What is a Hot Food Thermos?
Hot food thermoses are containers that keep food hot for hours. The best thermos for hot food has a vacuum between the inner and exterior walls. It maintains the temperature of its contents, particularly liquids, for extended periods. It has two thin walls, glossy glass, with no air between them.
Would you like to own a food thermos? This article will give you information on different types of food flasks.
Our Top Pick for a Hot Food Thermos
A hot food thermos is an essential item to own. Our pick is the Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar. It maintains the temperature for nine hours of cold and seven hours of heat. It is also a wide-mouth thermos for easy filling.
Why Trust The Proud Italian?
The proud Italian is an avid fan of everything that has to do with home and kitchen electronics and gadgets. It conducts in-depth research across various online product reviews to produce this product list on the finest food thermoses. In addition, it offers some advice on keeping them safe.
It also provides a checklist of things to consider while shopping for a thermos to be confident about your choice.
At a Glance – The Best Hot Food Thermoses
- Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar: Best overall thermos for hot food
- Thermos Foogo Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar, Blue: Best food thermos for kids
- Thermos Funtainer, Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Food Jar, Violet: Best wide mouth food thermos
- Mira Lunch, Food Jar - Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos with Portable Folding Spoon - Hawaiian Blue: Best budget thermos for hot food
- Hydroflask Thermos Food Jar: Best food thermos for travel
How We Tested the Products
We studied this guide’s six roundups and articles on thermoses from various websites. The top-selling products from the kitchen and home retailers, including Amazon, IKEA, Target, Walmart, the Container Store, and Storables, were also examined.
Then, we looked more closely at products from well-known companies like Thermos and Zojirushi. We looked at models made for both a general audience and children. We looked for portable thermoses that could fit into our top-rated lunch boxes or bags, so we tried the smaller size option.
We also favored thermoses that come in a variety of colors. A perfect thermos should maintain food at a safe temperature for a long time—below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) for cold meals and over 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for hot foods. Thermoses shouldn’t leak and should have a design that can keep soups and other liquid-based meals.
They also shouldn’t noticeably crack or dent when dropped, but accidents happen. To maintain its vacuum insulation, most firms advise hand-washing thermoses. However, the lids and jars should be simple to disassemble and clean.
In our testing, we looked at how long thermoses kept milk and tuna salad cold, how long they kept soup and plain bow-tie pasta warm, whether they leaked, how durable they were, and how simple they were to clean. We brought tomato soup to a boil, placed it on the thermoses, and checked the temperature every two hours for six hours with pasta.
We also put each thermos through a cold food test, filling them with milk and then 4 ounces (113.4 grams) of tuna salad, both at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), before testing them with hot food.
After precooling the thermoses, we repeated the tuna test with 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) ice water as milk. The tuna surpassed food-safe temperatures in all thermoses after just 2 hours.
None of the thermoses managed to keep tuna inside the USDA’s recommended temperature range after two hours, even after being pre-chilled. Thermoses full of soup, shaking in a backpack while upside down to check for leaks. To test if thermoses break by a fall, we dropped them four feet onto the ground.
We disassembled the models and hand-washed them to assess how simple it was to clean them. Additionally, we ensured that the thermoses we examined would fit in our top-rated lunch boxes.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Thermos advises preheating your thermos by filling it with hot water for five to ten minutes before draining it out and adding foods to keep it hotter for longer. If you want to pre-chill your thermos before adding cold meals, you can do the same with ice water.
You must hand-wash the Mira. It is not dishwasher safe, like most of the thermoses we examined. Its capacity to hold heat may diminish if you put it in the dishwasher. Thermos advises hand washing even though the Funtainer is top-rack dishwasher safe since harsher chemicals and hot water may impair the aesthetic.
We recommend soaking the Funtainer lid in warm, soapy water to clean the hard-to-reach areas.
Significant Competition
The Hydro flask meals flask’s lifetime warranty wowed us; however, the thermos only keeps food hot for three hours and dented severely when dropped. In our tests, the Thermos Stainless King 16 ounces (453.6 grams) food jar with a folding spoon maintained soup’s heat better than most of the competition.
In contrast to our pick, it has a broader circumference and a thicker, ridged design, making it more challenging to handle and put in a lunchbox. The Black and Blum food flask has streamlined lines and brushed steel accents, and we were happy with the faux leather strap and spoon attachment.
However, the flask is less widely available than our preferred option. The spoon-and-strap device is ineffective because the spoon gets exposure to germs in a bag, and the strap is easily stained.
