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Looking to find the best thermos? Awesome! There’s no better way to maintain the temperature of foods and liquids you’re transporting.
Whether you’re looking for a thermos for hot food, soup, coffee, water, your kids and much more – you’re in the right place.
We’ve compiled the best products and brands so you can find the exact thermos to suit your needs. Let’s begin!
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Best insulated thermoses
1. Contigo Autoseal Insulated Stainless Steel Vacuum Mug
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The Contigo is a sleek and simple example of an insulated vacuum thermos. It’s tall and thin, which makes it easy to fit into cup holders.
By having a vacuum seal lid, this thermos allows you to keep hot drinks hot up to 7 hours and cold drinks cold up to 18.
Unlike other thermoses which can require two hands to properly open the lid to take a sip, the Contigo’s ergonomic button allows you to do it with just one, making it ideal for multitasking.
Pros:
- Available in over ten stylish and fun colors.
- You can get this insulated thermos in three different sizes.
- Made out of tough stainless steel.
- The lid is dishwasher-safe to make the cleanup even easier.
- Vacuum insulation keeps your drinks hot for up to 7 hours and cold for up to 18 hours.
Cons:
- Some people have reported that the lid is difficult to get clean.
- There are a few reports of the thermos retaining beverage odors after washing.
See Also: Best Cast Iron Tea pots
2. Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum Snapseal
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This other Contigo thermos is the more basic version of the Autoseal unit. Instead of coming with a spring-loaded vacuum sealed button, it comes with a tight snap seal which the user just flicks up or down to take a sip or to close it up.
It has a bit less insulated power than the Autoseal, but will still keep your hot beverages like coffee hot for up to 6 hours. Consider the SnapSeal model if you want something that’s a bit more simple.
Pros:
- Tons of different colors to choose from.
- Has a grip built onto the outside so it won’t slip out of your hand.
- Can keep your warm drinks hot for up to 6 hours and cold for 12 hours.
- The thermos is completely free of BPA.
- You can safely run the lid through your dishwasher.
Cons:
- A few owners have reported that it can be hard to open this thermos with one hand.
Related Article: Best Air Fryer for Tofu (But Should You Even Get One?)
3. YETI Rambler Vacuum Tumbler
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The Yeti is one of the most popular insulated thermoses on the market. There’s not much to say about it other than it’s a really solid insulated tumbler cup.
Because it’s so popular, there’s also tons of accessories for it and many different models. Some of the accessories include different lids (such as a magnet sealing lid) and a handle for easy sipping. You can’t go wrong with a Yeti!
Pros:
- The double-walled construction of the tumbler can take a beating.
- You can run the lid through your dishwasher when you’re done.
- Designed to fit into the average cupholder – no more worrying about your thermos falling out of the cup holders in your car.
- The thermos is entirely BPA-free.
- It has a No Sweat Design, which keeps the thermos dry and free from condensation.
Cons:
- Yeti tumblers can get pretty expensive.
Read Also: Best Pot and Pans for Gas Stove Options (2019 Edition)
4. AVITO Stainless Steel Coffee Mugs with Lids
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We wanted to include two simple mugs on this list because there is something a bit different about drinking your coffee from a mug compared to a tumbler or thermos. It offers more of a “home-y” slow sipping experience rather than the feeling of being always on the go.
Unfortunately, classic ceramic coffee mugs offer a great sipping experience, but are lacking in the heat retention department. These stainless steel mugs offer the best of both worlds.
Pros:
- You’ll get two stainless steel mugs at once in this package.
- The mugs are sold in three soft and appealing colors.
- Capable of holding up to 14 ounces, these mugs are more than enough to hold a huge cup of coffee.
- There are no toxins from BPA in any part of the mugs.
Cons:
- Not as large as some of the other thermoses on our list.
- Some have reported that they don’t keep coffee hot as long as a true thermos.
Recommended Article: Best Soy Milk Makers 2019 Edition (Our #4 Pick Will Surprise You)
5. Simply Modern Slim Cruiser Tumbler
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The Simply Modern Cruiser Tumbler is quite similar to the Yeti, but it is manufactured with a wide range of color options. This is great for the user who is aesthetically minded, but still wants to keep their coffee warm!
We’re not kidding when we say a wide range of color options. There are over 20 different colors to choose from, many of which are available in soothing gradients and eye-catching patterns. These tumblers are seriously stylish.
They’re also manufactured in a few different sizes, each one incredibly generous. With a 22, 30, or 32-ounce size available, you’ll have plenty of space for taking your largest drinks on the go.
