The Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle is our best thermos. You just can’t beat the original Thermos creator because not only is it signature and well-known, it is also highly reliable and a classic travel drink ware that will keep your water temperature steady. It keeps drinks hot or cold up to 24 hours so it is highly flexible whatever you put in it and greatly dependable for on-the-go drinking. The vacuum insulation of this thermos is the first of its kind so you can’t go wrong with this as our top pick for the best thermos, naturally. Also, the exterior of this thermos is also thermally-protected so you won’t feel burned when hot water is in there and it won’t cause moisture when cold liquid is in there.

Our step-up pick is the ZOJIRUSHI SM-SC60-HM Stainless Steel Flask 600ml and it is made from genuine stainless steel and polypropylene on the outside. Also, the sleek design will definitely awe you and your friends and family. The thermos can keep drinks hot up to 6 hours at 73 degrees C or more and can keep drinks cold up to 6 hours at 8 degrees C or less. The interior part is made from stainless steel so it will not mess with your drinks. You can enjoy a healthy water source with this thermos as it has a capacity of 600 ml with a diameter of 4 centimeters.

The budget pick is the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle and it is completely leak-proof so you can take it virtually anywhere on a camping trip, on an RV or while traveling. It can keep drinks cold or hot up to 24 hours. If you add ice, you can extend the life of your cold drinks up to 120 hours. It has a total capacity of 1.1 quarts and is also available in other sizes of thermoses so you can pick one at your convenience and for your specific needs. Also, the rugged design makes this thermos ideal for on-the-go purposes.

A Little Background

A thermos is used for keeping things hot. Like a bigger version of the travel mug you use at the office or while cycling across the country, a thermos is designed to keep a constant temperature while time passes by – but on a bigger capacity than a regular mug. Generally, the purpose of a thermos is not just for drinking, but also for personal hygiene such as washing, bathing and others. A thermos is also handy if you want many people to drink hot coffee or chocolate in one go.
Thermos or vacuum flask – people get confused a lot when pertaining to vacuum flasks because they are generically labeled as “thermoses” instead of what they really are – vacuum flasks. The Thermos brand is just a brand but it was the first commercialized vacuum flask so it monopolized the world. Eventually, the word “thermos” now refers to vacuum flasks that keep drinks in their constant temperature, whether you want it hot or cold.
Drinks can get cold once you venture on a trip outdoors. Imagine camping, trekking or backpacking outdoors. At night, nothing is more refreshing than a warm cup of coffee. If you are a solo backpacker, a travel mug is fine but if you intend to travel for days or if you are with a group or team, bringing a handy thermos seems to be a great outdoor companion in general.
A thermos is also useful at home so you can keep hot water hot (or cold water cold if it is designed that way). To get away from the hassle of turning the stove on again just to reheat your water for a nice cup of tea or coffee, most people can just use a thermos at home so they can serve hot water later without having to expend more fuel in the long run.
Economically speaking, a thermos is able to save you energy and fuel in the long run because you don’t have to keep heating your water all the time. This is extremely helpful if you want to reduce on your fuel consumption and this is also one of the biggest advantages of using a thermos at home. Supposedly, you want to have coffee now but later, your colleague also wants to have coffee as well. To avoid reheating water, you can just depend on a thermos for hot water, since it can significantly maintain the temperature of your water for a certain period of time, certainly longer than travel mugs, obviously, since they are built for heavy-duty use.
A thermos can also be used on cabins, RVs and mobile living where electricity and / or fuel resource may be scarce. Aside from its economical benefits, a thermos can also be used on the great outdoors where it may be very hard to heat up water without the use of fuel resource. If you are on a limited supply of energy then the best you can do is attain portability and on-the
Because it is highly portable, a thermos is usually made with an easy carrying handle on the go. However, some thermoses are made to have no handles but have a soft and cool touch exterior which does not burn you when it’s hot. And alongside that, the thermos may also have a feature which does not permit it to have condensation when you keep iced cold drinks.
The thermos works by keeping your water temperature constant. It does not heat up or cool down your water, contrary to popular belief. Most people think that thermoses are for heating – nah, they’re just a way to keep your water hot, that’s all. Obviously, you need a water heater source to heat up your drinks or cool it down using ice cubes or storing it in the freezer.

