The thermos is a cylindrical body( plastic or metal), inside which is a bulb, which can be glass or metal. Today thermoses are used not only for storing hot dishes and drinks, but also for cold ones. Such a thing will be very useful, for people who often go on hikes or go fishing, they dine out at home or go on a picnic.
When you come to the store you can find a huge assortment of thermoses, with different prices, which often leads the buyer into confusion. In this article we will tell you how to choose a thermos. Let's talk about the details that should be given importance before buying it.
From what material the thermos flask is made and what can its volume be
The first thing you need to pay attention to when selecting a thermos bottle is the material from which its bulb is made. The thermos flask can be glass or metal. The glass product holds the heat a little better and is easy to clean. However, the glass bulb for the thermos is fragile enough and can easily be damaged by falling to the ground.
Metal flask for thermos, much more durable. Such a product can no doubt be taken with you to the campaign, not being afraid that it can be damaged only with one awkward movement. As for the preservation of temperature, there is no particular difference.
After all, both the metal product and the glass cope with this task entirely. Just the glass does it a little better. However, it is not worthwhile to base your choice on this moment.
As the temperature in the thermos, to a greater extent, is kept by the vacuum between the bulb and the body. The larger the distance between the housing and the bulb, the better the product will retain the temperature.
It should also be noted that, due to its structural features, most often thermos with a glass bulb are equipped with a stopper-plug. Such products can not be laid horizontally. Otherwise, the liquid will leak out.
The volume of thermoses for today varies from 0.25 to 40 liters. It is believed that the larger the volume, the better and longer the thermos keeps heat. However, you should not chase this indicator. Agree, it is not entirely convenient to take a thermos into the camp in 20 liters. Choose the volume of the flask for the thermos, depending on your needs.
What kind of cork can be used
Having figured out which thermos flask to choose, it's time to think about the cork. After all, it depends on it, how well the thermos will fulfill its basic function. There are two main types of plugs:
- Without valve
- With valve
The first ones are mainly used in thermos that are designed for storing food. To get products from such a product, you must completely unscrew the plug.
Plug with valve is ideal for thermos with liquid. Typically, such a product has a button, pressing the valve to open it and then pouring the beverage into the cup. At the same time, it is not necessary to unscrew the plug, which will save heat loss.
It should be remembered that the plug with the valve can be clogged. In order for this to happen, it is necessary to pour only a purified liquid into such a thermos bottle. Those. If you pour tea into the thermos, then there should not be welding into it.
Выборовед.Ру recommends not to buy a thermos without a valve, to maintain the temperature of the drinks. It is best for such purposes to purchase a product with a plug having a valve. No matter what kind of cork is used in your thermos. Always check that it is tightly tightened. This will help minimize heat loss.
Which thermos to choose - types
To date, there are a large number of thermoses that are designed for different needs. We will tell you for what purposes, what thermos is needed. Depending on the purpose of the thermoses are:
- For drinks
- For second courses
- For soups
- Universal
- Floating
- Thermo mug
For drinks
The beverage thermometers have a narrow neck and a screwed plug with or without a valve. Best of all, if you like the product for drinks, you will use a cork with valves. Most beverage thermoses have a narrow elongated shape. They are done so, in order to save space in the backpack, on the shelf, etc.
Some beverage thermos are equipped with a special pump device. Thanks to this, you just need to put a mug under the nose of the thermos, press the button and your cup will fill itself. Some models have even a special mug stand. Such thermoses are considered stationary and are mainly used at home.
For second courses
Food thermoses have a wide neck and several compartments of different volume for products. Such products can be made of plastic, which makes them lighter. However, plastic does not hold heat well. Many manufacturers of thermoses for food, they are equipped with cutlery.
For soups
Soup thermoses are made only from stainless steel and have a wide neck. Their difference from products intended for food, is that there are no several compartments. The soup is poured into the main container.
Universal
Universal thermos suitable for drinks, second courses and soups. The design of their cork allows storing various products. Such products have several containers for storing dishes.
Floating thermos
Floating thermos is ideal for lovers of fishing and water sports. Such a thermos does not sink in water even when fully full.
Thermo mugs
Thermo mugs are the same thermos, only in the form of a mug. They can be with or without handles. Such a product has double walls and a lid with silicone gaskets. The volume of the hot mug is from 300 to 500 ml.
Some models have a special strainer for tea brewing. It will be great if the model you like has a special mechanism for the flap on the lid. Thanks to this you can drink from such a product without having to unscrew the lid entirely.
How to distinguish a quality product from a defective
On the package or the housing of a quality thermos, the information about the manufacturer and its exact address will be necessarily indicated. If such information is not available, it is possible that you have a basement product.
Before buying a thermos, open its lid. If you feel a sharp smell, it means that the product is made of poor-quality materials. Examine the thermos carefully from all sides, the body should not have any dents and cracks.
The same applies to the bulb. Also check how tightly the plug is tight. Do not forget to shake the product you like before purchasing. This will help you to understand whether the bulb is well fixed in the body.