A thermos is a great way to transport food, especially if you’re bringing it to a picnic or potluck. But it can be difficult to figure out which container is best for your needs. Here are some of our recommendations:
**Thermos Food Jar**
This is a great option for people who want something that’s large enough for them to bring food for 2-3 people. It’s also ideal for anyone who doesn’t want their food getting cold while they’re transporting it. This one also comes with an extra-long spoon so you won’t have to worry about spilling your lunch when you’re trying to eat!
**Thermos Lunch Kit**
If you’re looking for something smaller and more portable, this lunch kit might be the right choice for you. It has an insulated interior that will keep your food warm until lunchtime so you don’t have to worry about eating cold sandwiches or salads when you get back to work or school. Plus, it comes with an ice pack so even if it does get warm by the time lunch rolls around, there will still be plenty of time for everything inside this container to stay cool and refreshing before eating!
Thermos For Food With Containers
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with Spoon, 16 Ounce, Midnight Blue
BLUE ELE Leakproof, Vacuum Insulated Thermos Hot Lunch Containers with Ceramic-Coated Stainless Steel, Easy Grip Lid, and Folding Spoon, 13.5oz, Carnation Pink
THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar, 24 Ounce, Midnight Blue
Energify Vacuum Insulated Food Jar. 24oz Thermos Includes Folding Spoon and Cup. Hot & Cold Drinks, Lunch Container For Kids and Adults. Made of Premium BPA-Free Stainless Steel, Leak Proof, Grey.
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Best Food Thermoses
Aug 29, 2021Whether it’s for school, work, a picnic, or a hike, there are many reasons why we need – and want – to prepare a meal and keep it either hot or cold for an extended period of time. Sometimes we reach for ice packs and an insulated bag, but that can be cumbersome and inconvenient and doesn’t help with keeping food hot. Instead, a food thermos can be the best way to keep food at the temperature you desire, all in an easy-to-carry container.Read full article -
Top Pick
You love the idea of a food thermos; after all, you have a thermos for your coffee and an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold. -
Best Basic
Carrying around a thermos filled with ready-to-eat homemade food is one of the best ways to make sure you have a hearty meal available when you’re hungry. Ease of use and durability is key since you tend to be hard on your tools and accessories. -
Easy To Open
You like the idea of a food thermos, but the ones you have had in the past have been too difficult for your kids to open, especially when the heat creates a vacuum, increasing the difficulty of opening the top.
Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar with Leak Proof Cap
THERMOS FUNTAINER 10 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Food Jar with Folding Spoon, Teal
Disney Pixar Lightyear THERMOS FUNTAINER 12 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Straw Bottle
Insulated Food Jar WayEee Vacuum Bento Box Lunch Containers 16 oz for Kids Adults, Stainless Steel Leak Proof Wide Mouth Food Soup Thermos with Spoon Keeps Food Hot Cold for School Travel Picnic -Blue
$18.07(2 used & new offers)
Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 24-Ounce – 100% Stainless Steel Interior – Leak Proof Soup Jar & Food Storage Container, Green
Thermos for Hot Food 17.6 Oz BPAFree Soup Thermos Lunch Thermos for Hot Food Adults Thermos with spoon Kid Thermos Hot Food Thermos Lunch Box Hot Food Flask for Hot Food for Adults Hot Thermos for Soup Kid Food Thermos Lunch Thermos for Hot Food Kids AMANDA GLOBE
Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle, 1.5 qt – BPA-Free 18/8 Stainless Steel Thermos for Cold & Hot Beverages – Keeps Liquid Hot or Cold for Up to 24 Hours –Â
Thermos for Hot Food 17.6 Oz BPAFree Soup Thermos Lunch Thermos for Hot Food Adults Thermos with spoon Kid Thermos Hot Food Thermos Lunch Box Hot Food Flask for Hot Food for Adults Hot Thermos for Soup Kid Food Thermos Lunch Thermos for Hot Food Kids AMANDA GLOBE
Octonauts Stainless Steel Insulated Lunch 13 oz Jar for Kids –Large Leak-Proof Storage Container for Hot & Cold Food, Soups, Liquids – BPA Free – Fits Most Lunch Boxes and Bags – Lime
NicePix Insulated Food Jar For Kids & Adults in 15 oz with Travel Bag, Foldable Steel Spoon. Thermos for Hot Food In food jar Containers. Leak Proof Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Insulated Food Container
Stanley Adventure Stay Hot 3QT Camp Crock – Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Pot
Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 24oz – Stainless Steel, Naturally BPA-free Container – Keeps Food/Liquid Hot or Cold for 15 Hours – Leak Resistant, Easy Clean
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When you’re always on the go, it’s easy to get into the habit of stopping for a quick-service meal, but relying on fast food can also add up—both calorie- and money-wise. With the right storage containers, taking homemade food along to the office, school, or on a road trip is a cinch. To help find one that suits your needs, we researched top products suitable for packing up leftovers or make-ahead meals, as well as dishes to add to the kids’ lunchboxes.
