- 1. Yeti Rambler
- 2. Rubbermaid Leak Proof Flip Lid Thermal Bottle
- 3. Thermos Stainless King
- 4. Contigo Autoseal
- 5. Stanley Classic
- 6. Zojirushi Mug
- 7. Diller Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
- 8. Okadi Large Coffee Thermos
- 9. Thermos Work Series Stainless Steel Bottle
- 10. Stansport 12 Gauge Shotshell Thermo Bottle
Want the best cup of joe on the go? Assuring hot coffee stays hot and iced coffee stays cold is essential. The best way to go about doing that is with a coffee thermos. Nearly every thermos uses a double-wall insulation system, which keeps the coffee temperature in and weather temperature out.
Although there are hundreds of companies claiming to make the best thermos for your coffee, there are a certain few that are blowing away the competition. Those companies produce thermoses with sealed lids, leak and spill-proof designs, vacuum insulation systems, and dishwasher safe materials. So, whether you require a new thermos for your commute or a large thermos for your hiking adventures, here are our picks for the best coffee thermoses on the market.
The Best Coffee Thermoses
No coffee thermos list is complete without a Yeti product. This thermos is smaller than other models, but that makes it far more convenient to use. Yeti over-engineered the Rambler thermos to be the toughest mug out there. Manufactured with a full-loop triple grip handle, it can be easily held by wider hands. The thermos is also made with a dura-coat color exterior in multiple color options that will not scratch, peel, or fade. It has double-walled vacuum insulation to keep your drinks hot for hours. The MegaSlider lid will ensure you’ll have minimal leakage while carrying your Rambler.
Due to the name on the seal, this thermos will cost you quite a bit more. However, the extra cost comes with superior quality and durability. Keep in mind that the lid doesn’t screw on, so it isn’t meant for getting tossed around during your commute.
- Stainless steel
- 20 fluid ounces
- 6.87 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Brand Yeti
- Model B07SR5JC4T
- Weight 1.3 Pounds
Mag Slider Lid
BPA-free
Dishwasher safe
Lid is not leakproof
Not meant for commuting
Lid doesn’t screw on
This stainless steel thermos can hold 16 ounces of coffee. With its double-wall vacuum insulation, it’s able to keep your liquids hot for up to five hours or cold for up to 10 hours. The construction of the thermos is high-quality, durable, and BPA-free. You’ll find caring for your thermos easy thanks to it being safe for the top rack of your dishwasher. All you need to do is choose what color you want your lid to be: choose from black, red, green, or blue.
One downside of this thermos is that your coffee can leak through the venting hole in the lid. This means you’ll want to be careful about keeping your thermos vertical. You may also find that the lid is difficult to screw on, causing you to put the lid on incorrectly.
- Stainless steel
- 16 fluid ounces
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Brand Rubbermaid
- Model B077FZ5CZC
- Weight 9.4 ounces
One-piece leak-proof lid
BPA-free
Keeps beverages hot up to five hours or cold for 10 hours
Leaks from the vent hole on top
Lid was difficult to screw on
Insulation doesn’t last
The best coffee thermos for large quantities of coffee is the Thermos Stainless King. Designed with ultra-insulated technology, this thermos will retain hot or cold coffee for more than 24 hours. Unlike some thermoses, the Thermos design is cool to the touch with hot liquids and sweat-proof for cold beverages. If you’re a person that drinks a large amount of coffee throughout the day, the 68-ounce Thermos is perfect for you. The twist-and-pour stopper allows you to drink small amounts without completely removing the stopper.
One downside is that you’ll need to frequently check your lid since it can begin to leak over time. The insulation can also stop working. You can avoid both of these issues by being gentle on your thermos when using it and cleaning it properly. Leaving the coffee in your thermos can stain the inside, but this does not affect the thermos’ ability to insulate and hold your coffee.
- Stainless steel
- 68 fluid ounces
- Vacuum insulation
- Twist and pour stopper
- Brand Thermos LLC
- Model B00HYAKJOG
- Weight 1 pound
Sweat-proof with cold liquids
Cool to the touch with hot liquids
Keeps liquids hot or cold for 24 hours
Leaks
Insulation stops working
Coffee stains the interior material
You are guaranteed no leaks or spills with the Contigo thermos thanks to a patented auto-seal technology that gives you reliability everywhere you go. Hot drinks will stay piping hot for up to seven hours, while cold drinks will stay cold for more than 18 hours. Combining intelligent design and innovative technology, the Contigo Autoseal thermos is ideal for bringing coffee to work or hauling on an adventure. Also, the dishwasher-safe lid can be easily cleaned. It’s available in 20 colors and 16, 20, or 24 ounces.
