Today, a thermos is a plastic or steel flask located in a body made of a similar material. The current products are intended for the storage of hot and cold drinks and food. Only a high-quality product maintains a temperature of at least 50 degrees throughout the day from the period when hot was poured. The device is considered an indispensable element at work, fishing, on the road. A rare tourist does without a thermos in winter, for example, in the mountains or in the desert. Buying a thermos is a difficult task, since there are many types of this product. To know how to choose a thermos, you need to read the recommendations.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of a thermos
A thermos is a household appliance used to store food and liquids at constant temperatures over an extended period of time. The devices can maintain high and low temperatures. A number of devices are used as containers for cooking purposes.
The assembly includes an inner flask that is made of polished glass, plastic, or metal. The coating present will not oxidize when in contact with food or liquid. The outer container is mainly made of similar materials, its outer part is treated with a special copper coating that can reflect heat. Between the walls of such containers there is a vacuum layer of insulation, at the bottom there is an absorbent substance that removes excess air from the vacuum. The container is closed with a key with a layer of thermal insulation. The tightness of the assembly will be ensured by a sealing material such as silicone. The cup basically serves as a lid and is screwed onto the top of the thermos.
The main task of the device is to keep the product in it hot. This will be achieved due to the least heat transfer from it to the surrounding space. When it is required to maintain low temperature indicators, then the reverse process will occur - a small heat transfer from the external environment to the product.
Thermos selection parameters
Buying a device should begin by setting the purpose for which it is being purchased. When a device is required for domestic use, then it is optimal to buy a large-volume model with a universal plug and a wide neck. For hikes or picnics, it is advisable to use lightweight and compact products.
Body material
The key parameter is the body material. It will directly affect the quality of the device, the retention of temperature indicators to the maximum for a long period of time and other performance characteristics:
- Metal. It has high strength, can withstand shock and mechanical damage. A thermos like this is great for traveling and hiking.
- Plastic. It is characterized by the lightest weight, it costs less than a metal case. Will be an excellent solution for home use, in offices, summer cottages, picnics or walks.
Inner bulb material
It is important what the flask is made of, where the product will be poured. The maintenance of the required temperatures and safety will depend on this indicator, since food should not interact with the material:
- Glass. The most popular solution, which was previously found in all thermoses. Glass will provide excellent storage quality, retain heat properly, and be easy to clean. The main disadvantage of such a material will be fragility. During careless use, the glass is damaged, leading to insufficient insulation. A thermos with a glass flask is suitable for occasional use at home or in the country.
- Plastic. The main advantage is the light weight of the material and its strength. The flask will not be damaged from the impact, therefore it is possible to take such a device on the road, on camping trips. Plastic has its own minus - it absorbs aromas. After a fragrant drink and dish, it is extremely difficult to get rid of the aroma, and therefore there is a high risk that the taste of a new product will mix with it. Such a decision will not be critical for those who regularly use the product for a specific purpose.
- Steel. Is the best solution. It is resistant to damage, perfectly retains heat, will not absorb aromas, and is easy to clean. Even despite the large mass in comparison with the previous 2 materials, it will remain the best solution in many situations. It is optimal to purchase stainless steel, as it will not corrode over time.
Volume
During the purchase of a thermos, the required volume will be determined taking into account the purpose. You need to calculate the stock taking into account the number of people using the product. Large structures retain heat better, but when the thermos is too large, it becomes a burden in the luggage:
- Indicators of containers of small volumes vary in the range of 0.25-0.5 liters. These are mainly thermo mugs or small thermoses-bullets.
- Average container volumes are generally in the 0.7-1 liter range. are considered an excellent solution for liquid food. Used by 2 people.
- Large volumes of containers start from 1.5 liters and more. Such thermoses are an excellent solution for a company of 3 or more people.
Thermos marking
Developers usually label their own devices showing the time for which the device will maintain the product's temperature indicators set first. A good product retains the initial parameters of products for up to 1 day or more. Examples:
- The marking on the Thermos thermos will mean that the temperature indicators of the liquid will remain or will not drop below 70 degrees for the specified number of hours.
- Penguin under the same conditions will guarantee indicators of 50-52 degrees.
- Freetime with the same conditions + 55 degrees.
- Tatonka: under the same conditions + 40 degrees.
The initial indicators for such developers are usually less than 95 degrees. It should be taken into account that the parameters are less than 50 degrees - warm tea.
Build quality
When choosing a thermos, be sure to shake it - no sounds should appear. Crackling, trembling signals that the bulb is not properly fixed inside. Such a product will break down very soon.
The stopper of the device will provide adequate insulation, giving the ability to retain heat for a long time. It is necessary to ensure that in the closed state it is pressed tightly to the throat as much as possible.
The device must not have any internal odors. When they are, it indicates that the developer is saving on material. Such products absorb harmful components and are harmful to health.