Here are the best hot (and cold) food thermoses for the whole family.
Best Overall: Thermos Stainless King Food Jar
Courtesy of Walmart
What We Like
- Retains heat well
- Firm seal prevents leaks
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic laminate gradually peels off
Thanks to an uber-tight seal, the top product on this list is touted as having maximum temperature retention for hot and cold food. The Thermos King can keep liquids hot for nine hours and cold for up to 14 hours. Another major benefit is that the lid is designed to be used as a bowl in tandem with the included standard-sized stainless steel folding spoon. Each component of this model can safely be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher, allowing easy upkeep for busy professionals on the go.
Capacity:Â 16 ounces |Â Heat Retention:Â Up to 9 hours |Â Cold Retention:Â Up to 14 hours
Prep Tip
On hot days, Kate Bast, nature and forest therapy guide and founder of Shinrin-Yoku Madison, recommends hikers bring at least twice as much water as they think they need, even if that means bringing two or more thermoses. She also suggests adding hydration packets to water or filling a thermos with fruits that have high water content, such as watermelon, which can be frozen the night before to maximize coolness. On chilly days, Bast carries one thermos with room temperature water and another containing a hot or warm beverage.
Best for Kids: Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar
Courtesy of Amazon
What We Like
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
What We Don’t Like
- Lid seal needs occasional deep cleaning
Ergonomically designed with kids in mind, the BPA-free Foogo is a favorite with parents, as its cool-to-the-touch 10-ounce body fits perfectly into most lunchboxes.1 The base and lid are made of rubber to make the jar easier to grip for smaller hands, too. Other perks include cost efficiency, a tough body resistant to scratches, and the ability to keep food warm for about five hours or cold for up to seven hours.
Capacity:Â 10 ounces |Â Heat Retention:Â Up to 5 hours |Â Cold Retention:Â Up to 7 hours
Prep Tip
“Think about the sustenance you’ll need to match your exertion levels and what will be most digestible,” Bast says. Her go-to hot beverages include apple or pear slices steeped in cider with maple syrup, white pine tea, and spruce needle tea. For hot food, Bast suggests bone broth, veggie broth, or other soup which you can add proteins to. For something heartier, she suggests a casserole or stew.
Runner-Up, Best for Kids: Thermos 10-Ounce Funtainer Food Jar
Courtesy of Walmart
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Available in a variety of colors
What We Don’t Like
- Hand wash only
Kids will adore the array of colors and character themes the Funtainer comes in. More importantly, a wide brim makes eating less challenging for little ones getting the hang of using utensils, and the stay-cool exterior won’t harm their hands. However, it’s imperative to strictly adhere to the instructions for use, such as warming the interior with hot water for five to ten minutes before adding any food that will be eaten later. This model should keep food warm for up to five hours or cold for up to seven hours.
Capacity:Â 10 ounces |Â Heat Retention:Â Up to 5 hours |Â Cold Retention:Â Up to 7 hours
Best Budget: Mira Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos
Courtesy of Amazon
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Comes with travel spoons
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- May rust after frequent use
For a leak- and sweat-proof vessel on the cheap, look to MIRA’s Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos. It’s easy to clean by hand due to the larger opening at the top and the rubber ring inside of the lid can be removed for more adequate scrubbing to prevent mold accumulation. The exterior color selection includes muted hues, such as pearl blue, Hawaiian blue, and light pink, which gives this product line a similar aesthetic to more expensive brands currently on the market. It has an average heat retention of approximately five hours and a cold retention of up to 10 hours.