Unfortunately, the material can begin to flake if you don’t care for your thermos correctly. This can result in it flaking into your coffee. However, if you clean your thermos by hand, this won’t happen. You’ll also want to be careful when cleaning the lid since the crevices can be hard to fully clean.
- 20 fluid ounces
- Stainless steel
- Autoseal technology
- Thermalock vacuum insulation
- Brand Ignite USA
- Model B00KR9OMLM
- Weight 12.8 ounces
Easy one-handed drinking
Drinks stay hot up to seven hours
Drinks stay cold up to 18 hours
Material flakes off
Hard to fully clean
Insulation can fail
This rust-proof stainless steel thermos is dual-insulated for peak performance. If you work outside in harsh conditions, the Stanley thermos is durable and rugged. Available in green or deep blue, the coffee thermos is also a stylish touch for any hard-working person. Fill the thermos every morning, and the coffee inside will retain its temperature all day long. Along with a high-value product, you receive a lifetime warranty that is promised by Stanley.
If you leave this thermos on its side, it can begin to leak from the cap, but you can prevent this by standing your bottle upright. You’ll also want to be careful when putting the lid or stopper on as it can begin to cross-thread, causing it to leak.
- 18/8 stainless steel
- 1.1 quarts
- Collapsible handle
- Leak-resistant lid
- Brand Stanley
- Model B08KK2671B
- Weight 2.5 pounds
BPA-free
Keeps liquid hot or cold for up to 24 hours
Wide mouth
Lid can leak when on its side
Stopper can start cross threading
Outer walls get hot
This thermos’ double-walled vacuum insulation assures heat retention for hours and cold retention for even longer. The 20-ounce thermos comes in 20 colors and uses a flip-open lid designed to release and hold, then flip open for drinking, letting condensation on the lid return into the mug instead of gathering at the top. To add convenience, the stopper, lid, and cup are all completely dishwasher safe. High-quality stainless steel makes this thermos one of the best money can buy.
One potential drawback of this thermos is that it can easily take on flavors, meaning you’ll want to take extra when cleaning it. If you don’t thoroughly rinse it clean, it could take on a soap flavor that will be unpleasant.
- 20 fluid ounces
- Stainless steel
- 1.5-inch opening
- Vacuum insulation
- Brand Zojirushi
- Model SM-SA60-R
- Weight 8 ounces
Stopper disassembles for thorough cleaning
Compact design
Pictograph lock
Takes on soap flavor when cleaning
Lid not durable
Can leak
Take your coffee with you on your commute or a car trip with this thermos that fits into almost any car cup holder. It’s made from durable 10/18 stainless steel and is vacuum insulated. You’ll be able to keep hot drinks for up to 12 hours and cold drinks for up to 24 hours. The cap is made from BPA-free plastic. You’ll be able to hold up to 17 fluid ounces of coffee. The lid has a two-step release process to prevent spillage and condensation leakage when drinking from your thermos.
Unfortunately, one frustrating thing about this thermos is that the lid tends to be loose. This can cause the lid to flip forward and hit you in the face when drinking. With use and age, you may also find that the lid begins to leak.
- 10/18 stainless steel
- Two-step lid release
- Vacuum insulated
- 17 fluid ounces
- Brand Diller
- Model B07HQVHMFX
- Weight 7.7 ounces
BPA free cap
Fits most standard cup holders
Hot drinks last up to 12 hours and cold drinks up to 24 hours
Flip-top lid hits your face when drinking
Can leak from bottom or lid with age
Not dishwasher safe
If you love to drink coffee throughout the day or you need to bring coffee for several people, then you’ll love this 85-ounce thermos. It has a stainless steel construction with double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your coffee hot for up to 24 hours. You can also keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours. The lid doubles as a plastic cup to make drinking easier, and the thermos is BPA-free and rust-resistant.
One drawback of this thermos is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to wash everything by hand. This isn’t a difficult or tedious task and ensures that every crevice gets cleaned. You may also find that this thermos is large and bulky to carry. Thankfully, it comes with a handle to make this easier.