Pros:
- These are some of the prettiest tumblers you’ll find.
- Sold in three different generously portioned sizes.
- Made out of tough and long-lasting stainless steel.
- Includes 2 BPA-free reusable straws.
- The slim size is designed to fit into most cup holders.
Cons:
- The lid can be difficult to put on and remove.
6. Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar
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Zojirushi is a Japanese brand best known for their high-tier rice makers. They also happen to make high quality thermoses!
Aptly named “Mr. Bento” after the traditional Japanese box-like plates, this thermos is one of the most functional out there on the market today. It comes with four microwavable bowls that each fit inside of the thermos.
These bowls measure in at 15.2, 10.1, 9.5, and 6.8 ounces. This allows you to separate out a bunch of perfectly prepped components to be enjoyed individually. If you’re keen on enjoying your lunch Bento style, this is the thermos for you!
Pros:
- Can hold complete meals inside it.
- Capable of keeping ingredients hot and cold for up to 6 hours.
- If necessary, any of the bowls in the thermos are microwave-safe for a quick warm-up.
- The container is made out of safe BPA-free plastic.
- Available in several sleek colors.
Cons:
- A few have said that the bowls inside are a little small, especially if you like to have large portions.
Further Reading: 10 Best Veggie Noodle Maker Options that Will Change The Way You Eat
7. BlinkOne Food Jar with Folding Spoon 16oz
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The robot-looking BlinkOne thermos is similar to the “Stainless King” as it contains a compartment to store the BPA-Free Polypropylene spoon that it comes with. It’s a 16 oz thermos which makes it great for one or two servings of soup.
It’s a solid, no-frills thermos for someone who wants something simple and functional.
Pros:
- Made from completely BPA-free materials.
- It’s double-walled, so it can keep food warm for up to 8 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.
- The 16-ounce capacity makes it useful for both adults and children.
Cons:
- Some owners felt that the spoon that comes with is a little flimsy.
8. DaCool Hot Food Jar
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One thing we love about this DaCool Hot Food Jar is how thoughtfully it’s designed to keep your portable meal at the right temperature. It has double stainless steel walls with copper-coated insulation to keep food and drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours.
Furthermore, it includes a convenient foldable spoon. The DaCool Hot Food Jar even has a built-in compartment that allows you to keep the spoon along with your food.
Because it has a wide mouth, you won’t need to struggle to eat from the container. Scooping your food out with the spoon is easy.
Pros:
- Several color choices to choose from.
- Includes a foldable spoon that you can store with the container.
- Copper-coated insulation helps keep your food and drinks warm or cold up to 12 hours.
- The wide mouth is easy to eat out of or pour food into.
Cons:
- Some owners say it can be hard to tuck the spoon into the cap compartment or take it back out.
Related Article: Does Making Your Own Nut Butter Save Money?
9. Simple Modern Kids Provision Jar
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This sleek-looking thermos by Simple Modern is a middle of the road option with its 16 ounce capacity. Not too big and not too small, but it doesn’t really have any fancy bells and whistles.
It says that it’s for children, but it does come in a larger 24-ounce size that may be better for adults. Either way, you could still use it or your child could take it to school.
It’s just a sleek and simple way to keep things the same temperature!
Pros:
- Tons of gorgeous patterns and colors to choose from.
- Comes in a few different sizes that could work for children or adults.
- You have the option of getting it with a convenient handle.
- Each jar has a copper insulation layer to keep your food or drink at the right temperature even longer.
Cons:
- A few owners have reported that it keeps food warm, but not hot.
10. Hydro Flask Food Flask Thermos Jar
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With a slightly larger size of 18 ounces, the Hydro Flask gives you a little more room compared to the standard 16 ounce thermos with roughly the same level of portability. It’s an aesthetically appealing food flask with a mouth wide enough to comfortably eat out of, but not too wide, so you can potentially sip a hot beverage from it as well.
Plus, it’s BPA-free, so you can feel totally safe when you eat and drink from it. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, consider the fact it has a power coating that keeps it firmly in your grip while you hold it and that coating is dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- There’s a powder coating on the outside that prevents it from slipping from your hand.
- The flask is dishwasher-safe, which makes the cleanup easy.
- TempShield technology keeps your food or drinks at a stable temperature for hours.
- Three different appealing colors to choose from.
Cons:
- There are some reports that the flask keeps food warm, but not hot.
