This basic thermos is about $10 cheaper than the others in the test and it performed the best in the hot water test. After 24 hours, water poured from the Thermos Stainless King was still a warm 106 degrees. The only thing that kept this thermos from winning Editor’s Choice was its plastic handle and plastic screw-in cap, neither of which were as nice as the Stanley model. If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday thermos that will keep your coffee warm for a full day, you won’t find a better buy than the Thermos Stainless King.
The YETI Rambler is part thermos, part water bottle, and the smaller versions even serve as an oversized coffee mug. A buddy of mine, Mike Hunsucker from Heartland Bowhunter, uses a YETI rambler to keep burritos warm during long sits in the deer stand. He simply wraps them in tinfoil and then stuffs them in the rambler until it’s lunchtime. I tested the 26 ounce version, which is the size that I think has the most utility because it’s easier to throw in a pack—but if you really wanted to maximize heat retaining ability, go with a larger model.
This is a stout thermos with a simple, durable design. Unlike many other thermoses in this test it has a metal handle (instead of plastic) which I very much appreciate. The Klean Kanteen TKWide has a matte finish that looks sleek and is plenty grippy. It’s my pick as the best thermos for the environment because it’s made from recycled steel, and because overall, the co*pany is climate neutral, which means it measures all of its greenhouse gas emissions and offsets those emissions by investing in carbon reduction and removal projects. Klean Kanteen also donates 1 percent of its sales to global conservation efforts.
This Hydro Flask fancy water bottle uses the same basic design concept as a thermos: an inner wall, vacuum, and outer wall. The outside of the bottle is finished with Hydro Flask’s powder coat, which gives the bottle a nice, grippy feel and makes it dishwasher safe. The version I tested co*es with a straw lid (which is great for sipping cold water) but there’s also a Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid available for anti-straw folks. Hydro Flask also makes a boot that stretches around the bottom of the water bottle. Overall, this is the best thermos for cold drinks. Cram this baby with ice and you’re good to go. One other cool thing about Hydro Flask is that it’s a non-profit organization focused on building, maintaining, and providing better access to parks. Since 2017, the organization has donated $1.9 million.
This handy food jar is the best lunch thermos because it will keep your soup, chili, spaghetti, or any other lunch item warm for at least 12 hours. The lid has a hefty, removable seal that prevents the jar from leaking. Since it’s removable, it’s also really easy to clean. The 20 ounce version I tested is an ideal size for stowing in a backpack for day-to-day use or trips into the woods. I’ll be using mine for days spent in the duck blind. But if you’re especially hungry around lunchtime, go for the 24 ounce version of the Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar.
This is a solid thermos with some creative lid options. But first, the bad news: the standard screw-in lid has a plastic handle that could crack if you drop it on a hard surface during a cold winter day. The pour lid is cool, but it costs a cool 36 bucks. On the upside, the OtterBox Elevation Growler has an aesthetically pleasing design and a shape that makes it easy to hold on to. If you’re looking for a product that’s a little more unique than what the standard thermos co*panies are offering, well, look no further.
There are several factors to consider when deciding on the best thermos for your needs.
Think about how you’re going to use it and how you’ll carry it. If you want a thermos to ride in the cup holder of your truck or in the side pouch of a backpack, go with a smaller size. But if you measure your coffee intake by quarts, not cups, then go for one of the big boys.
If you know how long you’ll need an insulated thermos to keep your coffee warm for, then you can use our testing measurements (above) to figure out which thermos has the right capabilities to meet your needs.
Look at the quality and design of the cap. This is where most heat is lost.
All of the best thermoses are made from stainless steel.
We’ve got answers to your burning hot thermos questions.