The 18 ounces (510.3 grams) Stanley Classic thermos food jar includes a separate cover for eating and can carry a lot of food. It won’t fit in a lunch box or tote bag, however, and doesn’t offer the same variety of sizes as our top option.
Although the Mira lunch food jar is reasonably priced, it didn’t keep soup as hot as most other thermoses we tried. We are unsure about future availability because the manufacturer has problems maintaining the Mira jars in stock in various colors.
Our Selected Reviews on Hot Food Thermoses
Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar: Best Overall Thermos for Hot Food
Amazon’s Choice in Insulated Food Jars by THERMOS
Brand: Thermos
Color: Stainless steel, army green, matte black
Material: Stainless steel
Style: Jar
Item dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 5.5 inches (9.4 x 9.4 x 14 centimeters)
Shape: Round
Pattern: Solid
Item weight: 0.3 pounds (0.1 kilograms)
Unit count: 1 count
Age range: Adult
Capacity: 24 ounces (680.4 grams)
Heat retention: Up to 9 hours
Cold retention: Up to 14 hours
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Closure type: Screw
Special features: Leak-proof lid
About This Item
This stainless steel thermos can accommodate 16 ounces (453.6 grams) of food and has a stainless steel interior and exterior. Vacuum insulation technology can keep hot and cold meals at ideal temperatures. Moreover, a serving bowl and a foldable spoon are with this thermos.
What We Like
- Maintains temperatures for nine hours of cold and seven hours of heat.
- Constructed of enduring stainless steel.
- Cold exterior despite heated food inside.
- Sweatproof when chilly materials are present.
- Wide mouth for simple filling.
- Watertight lid.
What We Didn’t Like
- The size could be too small.
- There are no separate storage spaces for the various foods.
Thermos Foogo Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar, Blue: Best Thermos for Kids
Brand: Thermos
Color: Blue
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 9.8 ounces (277.8 grams)
Closure type: Screw
Style: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Pattern: Solid
Item weight: 9.2 ounces (260.8 grams)
Unit count: 1
Age range: Kids and adults
Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 4.92 inches (9 x 9 x 12.5 centimeters)
Heat retention: For 5 hours
Cold retention: For 9 hours
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Closure type: Screw
Special features: Sweat-proof
About This Item
The BPA-free Foogo, whose creation is ergonomic and has children in mind, is popular among parents because its cool-to-the-touch 10 ounces (283.5 grams) body is ideal for a child’s lunch. Rubber is in use for both the base and lid to make the jar easier to handle for little hands. The ability to save money and a durable body that resists scratches are further benefits.
Our house tester appreciated the small size of double-wall insulation because adults can use it for hot sides and beverages. However, our reviewer concentrated on the thermos’ most crucial features: how long would it keep your food hot? This failed in our tests despite Thermos’s promises that it could keep food warm for up to 5 hours.
The Foogo thermos keeps its contents heated for up to five hours and cold for up to nine hours, thanks to its double-walled stainless steel exterior and inside. It comes in five distinct colors and holds 10 ounces (283.5 grams).
What We Like
- Body made of sturdy stainless steel.
- Vacuum technique that prevents the formation of bacteria.
- Broad opening for simple filling and serving.
- Rubber grip for simple manipulation.
- The base is scratch- and non-slip.
- Constructed from BPA-free materials.
What We Didn’t Like
- Food particles could become lodged between the plastic cover and the steel upper section.
- It could be challenging to open and shut the lid.
Thermos Funtainer, Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Food Jar, Violet: Best Wide Mouth Food Thermos
Brand: Thermos
Color: Violet
Material: Stainless steel
Style: Stainless steel
Item dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches (8.9 x 8.9 x 11.4 centimeters)
Shape: Round
Pattern: Solid
Item weight: 8 ounces (510.3 grams)
Unit count: 1
Age range: Adults
Capacity: 10 ounces (283.5 grams).
Heat retention: 5 hours
Cold retention: 7 hours
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Closure type: Screw
Special features: Wide mouth design
About This Item
This thermos food jar is another option among the top food thermoses. It has vacuum insulation characteristics to provide long-term temperature retention. You may keep food hot or cold for longer than standard hot meal thermoses. Consequently, you don’t have to worry about your ice pack melting or your hot lunch chilly.
You can open and shut the thermos easily thanks to the lid’s attractive form and comfortable grip. It’s simple to reach in and thoroughly clean this lunch box because the mouth is so large. Additionally, you may put it in the dishwasher for hands-free cleaning if you don’t want to wash it by hand.
