How to choose the best thermos?

Without exaggeration, a thermos is a unique invention of mankind, which solves a huge number of problems associated with the storage of drinks and ready-made food. Hot in it stays hot for a long time, and cold stays cold. The high popularity of these universal containers is due to the convenience and ease of use, high functionality and wide consumer availability.

The first thermos was invented by the Scottish physicist James Dewar back in the 19th century, but its purpose was to prevent the evaporation of the liquid contained inside. The design was based on a glass box for storing gases, which was somewhat modified and improved. The new container was a flask-shaped vessel with a narrow neck and double walls, between which there was a vacuum.

However, such a vessel was not intended for food storage and was used exclusively for scientific purposes. A little later, Dewar's student Reinhold Burger guessed that the container could also be used for domestic purposes.He modified the vessel, replacing the outer glass shell with a metal one, and equipped it with a hermetic stopper and a glass lid. Since then, the design of the thermos has not undergone fundamental changes and still works according to the old principle, developed more than 120 years ago.

A modern thermos, like its distant ancestor, consists of two shells - external and internal. The outer is a durable shock-resistant case made of plastic or metal, and the inner part is called a flask and can be made of steel or glass.

The intershell space is filled with cork or vacuum and hermetically sealed. The flask, in turn, is equipped with a stopper, which enters the neck according to the plug principle or has a threaded connection with it. The second option is more preferable, as it guarantees complete tightness of the vessel and eliminates the risk of leakage.

The scope of the thermos is quite diverse. It is an indispensable thing on hikes, road trips and walks, it helps to keep lunch hot where there is no possibility of heating food, and also does not allow soft drinks to warm up in the heat.

Thermoses are simply necessary for fishermen, travelers, rescuers, hunters, athletes, office workers and builders, i.e. people who do not have the opportunity to eat hot food during the day in stationary conditions. The use of a thermos allows not only to enjoy a hot lunch on time, but also significantly saves the budget, since for many people visiting cafes and canteens is simply not affordable. Besides, true connoisseurs of natural aromas have long adapted a thermos for brewing various herbs and herbs.

The classification of thermoses is made according to such criteria as filling the intershell space and functional purpose. According to the first criterion, vacuum models and products are distinguished, in which instead of vacuum there is a solid heat-insulating material - cork or foam. Vacuum thermoses are considered the most preferred, as they retain heat and cold much longer than solid-filled models.

The vacuum group includes most universal thermoses for liquids and prepared food, while the second group includes mainly thermo mugs, thermo bags and thermal containers. Sometimes, instead of a vacuum and a heat insulator, there is an ordinary air gap between the flask and the body. Such models belong to the most budgetary category of thermoses, they are able to maintain the desired temperature for no more than 2-3 hours.

According to the second sign - the functional purpose, thermoses are divided into several types.

• For drinks. An elongated vessel with a narrow neck and often a screw cap. The space between the walls in such models is filled with vacuum, which allows them to maintain the desired temperature for 24 hours. The lid is made in the form of a glass and is made of heat-insulating materials that do not allow it to heat up from hot drinks. More expensive models are equipped with a retractable side handle, thanks to which pouring liquid becomes as convenient and safe as possible.

• For soup and second courses. It is distinguished by a wide mouth, into which a scoop spoon, often included in the kit, freely enters. The cork often has a screw thread, although in more budget options it can be closed according to the plug principle. The top lid is made of food grade thermoplastic and can be used as a cup.Soup thermoses are often equipped with a convenient top handle, which has a folding design and in the folded position practically does not protrude beyond the thermos.

• pump model Designed for home use and very easy to use. Such thermoses hold heat well, as they do not require opening the lid to pour liquid. It's all about the presence of a special mechanism - a pneumatic pump that delivers a drink through the spout after pressing the button. Pump models often have a large volume and are equipped with a top handle.

• Sudkovy thermos is a capacious container containing several containers of different sizes at once, each of which has its own sealed lid. To facilitate the design, such models are made of heat-resistant plastic.

• Thermo mug It is designed to store a small amount of liquid and, in terms of its working qualities, it significantly loses to a classic thermos. This is due to the absence of a vacuum layer between the walls of the body and the flask, as well as not too tight lids. However, for a short trip, such a thing fits perfectly and eliminates the need to take a large thermos with you.

There are not so many enterprises producing thermoses in our country. Therefore, the rating of the best Russian companies turned out to be rather short and includes only three domestic manufacturers.

The Arktika company, known for its products not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries, confidently occupied the first place. The company produces high-quality thermoses, thermo mugs and thermal containers using only certified and safe materials.The case of models intended for ready-made food and drinks is made of durable stainless steel and has a modern design, and the most efficient vacuum is achieved through the use of own innovative Arctica Storm technology.

