology instead of just the traditional double wall vacuum insulation.
Here are the results of four flasks of 203-deg. F. water left in mostly single-digit temps for 30 hours:
1980 (made in US and best performer of previous test): 122.4 deg.
1998 (made in US and not previously tested): 74.5 deg.
2016 (Made in China): 112.7 deg.
2018 Master Series (Made in China): 125.4 deg.

[@SurviventheOnslaught]

i have a 1970 stanley thermos that just lost vacuum, called the stanley 1-800 number and they are sending me a new one after 50 yrs of use

[@regulator79]

They are awesome about that. Too bad about your 1970 going, but 50 years of use is not too shabby!

[@robertmurray8966]

I got one for Christmas last year .The vac failed after less than 10 fills no dents never abused. Still waiting a replacement after 4 months

[@user-uj6le5fl9c]

Is this legit, or just HARD trolling this makes me wonder.

[@secondchance6603]

@@regulator79 50 years "not too shabby" Yeah, half a century fits that description perfectly lol.

[@obscvre]

@@user-uj6le5fl9c Seems pretty legit to me. Stanley promises lifetime guarantee so long as it's the product's fault (i.e. not you banging it against the wall deliberately or anything like that)

[@fatshinobi]

This helped me decide to purchase a master series. Thank you for all the work you did.

[@BestAudiovisualTricks]

Man, I love your passion and dedication on making this video. Thank you for helping me decide on the Master Series. Cheers to your success brother!

[@vinatechcoy]

Thanks for the thoughtful and very practical review.

[@earljklec1684]

Great info on the Stanley’s ! I have most of the bottles you have . The Stanley’s were manufactured in US were filled with a coal insulator . The China ones aren’t . The bottles are designed and engendered in the US . And manufactured in China. I’ve met the designers at HQ in Seattle Washington .

[@lofadem]

Is Stanley brand from seattle?

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

I just recieved my Master Series last week. I will say with complete honesty, that it is hands-down, bar-none, the BEST thermos I ever had!! I like my coffee nice and HOT. And this master series container DEFINITELY delivers!! It’s a little heavy, and has a somewhat protruding handle... but I can live with it. It’s heavy duty… Well-made… And most importantly… It keeps my damn coffee nice and HOT!! Big THUMBS UP from this guy!! 👍😎👍

[@regulator79]

Whole-heartedly agree!

[@vitalykryga5022]

@@regulator79 Problem master series kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip2voYOvppWNhNU

[@vitalykryga5022]

Problem master series kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZXQZXypmNp2e5I

[@antoniopabloquintanilla8145]

Did you get the one-hand "trigger" system? Does the spring hold up well after all these months since you got it? Thanks Jim!

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

@@antoniopabloquintanilla8145 No…No trigger or springs at all. Just the thermos, and the screw on seal and cup. You won’t be disappointed I promise.

[@Briaaanz]

Just the video I was looking for

[@ChrisJones-yu9rz]

They have a newer ones now that feature what’s called “Quadvac.” so instead of only two layers it’s four layers of insulation. I think it would be pretty cool if you made a video about the new ones compared to the old ones (2023) lol. I learned a lot from this video, thank you.

[@regulator79]

Thanks Chris! And the Master Series featured in this video actually does have the quadvac technology!

[@simonjohnhinton1938]

I live in the u.k and use a 1.2 litre thermos flask. I'm looking to upgrade as the one I use has the plastic lined cup which spoils the taste of tea which being a typical Englishman I drink a lot of! . The insulated cup is a great idea as there's nothing worse than having a drink cool off rapidly when it's only been stood for a while. I can purchase one for about £60.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Hi Simon, I've just watched this video, and found the Master Series for £44 on Amazon. Seems like a lot of cash for a flask, but with the eye-watering price of energy...Well, being a Scotsman, every pound is a prisoner!

[@karlpatureau1936]

LORD God bless you and your endeavors. I went through so many thermoses and cups from Contigo to Yeti and Thermos over the years before I settled on Stanley. I used trial and error instead of research. My Stanley collection is almost where yours is. I like how you epoxied the handle on the one. I watched your videos all the way through and it was nice.

[@hugoagogo4804]

You can greatly improve the 98's performance, adding a second thinner o-ring on the stopper's empty bottom groove, and most importantly, using a standard champagne cork (1 inch diameter) that fits perfectly inside the stopper. Of course it is not ideal, but it'll adress the heat losses design flaw for this specific pour-thru stopper, almost for free. Obviously, you'll have to remove the cork every time yo want to pour through the lid, or completely remove the lid with the cork inserted in the stopper. I've found out that this homemade solution works pretty good for far better insulation, for heat retention.

