What Is The UK’s Best Thermos Flask?
Which is the best thermos flask for you? That really depends on your needs and what you’re looking for in a thermos. Are you looking for something to keep drinks hot or cold? Do you need a sturdy design that can handle being knocked around? Or are you looking for something with a ton of extra features? No matter what your needs, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best thermos flasks available on the market today.
Thermos Flask Reviews
Thermos Flask Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re heading out on an adventure into the wilderness or fancy a hot coffee for your train journey into work, a thermos flask is an essential. Investing in a thermos flask will save you money on coffee while you’re out and about, and they’ll keep your drinks either hot or cool for up to 24 hours. They can even be used for taking your packed lunch into work!
The best thermos flask for you can be tricky to find, as there’s such an enormous range on the market today. Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best thermos flask? This buyer’s guide will tell you what’s what.
Design
What you plan on using your thermos flask for will determine the design you opt for. If you’ll be taking it on hikes or camping trips, it should slot easily and neatly into your bag without bulking it out. If you’re going to be using it while travelling or on the train, it should be easy and comfortable to carry by hand.
The classic cylinder design is perfect for hot teas and coffees, while smaller thermos flasks with a wide opening are great for soups and other foods – as this makes them easier to eat from and clean.
Capacity
Flasks can range from around 300ml to over 1L! Remember that the more you fill your flask and the larger it is, the heavier it’ll be to carry. If you are using the flask for long distance journeys you’ll want one with a larger capacity (so more room for coffee!), while your mid-morning brew at work can fit in a much smaller flask.
Purpose
There’s a range of reasons to buy a thermos flask. If you’re going camping and want a hot drink in the evening, a large flask that fits neatly into your bag is perfect. Go for one with extra insulation to ensure your drink stays hot for as long as possible. The twist and pour opening is good for the outdoors, as you won’t be in danger of losing anything and the lid will double up as a cup.
For food, a small, compact thermos flask with a large opening is ideal. This makes them easy to clean, and they can usually fit a deceptive amount of soup or hard food! Look for one with an included bowl or serving spoon if you won’t have access to these.
Cool Features
It’s essential that your thermos flask stays cool no matter how hot the contents. The best thermos flask will keep the contents hot while staying cool to the touch. This means you can pack it away in your bag or carry it without any chance of getting burned.
Thermos flasks aren’t just a winter product. They will also keep any food or drinks cool for up to 24 hours, making them ideal for carrying cold water, or cold foods on hot summer walks. Unlike regular water bottles they can be left in the sun (although please try not to do this!), without any risk of the contents going warm.
Material
Most thermos flasks are made from stainless steel which is durable, easy to clean and very good at retaining heat. Plastic thermos flasks are available and usually cost a lot less, but these don’t retain heat quite so well and certainly won’t last as long. You’ll pay more upfront for stainless steel but it’s a much more reliable option.
Lid
Ensure the lid of your thermos flask is secure and effective. There should be no leaks, and it should loosen and tighten easily. Screw caps are the best option as they are most likely to stay on, but check reviews before you buy. The best thermos flask will have a lid which doubles up as a cup or bowl, so you don’t have to carry one separately.
FAQ
How does a thermos flask work?
Thermos flasks are simple inventions that work using insulation. They have a stainless steel case, and usually an inner layer of stainless steel. The air between the 2 layers is sucked out creating a vacuum. As heat is transferred through air, the vacuum stops air from transferring – keeping your food and drinks hot. Heat is also preventing from reaching the inside due to the vacuum, meaning your cold drinks will stay cold no matter how hot it is outside.
How to clean a thermos flask?
Thermos flasks are usually pretty easy to clean, but they must be cleaned after every use. Do not put them in the dishwasher. Instead, use warm water and washing up liquid to clean your flask, rinsing thoroughly with hot water. To remove coffee stains, add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and fill with hot water. Leave this solution overnight then rinse a couple of times.