All products of the enterprise are divided into several series, including thermoses of various shapes. For example, models from the 101-110 series are beverage containers and are available in volumes from 350 to 2200 ml. Series 201 to 412 are represented by models with wide mouths, designed to store first and second courses.

Thermoses 501 series are equipped with a pneumatic pump and are available in volumes from 2 to 3.5 liters. Series 702 represented by models called "Cityterm", which are equipped with a drinker and are designed for people who are on the move for a long time and do not have the opportunity to drink from a mug. And, finally, the company's novelty - thermoses 901 series having an unusual design and made in the shape of a flask, they will be a wonderful gift for a hunter and fisherman and will pleasantly surprise him with their convenience and functionality.

The advantages of the Arktika models are their attractive appearance, the ability to keep the temperature of the contents for a long time and reasonable cost. The conditional disadvantages include the Chinese assembly, which in no way affects the quality of products, although it causes a biased attitude of some consumers.

Biostal is also a well-known Russian brand that successfully competes on the world market. The company is engaged in the production of universal thermoses for drinks and ready meals, and also produces high-quality thermo mugs. The company's products are represented by the following series:

• "Classic" - classic silver models used to store liquids;
• "Auto" - compact products that easily fit in the glove compartment of a car and can be used for tea, coffee and soft drinks;
• "Sport" – models of bright colors, equipped with a convenient shoulder strap and side retractable handle;
• "Hunting" - extra-strong thermoses, covered with a special varnish that does not allow hands to freeze to metal;
• Fler – a series of original design thermoses, which are equipped with a silicone insert for greater ease of use.

The Amet company, unlike the two previous domestic brands, produces its products in Russia. The production facilities of the enterprise are located in the Chelyabinsk region at the Ashinsky Metallurgical Plant. The manufacturer produces the following series of thermoses:

• "Picnic" - classic models equipped with a handle and having a volume of 1 and 1.5 liters;
• "Road" - thermoses with a carrying strap and not afraid of shock and vibration;
• "Premier" fairly compact models designed for storing drinks, and having a volume of 0.5 and 0.33 liters;
• "Express" - vessel thermoses, which include several sealed containers for ready-made food at once;
• "Tourist" the largest group, consisting of thermoses with both narrow and wide necks with a volume of 1 to 1.5 liters;
• "Spring" - models with a narrow neck and a spout for supplying liquids with a volume of 2 to 3 liters;
• "Geyser" - thermos, equipped with a pneumatic pump, and having a volume of up to 3 liters.

Currently, more than half of the thermoses present on the shelves are of Chinese origin, the names of most of them are simply not known to anyone. Therefore, when choosing a thermos, it is better to focus on famous brands that use only safe raw materials in production and value their reputation. Below is an overview of the most popular models from the largest foreign companies that have been on the market for decades.

• Thermos is well known all over the world. It produces high quality and durable products. The assortment of the enterprise is represented by models with both glass and metal flasks, which allows you to choose a product for every taste. The high thermal insulation properties of all Thermos models without exception are due to the use of modern Ther Max technology, which provides deep vacuumization and contributes to long-term preservation of cold and heat. The company produces over 100 models of thermoses designed for both drinks and prepared food.

• Japanese company Zojirushi has been operating since 1918 and specializes in the production of thermoses for food. Models are made of stainless steel and differ in small weight and laconic appearance. The company's products are perfectly adapted to shock and weight loads, which is why it has gained immense popularity among fans of extreme recreation, hunters and fishermen. A distinctive feature of the design of Zojirushi thermoses is the minimum gap between the flask and the body, which is only 1 mm, as well as the Teflon coating of the flasks, which excludes the appearance of a metallic taste in food and drinks.

• Company from Germany LaPlaya has been operating since 1953 and is engaged in the development and production of portable refrigeration equipment and thermoses. German and Czech specialists are engaged in the design of models and the development of innovative production technologies, and production is carried out by China. Modern developments, combined with cheap labor, have made it possible to achieve the optimal combination of price and quality, putting LaPlaya products on a par with such famous brands as Thermos and Zojirushi. The assortment of the company includes more than 60 items, among which there are both large universal models for food and drinks, and miniature thermo mugs.

• American company Stanley manufactures medium-priced thermoses with a high-quality steel flask.A distinctive feature of the brand is a lifetime warranty, which the manufacturer gives for all its products, which is 100 years. However, due to the placement of part of the production facilities in China, the quality of products has deteriorated somewhat. Nevertheless, Stanley thermoses are still considered one of the most reliable and efficient. The company keeps its warranty obligations and unconditionally exchanges defective goods for a new one.