The best manufacturers of thermoses - which company to choose
The domestic market is replete with different developers of thermoses. The key share will belong to European manufacturers, however, you can find firms from other countries. The products of most of the popular manufacturers are well known among the consumers of such products.Those who love hiking and travel are convinced that the quality of thermoses is quite high.
Those who do not have the ability or desire to compare characteristics can choose from the following companies:
- Tatonka.
- Primus.
- Thermos.
- Berghoff.
- Stanley.
Products from such developers are distinguished by high-quality manufacturing materials, proper assembly, strength and durability.
Types of thermos
Before purchasing a thermos, you need to define your goals. For example, a vacuum fixture is too expensive for a home. It is more logical to purchase a device with a large hole and significant volume. The vacuum model is bought for travel. To determine the purpose, emphasis should be placed on the body. The developer indicates with special symbols which products can be stored inside it.
Universal
The assembly of the universal model is quite extensive, the neck has a large diameter. In view of this, in such a device, it is possible to store food in addition to a drink. The stopper can be with a valve to make drinks more comfortable. The lid, as in many thermoses, is a glass or cup for food. Most universal thermoses have a handle that is located on the side, which makes the structure easy to tilt.
Pros:
- suitable for drink and food,
- has a side handle,
- adequate price.
Minuses:
- large sizes.
Bullet
The assembly received a similar name due to its own elongated shape, which looks like a bullet. Such a product is extremely compact and easy to transport. It is enough just to put it inside a bag or a backpack, place it in any side pocket. The device has a narrow neck, since it is intended directly for storing liquid. Modern products are equipped not with a cork, but with a lid with a valve. This solution will make it possible not to open the lid constantly when you need to pour a drink, because of this, the contents retain the required temperature values longer. There is also an upper mug.
Pros:
- compact size,
- minimal heat loss is ensured,
- adequate price.
Minuses:
- suitable only for liquids,
- no handle.
With pneumatic pump
The device is assembled in a desktop version. It is wide enough, has a massive lid with a pump at the top, from which a special hose goes to the bottom. There are such covers in thermoses-bullets. The main advantage will be the absence of the need to constantly unscrew the lid to pour the drink. It will be enough for the consumer only to press the pump, hot tea or coffee will be delivered from the hole. Such devices retain heat longer than others during use. The thermos with pneumatic pump is ideal for use in the field kitchen or in the forest.
Pros:
- significant volumes,
- keeps warm for a long time,
- comfort when spilling liquid.
Minuses:
- assembly of large sizes,
- does not fit into all backpacks,
- the cost is more than average.
Sudkovy
This variety has an unusual design, which includes 1-3 containers. It is an excellent option for storing food at the same time. For example, it is possible to pour liquid into 1 container, and put the second dish into 2. In particular, it is comfortable to carry lunch in such a product. This is convenient for those who do not have the opportunity for various reasons to eat in a cafeteria or cafe. Most models are equipped with a spoon, which is fixed in the side holder.
Pros:
- significant volumes,
- it is possible to store several dishes at once,
- the assembly has the necessary devices.
Minuses:
- extremely large sizes,
- overcharge.
Thermo mug
Small size mug and handle design. Such a high-quality device is comfortable for everyday use, for example, at work. It is possible to store drinks and food inside it, due to the wide mouth. Conveniently brew fast food items. Products are distinguished by volume and configuration.Some models have a lid that does not need to be removed, but you just need to move the special lever to drink. Particularly comfortable for motorists who want to take a sip on the go.
Pros:
- small dimensions,
- comfort of use,
- budget price,
- many design solutions.
Minuses:
- average volumes,
- are not intended to be kept warm for a long time.
Which thermos to choose
In order to understand how to choose a good thermos, it is important to read the following tips:
- For a long journey, heavy expeditions, difficult hikes, a product with an average volume of 0.8-1.5 liters is selected. The material should ideally be made of steel or plastic. Well, when the device is universal, there is an option for storing drinks, as well as food.
- For a regular picnic, fishing, models-bullets, universal and vessels are suitable. Volumes are calculated taking into account the number of people. The material inside is made of steel and plastic.
- The thermos-box will be an excellent helper if there is no possibility of cooking.
- A thermo mug will be a great everyday solution. Small volumes are enough for 1 person, and small dimensions will make it possible to place such a product even in a small bag.
How much does a thermos cost
To understand how to choose a thermos for tea, you need to familiarize yourself with the price range:
- Bullets and mugs cost a budget figure of about 600-1,000 rubles.
- Thermoses-vessels are of great value - 1500-3000 r.
- Universal products vary in cost as it will depend on materials and volumes. Average rates vary in the range of 800 - 2,000 rubles.
Often they ask themselves which thermos to choose. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.