How We Picked

When considering a thermos for home or camping use, take note of the following features:

Capacity – this refers to how much water or content can the thermos take in and hold. Whether it is in ounces, milliliters or whatever unit you use, a thermos is a thermos – it will store liquid, unless it is also designed to keep food as well. Know the amount or capacity of a thermos before buying.
Span of time it keeps the temperature steady – this refers to how long will hot water stay hot (or cold water stay cool). A thermos is like a giant travel mug – it makes the use of insulating material to maintain a constant temperature within your liquid.
Ergonomic handling and design – this refers to how easy it is to carry with its handle and style or design. Take note that not all thermoses have handles – some just have a cool exterior which makes you feel like handling a vacuum insulated travel mug.

Our Pick

Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle
For our best thermos, we chose the Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle which has a total capacity of 40 ounces. With this thermos, you can’t go wrong because it keeps drinks hot or cold up to 24 hours so it is highly flexible whatever you put in it and greatly dependable for on-the-go drinking. And what’s more, you just can’t beat the original Thermos creator because not only is it signature and well-known, it is also highly reliable and a classic travel drink ware that will keep your water temperature steady. This handy thermos is available in two different colors.
Adding to its flexibility, you can use the lid as a serving cup and it, too, has an insulation effect, so you don’t need an additional mug to take with you when drinking coffee from it while on a trip or during camping or RV living. What’s more, the vacuum insulation of this thermos is the first of its kind so you can’t go wrong with this as our top pick for the best thermos, naturally.
As for the construction of the thermos, the interior part is made from stainless steel so it will not screw up your drinks or hot water (or cold water) so you only enjoy a healthy water source. And on the outside, the exterior of this thermos is also thermally-protected so you won’t feel burned when hot water is in there and it won’t cause moisture when cold liquid is in there.
For your convenience, the lid also has a twist-and-pour function so you don’t have to move the stopper while pouring down. And moreover, not only is it highly insulated – it is also leak-proof because of the construction of the rubber gaskets. Adding to the thermos’ durability, the double-wall insulation is definitely the best of its kind (and the original one, too). For your safety, it is also free from BPA so you stay safe from harmful chemicals that might get into your drinks when you purchase cheaper thermoses. So if you truly want the best thermos, go for the Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only thing that some users did not like about the Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle is the fact that it can be hard to put standard sized ice cubes in. However, this is not really a big issue if you consider its temperature retaining power and its quality build. After all, what you will usually put here is just liquid and ice is just an optional thing.

Step-up Pick

ZOJIRUSHI SM-SC60-HM Stainless Steel Flask 600ml
If you have some extra budget, you can go for our step-up pick, the ZOJIRUSHI SM-SC60-HM Stainless Steel Flask 600ml, which can keep drinks hot up to 6 hours at 73 degrees C or more. This thermos can keep drinks cold up to 6 hours at 8 degrees C or less.
A very handy thermos on the go, it has a capacity of 600 ml with a diameter of 4 centimeters. As for the build, it stands at a height of 9 inches along with its ample capacity for liquids. On the issue of durability, it has been made from genuine stainless steel and polypropylene on the outside. Because the manufacturers value your convenience, it is super easy to use because of its one-touch opening mechanism. Adding to that, the sleek design will definitely awe you and your friends and family.
The ZOJIRUSHI Stainless Steel Flask is a great option for a handy thermos. Do know however, it should not be used on the dishwasher as well as on the dish dryer.

Budget Pick

Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle
As for our budget pick, we chose the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle and this very useful vacuum flask has a total capacity of 1.1 quarts. And in addition, you stay safe while on the go because of the fact that this thermos is completely leak-proof so you can take it virtually anywhere on a camping trip, on an RV or while traveling. On its efficiency, it can keep drinks cold or hot up to 24 hours. And what’s more, if you add ice, you can extend the life of your cold drinks up to 120 hours.
For portability, the ergonomic handle adds to its easy carrying mechanism. Another great feature is the fact that the lid is also insulated and can also be used as a serving cup which amounts to a capacity of 236 mL or 8 ounces. What’s more, it is also free from BPA so you stay safe with your drinks. For durability, the non-rusting capability of this thermos stems from its 18/8 quality stainless steel construction. For easier lifting, the handle also has a flat pack design so it is easy to carry around.
The Stanley Bottle is also available in other sizes of thermoses so you can pick one at your convenience and for your specific needs. And what’s more, the rugged design makes this thermos ideal for on-the-go purposes. The thermos is also backed by a lifetime warranty so you stay worry-free.

