The 6 Best Thermoses for Keeping Your Favorite Drinks Hot or Cold All Day Long

Embrace the wonders of vacuum-sealed technology and enjoy beverages at their optimal temperature.

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pouring hot coffee from thermos outdoors
Photo: Remains / Getty Images

Do you remember the first thermos you ever used? Was it for the soup that was a regular part of the lunch you took to school? By now you know that thermoses can be used for more than just soup. Thanks to vacuum insulated technology, they can keep wine cool on a hot summer day or hold tea that pours out still steaming on a crisp fall morning.

Though most of us use a thermos for a favorite drink, there's more you can do with them than that. Divya Alter, founder of Ayurvedic food brand Divya's, uses thermoses to keep home cooked breakfasts and lunches hot and temperature safe for work or travel days. She also cooks food inside thermoses using boiling water and allowing whatever is inside to slow cook. "At home, I use a beverage thermos with hot tea or water in the winter or when I'm not feeling well," she adds.

When shopping for a thermos, Kaleena Teoh, co-owner of Coffee Project New York, looks at the product specs to see how long it can hold temperature. Since she mostly uses thermoses to hold liquids like coffee and tea, being able to enjoy her favorite beverages throughout the day at optimal temperature is key. Size is another important consideration. "I have thermoses of different sizes that I use to carry different drinks," she says. One last thing to note is that while most thermoses can be used for hot and cold food and drinks, not all can. So if you're planning on pouring both hot and cold things into a thermos, make sure it's manufactured to do so.

Best Thermoses to Buy in 2022

Best Large Capacity: Tovolo 2-Quart Travel Cooler

Thermos on solid background
Courtesy of Tovolo

For potlucks, summer barbecues, and everything in between, transport your hot or cold dishes in this generously sized thermos. Its double-wall vacuum seal keeps food hot or cold for up to four hours, and a silicone tab on the BPA-free lid releases any pressure buildup so it's easy to open.

Best with Cup: Thermos 25-Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum

Thermos on solid background
Courtesy of Thermos

Enjoy your favorite hot or cold beverage on the go with this classic stainless steel thermos. A twist-and-pour stopper makes it easier to pour out beverages directly into the built-in serving cup. Since you don't need to remove the stopper, your drinks stay at their desired temperature for longer.

Best With Handle: Stanley 1.1-Quart Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle

thermos on solid background
Courtesy of Target

If you're going to be toting a thermos around all day, it has to be comfortable to hold. This classic green Stanley bottle has a collapsible handle and comes in different sizes to suit your needs (1.1 quart, 1.5 quart, and 2 quart). It also has a leak-resistant lid and a built-in 8-ounce cup.

Best Portable: Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Standard Mouth Bottle With Flex Cap

Thermos on solid background
Courtesy of Hydro Flask

This insulated 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel bottle keeps drinks cold for an impressive 24 hours and hot for 12 hours thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation. The Flex Cap makes it easy and comfortable to bring the Hydro Flask on the go, whether you're commuting to work or going on a hike, and the leakproof seal ensures it won't spill in your bag.

Best For Food: Thermos 16-Ounce Stainless King Food Jar with Spoon

Thermos on solid background
Courtesy of Thermos

A must for office lunches, camping, and road trips, this wide-mouth jar comes with a full-size folding stainless steel spoon. Thanks to vacuum insulation technology, it can keep food cold for up to 14 hours and hot for up to 9 hours.

Best Jug: Stelton Erik Magnussen 34-Ounce Thermo Vacuum Jug

Thermos with coffee cups on table
Courtesy of Food52

This jug-thermos hybrid is an insulated pitcher suitable for both hot and cold beverages. Danish designer Erik Magnussen dreamed up this thermo vacuum jug, which has nifty features like a magnetized lid that automatically shuts when it's upright and a screw cap that keeps everything sealed when you're on the go.

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