In our search for the best thermoses on the market, we considered all types: from tacklebox classics to modern drink movers. We narrowed it down to the best-of-the-best according to durability, leakproofness, heat retention, and capacity. And before we’re done, we pit each thermos against the other in our temperature retention test: scrutinizing manufacturers’ claims and finding out for ourselves which mug would keep our coffee piping hot for the longest.
Whether you’re heading out for a day of hunting, ice fishing, or enjoying the solitude of a winter trail, a good thermos can make even the coldest of days feel enjoyable. Legacy vessels like the Stanley Classic Legendary have been doing it for more than a century now, but even modern budget options like the Thermos Stainless King can hold heat for hours.
Our experts have toted close to 20 different thermoses over 3 years, taking them out everywhere from early-morning salmon excursions in the Puget Sound to elk hunts in the high country of Colorado, and have settled on these as the best of the best. Scroll through to see all of our recommended thermoses for any autumn morning. We’ve also compiled an in-depth Buyer’s Guide and Price & Value section to break down just what makes a good thermos tick. And finally, use our Comparison Chart to go apples to apples on your next thermos.
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 25, 2024, to add five new excellent thermoses from industry leaders like Stanley and YETI and an updated Price & Value section.
The Best Thermoses of 2024-2025
- Best Overall Thermos: Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle
- Best Budget Thermos: Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz.
- Most Versatile Thermos: CamelBak MultiBev
- Most Durable Thermos: Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle
- Best On-the-Go Coffee Thermos: YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle
- Best Food Thermos: Hydro Flask Food Jar
- Best Thermos Mug: YETI Rambler Mug
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 2 qts. (64 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 3.2 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 157.5 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For Sharing, fishing, all-day sipping
Pros
- Impressive thermal retention
- Collapsible handle is broad and easy to grip
- Leakproof in any orientation
- Durable 0.7 mm thick walls
- Classic styling
Cons
- Somewhat heavy at over 2 pounds
- Uninsulated cap isn't the perfect thermal solution
Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz
Specs
- Capacity 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lb., 9 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel
- Temperature Retention Test 150 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best For Enjoying coffee all day long
Pros
- Budget price for still impressive heat-retention
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy-pour function
- Collapsible handle folds smaller than most
Cons
- The lid cup and seal may need to be replaced after a few years
- Thermos walls feel a little lighter than most; finish can chip
CamelBak MultiBev
Specs
- Capacity 0.65 L (22 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lb., 4.8 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, food-grade silicone, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 100 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For Carrying multiple beverages in one unit
Pros
- Well-insulated design with two sections of double-wall vacuum
- Versatile design
- Easy for sharing or brewing up different drinks
- Included silicone lid for second cup
Cons
- Small liquid capacity
- Heavy for size
Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 1.3 L (44.6 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 14.4 oz.
- Materials 1.0 mm thick 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 160 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For A lifetime investment, early-morning hunts, and marathon roadtrips
Pros
- Impressive thermal retention
- Very high crush and ding resistance due to 1.0 mm thick walls
- Vacuum-insulated cup
- Steel-liner screw-cap stopper
Cons
- Fairly heavy at almost 3 pounds
- Non-collapsible handle won't be everyone's favorite
YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 0.53 L (18 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lbs., 1 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 149 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For Solo missions, day hikes, EDC, traveling
Pros
- It can fit in a lot of cupholders, but not all
- 360-degree HotShot drinking cap
- Five-year warranty
- The perfect size
Cons
- Cap will leak if not properly tightened
- Bit of a chore to clean with four seals
Hydro Flask Food Jar
Specs
- Capacity 0.59 L (20 fl. oz.)
- Weight 15.4 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 60 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash only
- Best For Keeping food secure, hot and cold foods
Pros
- Multiple sizes available
- Compact design with low-profile lid
- Lightweight at less than a pound
- Durable design with rubberized lid and base
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not much usable capacity in the 8- and 12-fluid-ounce sizes
- Long-term temperature retention will go room temp after 24 hours
YETI Rambler Mug
Specs
- Capacity 0.41 L (14 fl. oz.)
- Weight 12.9 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel
- Temperature Retention Test 60 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For Fireside sipping, commuting
Pros
- Sweat-free DuraCoat finish
- Easy to use/clean
- Durable camp mug
- Wide handle will accommodate gloves
Cons
- Not 100% leakproof lid
- Lesser heat retention over the long run
Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 0.60 L. (20 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lbs., 4.3 oz.
