How to choose a thermos flask and use it correctly

A long trip, winter walks or a power outage - in all these circumstances, the thermos becomes a real savior. It can hold boiling water, hot aromatic coffee or even food. For the cold season such a purchase becomes very relevant, so it is high time to find out how to choose a thermos.

Types of thermoses

Deciding which thermos is better to buy, keep in mind: it all depends on your needs. One person needs a thermos flask, where you can pour a cup of hot tea, and the other is going to keep the whole day warm soup for the whole family. Depending on the purpose, volume and material of the flask distinguish and thermoses.

According to the purpose.

There are the following varieties of thermoses:

• classic - the usual model of a cylindrical shape with a double lid, needed to store hot drinks;
• thermos flasks - from the previous version are distinguished by compactness (usually you can fit in half a liter or less), keeps the temperature for a relatively short time (up to 4 hours);
• food - thermos for food like a pot or a bowl where you can pour the first and second courses, sometimes this model is made in the form of a lunch box;
• thermos bottles - the design includes a screw cap, has a relatively small size, usually used for storing cold drinks;
• children - similar to the classic models, but have less weight and bright design, so suitable for children.

Regardless of the variety, the overall design is the same. What does a thermos consist of? These are two flasks, between which there is a vacuum, a valve and a lid. It is thanks to the vacuum and high tightness it is possible to keep the temperature of the contents.

Sometimes it makes sense to buy several thermoses at once. For example, if you want to arrange a full lunch on the road, it is better to buy a traditional model for tea or coffee, as well as a variant for food.

By volume

The volume of the thermos varies in the range from 0.2 to 2 liters, although larger ones are theoretically possible.

When choosing a thermos, the rule "the bigger, the better" does not apply. Depending on the nature of the application can be equally useful and compact, and large models.

Deciding on the volume, consider the following points:

• the bigger the thermos, the more its weight, so for walks for a few hours it is better to have a small model;
• there is also a direct correlation between the duration of temperature storage and the volume of liquid, that is, large models usually keep warmer (or colder) longer than smaller ones;
• volume should be chosen taking into account the number of people;
• one of the most popular variants of classic thermoses are 0,7 l models, and thermocaps - 0,35-0,4 l.

If you are looking for a container for food, keep in mind that one person needs at least 0.3 liters of volume. When you want to accommodate several meals at once, the volume will be larger and it is necessary to divide it into sections.

According to the material of the bulb

Can't decide which thermos is better? First of all, pay attention to the material of the flask.

The features of the flask affect the duration of storage temperature of the drink or food and even on the taste properties.

There are these variants of material:

• Plastic - can be suitable for cold drinks, but not the best option for hot drinks. Budget-friendly, has a low weight.
• Ceramics - not the most common material, but safe for health and durable.
• Glass - the advantage is chemical neutrality, which means that the smell of the drink or food remains unchanged.
• Stainless steel - the most durable and popular option.

Usually in this matter, the choice comes between glass and stainless steel. If you do not want to feel even the slightest taste, choose the first type. When the question is not crucial, you should choose steel flasks. Metal models also have the undeniable advantage of durability. This is important if you are going to use the container in hiking conditions.

Buying a thermos: what you need to pay attention to

Quality thermoses keep the temperature of drinks or food for a long time and are comfortable to use. You also need to know why the thermos does not keep its temperature. Pay attention to a few basic characteristics.

Temperature range

As a rule, the producers specify the time interval, during which the thermos will keep the temperature of the contents. After purchase, you can conduct your own tests already at home, because external factors (temperature in the room, the presence or absence of preheating, the initial temperature of food or liquid) affect the results. The following figures are considered normal:

• for food thermoses - the food stays warm for up to 6-15 hours;
• for ordinary models - the beverage retains its temperature for 12 hours.

Of course, the result will be influenced by the number of openings.

Features of the cap and lid

From the features of the designs depend on the comfort of use and performance characteristics. It is believed that the best thermoses have a plastic stopper screw subspecies, equipped with a quality seal ring.

The greatest temperature loss occurs precisely through the open neck and stopper. Therefore, the tightness will determine how long the contents will be warm (or cold). There is also a rule of thumb: the smaller the diameter of the neck, the better in terms of temperature retention.