Best Airpot Thermos

BUNN 32130.0000 3.0 Liter Lever-Action Airpot
Our best airpot designed thermos is the BUNN 32130.0000 3.0 Liter Lever-Action Airpot in which the handle makes this thermos very easy to transport due to its portability and ease of use. For the design, a black trim is given on the stainless steel finish for style and durability in one place. This thermos has a capacity of 3 liters or equivalent to 102 ounces.
As for the mechanism, the lever action of the lid is the unique asset of this thermos and it makes it easy to brew through for convenient on the go and outdoor camping, trekking, hiking and mobile living. It effectively keeps your hot coffee hot for many hours (or even days depending on your weather or climate) due to the stainless steel lining. Likewise, the BUNN Lever-Action Airpot can also be used with iced tea or anything that requires ice.

Thermos with Tea Infuser

Thermos 16-Ounce Drink Bottle w/Tea Infuser
If you like making tea while on the go then you’d better save up for the Thermos 16-Ounce Drink Bottle w/Tea Infuser. As a unique feature from the long line of quality thermoses, the tea infuser makes this thermos ideal for having tea. It can effectively keep hot drinks hot up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. And what’s more, it is safe to use on the dishwasher so you get a hassle-free cleaning experience with this thermos.
The thermos with a tea infuser has a capacity of 16 ounces and it is also an ideal loose leaf tea thermos on the go. For convenience, the lid is also leak-proof so it is suitable for traveling also due to its locking mechanism. And in addition, the lid locks easily with just a one-handed button push. As for the material, it uses stainless steel for its interior so not only does it protect your drinks from losing their temperature – it also adds to the durability of the product.
For its unique feature, the infuser has the capability of holding loose leaf tea of up to 4 teaspoons. The Thermos brand values your safety as this thermos is completely free from BPA so your drinks stay safe and hot (or cool). And moreover, both the inside and outside are made from quality stainless steel material for extended durability. Warm liquids can have their flow controlled better using the smooth flow design technology. And in addition, you also have the option to use the thermos without the tea infuser for convenience.

Ideal Thermos for Storing Beer

Chief Stainless Steel Beer Koozie Insulator
Need a beer during the winter? No worries – the Chief Stainless Steel Beer Koozie Insulator has got you covered. It is definitely great for those who have the need for beer during extreme working conditions and bad weather. This is because of the fact that you can put in beer, soda, hard cider or roughly any kind of drink in the koozie. This thermos koozie has a capacity of 12 ounces and this pack is the best way to enjoy beer even while on the go.
As for the durability of the thermos set, the material used for the koozie thermos is high quality 18/8 stainless steel that is also insulated. You are worry-free because it is safe and non-toxic due to being completely free from BPA content. And also, the package also has an exclusive insulated bag to fit the koozie thermos in so your drinks can be carried on the go.
But check out its freebies – a bottle opener is also included in this thermos package for travel purposes. Also, an e-book about home brewing is also included in this package so you can get basic lessons on home brewing and making your own beer and similar drinks.
As a whole, the Chief Beer Koozie Insulator is a great Father’s Day gift to consider or as a birthday gift for someone who absolutely loves beer. And likewise, it also fits most glass bottles with a capacity of 12 ounces, from brands such as Budweiser, Avery, Heineken, Pepsi, Bud Light, Miller, Michelob, Coors and many more. For convenience, the bottom part of the thermos can be screwed for easy beer bottle insertion.

Ideal Thermos for Packing Lunch

msbento

Zojirushi SL-NCE09 Ms. Bento Vacuum Jar
The Zojirushi SL-NCE09 Ms. Bento Vacuum Jar is a complete thermos set that will be the perfect lunch companion. In fact, the thermos itself is made from stainless steel. The package comes with 3 additional bowls for keeping cold or hot lunch, making this set perfect for bento (Japanese packed lunch) and other food packing instances in which the bowls can also be put in the microwave safely. Also, the bowls and the thermos are all easy to clean.
Along with the bowls, a forked spoon is included and can be attached to the thermos easily and it is also greatly protected with a protective cover. And to top it off, the package comes with a handy bag to carry everything in this set.
Now, let’s look at each of the thermos bowls. The main bowl has a capacity of 10 ounces and ideal for main courses and it is also highly insulated so you can keep the temperature of foods there. The side bowl is ideal for snacks and side dishes because it is not insulated unlike the main bowl, but it has a capacity of 11 ounces. Last but not the least the soup bowl has a capacity of 7 ounces and also has a leak-proof lid so it can be used for soups and other foods with liquid and it is also equipped with vacuum insulation to keep your food’s temperature as it is.
Staying safe, the whole thermos system is free from BPA so it is friendly to your food and to your health. For added convenience, the outer container is also easily washable. The Zojirushi Ms. Bento Vacuum Jar is nicely backed by a warranty of 5 years for the vacuum insulation part.