- Materials Recycled 0.7 mm 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 175 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Commuting, hiking, camping
Pros
- Old-school good looks (especially in the Hammertone green)
- Impressive temperature retention
- Smaller sizes can slip into water bottle pockets
- Cork inlay on thermos plug is good-looking
Cons
- Hammertone finish can be a bit slick
- No handle on the 20 oz. and 1.1 qt bottles, which can cause the bottle to roll
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48
Specs
- Capacity 0.48 L (16 fl. oz.)
- Weight 8 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature retention test 110 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash only
- Best for Hot broths and brewing up on long excursions
Pros
- Compact profile slips into pack pockets
- Smart flip lid functionality
- Holds onto heat
Cons
- Lid should be cleaned after every use
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug
Specs
- Capacity 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 fl. oz.)
- Weight 5.1 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 70 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Handwash body, lid is top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best For Drinking hot coffee all morning long, car cupholders, being on-the-go
Pros
- Fits in most cupholders
- Multiple design options
- Decent heat retention for morning coffee
- Rubberized grip stays in hand well
Cons
- Plastic lid can hold onto flavors
- Lid has the potential to open inside of a bag
- Not a super durable exterior coating
Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 1.3 L. (44 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lb., 11.7 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 186 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Sharing, all-day sipping, backpacking
Pros
- Modern design with classic heat retention
- Cup is insulated design
- Pour-through stopper works well to meter out drinks
- Wide variety of colors available
Cons
- The cap is easy to cross-thread
- Bottle is a bit wide for smaller hands to grasp
Maxso 2-Pack
Specs
- Capacity 0.5 L (17 fl. oz.) and 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs., 1.6 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 105 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best For Enjoying hot soup up to 12 hours after storing
Pros
- Good heat retention over the long run
- Air-purge valve means they're easy to open at all temperatures
- Integrated spoon
- Nonslip base design
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean threads on lid
- Only one spoon included
- Mouth isn't the widest for eating directly from the thermos
Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos
Specs
- Capacity 0.95 L (32 fl. oz.)
- Weight 1 lb., 6.25 oz.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 182 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Hand wash
- Best for Sharing, All-day sipping, hiking, commuting
Pros
- Leakproof in any orientation
- Proprietary threading for thermal performance and pouring
- Grippy matte finish
- Cup is vacuum-insulated
Cons
- Unique cap threading can be a bit annoying in the dark
- A bit heavy for the size
- No handle
Thermos Funtainer
Specs
- Capacity 0.3 L (10 fl. oz.)
- Weight 4 oz.
- Materials Stainless steel
- Temperature Retention Test 67.5 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Best For School lunches
Pros
- Wide-mouth opening makes for easy eating
- Lightweight design in small sizes
- Leakproof for lunchbox carrying
- Lid is easy for kiddos to get open
Cons
- Poor heat retention
- Seal may need replacing
- Plastic lid and latch don't feel the most robust
Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle
Specs
- Capacity 2 L (18 fl. oz.)
- Weight 2 lbs.
- Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
- Temperature Retention Test 191 F after 24 hours
- Cleaning Dishwasher safe
- Best for Sharing, expeditions to Everest, NASA missions
Pros
- Comes with a second cup for sharing
- Easy pour spout
- Carry handle
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Massive size can be tough to carry around
- On the more expensive side
Thermos Comparison Chart
Thermos | Price | Capacity | Weight | Materials | 24H Temp |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle | $50 | 2 qts. (64 fl. oz.) | 2 lbs., 3.2 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 157.5 F |
Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz | $39 | 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.) | 1 lb., 9 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel | 150 F |
CamelBak MultiBev | $52 | 0.65 L (22 fl. oz.) | 1 lb., 4.8 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, food-grade silicone, BPA-free | 100 F |
Stanley Master Forge Thermal Bottle | $72 | 1.3 L (44.6 fl. oz.) | 2 lbs., 14.4 oz. | 1.0 mm thick 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 160 F |
YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle | $30 | 0.53 L (18 fl. oz.) | 1 lbs., 1 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 139 F |
Hydro Flask Food Jar | $35 | 0.59 L (20 fl. oz.) | 15.4 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 60 F |
YETI Rambler Mug | $30 | 0.41 L (14 fl. oz.) | 12.9 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel | 60 F |
Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle | $45 | 0.60 L (20 fl. oz.) | 1 lbs., 4.3 oz. | Recycled 0.7 mm 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 149 F |
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 | $30 | 0.48 L (16 fl. oz.) | 8 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 110 F |
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug | $17 | 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 fl. oz.) | 5.1 oz. | Stainless steel, BPA-free | 70 F |
Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle | $35 | 1.3 L (44 fl. oz.) | 1 lb., 11.7 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 159 F |
Maxso 2-Pack | $37 | 0.5 L and 0.7 L | 2 lbs., 1.6 oz. | Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free | 105 F |
Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos | $50 | 0.95 L (32 fl. oz.) | 1 lb., 6.2 oz. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 150 F |
Thermos Funtainer | $17 | 0.3 L (10 fl. oz.) | 4 oz. | Stainless steel | 67.5 F |
Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle | $72 | 2 L (18 fl. oz.) | 2 lbs. | 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free | 159 F |
How We Tested the Best Thermoses
A good thermos can be a lifetime purchase, which means that finding the right one can be important. At GearJunkie, we have a broad array of outdoors folks, from backpackers and hikers to ice climbers and hunters, and we all love a good, hot cup on a cold day.
Field Testing
In seeking out the best thermoses, we rummaged through our cupboards and packs, as well as scoured online for the most promising contenders. We sought out thermoses that would serve a wide range of activities — from grabbing a quick coffee to packing in a full day’s worth of broth to an elk glassing session.
Then, we filled up our mugs and went off into the fall of the Pacific Northwest and Eastern seaboard, testing the thermoses both outdoors and on our commute to work. We tapped trail crew leaders to supply long days in the hills with warm drinks, fisherfolk to fuel their early A.M. splashes, and weekend warriors to tote along a lunchtime pick-me-up on their day hikes.
Bench Testing
Our Temperature Retention Test is the big show when it comes to our thermos testing, and it is an endurance race across 24 hours to see which vessels can hold their heat the longest. We’ve been conducting this test for three years running now, and we average our data across time to ensure we have as accurate a picture as possible.
Our testing also didn’t end with simple temperature testing, as you’ve actually got to get your coffee there intact. We also tested durability by dropping these thermoses off our tailgates (and yes, sometimes running them over as well), and compared them in a leak test, where the thermoses were filled with hot water and laid on their sides over paper towels. All told, these thermoses have been shaken, rattled, and rolled to ensure they won’t be going anywhere but with you when you need them.
Why You Should Trust Us
Contributor and tester Meg Carney is no stranger to an outdoors romp, and has worn hats as a wilderness therapy guide, backpacking guide, and climbing instructor whose time outside doesn’t stop when the temps drop. Her look into the best thermoses on the market started in 2021 with nine of the most capable, and continues today by adding new types of thermoses including insulated mugs, soup bowls, and more.
Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is the man behind the goggles for this guide, and he drummed up the testing regimen that all considered thermoses undergo in order to earn a spot in our lineup. His testing stretches from his workbench to the foothills of the Cascades, where he has been known to carry a warm beverage from time to time.
Nick LeFort, who’s been testing and reviewing knives and gear professionally for more than a decade, agreed to help us test out a handful of the insulated bottles on this list. LeFort, who is known for spending more time in the woods than in his own home, took on the task of hiking around New England making sure these bottles could be used, abused, and stand up to their manufacturer’s claims. He also pulled an old-school all-nighter to help out with the Temperature Retention Test.
Temperature Retention Test
In order to better gauge their worth, we subjected each thermos to a rigorous temperature retention test. Typically during a day in late October, as the first winter storms blow in, we assemble all of our thermoses for a showdown.
Each thermos simultaneously receives a full serving of 200-degree F water, and is then surveyed for temperature at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. While we understand that some folks recommended preheating their thermoses for maximum efficiency, we wanted to replicate the most likely scenario and poured our brew into room-temp vessels.
Then, seeking an accurate testbed, we chuck our bottles out on our workbench while we get to tinkering. The ambient temperature fluctuates between 40 and 50 degrees F, but all thermoses fare the same treatment. Once completed, we average our findings over previous results.