A good option is a cork with side channels. The design provides that the drink can be poured without completely unscrewing it, so the temperature will be close to the original readings for quite a long time.

Another convenient model is a valve with a button. But keep in mind that such a thermos will not be durable.

Smell

It is better if the inner flask will be odorless. The smell of plastic from the lid is acceptable, but it is undesirable.

Quality of construction

To check it is enough to shake the thermos. If it is of high quality, you will not hear any extraneous sounds (for example, a click or crackle). Another simple test, which you can carry out after the purchase, is related to pouring boiling water. The outer walls of a reliable design will remain cool after 10-15 minutes, that is, the thermos will not give the temperature to the outside environment.

Additional functionality

Additional options will not affect the duration of temperature storage, but will make it more convenient to use. For example, thermoses are often sold with a mug, pouch, handle, etc.

Design

The appearance of the product - a matter of own preferences. Someone will suit the classic silver steel models, and someone will look for a bright design.

How to use a thermos properly: tips for use
Following the rules of operation will extend the life and make the thermos even more practical. There are a few things you should not do:

• wash with agents with alkalis in the composition;
• bump or throw;
• pour carbonated drinks, hot oil brines, and the like;
• store beverages for more than two days;
• tightly screw it closed when the thermos is empty (otherwise there is a risk of unpleasant smell).

Before the first use, be sure to wash the container. Hold the filled thermos vertically, so as not to spill its contents.

There is a known tiphak how to keep the high temperature inside longer. First pour boiling water into the thermos to warm it up, then drain it and fill it with drinks only afterwards.

A common problem is when the thermos does not hold heat after a certain amount of time of use. This can happen due to:

• loss of tightness of the inner flask;
• microcracks on the outer flask;
• leakage of the inner lid.

Unfortunately, in the first and second cases it is impossible to solve the problem - you have to buy a new thermos. But in the third situation, you can simply pick up a new lid or try to repair the old one.

How to remove odor and clean the lid of a thermos

Using even the best thermos can become unpleasant if there is an odor. The first thing to know is that certain conditions provoke the growth of germs, which makes the inside begin to smell bad. Most often the problem is not regular and irregular maintenance. If it was not possible to prevent the emergence of an unpleasant odor, you will need folk remedies. So, to clean the thermos you can use:

• table salt - relevant for stainless steel, for one liter of boiling water add three tablespoons of salt and leave for at least 8 hours;
• vinegar - dilute a tablespoon of vinegar with a liter of water and wait a few hours;
• citric acid - similar to the previous method in concentration (i.e. a tablespoon per liter of water);
• mustard - it is a powder, two tablespoons of which are poured with water and left for at least two hours;
• rice - the advantage is the fast action (one hour is enough), it is necessary to take 150 ml of boiling water for three tablespoons of rice;
• soda - pour boiling water over two tablespoons and leave it for at least 3 hours;
• Coca-Cola - pour carbonated sweet water into a thermos overnight.

After such manipulations, be sure to rinse the container thoroughly. Another problem is cleaning the cork, because it is there that the remains of drinks and foreign odors often accumulate. To get rid of the problem, use baking soda (a tablespoon per glass of water) - you can boil the part of the thermos in it. Concentrated tea with ginger and cinnamon will also work. Another alternative solution is to rinse the lid thoroughly with dishwashing detergent.

However, sometimes just washing is not enough. Then you need to figure out how to disassemble the lid of the thermos, and after disassembly, rinse each notch. This applies to designs that have such a feature. Follow this algorithm of actions:

1. Unscrew the pressure ring counterclockwise. It is better to use a locksmith's tool for this.
2. Remove the ring.
3. Take out the valve.
4. You will see the three large elements of the cover, after which you can proceed to disassemble the button itself.
5. Remove the fasteners and disassemble the cover - there are springs and other small elements.
6. Push out the stem.

Next, all elements should be washed of dirt, dried, and then you can proceed to reassemble in reverse order.

Conclusions and tips

So, before you buy a thermos, decide on the purpose and the required volume. It is better to have several options on hand: one will be suitable for short walks, and the other will be useful during long trips. In order to make this thermos flask serve as long as possible, follow the rules of operation and carefully wash the container after each use.

Often the main guarantee of quality and durability is a well-known manufacturer. Well-known brands produce thermoses that are well proven and popular among buyers.