[@pd3665]

Great video. Helped me make the decision to go with Master Series. Liked and Sub-d.

[@regulator79]

Thank you! Glad it helped!

[@daviddenman7479]

I’m not finding the Stanley master series on amazon..... frustrating. Excellent video!!!

[@michealadams1206]

Thank you sir for all your investigation & passion into the Stanley/Aladdin thermoses. Regardless, I will NEVER purchase a PMI Stanley/Aladdin thermos product until they bring both manufacturing & customer service back to the U.S.A. PERIOD!!!

[@jdcapps21]

That will never happen.

[@jaysson1151]

Just ordered a master series 1.4 qt in hammertone green. Wish I could have gotten the black but it’s been out of stock for ever. Oh well, it’s the classic color, reminds me of my dad’s old thermos. Your video comparison was very helpful and thorough.

[@regulator79]

Great to hear! I saw they came out with a hammer tone green version and I really like it... wish I could justify buying a second 🤣

[@jaysson1151]

@@regulator79 hahaha! I haven’t bought a Stanley since the mid 2000s, your videos explained why the one I bought back then was horrible. There I was, 10 hours into a long road trip and I’m craving for some hot coffee and only to pour a cup of lukewarm disappointment.

[@freeasthewind4001]

Thank you. Appreciate the info!! Suggestion: Would shorten video to just highlights/facts. Could’ve been a 5 minute video. I’m feeling guilty for even saying this, because I like your videos in general, you do a great job of testing, explaining, etc… 🎉 thanks again

[@regulator79]

You're completely right! If I were doing it over again, I'd edit it down to 5-7 mins. Thank you for watching!

[@Jasonandsonsgarage]

Great video!! Stanley is an easy thing to start collecting. They are cheap to find and they made so many of them

[@rokymessiah8288]

I have a 1956 Stanley that has that rattle in the bottom too. But, It holds hot liquids for 15+ hours. I also have a 1996 Aladdin Stanley that holds hot coffee for 18+ hours and stays at a very good temperature.

[@TheRoadlord]

I like your reviews. My experience is almost identical. I've got quite a few usa ones and one china one. My china one actually performs very well too. I have a 90s black 944 alladin Stanley that sucks!

[@Tall_Order]

Regarding the ones with the bad caps; I wonder if you replace those caps with corks, if that will improve them.

[@KablamX]

The American black thermos you show in this video (the '98 Aladdin one) doesn't have a '98 cap. It has an early Chinese cap, which doesn't retain heat as well. Additionally, its stopper has 1 o-ring, which is a replacement Chinese stopper. The American stoppers had 2 o-rings. Unfortunately, those stoppers are vintage and had grooves to accept a second o-ring, which they came with, while the Chinese ones Stanley offers as replacements only have 1 groove and 1 o-ring. This can also *sometimes* lead to spillage as a result, which means they're not sealing properly, which also means they won't retain heat as well as with the proper (vintage/American) double o-ring stoppers. You can usually get the old stoppers secondhand. You can also try adding a second o-ring to a Chinese one, but then it usually gets too tight for the stopper to be inserted properly, and if you get a thinner o-ring to make it fit, it won't perform as it should. I experimented with making grooves on several of the modern replacement stoppers, but it doesn't work out, unfortunately. Unless you want to experiment with a lathe, I guess... I have several of the older thermoses and can confirm that the ones with the proper original stoppers and caps hold heat best and don't spill (as long as damage didn't compromise them, of course). You can tell the caps apart by the thickness of the colored ridge where they screw onto the thermos (the green or black). The silver caps with the thinner colored ridge (like the ones on your '63, '76, '80, and '85 models) are the vintage caps that were manufactured here in the U.S. up until the very early 2000s I believe. The silver caps with the thicker colored ridge are the earlier Chinese ones. The brushed metal caps with the thicker colored ridge are later Chinese ones and are arguably better than the earlier Chinese variant. Please let me know if you have questions! I have spent too many hours learning about this. //Edit: Your green '97 Aladdin one also has the same type of Chinese cap, which doesn't retain heat as well as the older vintage ones that originally came with that model. I would apply the above to that one as well and check if the stopper is the single o-ring Chinese type also.

[@regulator79]

Good info! Looks like someone has an affinity for Stanley culture equal to mine!

[@KablamX]

@@regulator79 it also looks like the most recent Chinese caps on the classic series have a smaller ridge, imitating the old American ones in aesthetic.

