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Most people have used a thermos at one point or another, but when it comes to finding the best thermoses on the market, it's not as easy as it seems. Chances are you're thinking, it's a thermos — are they really that different? As it turns out, they are — and by quite a bit.
A thermos, which is also referred to as a vacuum flask or Dewar, helps keep hot or cold liquids at just the right temperature. The most popular thermoses — and all the ones rounded up here in this list — are stainless steel, which means they're shatter-proof, scratch-resistant, and won't corrode over time. They also need to be hand-washed and shouldn't be used in a microwave. But not all thermoses are alike: some are ideal for beverages, while others are better for food or keeping water cool while you exercise.
Before you pick up a new thermos, you also want to pay attention to how many ounces it will hold, because that will impact how useful it will actually be down the line. And above all, remember that no matter which model you choose, you'll still get vacuum insulation from your thermos, which creates an airless space between two walls and eliminates the convection process and temperature change, so beverages will stay cool or hot no matter what.
1This 16-Ounce Travel Thermos That's Great For Morning Commutes
Thermos Stainless King 16-Ounce Travel Mug with Handle, $25, Amazon
If you want some coffee for your morning drive (or train ride) to work, you need this 16-ounce thermos because it's designed for this day-to-day travel. It comes with a comfortable handle, which is super convenient for when you're commuting, plus a leak-proof DrinkLock sealing lid, so you don't have to worry about spilling it on yourself as you drive or walk. One reviewer raved: "Oh my goodness! I was really hesitant to spend this much money on a mug BUT IT WAS WORTH IT! I came out after work and my morning coffee is still hot! In the closed position it you can hold it upside down and will not leak! In the open position the opening is small enough that if you leave it open in the car cup holder, curves and bumps won't slosh out onto your pants."
2This 16-Ounce Food Jar With A Folding Spoon That's Great For Soup
Thermos Stainless 16-Ounce with Folding Spoon, $24, Amazon
If you're taking a liquid lunch to work then this 16-ounce thermos with a folding, stainless steel spoon is an ultra-durable option you've got to try. It comes with a wide mouth and large lid, which can also be used as a serving bowl. "This has been my favorite of all the hot lunch travel containers," one reviewer said. "It has kept foods warm for 9 hours so far, with the best results being soups and other mainly liquid based items. My husband and I have both been using these containers most weekdays for the last three months and have had no issues. We both live and work in a city and rely on public transportation to get around, so our bags get tossed around and smushed, but absolutely no leaks thus far with this."
3This Dual-Compartment Thermos That Can Be Used To Store More Than One Type Of Food Or Beverage
Thermos Dual-Compartment Food Jar, $29, Amazon
This innovative dual-compartment thermos is a neat pick if you like to pack both food and beverages. It features two separate, hinged compartments and a carrying handle, so it's super easy to transport. The BPA-free top can contain up to 20 ounces, while the bottom is 16 ounces and made from the same standard insulated stainless steel that most other thermoses are. Each container also features a locking stopper, so you don't have to worry about leaks. One reviewer commented: "I love this thermos, it holds a lot and I just really like that it has two sections which is uncommon for insulated food containers."
4This 18-Ounce Thermos With A Built-In Sipping Function
Thermos Vacuum 18-Ounce Stainless Steel Hydration Bottle, $18, Amazon
"This is the only water bottle I will use! It keeps your water cold for hours, even if you leave it in a hot car in the sun," raved one reviewer of this 18-ounce hydration bottle thermos, which comes with a built-in sipping function that makes it absolutely perfect for taking to the gym. Its flip-top lid is button activated and comes with an additional clasp for travel. Plus, because of the vacuum insulation technology, it won't leave behind strange tastes or flavors like most other stainless steel bottles often do.
5This Handle-Free, 16-Ounce Thermos With A Built-In Tea Hook
Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Travel Tumbler, $22, Amazon
If you love sipping tea on the go, this 16-ounce travel thermos is for you, as it comes with a non-spill lid and built-in tea hook that easily holds most tea bags and loose leaf infusers. Although this model has many of the same features as the other popular 16-ounce travel thermoses included on this list, this one doesn't have a handle, so if you prefer to do without one, you'll love this. One reviewer commented: "Love this tumbler. It follows me everywhere. Great quality, easy to clean. Keeps stuff hot and or cold for a long time. Worth the money."
6This 40-Ounce Thermos With A Handle That You'll Want To Pack Along For Road Trips
Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle, $35, Amazon
If you're planning a serious road trip, this 40-ounce thermos with an insulated stainless steel serving cup makes the perfect companion. While most thermoses keep beverages and food hot or cold (depending on their original temperature) for longer than other tumblers or travel containers, this one has an edge on most other models, because it can keep things at a consistent temperature for up to 24 hours. On the outside, this container stays cool to the touch with hot liquids, and prevents cold liquids from producing condensation. "One of the best purchases I've ever made," raved one reviewer. "Keeps my tea warm for more than 24 hours. Feels like a luxury!"
7This 68-Ounce Thermos With A Handle That Is Seriously Massive
Thermos Stainless King 68-Ounce Beverage Bottle with Handle, $37, Amazon
"Do you ever buy things quickly and overlook important details like size? this thing is really big...scare a toddler big," wrote one reviewer of this 68-ounce thermos. The size of this thermos makes it a great option for group use, and comes with a handle, stainless steel and BPA-free cap that you can use as a cup, an internal lid, and the same vacuum insulation you have in other models. Like the 40-ounce thermos included on this list, this 68-ounce thermos will keep food and beverages hot or cold for up to 24 hours — a great long-term investment.
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