A food thermos is the most useful thing that can come in handy not only in a hike. In addition, homemade food is not only tasty, but also he althy. Consider the types of thermoses for food, reviews, how to choose the right option and how a quality product differs from a fake.
A little about the history of the thermos
The vessel of the chemist and physicist James Dewar, invented back in 1862, is the prototype of the 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 everyday life. Thus, the thermos was completed 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 has not changed to this day. It has become a little more functional, has acquired a variety of designs and shapes.
Functions and types of thermoses
According to reviews, a thermos for food is an indispensable thingfor a person who works not indoors, 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 counterfeit products, according to users.
All thermoses are divided into types depending on the functions:
- food - designed to store food (both hot and cold), most often the mouth 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 thermal mug);
- with a pump - a thermos is used for liquids, but this is a large bottle, the pump is designed for pouring (it is a bulky and heavy item intended for a large number of people);
- sudkovy is a thermos for food with containers, reviews of which are mostly positive in terms of 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, it is compact and small in volume;
- thermal bag - allows you to store food or drinks in a container, but for a short time.
Design features 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, butoptionally can be equipped with carrying handles and a set of cups.
Design features of food thermoses:
- neck - most often it is equal to the diameter of the flask, there are options with a combined neck;
- lid consists of two parts, the outer one is often used as a cup;
- flask can be glass, metal or plastic;
- outer case is metal or plastic, the material of manufacture affects the weight of the structure (plastic is lighter).
Additionally, the food thermos can be equipped with containers, cups and cutlery, a cover, schematic handles and a belt that is attached to the backpack.
What material is the flask made of?
You can often find discussions about what material is better for making a flask in reviews of thermoses for food. It is impossible to say unequivocally here, since each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, their cost is different.
The flask can be made from the following materials:
- Glass. The disadvantages include the fragility of such a flask, although it can easily be used for home use. For travel 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. Keeps the temperature badly, absorbs odors, and can not be used for too hot products.
- Metal (steel). Holds temperature well, is durable and impact resistant. Suitable for any trips and hikes. The disadvantages include a rather large weight when compared with a glass or plastic version. In addition, cleaning is difficult, tea or coffee residue remains.
Selection criteria
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, you should consider the following nuances:
- large volume is better - food thermoses have a large neck, so the food cools faster, the larger the product has, 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 product, besides, 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 hot - as soon as you brought the thermos home from the store, it is worth pouring something hot into 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 a thermos?
It should be understood that a quality thermosdoes not smell, and the flask does not heat up. Also, the product should not have scratches and cracks, which may indicate a fake.
When buying, close the thermos and shake a little. There should be no extraneous sounds. If there is a slight rattle, this indicates that the bulb is not firmly fixed.
The quality of the product is usually tested with boiling water. If after a day the temperature of the liquid or dish inside has 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 must remain cold at all times.
How can you tell a good thermos from a bad one?
A good thermos for food, according to reviews, should not contain scratches, chips and defects on the body. It is important to pay attention to the cork. About 50% of the heat goes through it. A good thermos has a cork with a simple design that has a high seal.
Also, in a good and high-quality thermos there should be no smell. It is worth checking the product for its availability in the store. If there is at least some foreign smell in the new product, this indicates its low quality. This product is not recommended.
Also, a quality product can be distinguished from a defective one 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 too much on the walls, it means that it is not attached well and the product is defective.
OnA quality product must be marked with a quality label in accordance with European standards. The seller must have all certificates of quality, as well as the results of test checks.
Which is better thermos - 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 a cold temperature three times longer than a hot one. A warm dish in a high-quality thermos can be stored for up to 24 hours. It is also worth understanding that after 7 hours, the products in the thermos begin to cool / heat up by a small number 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, they take, according to reviews, thermoses for food with a wide throat and bright colors. Most often these are products with two containers and additional space for a spoon. They are comfortable and easy to use even by a small child.
Such a product as a thermos has been used for more than a hundred years. And during this time, its design has practically not changed, only the shape and color have changed, which has become brighter and more attractive.
Top manufacturers of the best thermoses for food, according to reviews
Earlier, thermoses with a glass flask were very popular. Recently, stainless steel products have been at the peak of popularity. They are of higher quality anddurability.
Manufacturers of the best thermoses:
- Russian. The greatest demand and relatively budget price are noted in the reviews of thermoses for food "Arktika", "Amet". Companies produce a wide range of thermal utensils and, as users have noticed, they do not differ in quality from European options, but they significantly benefit in price. For example, the Arktika company applies proprietary technology to its products, which ensures maximum vacuumization, reliability and functionality. The cost of thermoses varies from 890 to 1500 rubles.
- European. Here on the Russian market you can find the 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 thermoses from 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, Stanley, presents its products here in Russia. A feature of thermoses is a guarantee that is provided by the manufacturing company for 100 years. Thermoses for food cost from 1890 rubles.