[@mattchandler9436]

It looks like you were testing the master styles 1.4 quart vs the other 1.0 or 1.1 quart. I don't imagine it would change that much but I wonder if because there was more "thermal mass" or whatever (more water held) , it just takes longer to cool down and really is more in line with the older ones or a slightly worse performer. Thanks for your videos, was looking for this exact review!

[@regulator79]

Great point, Matt. I considered putting just 1 qt in the Master Series, but I ended up just filling it since that's probably what I'd do every day anyway. Maybe I'll try it eventually with 1 qt each and amend the results. Thanks for watching!

[@hotaslava69er]

@@regulator79 agreed we all need a another vid of u ... doing that test asap! 😁

[@regulator79]

@@hotaslava69er lol, the world is clamoring for more 20 minute videos of me droning on about Stanleys! 😁

[@hotaslava69er]

@@regulator79 well listen to ya people before u lose them

[@etiennescarbinski7890]

Love my 80s Stanley's....just picked up a 95 for 3 bucks, worth a shot

[@davidstokes9706]

I would be curious if on your I think '98 bottle, the dark one with the poorly designed stopper. If you were to put a better stopper on it, not necessarily from the Master series, then did the test, how it would fair out. I'm thinking that one is so bad because of that stopper. Might help out a lot of people that have that poorly designed stopper. Would probably take several days, as you would have to do the test with the bad stopper, then again with the good stopper. For control of keeping temperatures the same, do you have a freezer in like a garage that people don't get into regularly? That would them control the environment for testing.

[@mazman8343]

Great video dude Quick question can you get a bigger cup to fit over the other cup

[@regulator79]

Not that I know of. I have looked for a lid that would fit on the cap (of the matter series), but so far nothing fits it perfectly, although some I can make do.

[@taheelur1]

This might be a stupid question, but would you happen to know if the insulated cup on a master thermos fits on a classic thermos? Thanks for taking the time and effort to do these reviews and comparisons! Edit: Less than one minute after asking this question, I went back to the Amazon page for the Stanley Classic Legendary thermos and read that the lid that doubles as a cup is insulated so that answers that lol

[@regulator79]

Hey, thanks for the question. The Master Series lid does not fit on the classic. I would also say that although the classic lid says it's insulated, it feels cheap and chintzy compared with the Master Series lid, and the Master Series lid works much better at keeping your drink hot.

[@kostis1113]

Hello from Greece and big congratulations on your Stanley collection. I'm interested in buying the new Stanley Star Wars Darth Vader Vacuum Bottle 1.1 QT and I noticed that the patterns all around,are not the same as the others in store. It looks like...an older spec Stanley. And because I can't find any proof or anything I thought I'd send you a message since I saw you have more knowledge, especially physically. If you know something let me know. Take care and wish you all the best!!

[@nicolasecheverri7480]

Hi how are things ? I would like to know if the 1973 Stanley Alladin stopper is compatible with the 1988 Stanley Alladin stopper. I would like to buy one from 1973 to prime mate and use it with the 88 model stopper.

[@2216sammy]

I just got an email back from Stanley confirming that the Master series has been discontinued . I wonder why ? My question is whether the Forge is a part of the Master series because if you look at the specs between the Forge and Master series they seem to be virtually identical .

[@MichealBacon]

Does anyone know the difference between the version with the painted branding version, and the sticker branding version? Thanks

[@johnuythoven5823]

Love the video , you should put the Master class up against the new LEGACY QUADVAC THERMAL BOTTLE | 1.5 QT. The new one is cheaper and with better specs, but it’s thinner steel at .8mm. Interesting to see how it performs against the more expensive Master bottle.

[@regulator79]

That's interesting. I see that the legacy is supposed to keep liquid hot for 41 hours compared with the master's 40. The master series boasts its unbreakableness, so maybe the difference is just in how indestructible the master series is. I'll have to keep my eyes open for a good deal on a legacy Quadvac and do a test!

[@trathbone]

I have a 1986 Stanley wide mouth. So Stanley made both wide and narrow mouth containers in the USA.