- 85 fluid ounces
- Double-wall vacuum insulated
- Stainless steel
- Plastic cup
- Brand Okadi
- Model B07Z7T5PW6
- Weight 2.99 pounds
BPA free
Anti-rust
Stays cold for 36 hours, hot for 24 hour
Doesn’t keep liquids hot for long
Huge in size and heavy
Not dishwasher safe
If you need to bring your coffee to work and your work requires a durable thermos, you need the Work Series bottle from Thermos. This 1.1-quart container will hold plenty of liquid. What makes this bottle stand out is that even though it’s large, it’s easy to carry thanks to the ergonomic design of the large handle on the side of the bottle. It can keep liquids either hot or cold for up to 24 hours, thanks to the vacuum insulation technology. This insulation also helps keep the outside of the bottle cool to the touch when filled with hot liquids.
Unfortunately, you may find that this bottle infuses a metallic taste into your liquids. It may be more noticeable with water than other stronger flavored drinks like coffee. The lid also isn’t as durable as the bottle itself.
- 1.1 Quarts
- Stainless steel
- Vacuum insulation technology
- Twist and pour stopper
- Brand Thermos
- Model 2510GM2
- Weight 1 pound
Cool to the touch with hot liquids
Ergonomically designed
Keep liquids hot or cold for 24 hours
Infuses metal flavor
Leaks around the opening
Lid not durable
If you’re looking for something unique and will make a statement, consider this thermos that looks like an oversized shotgun shell. There’s even detailing on the lid that mimics the look of a real shotgun shell. It comes in black, green, or red and can hold up to 25 ounces of liquid. The construction of this thermos is from 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation and is BPA-free. The lid has a secure and easy to work one-touch open and close function.
Unfortunately, this thermos isn’t as durable as other containers on this list. It also is large and bulky while also lacking a handle to make carrying it easier. However, it’ll look cool sitting on your desk, and the large size can hold plenty of coffee.
- 25 fluid ounces
- Easy open/ close "one-touch" stopper
- 18-8 stainless steel
- Double-wall, vacuum-insulated
- Brand Stansport
- Model B01MCZ95P4
- Weight N/A
Large capacity
BPA free
Unique shotgun shell design
Not durable
Large and bulky
Lacks a carry handle
Best Coffee Thermoses Buying Guide & FAQ
Buying the right coffee thermos depends on how and where you plan to use it. Consider how much coffee you want to bring with you and your ability to refill it throughout the day. Then consider how durable the thermos is and its cleaning requirements.
This guide will help you narrow down your options by explaining the different types available and the most important features. That way, you can match your coffee thermos purchase to your coffee drinking habits and needs.
The Advantages of Owning a Coffee Thermos
Having a coffee thermos that you bring with you means that you will always have coffee within arm’s reach. Other options, like to-go cups and mugs, allow the coffee to cool relatively quickly, leaving you with cold and gross coffee. Instead, a thermos will keep it hot for several hours or all day.
Having a thermos also means you can make your beverages at home. It’s been proven by many financial experts that making your coffee at home instead of buying it will save you money. Another added benefit of making it at home is that you will always get precisely what you want—no more order mistakes or mix-ups.
Finally, you don’t have to always use your thermos for coffee. Since it’s designed to keep liquids hot, you could put other liquids in your thermos. You can use a thermos for hot tea, cocoa, or even soup.
- Hot coffee anywhere and any time.
- Save money by bringing coffee from home.
- Make coffee just the way you like it.
- Keep other liquids hot.
Popular Types of Coffee Thermoses
Most modern thermos containers use similar materials and technology for keeping your liquids hot. So when it comes to comparing different types of containers, you’ll want to focus on their size and intended purpose. This will help you find one that will function well in your everyday life. Consider whether a travel mug, personal thermos, or large capacity thermos will work best for your needs.
Travel Mug
These are the smallest-sized mugs that you’ll find on the market since they’re typically designed to hold a single cup of coffee. Because of this, they are smaller and have less insolation than larger capacity thermoses. The idea is that you’ll drink the coffee relatively quickly and won’t need insulation that keeps the coffee hot for hours and hours.
When considering travel mugs, look for one that has a lid that will seal to prevent accidental leaks or spillage during your commute. You’ll also want one that makes it easy for you to drink from it. They typically don’t have a handle, so you’ll want one that fits comfortably in your hand.
Personal Thermos
A personal thermos is designed to carry more coffee than a travel mug, but less coffee than the large capacity thermos containers. These containers will typically hold several cups worth of coffee. While they carry a lot of coffee, they’re designed for a single person, meaning they could come with a wide-open mouth for pouring, a spout, or opening for sipping.
This type of thermos may or may not come with a handle. It also may or may not fit into your car or motorcycle cup holder. These are features you’ll need to look for if they’re important to you.