Thermos Test Results
Thermos | 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 hours | 8 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle | 200 F | 198 F | 190 F | 184 F | 175 F | 158 F |
Thermos Stainless King | 200 F | 195 F | 190 F | 175 F | 170 F | 150 F |
CamelBak MultiBev | 195 F | 190 F | 170 F | 145 F | 135 F | 100 F |
Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle | 200 F | 200 F | 193 F | 185 F | 175 F | 160 F |
YETI Rambler Hotshot | 200 F | 196 F | 192 F | 170 F | 162 F | 139 F |
Hydro Flask Food Jar | 180 F | 165 F | 116.5 F | 91 F | 75 F | 60 F |
YETI Rambler Mug | 178 F | 163 F | 112 F | 84 F | 70 F | 60 F |
Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle | 200 F | 198 F | 193 F | 183 F | 173 F | 149 F |
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 | 197 F | 193 F | 175.5 F | 157.5 F | 142.5 F | 112.5 F |
Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug | 185 F | 175 F | 135 F | 107.5 F | 99 F | 70 F |
Stanley Adventure To-Go | 200 F | 195 F | 187 F | 181 F | 170 F | 159 F |
Maxso 2-Pack | 192.5 F | 187.5 F | 169 F | 150 F | 137.5 F | 105 F |
Klean Kanteen TKPro | 200 F | 189 F | 179 F | 169 F | 165 F | 150 F |
Thermos Funtainer | 185 F | 177.5 F | 142.5 F | 112.5 F | 97.5 F | 67.5 F |
Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle | 200 F | 195 F | 190 F | 184 F | 170 F | 159 F |
*Temperatures averaged over 3 consecutive years tested
The Ideal Coffee Drinking Temperature
While a few things didn’t surprise us during our testing (we knew there was a reason Grandpa loved his Stanley), a few things did stand out, and all of our data is given meaning by one important nugget of information: the ideal temperature to sip your cup of joe at.
Figured out by some eggheads by surveying consumers and balancing their preferences against the risk of scalding, an optimal drinking temperature for hot beverages can be pegged at right around 136 degrees F, give or take a few degrees. This number became our make-or-break figure in comparing relative heat retention, and some interesting trends bore out in the data.
For one, three rough groups emerge at around the 1-hour mark: the first being what we’ll call the Classics — the Stanley Classic, Thermos Stainless King, Stanley Forge, Klean Kanteen TK Pro, Stanley Artisan, Zojirushi Tuff Sports, and Stanley Adventure To-Go bottles. These thermoses were in it for the long haul, and were all able to stay above 150 degrees for a full 24 hours. That’s still too hot to drink casually!
Bigger here is also better, as a larger mass of heated liquid is able to self-insulate much better than smaller-volume bottles, and that brings us to our second group: the Travelers. This includes the YETI Rambler Hotshot, Zojirushi SM-TA84, Maxso bottles, and CamelBak MultiBev, which all were able to stay above the optimum sipping temperature for a full 12 hours, before falling off to around 100 degrees after a full day. These thermoses are all sized to fit in a pack for to-the-go warm drinks, and only need to stay warm long enough for day trips or commutes.
And finally, the Foodies are comprised mostly of thermoses that carry things like hot soups, but also include the wide-mouth YETI Rambler Mug, as well as the Hydro Flask Food Jar and Contigo Byron. These thermoses all held tough for an hour, but then most dropped off at the 4-hour mark. Likely long enough to get your soup to lunchtime — but not much longer.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Thermos
Looking for your next thermos, you’ll likely want to ask yourself a few questions. Are you looking to have a day’s worth of coffee for the whole crew, or maybe just a swig of warm tea at the end of a hike? Do you need your thermos to be compact to fit into a school lunchbox or backpack?
Then, consider if you’ll need the features of a full-fledged thermos, or if you might be well suited with a bottle that’ll keep drinks both hot and cold. Bottles with integrated cups and handles, like the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle, are born-and-bred thermoses, while the YETI Rambler Hotshot could be used for both chilled or toasty beverages.
Note that this is a constantly changing list and that as new thermoses come out we’ll test and add them if we think they made the cut. If you’re looking for a water bottle, check out our lineup of the best insulated water bottles.