[@gunpeiyaboi5280]

great video, i just got one called a "legendary class" model at 1.5L and was worried about the links on the handle with how heavy it is when full. i put it in my backpack, but holding it sideways to pour makes me afraid it might snap. i other wise like the compactness, but feel like they could've reinforced the hinge's design by now while maintaining the classic look. anyway great video, might look into upgrading to a better handle or downsizing so it's not so heavy y you gotta keep roasting the one from your friend's garage sale tho? 😭😂

[@mantasour]

I have liked these since I was a kid. Back then the green stuck out to me and I wanted one to play with. I wanted to put my toy soldiers in it like it was a rocket ship or something lmao. Recently, I started going to the gym, and realized a water bottle would be a great thing to have. I thought "yo! I'll get one of those green ones I've been seeing in stores my whole life". It seems like they haven't changed the design much over the years. I got one, and it's amazing. I put hot water in it on a Sunday and ended up not using it. I opened it on Thursday and the water was still warm. Definitely not piping hot, but considerably hotter than room temp. I've read that since they started being manufactured in china, they suck. I have to disagree. Maybe they did at first? Perhaps the first few years or decade of being manufactured overseas yielded some cheaply made products, but what I bought definitely isn't cheap. I think they probably got it together and improved the quality after negative feedback/decline in sales. I am curious though, so I ordered an old one. I don't know when it was made, but it's definitely pre 2002. I've seen several from the 90s, and this one doesn't quite look like those. It might be 80's? Idk. It's scratched and beat to hell, but if they were really made that well back then, then it should be just fine. I can't imagine it could beat the new one I have, but hey, I'm sure it'll work fine. Can't hurt to have two. Great product. I love it!

[@allemander]

Do you mind if I ask what kind of deal your wife got on the Master bottle at Kohl’s? These bottles seem to sell for around $58-$65 just about everywhere online but I found one website selling it for $50 with free shipping after applying a 5% discount code. Was yours less expensive than that? Nice video.

[@regulator79]

Thanks, man. Kohls wouldn't allow her to use the 30% off (they restrict certain items). She said she used a combination of Kohls cash and birthday rewards to get it down to about $28. We looked it up a couple weeks after getting it though, I was telling my brother about it and realized they don't have it anymore at Kohls. She said they have it at Wal-Mart for about $52. Sorry that doesn't really help. www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Master-1-4-QT-Vacuum-Bottle/55012027?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=703&adid=22222222228080249096&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=192436860459&wl4=aud-566049426865:pla-301923268056&wl5=9016841&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113148146&wl11=online&wl12=55012027&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-c_iBRChARIsAGCOpB2fABzpDYmgdvVawHRKmR00pdkcwa0BbrQdm_yBsb6dHUwHQvI_opsaAso9EALw_wcB

[@regulator79]

So no... Mine wasn't really cheaper since she just applied Kohls cash to the full price Stanley.

[@kctyphoon]

The real selling point of the master series is supposed to really be the 'survivability' of the container. I blame this guys videos for my recent obsession with these things, as I have 4 master series containers bottles now, a classic water bottle, and just bought 2 different coleman free flow bottles too, along with 2 more master series trigger mugs as gifts. I'll say this much - you can feel the difference in quality as soon as you pick then up. The difference in performance for 98% of peoples needs is minimal. One thing to consider is the weight through. The master series is substantially heavier. So that's something to consider. That aside, they look better, they feel better, and are much more of an executive type look compared to what really seems more like sports bottles from other brands. The master series trigger mugs, and water bottle is just awesome. Heavy, but just really nice. The Colemans are nice too, but not the same. The Stanley master stuff feels more like adult, corporate presentable, compared to say a coleman free flow that's more like a sports lid, or an adult style sippy cup where you need to actually purse your lips around a spout. Still haven't used the big master 1.4 quart thermos, but that thing is so stout it feels like you could beat someone with it.

[@crabtrap]

i have a few classiscs and a new version that is 1L and has rounded shoulders and cup instead of the more classic 'bullet casing' angled shoulders. the rounded one packs nicer

[@djc4962]

I usually carry these for work I'm 17 drink coffee like Grandpa so I drink an entire one of those in like 2 hours and it was really big and bulky and I just stopped carrying it around because of that and got me a yeti rambler I've been carrying it for over 2 years now around the farm beating the crap out of it LoL 😂

[@MrBluoct]

He is back! What was the name of that root beer you mentioned during the earlier review?

[@regulator79]

Sprecher. They sell it at Menards if you have those near you. It is out of Wisconsin.

[@MrBluoct]

regulator79 🤙

[@MrBluoct]

regulator79 $35. Plus shipping on Amazon Definitely fan reviews!

[@regulator79]

If you get it, throw it in the fridge and drink it out of a frosted mug after it's gotten cold. Great experience!

[@regulator79]

That's nearly triple what you'd pay in a store, but if you have none near you, It would be worth it for an occasional treat.

