Thermos recommendation(s)??

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Mar 26, 2000
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Just wanted to get some feedback on Thermos or Thermos-style bottles, 32-48 oz max.

Looking to replace one I had for several years, and wondered what the better options are.

Thanks
Mike
 
Aladdins are fine, but I much prefer the all-metal Thermos brand ones. They've got a killer (albeit pretty incomplete) web site, should help you out, at least let you know what's available -- I have a two liter one, though, (the one I finally settled on), that isn't on the website. But basically just bop on down to the sporting goods section in the nearest Walmart or similar, and they should have something that'll suit you. I'd recommend against the glass vacuum bottle types, really no reason to have those anymore, as far as I can tell.

The one exception is that I think Aladdin's widemouths work just a bit better than Thermos's. But I'd still go with Thermos, partly because of brand loyalty and partly because it's not a big enough difference that it's worth worrying about.
 
I really like the Stanley all metal models. They will take a heck of a lot of abuse and still work great. I have a 24 ounce Wide Mouth that is great for things such as Soup or other items that might be a little chunky or hard to wash out. If you are just looking for coffee or tea, get the narrow mouth as it pours better. These vaccuum bottles are also lined with charcoal insulation if I remember correctly so, in the rare event you developed a leak in the vaccuum bottle, you would still have insulation.

The Nissan vaccuum bottle and mugs are a lot classier and appropriate for use in an office environment. You will pay more for them then the Stanley's at Wal-Mart. I have 4 of their various mugs and cups and really like them. Again, great for the office but, if you run over them with a Caterpillar dozer they are history where as a Stanely may still be serviceable (ever seen a round Stanley turn oblong :) , it still held coffee afterwards).
 
Go for the Nissan stainless bottle. It will cost you about $30, but will last forever and keeps stuff hotter a lot longer than the others. Seriously, I have used them all. The ones with the glass insulation are worthless, because all you have to do is bang them on something and they are broken. I use my Nissan every single day; filling it up with hot coffee before I leave for work, and it keeps it VERY hot until I have reached my caffeine limit around noon time. Also, I have banged it around on all kinds of stuff, dropped it down stairs one time and it just keeps on keepin on.
 
Danbo, you signature line blows me away everytime I see one of your posts.

Too damn funny.

Thanks for the input guys.
 
I've had good luck with my Stanley. It's the all metal 32 oz (I think) model. It's taken a ton of abuse and is still going strong. Not the lightest thermos in the world, though.
--Josh
 
Another Nissan thermos/travel mug owner here. In my experience, nothing comes close. I beat them, badly. I've even run over my travel mug. They are dented, they are now ugly, but the work perfectly.
 
One word of warning: Do NOT use clorine bleach/water to clean out a Stanley Thermos. Found out the hard way, there's some sort of icky chemical reaction with the liner. That said, I like both Stanley AND Nissan, use the smaller Nissan 'Silver Bullet' at the office, the larger Stanley when I'm going to sit in the cold.
 
Go with the Thermos ~ Floating Bottle (model #2820)

Durable steel interior and exterior, plus a non-glare plastic exterior case. Twist 'N' PourTM stopper. Even floats when full.
Stainless steel liner. Roll-stops for added stability
Capacity: 1.1 qt/1 L

Kept my coffee hot for hours !

Had it for 5 years. . .let the old lady take it to work one day ~ it's now the property of a thief ! :mad:
 
Another vote for the Nissan. But I have both, like both of them, and they are owned by the same company.
 
I'd go for the Thermos ones. Got two had them a while. The only problem is that they replaced that simple cap that you just twisted quarter way (at least on the ones they sell in the UK) and poured with a cap that had has some push button spring operated spout. I know a few people whose had that newer cap fail on them. I've tried and the older caps don't fit the newer flasks.
I clean my flasks with those tablets used for soaking dentures overnight (Called Stearmint or something over here). Pop a couple in the flask, hot water leave for 3 hours then use a cylindrical brush and scrub around inside. Comes up good as new with no taste of anything previous inside.
Hope this helps.
 
Good help here. I'll be out checkin the market this weekend.

Have to give the wife a couple Xmas things to get me, soooo....

Thanks again.
Mike
 
Originally posted by donn
I clean my flasks with those tablets used for soaking dentures overnight (Called Stearmint or something over here). Pop a couple in the flask, hot water leave for 3 hours then use a cylindrical brush and scrub around inside. Comes up good as new with no taste of anything previous inside.
Efferdent. You can also use Alka Seltzer. We used Alka Seltzer to clean a bunch of old coins we found buried in a garden.
 
Baking soda worked just fine on mine, even without the brush. Just use more than you think you'll need.
 
I've had a 1 quart Stanley thermos (the old green metal style) for about 15 years. A little beat up now, but still keeps coffee hot.
 
I picked up a Nissan "Silver Bullet" and, while I haven't used it a lot, it is certainly a quality piece of gear.

The Stanley is still the best for a outdoor use such as camping, hunting, contruction work, etc. The Nissan Silver Bullet is much better for a more formal office type setting.

The smaller size (diameter in particular) and lighter weight make the Nissan Silver Bullet a great everyday user for a briefcase, backpack or, similar transport. It also looks more appropriate in a formal setting (dress slacks and a button up collared shirt setting). The Stanley will still get the blue jeans and T-shirt duty when I am going outdoors for some physical activity but, that Nissan Silver Bullet is earning its keep as my new primary daily carry.

One final thought - the 16oz Silver Bullet may seem small in capacity but, the larger 25oz model really doesn't add that much. After all, 16oz of coffee is a pretty good quantity unless you're away from civilization completely. The 16oz model is really compact and easy to carry around. This, combined with its light weight (especially when empty), should put the 16oz Silver Bullet in serious contention for your favorite daily carry to the office.
 
I agree with Sid. I have carried a silver bullet the last couple of years during deer season instead of a 1 qt. steel Thermos. It's lighter, easier to pack and keeps my coffee plenty hot all day. At first, I wasn't sure if it was large enough. However, I found that the smaller cup on the silver bullet resulted in less waste. The trick is to preheat the bottle with boiling water before putting the coffee in. I use powdered creamer instead of refrigerated creamer also.
Jim
 
JimM, you got it right on the boiling water trick. But don't go powdered creamer on me. Just pop your cream in the mircowave for a few second while the water is heating up and your coffee will stay just as hot. I hate powdered creamer! Semper Fi. Tuna out
 
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