Capacity
Determining your thermos capacity needs comes down to two factors: the intended activity and if you’re sharing. Liquid weight adds up fast and though we always recommend you take a little more than you think you need, we don’t mean another 32 ounces.
If you’re heading out for a day of ice fishing, lugging out a Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle will be no issue, but if you’re embarking on an ultralight backpacking trek, a heavy metal thermos may not even make the cut.
Consider how much you usually drink or eat and if it will fit inside the thermos container. Then decide if it’s just for you or if you’re packing lunch or coffee for you and your partner. If you have multiple people sharing a thermos, then a larger capacity is ideal. However, if one cup of coffee is all you need, something closer to the CamelBak MultiBev or YETI Rambler Hotshot will suffice.
If you can’t decide, or your plans or a little more open-ended, we recommend the sweet spot of 32 ounces. Something in that range won’t be too big or too small. Most water bottle pockets found on day and multi-day packs are designed for 32 ounce bottles. With that being the case, the Klean Kanteen TKPro Insulated Thermos, Stanley Adventure To-Go Thermal Bottle, or the Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle would be the right choice in this situation.
Insulation
The insulating capabilities of a thermos are what makes them so useful. Most on the market today will utilize vacuum insulation, but some may also use foam insulation. Vacuum insulation tends to work better than foam, glass, or ceramic, making it the standard for quality thermos brands.
Vacuum insulation also aids in the durability of these vessels. Instead of having something with two thin plastic layers surrounding a foam core, these bottles have two steel walls that are designed to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.
In our in-house temperature testing, we found that there’s a reason your grandpa loved his Stanley so much. The Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle only fell 50 degrees over a full 24 hours — down to 160 degrees F. That’s still too hot to drink quickly! Close behind were the Stanley Classic Legendary and Adventure To-Go bottles.
Vacuum insulation uses a double layer of material to create a space between the walls. This gap of air (the vacuum) is what prevents heat from escaping or entering. While vacuum insulation has become the gold standard in thermos technology, the nature of the double-walled construction creates extra weight.
Though this may not be an issue for fishing or casual hiking, vacuum-insulated thermoses are not very practical for backpacking, climbing, or other activities that require prolonged carrying.
Durability
Most of us bring our thermoses outdoors, so they need to be able to take a beating. They also need a little TLC over time to make sure that they’re functioning properly. Top-quality thermoses are constructed using stainless steel of some kind for the body. A stainless steel body is harder to break, especially in cold conditions. Many thermoses also have an additional coating to ensure that they’re well-protected.
In regards to what’s going on inside, all of these containers are BPA-free. They may have a stainless steel inner wall or it could be some other type of liner. Whichever it is, it’s important to make sure you’re cleaning these bottles out regularly. If you’re putting anything else besides water inside of them, it is very important to make sure you’re cleaning them out after each adventure.
Be mindful of the handle and lid when considering durability as well. Some thermos lids have stainless steel exteriors, and the air-pressure lid is plastic because it isn’t directly exposed unless opened.
Some other designs have all-plastic lids, and this is usually the first part of the thermos to fail. If it does come with a plastic lid, double-check the warranty or if replacement parts are available if something breaks.
Lid Construction
Another aspect of the lid to consider is the seal and how you drink out of the thermos. If you have a food-specific thermos, consider how easy it is to pour from the opening as well.
Traditional thermos designs, like the Stanley Classic, have two lids: one air-locking lid on the inside and an exterior lid that doubles as a cup. These dual-lid designs are almost always leakproof, especially because both lids have a food-grade silicone seal of some kind. Having a secure lid design is necessary when carrying around a thermos of hot water or coffee — not only to prevent spilling in a bag but also for your safety.
Other thermos lids, like that of the Contigo Travel Mug, are more like a travel coffee container lid. They should have a silicone seal and a variation of Contigo’s SnapSeal to cover the drinking spout. These lids will vary from company to company, but be sure to pay special attention to how well the lid seals, especially if you intend to use it backpacking.
Additionally, and this is common with food containers like the Thermos Funtainer, make sure that the silicone gasket is in good working order. Over time these will break down, that’s just their nature. When they do, they’ll need to be replaced so that the bottle can retain heat and keep from leaking.
If you’re only using the thermos as a food container, look at the opening of the lid or top of the thermos to see how easy it will be to pour. The wider the mouth, the harder it will be to precisely pour. However, a wide mouth can make it easier to eat directly from the thermos.