This jar is from sturdy stainless steel, just like the best-insulated jars, so it can sustain frequent usage without losing form. You should prechill the thermos if you’re keeping cold food or warm it if you’re storing hot food for the greatest results.
What We Like
- Safe for dishwasher.
- Exceptional heat retention.
- Wide mouth style.
- Long-lasting structure.
- Keeps food hot for five hours or more.
What We Didn’t Like
- Does not maintain food safety.
Mira Lunch, Food Jar - Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos with Portable Folding Spoon - Hawaiian Blue: Best Budget Thermos for Hot Food
Brand: Mira
Color: Hawaiian blue
Material: Stainless steel
Special feature: Leak resistant
Style: Stainless steel
Item dimensions: 6.5 x 3.98 x 3.9 inches (16.5 x 10.1 x 9.9 centimeters)
Shape: Round
Pattern: Solid
Item weight: 1.12 pounds (0.5 kilograms)
Unit count: 1
Age range: Adults
Capacity: 17 ounces (481.9 grams)
Heat retention: Up to 5 hours
Cold retention: Up to 10 hours
Dishwasher safe: No
Closure type: Screw
Special features: Leak-proof lid
About This Item
This is a perfectly portable small thermos. You don’t need to reheat or chill your meal when taking your insulated food jar to work, school, or a trip. This food thermos is spacious enough to hold a complete meal yet small enough to fit in lunch boxes, backpacks, and work bags. It is also sweat- and leak-proof.
This food-grade stainless steel thermos is durable enough for any adventure. It will consistently deliver a clean taste that won’t retain or transfer flavors, whether you pack chili for camping or substantial soup for work.
This hot food thermos has a special powder coat coating that offers a non-slip grip and increased strength. Kids, adults, and toddlers can enjoy this lunch thermos. You can swap out boring sandwiches with an insulated food flask for delicious spaghetti, ramen, or chowder.
This insulated flask has a foldable spoon that fits neatly inside the jar’s top for convenient eating. The food jars’ wide mouth opening is best for easy filling, cleaning, and comfortable eating. It contains non-toxic, BPA-free polymers and premium stainless steel with your health in mind.
Instead of eating out, pack homemade meals in your insulated food containers for hot and cold food. Bring filling oats for breakfast, robust soup for lunch, and fresh fruit for snacks. There are countless options!
These top-rated thermos food jars employ MiraGuard Technology to maintain food’s temperature for 10 hours of cold storage or 5 hours of hot storage. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, your thermos lunch box keeps food at the right temperature for hours while preventing condensation from building up on the jar outside.
Only wash food jars by hand. Please avoid stuffing the jar too full or keeping food in it for more than 24 hours. Please do not force the lid open or overtighten it. These thermoses are available in 10 attractive colors and small sizes. These thermoses’ vacuum insulation and MiraGuard technology keep food hot or cold for up to five and ten hours, respectively.
What We Like
- Small size.
- Constructed from enduring 18/8 food-grade stainless steel.
- Broad mouth.
- Matte finish and non-slippery.
- Constructed from BPA-free materials.
- Easy to transport.
What We Didn’t Like
- Only hand wash.
- The lid is difficult to clean.
Hydroflask Thermos Food Jar: Best for Travel
Brand: Hydro Flask
Color: Sunflower
Material: Steel
Capacity: 12 ounces (340.2 grams)
Style: Steel
Item dimensions: 4.25 x 4.3 x 3.55 inches (10.8 x 10.9 x 9 centimeters)
Shape: Round
Pattern: Solid
Item weight: 12 ounces (340.2 grams)
Unit count: 1
Age range: Adults
Heat retention: More than 4 hours
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Closure type: Screw
Special features: Leak resistant
About This Item
The company’s models for beverages-only are equally as stylish as the leak-proof Hydro Flask insulated food jar. The 18/8 stainless steel interior ensures no taste transfer or residual aromas. The tough exterior design is perfect for outdoor activities. As a result, it’s trendy among nature and camping fans.
Start with a small container, and then upgrade in size over time if the family requires a bigger one. Available in numerous sizes. Nevertheless, remember that the bigger sizes cost more. This should maintain your food’s warmth for at least four hours. Even for up to 12 hours, some reviews said the product had excellent heat retention.
The Thermos King has the best temperature retention for hot and cold meals because of its ultra-tight seal. That is attributable to the insulation provided by the two stainless steel walls. Another significant advantage is the lid’s ability to act as a bowl when you pair it with the available standard-size stainless steel folding spoon.
