How to Choose a Thermos
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or you simply enjoy having an extra cup of hot tea or coffee at work you might be interested in how to choose a good thermos.
To narrow the search for the best thermos to meet your expectations you have to decide its purpose. Here are some options: a Thermos for food is necessary if you want to enjoy a hot meal- it has a big mouth that allows you to conveniently put in the content. A Thermos for tea and other beverages has a narrow neck that allows you to pour easily the liquid. And there are universal thermoses. Such devices may have several separate compartments: a compartment may pour tea or coffee, and another larger one, can preserve a hot lunch or dinner.
Best Material for a Thermos
What material is used most often to make a thermos? What material ensures the best durability and functionality for an insulated bottle? There are many models out there!
The bottle’s inside the chamber can be made of glass. A glass thermos is primarily hygienic. It is easy to clean, the content is preserved really well. But there is one major drawback – its fragility. Thus, after a clumsy movement, the device may break into pieces.
Metal flask – a practical and durable alternative. For the manufacture of such models, stainless steel is the preferred metal so that the phenomenon of corrosion may not be a concern.
A plastic bottle – is not the best option. Firstly, poor plastic retains heat (although a special mirror coating can improve the situation). Second, it is also very fragile and may shatter and break.
The outer casing can also be made of different materials: the plastic housing reduces the weight of the product, making it easier to carry around, which is important for many. Metals that are corrosion resistant provide a solid construction and make the product practical and durable. Glass can also be used, but this version is rather not so practical.
The Volum
When you look for a thermos decide on the volume you might need. Do you enjoy a simple extra serving of coffee or tea? Do you need multiple servings? Will you share your drinks with family, friends, co-workers? For example, if you move over long distances or travel a lot, you should choose a bigger thermos. If you need an extra cup during lunch break you can even go for a thermos cup.
The Cap
The cap must close the heat stored inside and allow no heat loss. The thermoses with glass lids are often equipped with corks. This option is not the best, they provide an imperfect sealing and the thermos may leak. The optimal choice – a screw cap. Some thermos bottles can be fitted with valves. This is convenient, but if you damage the valve, the adjustment characteristics deteriorate and the insulated bottle will not be able to fulfill its functions. In addition, this part can become messy, and dirty and it is difficult to wash.
Another Important Issue: Price
How much should you pay for a good thermos? The price depends on the quality and the manufacturer but curiously enough, high costs do not always guarantee better performance. The price is usually affected by the materials used, extra features, and volume. From what I have seen, starting 24-26$ you can find some pretty great themes bottles.
Useful tips
Experts give some useful recommendations for those who want to buy a thermos:
- When you buy a thermos take a good look around it- check out for visible defects or scratches -these significantly affect the performance.
- Sniff the product: no smell should come from the bottle.
- Shake the thermos: check out that nothing vibrates or makes any sounds.
- Decide for a manufacturer with a good reputation.
- Check out that the cover and the cap provide tight insulation.
- The packaging must indicate the following: compliance, information about the manufacturer (address, name, phone number), warranty, conditions of use, and basic characteristics.
Also, these guys from Tested.com made a great video about some essential features to look after when you want to find the best-insulated bottle.