When a thermos is meant for drinking, the lid construction determines how easy it is not to spill on yourself with every sip. Silicone lids usually create a decent seal but can be challenging to drink from. Plastic lids with a sipping hole or straw are usually the go-to for most nontraditional thermos lids.
Extra Features & Accessories
Extra features like a lid that doubles as a cup, an optimized handle design and grip, or a built-in spoon add a bit of versatility to a thermos. These aren’t necessarily aspects of the thermos that make or break its functionality, but they can add that little extra piece that makes your life easier or a little more comfortable when enjoying coffee on a cold winter morning.
Price & Value
A good thermos can be considered an investment, but you certainly don’t need to spring for the priciest one to get some solid performance. Price is mostly related to relative volume when it comes to thermoses, but improved thermal retention also comes into play. There’s a reason the Stanley Forge Thermal bottle is north of $70, while the same-sized Stanley Adventure To-Go bottle is half the price: pure performance.
Budget
Your budget thermoses can still do a dang good job, and will still be made with the same vacuum insulation and 18/8 stainless steel that the top performers are. The difference, mostly, will be in the trim, such as lesser quality caps and cups, and less easy-to-use handles. The $39 Thermos Stainless King was still able to hit 150 degrees F after 24 hours in our temperature test, but does ding a bit easier than top-shelf Stanleys.
You’ll also find that smaller vessels for commuting or a single cup of coffee will be cheaper, with the YETI Rambler Hotshot Bottle ($30), Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug ($17) and Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48 ($30) all being notable examples. These thermoses are cheaper simply because they hold less liquid, but if you only need a warm beverage in the morning, it can make good sense to snag one.
Mid-Tier
Bumping up to $40-50 gets you into the ‘legacy’ bottles, with big names like Stanley and CamelBak being commonplace. These vessels lean on a long history, as well as a good bit of tech, to hit impressive numbers when it comes to holding heat in. Most every thermos we tested over $50 was able to stay above 150 degrees F after 24 hours (with the exception of the $52 CamelBak MultiBev — where the price comes from the versatile nature).
The $50 Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle is just about everything we think anyone might need in an all-day thermos — impressive heat retention, a solid build, and an easy-to-clean design that won’t accumulate funk. The Stanley Artisan Thermal Bottle ($45) is a riff on an older school design, and while you don’t get a handle here, the looks are what separates this thermos from the pack.
Premium
Paying $70+ for a thermos means you’ll be giving it to your grandkids, which is saying something. These thermoses pull out all of the stops and will go the extra mile by using vacuum-insulated cups, thicker steel walls, and integrated rubber overlays to shield from damage. The Stanley Master Forge Thermal Bottle ($72) is all of this and was also the winner of our heat retention test for the third year in a row.
Don’t count out mondo-sized drink haulers, either, like the Zojirushi Tuff Sports Bottle ($72), which has almost as impressive heat retention abilities and a very refined lid system that makes pouring a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
As far as temperature control goes, the best thermos cups are designed by YETI or Hydro Flask. Both companies have mugs and cups that don’t utilize the traditional thermos air-pressure seal and instead have an insulated cup with a sipping lid. These aren’t spill-proof, but they afford the consumer the insulation of a thermos in cup form.
Some thermos flasks can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but not all are dishwasher-safe. This is disclosed by the manufacturer of the thermos.
If it’s not dishwasher-safe, be sure to take the thermos apart completely and handwash after every use. Don’t forget to remove the rubber seal within the lid to ensure that no food or liquid is trapped underneath.
Stanley thermoses have the best heat retention compared to any other brand. This is due to their quality materials, vacuum insulation, and tight lid seal. However, to create a thermos with the best heat retention, it did have to be bulkier and heavier than the others.
When sending your child off to school, it’s great to know they’ll feel well taken care of with cold water and a hot lunch. On this list, we’ve included high-quality kid-friendly thermoses designed for both liquids and food.
Most kids’ thermoses made to hold liquids feature an easy-to-use built-in straw. While straw tops are great and are generally preferred by kids, they’re usually not compatible with hot liquids.
Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations before putting hot liquid into your child’s drinking thermos. The combination of a straw lid and hot liquids can be dangerous.
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