A food thermos is the most useful thing that can be useful not only in camping conditions. In addition, homemade food is not only tasty, but also healthy. Consider the types of thermoses for food, reviews, how to choose the appropriate option and how the quality product differs from a fake.
A bit about the history of the appearance of a thermos
The vessel of the chemist and physicist James Dewar, invented back in 1862, is the prototype of a modern thermos. Initially, the product was used to transport liquefied gases. Later, the German glazier Reinhold Burger improved it and made it more convenient and applicable to human everyday life. Thus, the thermos was equipped with a cork, a lid and a metal case and began to be used to store drinks, later - for food.
The design and principle of operation of the thermos have not changed to this day. It has become a little more functional, has acquired a diverse design and shape.
Functions and types of thermoses
According to reviews, a thermos for food is an indispensable thing for a person who works outside, for tourists, as well as for schoolchildren. In a quality product, a certain temperature is maintained for at least eight hours. But this does not apply to fake products, as users note.
All thermoses are divided into types depending on the functions:
- food - is intended for storage of products (both hot and cold), most often the neck of the product is wide so that you can immediately eat from it;
- for drinks - in the form of a bottle, may be different in volume, the lid serves as a cup (may be in the form of a bottle or a thermo mug);
- with a pump - a thermos is used for liquids, but it is a bottle of a large volume, the pump is intended for pouring (it is a bulky and heavy object intended for a large number of people);
- Sudkovaya is a thermos for food with containers, reviews of which are mostly positive for ease of use (most often it is a voluminous but not heavy model that allows you to store and transport several dishes separately);
- universal - suitable for both drinks and food, is compact and small in volume;
- thermobag - allows you to store food or drinks in containers, but for a short time.
Features of the design of thermoses for food
Thermos for food (lunch box), according to reviews, has its own design features that must be considered when choosing. It has a lid, a cup, an inner flask, but can be additionally equipped with carry handles and a set of cups.
Features of the design of food thermoses:
- neck - most often it is equal to the diameter of the bulb; there are options with a combined neck;
- the lid consists of two parts, the outer one is often used as a cup;
- the flask may be glass, metal or plastic;
- the outer case is metal or plastic, the material of manufacture affects the weight of the structure (plastic is lighter).
Additionally, a food thermos can be equipped with containers, cups and cutlery, a cover, circuit pens and a belt that attaches to the backpack.
What material is the flask made of?
Often you can find in reviews of thermoses for food discussions about which material for making a flask is better. It cannot be said unequivocally, since each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, their cost is different.
The flask can be made of such materials:
- Glass. The disadvantages include the fragility of such a flask, although it can easily be used for home use. For trips or children, this option is not suitable. The advantages include ease and convenience of cleaning, such a flask does not absorb odors and is ideal for tea or coffee, there are no traces of plaque on the walls.
- Plastic. It is the most budget option. The advantages of such models include only a small weight of the product. It keeps the temperature poorly, absorbs odors, and can not be used for too hot products.
- Metal (steel). It maintains temperature well, is durable and shockproof. Suitable for any trips and hikes. The disadvantages include considerable weight, when compared with a glass or plastic option. In addition, cleaning is difficult, plaque from tea or coffee remains.
Criterias of choice
What is the best thermos for food? In the reviews, users note that this concept is individual, since each person chooses based on personal preferences.
Before buying, it is worth considering the following nuances:
- a large volume is better - thermoses for food have a large neck, so products cool faster, the larger the product will have, the better the temperature inside will be maintained;
- smell - a high-quality thermos does not smell, if there is at least some smell in a new thermos, this indicates a low quality of the product, in addition, the smell can go to food;
- the cork must be reliable - it depends on it how tightly the dish will be closed and whether it will spill during transportation;
- checking is hot - as soon as you bring a thermos from the store home, you should pour something hot in it, after 10 minutes, check if the flask has warmed up, in a quality product, it should remain cold.
How to check the quality of the thermos?
It should be understood that a high-quality thermos does not smell, and the bulb does not heat up. Also, the product should not be scratched or cracked, which may indicate a fake.
When buying, you should close the thermos and shake a little. There should be no extraneous sounds. If there is a slight rattle, this indicates that the flask is not firmly fixed.
Product quality is usually checked by boiling water. If, after a day, the temperature of the liquid or the dish inside dropped by less than 55 degrees, then the thermos is of high quality. The same applies to the walls of the flask, regardless of the material of manufacture (glass, plastic and metal). They should stay cold all the time.
How to distinguish a good thermos from a defective?
A good thermos for food, according to reviews, should not contain scratches, chips and defects on the case. It is important to pay attention to the cork. About 50% of the heat goes through it. A good thermos has a cork of simple construction, which has a high tightness.
Also in a good and high-quality thermos there should be no smell. It is worth checking the product for its presence in the store. If there is at least some extraneous odor in the new product, this indicates its low quality. Such a product is not recommended.
Also, a quality product from a defective version can be distinguished by a slight rattle. If the thermos is of high quality, no extraneous sound will be heard, but if the inside of the flask knocks on the walls too much, this means that it is poorly attached and the product is defective.
A quality product must bear the quality marking in accordance with European standards. The seller must have all quality certificates, as well as test results.
Which thermos is better - domestic or foreign production, it is definitely impossible to say. It is worth checking every single product. It must comply with all technical standards.
Interesting facts about thermoses
It turns out that a thermos holds cold temperature three times longer, not hot. A warm dish in a quality thermos can be stored for up to 24 hours. It is also worthwhile to understand that after 7 hours the products in the thermos begin to cool / heat by a small amount of degrees every hour.
When choosing, most consumers pay attention not to the volume and quality of the material, but to the design and shape of the product. So, for children, according to reviews, they take thermoses for food with a wide throat and bright colors. Most often, these are products with two containers and an additional place for a spoon. They are convenient and easy to use even by a small child.
A product such as a thermos has been used for over a hundred years. And during this time, its design has not changed much, only the shape and color has changed, which has become more vivid and attractive.
Top manufacturers of the best thermos for food, according to reviews
Previously, thermoses with a glass flask were very popular . Recently at the peak of popularity - stainless steel products. They have higher quality and durability.
Manufacturers of the best thermoses:
- Russian. The greatest demand and relatively budget price are noted in reviews of thermoses for food "Arctic", "Amet". Companies produce a large assortment of thermal cookware and in quality, as users have noted, they do not differ from European options, but they significantly benefit in price. For example, the company "Arctic" applies proprietary technology to its products, which provides maximum vacuum, reliability and functionality. The cost of thermoses varies from 890 to 1,500 rubles.
- European. Here on the Russian market you can find products of two companies - Thermos and LaPlaya. Thermoses for food have good isothermal properties, high quality, but are expensive. Price - from 2 to 5 thousand rubles.
- Asian. The most popular among Russian users are thermos companies Zojirushi and Kovea. They are distinguished by a classic, strict style of products, high Japanese quality and affordable price. Cost - from 1840 to 3800 rubles.
- American Only one company presents its products in Russia - Stanley. The peculiarity of thermoses is a guarantee, which is provided by the manufacturing company for 100 years. Thermoses for food cost from 1890 rubles.