Capacity:Â 17 ounces |Â Heat Retention:Â Up to 5 hours |Â Cold Retention:Â Up to 10 hours
What The Experts Say
“If you happen to be in a snowy situation after you’ve consumed your hot thermos items, fill it with clean snow. The residual warmth will help melt it ensuring you have more water at the ready.” — Kate Bast, Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Founder of Shinrin-Yoku Madison
Best for Travel: Hydroflask 12-Ounce Thermos Food Jar
Courtesy of Hydroflask
What We Like
- Lifetime warranty
- Compact size
What We Don’t Like
- Limited color selection
The leak-proof Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar is just as sleek as the company’s beverage-only models. The durable exterior was crafted with outdoor adventures in mind, so it’s quite popular with nature and camping enthusiasts, and the 18/8 stainless steel
 interior ensures no flavor transfer or lingering odors. Available in multiple sizes, start small with the 8- or 12-ounce container, and then upgrade in size over time if an expanded collection for a family is needed. Just keep in mind that the 20- and 28-ounce versions have higher price points. That said, this should keep your food warm for at least four hours. Some reviewers have even reported excellent heat retention up to 12 hours.
Capacity:Â 12 ounces |Â Heat Retention:Â More than 4 hours |Â Cold Retention:Â N/A
Final Verdict
For a decently sized thermos that will keep foods, such as soup, stew, and pasta, warm for up to an impressive nine hours, look no further than the Thermos Stainless Steel King Food Jar (view at Amazon). Kids, on the other hand, will love the fun colors and cool touch of the wide-mouthed Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar (view at Amazon).
What to Look for When Buying a Hot Food Thermos
By Marshall Bright
Design
Food thermoses tend to be shorter and wider than drink thermoses. This is so you’re able to pour contents, such as soup, into the flask—and eat out of it as well. Most have a twist-on lid, which helps prevent spills. Some thermoses will have additional seals or interior lids for further spill protection.
Material
Stainless steel is the preferred material for thermoses. It won’t absorb color or scent from hot food that is stored in it for a long time and cleans easily. An inner flask is surrounded by a partial vacuum that won’t conduct heat away from the flask, keeping the contents warm. An outer case, usually also steel, allows you to hold the container without condensation or burning your hand. The outer case may also be treated with a coating or surrounded by plastic.
Even inexpensive models tend to be vacuum-seal stainless steel. However, the vacuum-seal method can be used with other materials like glass and plastic. Because they are not as durable as stainless steel, they are not recommended.
Size
The size of a thermos largely depends on what you want to use it for. Most thermoses for adults tend to be around 16 ounces, and ones for children are a little smaller. The food will cool down faster if there is excess air in the thermos, so if you want your food to stay hot for several hours, you’ll want to use the best size thermos for the amount of food you’re putting in it. If you just want the option for a small soup bowl at lunch, you can go with 10 ounces or smaller. If you want to carry a hearty meal in your flask, 16 ounces is likely the better fit.
Price
Thermoses tend to be fairly affordable, and you can typically expect to get a long-lasting one for somewhere between $15 and $30. The more expensive models may boast more fun colors, an extra-strong seal in the lid, or certain accessories, but they all will use the same stainless steel vacuum-sealed design.
Brands/Manufacturers
ThermosÂ
Thermos is synonymous with the product it produces—thermoses. But unlike Kleenex and Tupperware, Thermos has not been able to maintain the trademark on the term “thermos.” The Thermos company, first started in Germany, was the first to figure out how to take industrial vacuum-sealing techniques and apply them for home use. Today, Thermos makes a wide range of insulated containers, from flasks and mugs to coolers and lunchboxes.
Hydro FlaskÂ
Designed for the outdoors, Hydro Flask’s powder-coated flasks and containers are designed to stand up to heavy wear and tear. Available in a wide array of colors, they also come with a lifetime warranty.
Maintenance
A stainless steel thermos is relatively easy to clean up. Because it won’t absorb scent or color from your food, you can treat it like you would any other dirty dish and wash it with soap and water. Many thermoses are dishwasher safe but not all. This isn’t because of the material but the construction: Dishwashers may mess up the vacuum seal. Interior lids and other accessories, like collapsible forks, may also require additional hand-washing to get rid of built-up grime.
FAQs
How do I choose what type of thermos to get?
Before purchasing a thermos, narrow down a preferred size and what it will most frequently be used for. This could range from beverages, like coffee and tea, to meals that need to survive a long day and transport to after-school clubs and sports practices. Perhaps durability is the top concern for long outdoor treks. Check customer reviews to read common raves and complaints about each manufacturer’s products.
How does a thermos work?
Using a stainless steel vacuum-sealed design, an inner flask maintains contents at a consistent temperature, since warm or cold air cannot easily penetrate or escape from the flask. The outer material, usually made of hard plastic or steel, allows the thermos to be comfortably held and transported without liquid leaking out.
How long do thermoses keep contents hot or cold?
High-quality thermal flasks can keep food and beverages warm for as long as a full 24 hours. More economical brands will typically retain the original temperature of contents for four to six hours.