Thermoses: features, varieties and recommendations for choosing

Recently, many people are more and more like to go on various trips, travel out of town and get more rest from the bustle of the city. And in nature, sometimes you want to drink something hot, which helps to relax even more. But it is not always possible to boil water on a fire, for this reason you have to bring hot drinks with you. And it helps to keep them warm thermos.

To understand what a thermos is, it is worth giving a description of its varieties. The thermos is a household appliance that is used to store liquids at a certain temperature. It can be higher or lower when compared with the external environment. In this container, you can store not only tea and coffee, but also various soups and liquid cereals. This is dishes with excellent properties of thermal insulation type, which can maintain a certain temperature of products for a long period.

Note that the thermos was invented back in 1892 by a Scottish scientist named James Dewar. At that time, the device was made of a glass flask with thickened walls, between which there was a vacuum, and the surface from the inside was coated with silver. This decision was due to the fact that the temperature inside the container did not depend on external conditions.

It should be said that today thermoses have become somewhat more modern than the invention of Dewar, but in general the principle of their work has remained the same. If we talk about the device of this device, then we should name the following components:

• lid-cup;
• bowl directly;
• the cork, which may or may not have a button, is usually covered on the inside with a special heat-insulating material;
• the ring, usually made of silicone, is a seal;
• the outer part, made of stainless steel (has a special coating based on copper, which perfectly reflects heat);
• the surface from the inside, which comes into contact with various liquids or food, has a special polished type coating, made by electrolytic method;
• between the walls there is a special insulating layer on a vacuum basis;
• at the bottom of the container there is an absorbent element that neutralizes the remaining air in a vacuum;
• bottom.

To keep warm the device should give as little as possible warm energy into space. In contrast, to maintain a low temperature, it is necessary that the product does not heat up from the environment. These are the main tasks of the thermos.

The described device works according to the law of heat exchange. If containers with cold and hot water are placed on the table, then after a while both of them will heat up, that is, they will have the same temperature as the environment. The described device is able to store heat in the internal container, since it is isolated from the external environment.

The simplest insulator in this case is air, but its efficiency is extremely low. That is why most devices use vacuum, i.e. emptiness. In fact, heat transfer from the inner bulb to the surrounding space simply does not occur.

It should be noted that There are various variations of thermoses, if we consider them in terms of the materials used:

• plastic;
• glass;
• steel.

The option with a glass flask requires very careful handling, because with any fall, the flask breaks easily. Such a solution will be almost ideal when it is necessary to ensure long-term storage of food or liquids.

Products with a steel flask are considered the most popular. Their downside is only a large mass. But such a flask treats falls and blows quite calmly. As a rule, the material for its manufacture is stainless steel. Metal also does not absorb odors, but stains can appear on the surface, which are more difficult to remove than from a glass surface. A steel bowl solution would be better for those who go camping when the thermal cookware is subject to vibration and possible dropping.

The most affordable will be solutions where plastic flasks are installed. They resist falling very well. but when pouring liquid, especially hot, they begin to emit a certain smell, which is impossible not to feel. And the taste of plastic will also be present.

Plastic options can be called the best solution when warm water is needed for technical purposes, or when the same type of drinks are transported, poured at a temperature of less than 100 degrees. If you fill the flask with boiling water, then the smell of plastic in it will definitely be. But here it is necessary to clarify that there are flasks made of high-quality plastic, although this is very rare. It is better not to use thermoses with such containers.

Recently, there are options with a copper flask. They are not as common, but have the same properties as their metal counterparts. There is also a ceramic option. It is somewhat similar in properties to glass in terms of fragility. But at the same time, it is very convenient to store warm liquids in them, and they are not saturated with any odors.

Today you can also find flasks coated with acrylic and silicone or Teflon coated. But they are produced in single copies, their market share is small. Although Teflon coated solutions are quite common. This option significantly increases the resistance of the flask to the absorption of various liquids and odors.

An important role in any thermos is played by such an element as a lid. In most models, the lid is usually used as a cork. But if the model is metal, then screw caps are usually used here.

There are different types of thermoses.Some are designed only for storing various liquids, while others are for storing food only. There are also universal options that allow you to store both of them - this is multifunctional thermos. Now let's talk about each category in more detail.

A thermos designed to store liquid is the most in demand. It has a narrow-necked flask, which minimizes heat loss at the lid. Such devices have a cork with a diameter of 2.5-5.5 centimeters. In addition to the cork on the flask, there is also an outer cover attached to the body. Usually it is used as a glass. More technological options have a special filling button, which is located next to the lid. By pressing the button, you can pour the liquid without unscrewing the inner cork - this helps to keep the drink hot longer.

If we talk about more capacious models, then they have a cover with a valve or with a pneumatic type pump. This solution allows you to pour liquid and not turn the thermos over. That is, a special button is simply pressed, and the liquid flows in a small stream into the glass. Often such models come with a thermometer.

The reason that they give off heat faster in that their tightness is not as high as that of the others. Such solutions are great for cold drinks - for water or milk. Just do not pour sweet liquids there, as they spoil the seal rings in the pump. In this case, the ring will soon begin to stick, and leaks will begin.