Large Capacity
If you need to keep a large amount of coffee hot, you’ll want a large capacity thermos. These work best when you want to drink hot coffee throughout the day or need enough coffee for several people. Look for one with high-quality insulation to keep your coffee as hot as possible for as long as possible.
Since these tend to be large containers, you’ll want one with a comfortable handle for carrying. It should also have an easy to pour from spout or opening to make dispensing the coffee easier. You most likely won’t want to drink directly from this sized thermos. Many come with a cup built into the lid.
What to Consider When Buying a Coffee Thermos
How do you plan to use your thermos? If you’re going to use it daily on your commute, then you’ll want one that can fit into your vehicle’s cup holder, and you can easily drink from while driving. If you plan to use yours while on the go, then you’ll want one with a comfortable carrying handle that is easy to drink from.
If you want a versatile thermos, you’ll want to consider one that keeps drinks both cold and hot so you can use it year-round for a wide variety of drinks. It’s also important to be able to clean your thermos easily. This will keep it safe and sanitary to drink from.
The Most Important Features of Coffee Thermoses
There are several features to consider when choosing your coffee thermos. Consider how much coffee your thermos can hold, how the thermos will keep the coffee hot, and how it is designed. You’ll also want to consider the thermos’ durability if you plan to carry it with you daily.
Size and Volume
The first step is deciding how much coffee you want to bring with you. Some thermoses are smaller and are perfect for a personal-sized serving that would be about a mug or two of coffee. Other thermoses are larger and can hold several mugs worth of coffee. If you want to carry enough coffee that will last all day or enough for multiple people, then you’ll want a bigger thermos.
However, the larger the volume, the larger the thermos will be. Consider the size of the thermos that you’ll need to carry. Larger thermoses could be bulky, heavy, and cumbersome to bring with you.
Insulation
The insulation that your coffee thermos has should be able to keep your liquids hot for long periods. Some containers are meant for keeping drinks cold, and others are effective at insulating both hot and cold beverages.
Higher quality thermoses have better quality insulation. They will be able to keep liquids hot for up to 24 hours. In contrast, lower quality bottles may only be able to keep drinks hot for four to eight hours. If you only need your drinks to stay hot for a short time, then you may not need to invest in a top of the line bottle.
Delivery System
The delivery system is how you get the coffee out of the thermos and into your mouth. Some bottles have a straw, but do you want to drink your hot coffee through a straw? Others have a hole or mouthpiece that you sip the coffee through, which is suitable if you’re the only one drinking the coffee.
If you plan on sharing your coffee with others, you may want to consider a thermos with a screw-top lid. Then you can easily remove the lid and pour the coffee into several drinking cups. The method you choose will depend on how and where you plan to drink your coffee.
Care and Maintenance for Coffee Thermoses
If you want your thermos to last, you need to care for it, which means cleaning it properly after each use. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions when you purchase your thermos. Some say you must wash by hand, while others may say you can put it in the dishwasher. Some even have specific instructions for the different thermos parts.
When washing your thermos, be sure to get into any crevice or groove. Bacteria love these hard-to-clean areas. If allowed to grow and fester, they could make you sick.
Those same tight spots also tend to dry the slowest. Make sure your thermos is dry before you put it away. You may have cleaned it well, but trapped moisture will encourage harmful bacteria to grow.
- Know whether to hand wash or dishwasher clean your thermos.
- Get into the crevices and seals.
- Allow it to thoroughly air dry before putting it away.
Best Coffee Thermoses FAQ:
Some common questions and misconceptions happen around using a thermos. We will answer some of the frequently asked inquiries to help you start using your new coffee thermos. That way, you use it correctly and to its full potential as a portable insulating container.
Insulated stainless steel mugs will keep drinks the hottest for the longest periods.
Yes, as long as the thermos you use is safe for this type of use. You’ll also want to thoroughly clean it after each use.
You can make your coffee exactly how you like to drink it and put it into your thermos to stay hot.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for the best coffee thermos is the Yeti Rambler. This personal-sized thermos holds 20 ounces of liquid in its stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation construction. It’s easy to care for since it’s dishwasher safe and safe for you to use since it’s BPA-free. You’ll also love the MagSlider lid that prevents leaks and spills. This mug’s comfortable size and shape make it easy to carry and transport in your car’s cup holder.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong investing in the Yeti Rambler with its durability, insulating ability, and leak preventing lid. For a more affordable option, the Rubbermaid Leak Proof Flip Lid Thermal Bottle with its easy care requirements, one-piece leak-proof lid, and double-wall vacuum insulation.
Sources:
- Vacuum Flask – Wikipedia