• Kovea company from South Korea is a well-known manufacturer of thermoses and produces quality models with a steel flask. In fairness, it should be noted that the company's assortment is not very wide, but despite this, consumers often choose this particular brand and completely trust it. The company manufactures several universal models that can be used for both ready-made food and drinks.

For the production of flasks for thermoses, materials such as glass, plastic and stainless steel are used. All materials have different performance characteristics, so when choosing a particular model it is necessary to be guided by the conditions in which it will be operated.

• If you plan to take a thermos with you on hikes, hunting, winter fishing or on a long road trip, then products with a metal flask will be the best choice. Such a flask is made of stainless steel, keeps the temperature perfectly and does not absorb odors. The downside of metal flasks is their heavy weight, which significantly makes the finished product heavier, and the metallic taste typical of cheap models.
• If you plan to take a thermos with you to work or use it for leisurely walks in the park, then the best option would be a product with a glass flask. Such flasks do not react with food, retain heat better and are easy to clean. The disadvantages include excessive fragility of glass, a high probability of breakage when the thermos falls. In addition, cold water must not be poured into a flask in which boiling water has just been, as this may cause the glass to burst.
• A thermos with a plastic flask can be used either for boiling water or for a single drink - tea or coffee. This is due to the ability of the plastic to absorb the smell, and when reheated, give it back. Therefore, a new drink can acquire the taste and aroma of the previous one, which, of course, cannot be allowed. But in comparison with glass and metal counterparts, plastic flasks do not weigh down the total weight of the product and do not break.

When choosing a thermos, it is important to correctly determine the volume, which will help not to spend extra money and not to transfer air in the flask. Fortunately, modern manufacturers offer volumes from 250 ml to 40 liters, which makes it easy to choose the right option. At the same time, it should be remembered that The bigger the thermos, the better it keeps the temperature. Conventionally, all models are divided into three groups: small containers with a capacity of 250–1000 ml, medium ones, containing from 1 to 3 liters, and large ones, designed for 3–40 liters.

If a thermos is purchased exclusively for individual use and will be used to carry hot drinks to work, then you can limit yourself to a compact thermo mug with a capacity of 250–330 ml. For picnic trips or family outings, a two-liter model would be the best option, and for home use, a thermos with a volume of over 3 liters, equipped with a pneumatic pump, would be a good option.

For hiking, hunting and fishing, the volume of the thermos is selected based on the number of people who will use it. It is necessary to calculate the total volume so that at least 250–300 ml of drinking is required per person.

The choice of a thermos is a responsible matter, therefore, before making a purchase, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of important points.

• You should carefully consider the packaging of the selected model and find information about the manufacturer. Reliable and responsible companies must indicate the address of their website or the phone number of the "hot line" to which you can send your claims and demand a replacement model in case of a factory defect.In addition, the box should clearly state what materials the thermos is made of and what products it is intended to store.
• Next, remove the product from the packaging and check it for dents and scratches. This is especially important for thermoses with painted bodies. It happens that in order to save money, ordinary steel is used for their production, which does not have anti-corrosion properties; if the protective layer is damaged, the metal will begin to rust over time.
• After a visual inspection, it is recommended to shake the thermos and make sure there are no extraneous knocks. Their presence indicates a poor attachment of the bulb to the body or its breakdown.
• The cork should also be checked: it should twist freely until it stops, not scroll or dangle in the neck. And you should also smell the cork itself and the neck, make sure that there are no extraneous odors. Their presence indicates the use of low-quality materials and serves as a clear signal warning against buying such a thermos.
• If the model is purchased for home use, and even more so for brewing herbal teas, then only models with a glass flask should be purchased.
• For short-term storage of hot dishes for 1-2 hours, instead of a thermos, you can purchase a thermal container or a thermal bag.
• When choosing a model for fishing, it is better to purchase non-sinking samples equipped with rubber or silicone inserts.

In general, most consumers are satisfied with their thermoses and rate them highly. performance properties. However, this is more often to models of well-known brands that value their reputation and produce high-quality products.

Among the products of little-known or young companies, there are frankly weak models that require careful refinement. So, the owners of Tatonka thermos bottles complain about rotating lids and corks, although there have been no incidents with wet things yet, this fact is somewhat alarming. The owners of Amet thermoses have no special complaints about them, only some bulkiness of the models and a lot of weight are noted.

There are many good reviews about Penguin models, which in the instructions have a table indicating how many hours this or that displacement is able to keep the temperature. The most common complaints include cork odor and poor heat retention. In addition, owners of budget thermoses with an air pump often complain that over time the valve begins to leak, and one of the users even writes about a “flood” due to a tea leaf that got into the mechanism.

However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that this applies to models of little-known companies that are just starting their careers. The owners of branded products have no special claims to the manufacturer and have been using their thermoses for many years.

How to choose a thermos, see below.