Best Carafe Thermos

Thermos 51-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless-Steel Carafe
The Thermos 51-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless-Steel Carafe has a total capacity of 51 ounces so it can fit a lot of drinks in it. You can easily pour your drinks or hot / cold coffee onto any cup or destination because of its ergonomic handle and opening spout. Moreover, it not only locks in the temperature of your liquid – it also preserves the flavor in case you put in coffee, tea or other colored drinks. In fact, you can even put in other stuff other than drinks such as gravy and it will stay hot (perfect for serving at fast food restaurants).
The opening has a width of 2 inches so you can fit ice and other stuff. It uses Thermax technology for keeping your drinks or liquid hot or cool and their aroma as fresh as possible. In fact, you won’t get any problems with the exterior part because it does not induce condensation when cold and it is not too hot to touch when it’s hot. Also, as we said, the mouth opening is large enough to easily clean and fit in stuff such as ice for keeping your drinks cold. The Thermos Stainless-Steel Carafe is also available in other smaller sizes in case you need only a few amount of coffee or tea on the go.

Ideal Thermos for Travel Purposes

CamelBak Forge 16oz Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
Available in a variety of designs, the CamelBak Forge 16oz Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug is ideal for keeping hydrated on the road without losing temperature. The stainless steel material not only keeps your drinks hot or cold, but it also adds to the durability of the product and the freshness of your drinks.
The thermos has a capacity of 16 ounces and it can keep hot drinks hot for more than 4 hours or so using its stainless steel vacuum insulation. Also, the finger carry loop adds to the convenience when you use it for traveling to places and pack drinks or coffee with it. The thermos is also highly durable and resistant to impact so it will not form cracks or dents when you accidentally drop it on a hard surface or ground while traveling. It is also easy to clean and maintain on a dishwasher for its greatly-designed cap.
The cap is also leak-proof and has a self-sealing mechanism. And also, a drink lever is attached to the cap which can be operated with just one hand. It is also particularly lightweight so even kids can use it. The CamelBak Forge Travel Mug is backed by a lifetime warranty. It doubles as a thermos and as a travel mug due to its clever design.

Thermos with Various Color Options

Healthy Human 32-oz Vacuum Insulated Bottle
With over 13 different colors to choose from, this handy thermos, the Healthy Human 32-oz Vacuum Insulated Bottle, is not just ideal for traveling but also ideal as a gift to someone or for your kids’ lunch pack. Also, the various colors also add personalization to your thermos bottle.
The thermos can keep hot drinks hot up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours and can be used on the go in absolutely any condition due to its portability and high durability. It prevents leaks from happening due to the unique design of the thermos. The powder coating matte finish makes it an eye-candy and also makes it sweat-proof for cold drinks and the 18/8 stainless steel material is not just durable but also safe because it contains absolutely no BPA.
Moreover, it has been tested and approved by the U.S. FDA and has also passed the European Safety Guidelines. Do know that all bottles have an opening diameter of 1.75 inches. This bottle has a capacity of 32 ounces which has a height of 10 inches and a weight of 13 ounces and it includes a cotton woven bag for carrying on the go. As freebies, a hydro guide is also included in your purchase and a carabiner comes as a giveaway so you can attach this handy thermos to anything.

The Competition

Thermoses are all around us in all sorts of shapes and sizes – we just have to pick the best one out there. Obviously, thermoses are quite larger than regular travel mugs and they have the capacity to carry more liquid than regular insulated mugs. The decision was not easy but these are the best thermoses out there that we picked based from our criteria.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, the Thermos Stainless King 40-Ounce Beverage Bottle is our best thermos not just because it is the original Thermos brand, but also because it is super versatile for any drinking situation.

Jen Miller

Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.

Best Thermos