[@byronwichita9820]

I have 79 or 80 Uno Vac that I bought when I started my first construction job. Its not pretty any more. It’s heavy with a handle and a hard foam insulated drinking cup. I decided to test it against my daughters modern coffee thermos she takes to work so I filled them both with boiling water and let them sit for 12 hrs. The water in hers was 121 the water in my old Uno Vac was 142. They just don’t make em like they use to.

[@meltonrobbo]

Interesting video. Halfway through when I was talking to the girlfriend she had bought me the Master. Luckily the end of the video showed it to be pretty much the best.

[@regulator79]

That's a good girlfriend right there. Hang on to her, and enjoy that Master Series!

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

Did you temper those thermoses before filling them up?

[@regulator79]

Yes, I filled them with boiling water before filling them.

[@SmallGameHunter]

Great! Inspired me to become a new owner of a 77 Stanley Classic. Now, what firearm do you recommend?

[@regulator79]

Thanks, PT! I don't have a very large gun collection, but my everyday carry gun is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. It is slim enough to carry inside the waistband, and I think a very smooth and accurate shot. Also as far as knives go, I just got the Gerber Strongarm the other day, and I really like it for an outdoor/survival knife.

[@SmallGameHunter]

@@regulator79 i made that comment on firearms because i saw the Hoppes bottle on the same table. Thanks for the recommendation tho. Gerber??!! Im a Leatherman fan. (Work there actually). How do you clean your bottles? The vintage 77 i got looks like yours but with a swinging over the top handle. Lucky me? Need more comparative vids on vintage Stanley vs newer alternatives to feel good bout my purchase. :)

[@waldorfstatler7139]

I would not buy a Corvette Made in China and I would also not buy a Stanley Thermos Made in China. A few days ago I bought an original Stanley Thermos Made by Aladdin in the USA for $ 100, shipping and import included. As a European, I am evidently more of a patriot than an American. LOL

[@ger9983]

The 97 Stanley probably need a new stopper

[@francesnellblanc8692]

I need help with assembling the 3-piece lid on the Legacy Series

[@regulator79]

Is it a travel mug or a thermos?

[@regulator79]

Maybe this one? www.stanley1913.com/blogs/how-to-guides/how-to-clean-your-neverleak-lid

[@f-a-a8865]

I dont understand. Which better from others ? how many minutes difference ?

[@regulator79]

Look in the description above. I give each one's performance there. ☺

[@f-a-a8865]

regulator79 thank you 😊

[@f-a-a8865]

regulator79 I cant find us 1980 . I think now best master series . What do you think ? 🤔

[@regulator79]

Based on my experience and tests, the Master Series performs better than all other versions

[@Dranamolous]

Can you compare the Stanley’s to a thermos brand?

[@danieltomlinson9911]

I've just bought a stanley 1.9 litre and currently own a thermos,after 12 hours the thermos is luke warm and does not do what it says at all 😢I am hoping that the stanley will be better

[@3d8541]

❤ the Hoppes 9

[@kctyphoon]

I just bought a black master series 16 oz trigger mug for $50 on Amazon, and then after looking around - found a place selling the master series 1.4 quart for $39 brand new, and the 20 oz Master series green trigger mugs for $25.. (thats like 1/2 price on both those). i just couldnt say no to such a good price, so i bought the 1.4 quart and 2 of the mugs just to qualify for free shipping lol. I’ll give the 2 20oz master series mugs away as a gift, and i dont care if i ever use the master series 1.4 quart. Thing is just so cool looking, for 1/2 price i had to have it.. lol

[@Speenard]

@kctyphoon, where did you find it for $39?

[@BazColne]

Thank you. Humbly though, don't waffle so much and keep the focus on one at a time.

[@kg4021]

The last black Stanley that he was showing... That steel is not solid. It is glued on there because ours popped off. After about a year of hot coffee... It popped off and is no longer keeping anything warm.

[@sage4947]

You talking about the master series? What do you mean the steel just popped off? You talking the whole outer black painted portion? Or you talking the portion on top under the lid/cup?

[@ethancrownover532]

Y

[@ethancrownover532]

Yeah but the stanley master series is made in china

[@regulator79]

True, but a good bottle nonetheless.

[@ethancrownover532]

@@regulator79 well if I had to get a Stanley thermos or any thermos made in China it would be the Stanley master series

[@sage4947]

That's the sad part lol. Come on USA.

[@georgeton4991]

@@sage4947 I've seen wholesale priced green flasks from China $6/$7 a piece.