Another type of thermoses for liquids is thermal mugs. They are made like a glass with a lid. Sometimes they are made with a spout if their volume is large. To drink something, unscrew the lid. But usually such thermal dishes are not very large.

Now also popular thermoses-citytherm. This is such a vacuum thermos, equipped with a special lid and not having a very large volume. They are convenient to use in urban areas. This option is performed with a tube through which it is convenient to drink. Here the temperature is best preserved, because in the lid, except for the tube, there are no more holes. That is, it turns out that simple inexpensive models are better than expensive solutions with a sieve or pump.

Now - about thermoses for food. The classic vacuum thermos for food has a neck with a diameter of 6.5-8 centimeters, where you can store first and second courses. The dishes are also actively used for transporting liquid food - soups, borscht, broths. The downside is that through a small neck it can be inconvenient to pour first courses.

For such food thermal containers with containers will be relevant. They are equipped with two or more vessels that can be removed. This makes it possible to pack different dishes separately. It should be taken into account that You can’t put hot things in one bowl and cold things in another.

If we talk about universal options, then such solutions are extremely in demand due to the fact that it is convenient to store and carry not only food, but also various kinds of drinks in them. At the same time, the temperature of the products that are stored here will remain the same as it was at the time of loading. Interestingly, such solutions can have a universal lid that has a special stopper. If you pull it out, the neck can be significantly expanded, which will make it easier to lay solid products.

If you remove only the inner part of the cork, then the neck will be narrow, which makes it convenient for pouring liquids. In addition, such solutions often also have a strap to make them comfortable to wear. The kit often also comes with forks, spoons, as well as cups for liquids made of plastic. How can you make sure a variety of thermoses can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customer.

Now let's talk about the most famous manufacturers of these products, whose products are currently on the market.

• Let's start with one of the oldest and most famous brands called Thermos. It was founded in 1904, and after 3 years it became the property of three foreign companies from England, Canada and the United States. Today, this brand produces products of two lines:

1. ThermoSafe;
2. Thermos.

• Another brand that deserves attention and is presented on the market is Russian brand called "Arktika". This company produces not only thermoses, but also isothermal containers, as well as thermo mugs. They are made using proprietary technology called Arctica Storm.Thanks to its use, it is possible to ensure the maximum degree of vacuum, which allows you to maintain a certain temperature for a longer time. Brand products are included in various lines, each of which has its own characteristics. For example, rulers from 101 to 110 have a small neck and vary in volume from 0.35 to 2.2 liters. Numbers 201-412 have a large neck, they are suitable for food storage. Models of the 501 line have an air pump, and 702 have covers where drinkers are present. A feature of the 901 line will be the shape of the flask. Another feature of the models of this manufacturer is that all solutions have a coating of the inner flask made of copper.

• Another interesting manufacturer of thermoses with a domestic residence permit is Biostal. For about 10 years, the company has been producing universal thermoses, flasks and bottles for athletes. Products belong to different series: "Hunting", "Sport", "Auto", "Classic" and so on. For example, NGP-P range is a versatile solution for storing drinks and food. One of the features of the models of this particular line is folding handle. Speaking of series NBP-C, then here we are talking about a pleasant combination of orange plastic and black varnish. Line products NBP-1 have 2 durable plugs and a body that is covered with a protective lacquered coating. All products of the company have a 1 year warranty.

• Worthy of attention and products of the brand Retki from Finland. The peak of popularity of these thermoses came in the 1990s. But even today these structurally simple and cheap solutions are in great demand. Thermoses can have a volume of 0.3 to 1 liter. The manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty on its products.

• Another brand whose products have already earned recognition from users - Kovea. This is a Korean manufacturer whose main activity is the production of heating pads. The brand does not have a lot of thermos names, but the high quality is undeniable. For example, Black Stone models differ in the presence of a button and a volume of 500 ml to 1 liter. There are also Vacuum Flask, Mega Hot, Thermo Flask lines. Users note the convenience of using the products of this brand, as well as high reliability.

• Also of interest are thermal containers from a German company Tatonka. What is attractive here is that it offers a wide range of volumes from 350 to 1500 milliliters. Models may also vary in the presence or absence of a handle. According to users, Tatonka thermoses are the embodiment of true German quality.

• Another German brand, which thermoses should be mentioned - Isosteel. It has been producing thermal jugs, mugs and thermoses in China for almost 18 years. Liter solutions Duo and X-Line series won the respect of consumers due to excellent quality, good heat-saving properties and simple but pleasant design. The company guarantees its products for 5 years.

• Continuing the theme of European manufacturers of thermoses, It is impossible not to say about the company Primus from Sweden. At first, she was engaged in the production of heating pads and dishes, but then she began to produce thermo mugs and thermoses. Today, the company boasts models called TrailBreak EX, Vacuum Bottle, TrailBreak. All of them have different colors and volumes from 200 to 750 milliliters. They also have different weights. Vacuum Bottle 0.2L has a mass of 230 grams, while TrailBreak EX and TrailBreak liter weigh about 700. The company also makes thermal containers for storing food.

