Choosing a thermos for tea

A thermos is often used to keep tea or coffee at a temperature while hiking. There are just a huge number of options for such a product on sale, so difficulties may arise with the choice.

Thermoses differ in their appearance, purpose and characteristics. Moreover, most of the options have the same design.

• Outer casing... It is designed to protect the inner shell from mechanical stress. Often made of metal or plastic. Metal options are much more expensive, but they also last longer, plastic ones are lighter and cheaper.
• Inner flask... In its manufacture, glass, plastic or metal are used. In all cases, the surface is made mirrored, due to which it begins to reflect heat.
• Cork... The design of this element may differ significantly, in all cases the same purpose is to contain fluid and heat inside.
• Lid... It often protects the cork, but can be used as a cup.
• There is a vacuum between the inner and outer lids of the thermos. It does not allow the temperature to be transferred from the inner walls to the outer ones. A narrow throat reduces the amount of heat that goes away.

There are a variety of thermoses on sale. The classification is based on several criteria, for example, by purpose. Several different options are distinguished according to it:

• a small option is suitable for a child at school, which will be with pomp;
• sets with additional mugs are most suitable for travel;
• the flat version is purchased for storing cold water, which is convenient to drink in the summer heat;
• there is a model for brewing, equipped with an additional mesh.

Another classification is related to the type of materials used in the manufacture of the interior or exterior. The most common options are:

• metal is most often used, the inner and outer parts are made from it;
• plastic is much cheaper, it is also suitable for obtaining a shell and a flask;
• the most expensive, but effective is ceramics;
• some options are made of transparent glass combined with plastic.

Almost all thermoses are sold with a flask. The most effective is the ceramic option, but the transparent looks unusual, which allows you to control the amount of tea or coffee.

Thermos is classified by volume. For everyday use, a small version with a capacity of 250 ml is suitable.

The universal size is considered to be 1 liter. It is enough for travel or picnic. If you are planning a vacation with a large company, a large option for 5 liters is suitable.

Quality options are very popular with buyers. Considering the compiled top thermoses, several options can be distinguished.

• Thermos SK-2010 - one of the most popular proposals of this brand, a thermos is well suited for a tea ceremony. Reviewing this popular offer, it should be noted the unusual volume - 1.2 liters, the outer and inner parts of the case are made of high quality steel. A distinctive feature is the foldable handle, which makes the thermos even more compact for transport. Keeps warm for 24 hours.

• "Arctic 102-1000" - a relatively inexpensive offer. Russian manufacturers are gradually winning over the market from foreign companies, which is associated with the high performance characteristics of their products. In the manufacture of the outer and inner walls, stainless steel is used in this case. According to many reviews, the model holds boiling water well. The volume is 1 liter, retains heat for 26 hours. It attracts the attention of buyers due to its interesting design.

• Thermos FEJ-350 - a miniature version, suitable for those who went for a walk. In this case, the manufacturer combined a button-type cork and a cup-lid. Designed best for children, the locking mechanism can be folded back with just one push. The quality is quite high, the volume is 0.35 liters, the case is steel and can keep warm for 8 hours. Not suitable for those who need a roomy option.

• STANLEY Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle - this option is suitable for travel, hunting or fishing. The top lid acts as a cup. The price of this thermos is quite high, as it is reliable, made of high quality and modern materials. The body and the flask are made of steel, the volume is 0.75 l, retains heat for 20 hours.

• Biostal NBP-1000-1 - budget option with an average capacity. An interesting point is that an additional cup is included in the package. As a bonus, the thermos comes with a pouch. In the manufacture of the flask, plastic is used, but the technologies of this company made it possible to exclude the likelihood of an unpleasant odor. The volume is 1 liter, retains heat for 19 hours.

• Zojirushi SJ-JS10 - this option is quite expensive, which is associated with a bright design that stands out against the background of other products. This thermos looks quite interesting and attractive, the model turned out to be very reliable.Numerous reviews indicate that the contents will not spill even if the product is turned over. Keeps warm during the day, the volume is 1 liter.

• TIGER MHK-A200 Is another expensive option that comes from a Japanese company. Relatively recently, production has been established in China. The high price, first of all, is associated with the large volume, which is 2 liters, enough for a large company. For ease of transportation, there is a functional handle, the thermos retains heat throughout the day.

You can choose the appropriate option according to several criteria. Let's consider the most important ones.

• Volume... For brewing tea or everyday use, options with a volume of 250 ml - 1 liter are suitable. For long hikes or resting a large company, models of 3 or 5 liters are suitable. It should be borne in mind that the small version keeps boiling water much longer.
• Body material... The most reliable is a thermos with a metal case. It is very convenient to take it on long trips and there is no need to worry about its safety. Plastic models are much lighter, and the design range is wider. Glass can not be called universal, this material is very fragile.
• By the way of keeping warm... The heat is retained for the longest when the bulb is made of glass. The most expensive and high-quality options can keep high or low temperatures for two days. Plastic options are much cheaper, but can maintain their original temperature for only 6 hours. Metal ones are characterized by an indicator of 8-12 hours. The choice is made depending on financial capabilities and goals.
• Odor control. Even if the thermos is used correctly, there is a chance that the odor will escape or be absorbed into the materials of the product. The alternating storage of tea and coffee results in the mixing of aromas. Glass options practically do not accumulate odor, plastic ones are the worst in this regard.
• In form and design. The classic design is represented by a tall cylinder with a narrow neck. Many models have a metal case, painted in various colors. It is suitable for most applications. An unusual option with a wooden body, but it is quite difficult to use it correctly.
• Additional functions... For home or office use, the pump version is most suitable for travel. Its design allows you to pour a drink without opening the entire lid. This keeps you warm and makes it easier to use a thermos. However, low-quality options will not be able to last for a long period. More practical suggestions with regular cork.

Some recommendations for using a thermos are aimed at increasing its operational life and the duration of keeping the product hot. You need to use any option, taking into account the information below.

• Hot food stays this way longer if warm up a thermos, pouring warm water there for a while.
• In order to eliminate the appearance of a foreign smell, it is not recommended to keep the thermos closed for a long period.
• You can clean the inner surface of plaque by adding a few tablespoons of baking soda, after which hot water is poured. After an hour, a small handful of coarse salt is added, the entire contents are mixed.
• Per product strong mechanical stress should not be exerted. Even metal variants can suffer from this.
• Special care should be taken when using valve variants... This element is designed for a certain number of opening and closing cycles.
• Fully filled with product a thermos keeps warm for a longer period.
• At the time of transportation, the thermos must be in an upright position... This is due to the fact that even a strong cork may not fit snugly enough. If the flask is made of glass, this condition is imperative, since strong shaking of the contents may damage the product.
• It is forbidden to drink from the throat, as you can get burned.
• The thermos should be washed only after it has completely cooled down. This is due to the fact that sudden temperature changes negatively affect all materials.
• You can keep the temperature low for longer by pre-adding a few ice cubes to the flask.
• If rinse the flask every time after use, odor can be avoided.