11. Stanley Adventure Vacuum Insulated Food Jar
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The Stanley adventure is one of the bigger flasks on this list measuring in at 24 ounces – although it is manufactured in some other sizes as well.The lid has a double purpose and can be used as a bowl.
Stanley has been in the thermos and flask industry for quite a while, so it is also a brand that you can trust. With over a hundred years of experience, you can be sure that any Stanley thermos you choose is high-quality.
Pros:
- Can keep food hot or cold for a whopping 15 hours.
- The stainless steel construction will not rust with age.
- Has a wide mouth that’s comfortable to eat out of.
- The lid can be used as a bowl that you can pour soup into.
Cons:
- It looks plainer than other thermoses on our list.
- It can be expensive.
12. Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Food Jar with Folding Spoon
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When it comes to design, the “Stainless King” Thermos takes the cake. It’s almost like the Apple Computer of thermoses because of the sleek design and functionality.
It comes with a serving bowl and a stainless steel spoon that mount right on the top of the thermos. It has a 16 oz capacity and a pretty wide mouth so it’s easy to eat directly out of.
What more could you want from a thermos?
Pros:
- Includes a foldable stainless steel spoon and a serving bowl.
- Stays cool to the touch, even if you have hot food in it.
- Available in tons of colors.
- The wide mouth makes it a breeze to clean and eat from.
- Sweat-proof, so it won’t slip while you hold it.
Cons:
- There are some reports of the rubber seal coming off the lid and being difficult to put back on.
13. THERMOS FOOGO Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-Ounce Food Jar
This Thermos is one of the smaller ones on the list with a 10 oz capacity. It’s small enough for kids, yet big enough for adults who want to take a smaller sized snack, soup, or light lunch.
It’s got a durable exterior and interior meaning that it can take some abuse if you’re one of those people that’s not too careful with their thermos. In fact, it’s so tough, that your children can easily use it without fear of breaking it.
Because it’s sweat-proof, you won’t need to worry about condensation making it slippery, either. If you’re the kind of person who drops things often, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to grip this thermos.
Pros:
- Comes in five different colors to personalize your thermos.
- Durable enough to be used by kids and resist wear and tear.
- Has a large opening that makes it easy to fill.
- Made out of safe BPA-free materials.
Cons:
- The rubber ring around the lid can be hard to keep clean.
What to Consider When Buying an INsulated Thermos
So how do you decide which thermos to choose? We think there are a few things you should keep in mind, including the following characteristics:
- Size
- Color/Aesthetic
- Material
Size
Your first consideration for your insulated thermos or flask should be the size. As you can see just by looking at this list alone, thermoses come in a plethora of sizes.
The way you determine which size is best for your needs is to think about what you’re going to use it for. If you’re planning to pack lunches in it, you’ll probably want a smaller size for a child and a larger size for an adult.
On the other hand, if you’re going to use your thermos almost solely for drinks, consider who’s going to be drinking from it. Adults rushing to work with a coffee in tow will likely be able to drink more than kids taking a bottle of water to school.
Generally, you’ll find thermoses ranging anywhere from 12 to 32 ounces in size. Look for larger sizes if you want to pour food in it, and look for smaller to medium sizes for drinks.
Color
When you think of a thermos, you probably imagine a plain, stainless steel cylinder with no markings on it other than maybe a logo. These days, self-expression is important to many, and if that sounds vital to you, a boring stainless steel canister likely won’t appeal to you.
Fortunately, there are tons of thermos options out there. No matter what your style is, you can probably find a thermos to match. Whether you like pretty pastel colors, bold patterns, or edgy looks, there’s a thermos out there that you’ll be proud to carry along with you.
Material
The material of a thermos is crucial. It affects how well the thermos retains hot or cold temperatures, how long-lived it is, and even how easy it is to clean.
Plastic, for instance, is lightweight and easy to carry…but it’s notorious for clinging to food odors long after the fact. It’s also not as durable as some other options.
Stainless steel is usually the way to go when it comes to thermoses. It’s tough, resistant to rust, and simple to clean.
However, it’s not just stainless steel you should look for – consider looking for double-walled stainless steel thermoses, as they can keep a stable temperature even longer.
Wrap up
Hope you enjoyed this list! It really is that easy to enjoy your favorite foods at the optimal temperature. If you have a favorite food thermos that you think deserves to be here, please let us know in the comment section below.
Our personal favorite one on this list is the Thermos Stainless King.
We feel that it’s made from an incredibly trustworthy company, and we love how it includes a spoon and a bowl. It’s the ultimate lunchtime accessory.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
