In the cold seasons, we like our beverages hot or warm. That is fine as long as you have the means to heat them at home, but what happens when you leave the house for work, camping, or at the park? You buy a thermos, of course. A thermos is an item that I am sure everyone has. It comes in handy when you need a cup of hot coffee or tea on the go. Plus, it can keep beverages cold too. The insulation in a thermos works both ways. It does not allow heat to get out or get in. Most people live with this common misconception that a thermos is designed only to maintain drinks hot, but it works the other way around as well so continue reading to find the best thermoses on the market.
Do not confuse a thermos with a thermal carafe
You may have probably heard about thermal carafes for coffee too. They too are devices designed to maintain a beverage hot or cold, depending on the circumstances. However, the most significant difference between a thermal carafe and a thermos is size. While a thermal carafe is meant to keep coffee warm for 50 people or more, thermoses are for personal use. They can come in larger sizes, but they will never be as accommodating as a thermal carafe.
What is the best material for a thermos?
There is this debate on which material is the best for a thermos. Some people go for an aluminum thermos, while others like plastic. However, my opinion is that stainless steel is the best material used for the manufacture of a thermos. Rest assured that I have some pretty compelling arguments for that. Here are the most significant.
Excellent heat retention capabilities
It is a known fact that stainless steel is a poor heat conductor, which means that it does not consume as much energy as aluminum, for example. As a result, the temperature inside the thermos will not be ‘invited out.’ If you take a look at some of the products online, you will notice that the products with the best heat retention capabilities are made of stainless steel. The insulation used by the manufacturer matters as well, but even more heat retention properties cannot hurt.
Easy to clean
Stainless steel has always been the favorite when it comes to kitchenware. That is because it is effortless to clean. Plus, stainless steel is dishwasher-safe, so you do not have to worry about scrubbing. At the same time, we all know that if you use a poorly made thermos for coffee almost every day, at some point, the inside of the thermos becomes stained. It no longer has that new look. That will not happen with stainless steel. They do not call it stainless for anything.
Does not hold bacteria
According to a study, stainless steel retains fewer bacteria after cleaning. The comparison was made between stainless steel and some other materials used around the house. The results show that the surface made of stainless steel retains fewer bacteria than other materials. The cleaning treatments were precisely the same.
More durable
When you put together stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic, it is pretty clear which one is the most durable. Aluminum is not weak either, but plastic is easily breakable. One falls on a rock and the thermos is done.
No BPAs
Since a thermos is used mostly for hot beverages, you need to make sure that the thermos you buy does not contain BPAs. They are generally found in plastic, cheap plastic to be more precise, and they are known to be toxic after prolonged exposure. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is entirely safe even if you use it all day every day.
What to consider when buying the best thermos
If you browse the internet, you will see that there are so many products out there that it will make your head spin. Choosing only one may seem a bit confusing. However, that does not have to be the case. As long as you know what to look for and what to consider, you should be able to make the right decision. Here is what you need to take into consideration before you make a purchase.
Size
Not all thermoses are made of the same size. Manufacturers produce thermoses in different capacities so that they can satisfy everyone’s needs. You need to think about what you are going to use the thermos for, how many people will be drinking from it at any given time, and where you are going to use it. If you just want a thermos so that you can take your coffee to go in the morning, a thermos that fits a large cup of coffee is enough. However, if you want to take the thermos on a hike with your family or friends, you must consider buying a larger one. At the end of the day, the decision is yours.
Construction
I know that I said that stainless steel is the best material for a thermos, but aluminum and plastic are also available. While stainless steel thermoses are a bit more expensive, you should know that the difference is not significant, and it is worth it. After all, a stainless steel thermos is more durable, and you will be able to use it for an extended period of time. You actually save money in the long run.
Type
While most people use thermoses for drinks, you should know that there is such a thing as a thermos for food. Beverages are not the only ones that need to be kept at a particular temperature. If you want to maintain food cold or warm, you can also buy a thermos for food. For example, if you are going for a picnic, you can purchase a food thermos to maintain a fruit salad cold.
Ease of cleaning
My recommendation is to buy a thermos that is dishwasher safe. That way you do not have to clean it by hand. However, it depends on the size. If a thermos is too tall, it may not fit in the dishwasher. Just something to think about.