• Another company that I want to talk about is from Switzerland and is called Sigg. The company was founded about 100 years ago and specialized in the creation of aluminum dishes, as well as various household utensils and sports bottles with drinking systems. And since 2009, the company has launched the creation of thermal mugs and thermoses under the Steelworks brand.

Note that there are two series of thermal products - One and Hot&Cold. If we talk about the first, then its peculiarity is that it can be opened with one hand. And if we talk about the second, then the corks of a number of models are twisted, and liter thermal bottles can be inserted into a special cup for drinking. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty on all of its products.

• The last European brand on our list that I would like to mention is LaPLAYA. This is a brand German company IPV GmbH Hungen, which was established in 1953. From the very beginning of its existence, thermoses were produced under this trademark. Production is now carried out at factories located in China, but the creation of product design and the solution of various technical tasks are carried out in the Czech Republic and Germany. To date, the line of thermoses of this company is represented by 61 models with steel and plastic cases.

• Let's say a little about the products of a Japanese manufacturer called Zojirushi. He leads the production of thermal products called Tuff boy since the distant 1981. Their main feature is the presence of double walls made of stainless steel, as well as vacuum insulation. To date, there are only 19 thermoses with a metal flask with a volume of 200 to 2000 milliliters, 16 thermal mugs from 200 to 500 milliliters, and 44 jug-type thermoses. Production is carried out at enterprises located in Thailand.

• One of the domestic brands that creates thermoses is Ashinsky Metallurgical Plant or "Amet". His specialization is the production of thermoses from steel. Usually these are food solutions with a double stopper and a large neck, which make it possible to use a thermos not for drinks, but for food. According to consumers, this is a fairly high-quality domestic thermal cookware that competes well with foreign counterparts.

• Another manufacturer, but now from America - the company Stanley. For more than a hundred years, she has been producing thermoses with flasks made of stainless steel. Models are presented in series:

1. mountain;
2. classic;
3. adventure.

• Another brand whose products are liked by consumers is Tiger. This company was created in 1923 in Japan. It does high-quality thermoses from corrosion-resistant heat-resistant stainless steel. The company provides a 5-year warranty on all its products. As you can see, choosing a quality thermos is really easy, because there are many manufacturers of such products on the market.

Now let's talk about how to choose a high-quality household thermos so that it lasts a long time and meets the needs of the owner as much as possible. Before purchasing a particular model, you should figure out how long it should store heat. Volume will also be important, because the more you are away from home and plan to use this product, the more fluid you will need. Here you should know that:

• the larger the capacity of the flask, the longer the contents will be hot;
• the temperature of the substance will depend on the consistency (liquid products stay hot longer);
• it would be better if the thermos matches the volume of food or liquid that is stored in the dish.

An important point is the terms of use. For example, wide mouth models should not be used for drinks. The narrower the neck, the less heat loss will be. If there must be food, it is better to use models with a wide mouth. If the thermos is planned to be used only in urban environments, it is better that the flask is glass. If we are talking about outdoor activities, then it is better to prefer options with a metal bulb.

If we talk about general advice, then the following will be relevant.

• Before buying, you should check the quality of the product, and specifically the surface of the thermos for dents, chips, cracks and scratches.
• Check the plugs and the lid on the latch, as well as the reliability of their connection and tightness. It is known that about half of the heat is lost through the cork.
• The inner flask should not have unpleasant or foreign odors.
• There must be a special sealing ring between the neck and the body. You should check its condition and correct installation.
• It is worth examining the levers, handles, buttons at the time of their secure fastening and functioning, as well as the absence of backlash and gaps.
• The flask must be firmly and firmly fixed in the body, otherwise, under any mechanical action, it may be deformed or broken.
• The product should be inspected for compliance with European and domestic quality standards.
• If there is false information on the thermos, then this is a low-quality product.
• A high price is not always an indicator of quality, which means that this moment is not decisive.
• The thermos for drinking should be checked for compliance with the declared technical parameters. The quality of the vacuum will determine how long the required temperature is maintained.
• You can immediately pick up the product and shake it. If a knock and rattle is heard, then the flask is not fixed well, which means that such a thermos will not last long.

Besides, after purchase, you should immediately test the thermos. You can pour boiling water into the flask for a day. If after the specified time the temperature is below 55 degrees, then the purchased product does not cope with its task and can be returned to the store.

If we talk about operation, then after purchase, you should immediately thoroughly wash the purchased product. To do this, disconnect all the parts and wash each one separately, moreover, you should use warm water with detergent or soda. After that, you should dry everything and collect a thermos. It can be stored in the future coffee, tea, water, soup, broth. But in no case should it be used to store carbonated drinks, dry ice, baby food, fermented milk products and milk.

Also, do not drink directly from the container to avoid burns. Do not heat the device: on an open fire, in a microwave oven or in any other way. The product is also not recommended to be filled completely. At least 1 centimeter below the edge of the neck should remain free. Otherwise, when closing, excess liquid may leak out. In addition, mechanical damage to the product should be avoided whenever possible, which will allow it to last as long as possible.

How to choose the right thermos, see below.