We put the Thermos’ claim that this can keep beverages hot for nine hours and cold for up to 14 hours to the test in a kitchen environment. Our reviewer put freshly prepared mac and cheese into all 16 ounces (453.6 grams) of the thermos and checked the temperature every hour. It didn’t start to become cold until the ninth hour.
Additionally, our tester still saw ice cubes in the thermos after 14 hours, demonstrating how well it kept water ice-cold. Additionally, its enormous mouth is advantageous for eating directly from the container and for quick hand washing. You can clean this model’s parts safely on the top rack of your dishwasher, making maintenance simple for active professionals on the road.
What We Like
- Permanent guarantee.
- Small size.
What We Didn’t Like
- Fewer color options.
Considerations to Take Before Buying a Hot Food Thermos
Consider purchasing a coffee thermos if you enjoy drinking coffee while on the road. Your coffee will stay hot and fresh for longer periods in a high-quality thermos. Consequently, a hot beverage tastes good even after several hours of brewing.
Thermoses are available in various sizes, styles, and hues. Making the right choice might be challenging. We have compiled a list of things to consider before purchasing a thermos.
Size
The first step in buying a thermos is determining the size you require. Most travel mugs are available in 12 to 16 ounces (340 to 737 grams), 16 to 24 ounces (737 to 963 grams), and 32 ounces (907 grams) sizes. Despite being available, larger containers are impractical for commuting or town walks. However, if you want to use it for outdoor family vacations, you will need a sizable one.
Material
Thermoses are frequently products of steel or stainless steel producers. Both materials are enduring and can withstand time. High-end thermoses use double-walled vacuum technology to maintain the temperature of beverages. Some companies trust their products’ durability by offering lifetime warranties.
There are less expensive variants made of tin, glass, or plastic. Plastic, however, is not the ideal material. It cannot properly hold heat and is quickly brittle. When you fill it with hot beverages, the material must maintain its coolness. When you fill it with cold drinks, it must not sweat.
Maintenance
The bottle-like design of coffee thermoses makes cleaning and washing them challenging. At the very least, you need to clean thermoses once every week. It will stop the accumulation of difficult-to-remove coffee residue, which will later occur. Additionally, it will prevent the growth of hazardous microorganisms.
Wide-mouth flasks work best for cleaning. Dishwasher-safe thermoses are also available. To thoroughly clean all components, the thermos must be simple to remove.
Design
There are many different types of thermoses. Simple designs could be preferable for those who don’t care how their drink container looks. However, stylish stainless steel vacuum flasks can be beautiful on your work desk.
Price
If a coffee thermos is within your price range, buy it, but don’t skimp on quality. Look for a respectable company with a lot of industry experience. Usually, there is a trade-off between cost and toughness. However, a high price does not always imply a superior quality.
Brand
Pick a product whose reviews are the best. You can be sure of its caliber in this way.
FAQs on Hot Food Thermoses
How Do I Choose What Type of Thermos to Get?
Finally, it should be simple to clean and should not be easily removable. The lid should perfectly fit the flask and be simple to tighten and loosen. Some thermal flasks have corks to keep them shut, although they are frequently ineffective because they could leak.
How Does a Thermos Work?
A thermos is a flask with a container that has two walls. The area between the walls is devoid of air. Now that a vacuum surrounds the soup, heat cannot escape from it. Additionally, the interior walls are silver to reflect heat rays that attempt to escape to help contain the heat.
How Long Do Thermoses Keep Contents Hot or Cold?
In essence, the vacuum bubble encircling the inner flask will maintain the temperature consistently for a long time, regardless of whether you fill the thermos like the yeti soup thermos with hot soup or ice-cold water. According to the top thermoses on the market, liquids may remain cold for up to 10 days when you freeze them.
Depending on usage and outside temperatures, large Thermos Flasks like the Stainless King will keep beverages hot for 18 to 24 hours. Smaller thermos flasks, like the Stainless King, will last 12 to 18 hours.
In Conclusion
One of the best choices you can make in the quest for healthier meals is to purchase the best thermos for hot food. Choose durable, high-quality, BPA-free plastic products with high-temperature retention and long shelf lives. Before purchasing, you should also consider the food thermos’ price and design.
Additionally, having a food thermos is essential since it enables you to enjoy hot meals whenever it’s convenient for you, saves you time and effort, and ensures that your meals are healthy and handmade.
We recommend the Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar. This thermos will ensure you enjoy your meals at the right temperature even when you are away from home.
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