When you’re on a camping trip, a good thermos can make all the difference. If it’s a hot day and you are going for a hike, or you need to do some shopping, it is always good to be prepared with a quality thermos flask. You can save yourself time and money by keeping an ice-cold drink in your rucksack or handbag.
If you do not want your love of the outdoors to diminish over the winter, having a hot drink at the ready is a must. Most people’s lives would be improved with a thermos but which is the right one for you?
Check out our buying guide below for everything you need to know about buying the best thermoses.
What is a thermos?
A thermos is a bottle that keeps your drinks hot or cold using a double-walled vacuum. This double-walled heat retention method works by keeping the heat in or out of the center of the thermos. The brand “Thermos” was the first company to pioneer this method. It is the most popular method used today.
The first vacuum flask was created in 1892 by Sir James Dewar. It was made with the purpose of holding liquified gasses. The vacuum flask was made for commercial use in 1904. Fundamentally, the design hasn’t changed much since the flask was invented
Why do you need a thermos?
A thermos isn’t only for the great outdoor adventurer - it is something that will come in handy for anyone. You may have a specific reason in mind as to why you need a thermos. Here are several reasons why many people choose to invest in this product.
You enjoy being outdoor
sGoing anywhere off the beaten track means you probably won't have access to cold running water, bottled water, or a coffee shop. Going for a hike in a beautiful place deserves a picnic or break with delicious food and a good drink. Save yourself from carrying extra weight and leave the camping stove at home. A thermos provides a much-needed hot cup of coffee when the air is cold and crisp.
You want to save money
If you are used to buying coffee from a coffee shop every lunch break you will be surprised how much money you spend by bringing a thermos to work. You can make a coffee exactly how you like it at home. Invest in some good coffee syrups so you don’t feel like you are missing out. Sit out in the fresh air and watch your savings grow.
Things to consider before buying a thermos?
All thermoses are fundamentally the same, in the sense that they all use the double-wall vacuum method of heat retention. However, they do have a variety of features that sets them apart.
Keep these considerations in mind when making your purchase.
Duration of heat retention
Some thermos manufacturers claim their thermos will keep drinks hot for up to 24 hours. This is based on the materials used to make the thermos, plus the overall craftsmanship because all heat-retaining technology is generally the same. Look for a double-wall vacuum thermos and check the genuine customer reviews. This is the best way to judge how long the thermos will retain your drink’s temperature.
Materials used
Vacuum flasks are typically made of metal such as stainless steel. They will often be made with borosilicate glass as the inner layer. They also use plastic and foam. The opening stopper is usually made with polyethylene cork or plastic.
Stainless steel thermoses are heavy-duty and perfect for extended use. However, they will still often use a more fragile material such as glass on the inside which can still break if dropped. Plastic thermoses will be lighter but generally don’t retain heat as long. They are a perfectly adequate option if you are not relying on the thermos for the whole day.
Size
Thermoses come in a variety of sizes. If you are buying a thermos for your own personal use, you may only need a small flask. If you are taking your thermos in the car, you can opt for a larger flask as you don’t need to worry about the carry weight.
Retractable handle
A thermos with retractable handles can feel more comfortable to hold. They also take up less space in your bag. However, you may find a thermos with a sturdier handle is slightly easier to pour.
Twist and pour stopper
When you purchase a thermos with a twist and pour stopper it means you will not need to stop to pour your drink. Other types of stoppers require you to fully remove the stopper before pouring, which makes the thermos quite inconvenient. A twist and pour stopper also reduces the time you spend between opening the thermos and pouring, keeping your coffee warmer for longer.
Built-in cup
Most thermoses have built-in cups. Some even come with two cups - especially if they hold enough liquid for two people.
Cleanability
A thermos with a non-stick lining is much easier to clean. Not all thermoses come with this feature. Also, buying a thermos with a removable stopper makes cleaning much easier as well.
Warranty
You can get a warranty on some of the higher-end thermoses. This provides enough peace of mind if you are thinking of spending a little extra money on a more reliable flask. If your thermos is not maintaining the heat for as long as it should, you may be able to get your money back.
Thermoses price range
The prices of thermoses vary depending on the features and materials used. Typically, most popular thermoses cost between $15 to $30.
FAQ
Q: What are some well-known thermos brand names?
A: Some of the most reliable thermos flask brands include Thermos, Stanley, Isosteel, and Primus. However, there are plenty of smaller brands. With a little research, you can find many more.
Q: Why does thermos stop working?
A: There is a vacuum space between the inner and outer material of the flask. When the vacuum is compromised, it will lose its ability to keep heat inside the flask. This is often caused by simply dropping the thermos.