Insulation
This may be one of the most important things about a thermos. Before you buy one, take a look at the specifications and see for how long your food or drinks can stay at the desired temperature. While some products ensure a 5-hour period, others go up to 24 hours. As you can imagine, the longer your coffee will stay hot, the more you have to pay, and it is up to you if it is worth it.
Best rated thermoses
There are too many products out there to decide which one is the best. All you have to do is look at a few thermoses before you decide which one to buy. Read the specifications, and some online thermoses reviews can also prove helpful. You can read about other people’s experiences with a specific product that you want so that you can make sure you are buying the best one. Meanwhile, take a look at the products below. Maybe one of them will catch your eye.
Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle
This particular product is available in the 40-ounce capacity, as well as 16 ounces. You can choose the one that suits your needs better. Aside from that, the Thermos product is one of the best thermoses you can find online. It features Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention. It does not matter if your drink is cold or hot. It will stay like that for an extended period of time. Warm beverages can remain hot for 12 hours, while cold ones for 24. It is pretty impressive.
This thermos is made of durable stainless steel. It is easy to clean, top-rack dishwasher safe, and one of the best things about it is that it is cold to the touch when you pour hot liquid in it, and it does not sweat when you use it for cold drinks. You can put it in your bag horizontally, and it will not spill because the lid is spill-proof.
The lid of the thermos doubles as a serving cup. The twist-and-pour function enables you to pour the drink without moving the stopper. The thermos has a convenient handle that ensures a secure grip of the product. You can find the product in several available colors.
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Thermos
The thermos from Zojirushi is another product that you may be interested in. It can be found in multiple sizes. You can choose the 12, 16, and 20-ounce thermos, according to your daily needs. You can also make a choice of several colors, although the temperature retention properties are the same. The opening measures 1-1/2 inches will make filling the thermos effortless and spill-free.
The stopper can be disassembled for a more comfortable and thorough cleaning. It is made of durable stainless steel, but you cannot put it in the dishwasher. The manufacturer recommends hand-wash only. The interior is non-stick, although I cannot think of anything other than sugar that may stick. The compact design occupies very little space while maximizing capacity.
The lid can be secured by a lock. You can place the thermos in your bag horizontally, and it will still not spill its content. The lid is made of plastic, but rest assured that the manufacturer uses only BPA-free plastic. The stainless steel vacuum insulation will maintain the temperature of your drinks for about 10 hours when it is hot and 24 when it is cold.
Thermos Funtainer 10-Ounce Food Jar
The last product in my list of high-quality thermoses is actually a food jar manufactured by Thermos as well. However, this is designed to keep food in it, not drinks, which is why I think you will love it. It is true that it has a small capacity, but it is perfect for some pieces of fruit or vegetables on a warm summer day at the park.
I think this is helpful if you have kids. Plus, the model comes in several colors and designs. You can buy a Barbie model or an Avengers pattern. Having fruits and veggies is essential for your kids’ health, and keeping them cold during the summer is crucial. This little thermos can help you with that.
This product features the same Thermos vacuum insulation technology as the first product I talked about. It is incredible when it comes to temperature retention. It can keep food hot for 5 hours and cold for 7 hours. That is quite impressive for such a small item. The product is made of durable stainless steel, and it has a wide mouth so that you fill it with ease. While this may be made of stainless steel, the manufacturer recommends hand washing. The exterior remains cool at all times, and it does not sweat when you use it for cold food. It will not make a mess in your bag.
Best thermos for coffee
If I were to choose one of the models presented above, I would go with the Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle. It has a large capacity, it is made of durable materials, and it has a lid that turns into a cup. I think it is one of the best thermoses you can find in this price range.
Conclusion
A thermos comes in handy in any household. You never know when you are going to use it. At the same time, some people use it on a daily basis. It may be a basic item, but nobody likes cold coffee or hot water. That is why you should invest in the best thermos you can find. One of the products above will do just fine.
Last Updated on June 26, 2023
Dustin Hopkins has over 12 years in the cleaning industry, working in the past for one of the top 5 cleaning companies in the US. Currently, he is the chief editor of CleaningRank.com and the proud father of a 5-year-old, Chris.