A coffee thermos is such a great investment. A well-constructed one keeps your coffee toasty hot all day. This is ideal if you want to enjoy your coffee on the go or if you’ve simply brewed too much and want to save some for later. The insulated walls keep the coffee lovely and warm without ever burning it so all that delicious flavor is ready for you to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
Although a thermos is often associated with hot beverages this isn’t all they’re good for. An insulated flask will also keep iced coffee cold in the summer and stop the ice from melting too quickly.
There are so many good reasons to have one of these but the problem arises with the fact there are almost too many out there to choose from. To help you out, here are ten top picks to help narrow down the options to a manageable volume.
I’ve got options to suit every need so have a browse through and you’re bound to find one that suits you. I’ve included all the basic criteria so you can easily compare options with a quick glance. Have a browse and if you like the looks of any of these click the ‘Price and Reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon.
Now let’s get stuck in and look at our top choice today, the Stanley Classic. A rugged thermos that ticks every box!
- 1. Top Choice – Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle
- 2. Runner Up – Hydro Flask Coffee Travel Mug
- 3. Best Travel Mug – YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug
- 4. Best Large Capacity – THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Bottle
- 5. Best For Cold Brew – Teabloom All-Purpose Beverage Tumbler
1. Top Choice – Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle
Brand: Stanley Classic
Size: 35.2 Oz, 64 Oz options
Color Option: Hammertone Green
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: Yes
The Stanley Classic vacuum bottle is a big winner when it comes to functionality. It’s made from durable, rust-proof stainless steel so is hard-wearing and easy to keep clean. All plastic is BPA free and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your coffee hot for 24 hours. Now, this isn’t lukewarm, or tepid, it really keeps drinks scalding hot. It also prevents ice cubes from melting for up to 5 days if left sealed.
The lid design is not only splash-proof but completely seals the thermos so you can throw the whole thing in your bag and not have to worry about leaks. The wide-mouth design makes it easy to fill and serve your coffee. It even comes with an 8 Oz mug that screws on top so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee any time, anywhere!
This option really is a superior design for heat retention and spill-proof features. You can use it for hot drinks or cold drinks and one of the best coffee thermoses out there. The only downside (if you can call it that) is that there’s only one color option so you can’t get creative with the design. This option also comes with a lifetime warranty so it’s a risk-free purchase through and through.
2. Runner Up – Hydro Flask Coffee Travel Mug
Brand: Hydro Flask
Size: 12, 16, or 20 Oz options
Color Option: 11 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
Our runner-up today is a more compact, colorful option for those coffee lovers who need a splash of color in their morning. Hydro Flask has developed this cute little travel tumbler in eleven different color options so you can choose the best coffee thermos to suit you.
The spill-proof lid is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and fits into your car cup holder making it really convenient to use. It’s also dishwasher safe so super easy to keep clean.
It comes in three size options to suit any needs and if you pre-heat the flask, the temperature retention is around 12 hours for hot drinks and 24 hours for cold drinks so is perfect for hot coffee or as a water bottle. It’s easy to open and close but it doesn’t come with a coffee cup like the Stanley so that’s worth considering.
3. Best Travel Mug – YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug
Brand: YETI
Size: 20 Oz
Color Option: 7 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: Yes
Instead of a coffee flask, sometimes you just need an insulated tumbler that you can grab and sip from on the go. Yeti is the go-to brand for high-quality travel mugs and here’s why. This mug has vacuum insulation technology so keeps your coffee toasty hot for you to enjoy.
The stronghold lid is designed to firmly twist into place and has autoseal technology to ensure it’s leakproof. It has a slier magnet stopper to seal the spout so you can easily open it to enjoy a sip of coffee even on a bumpy journey.
The handle is fixed in place making it secure to grip and the lid fixes in four different orientations so right-handed and left-handed drinkers can enjoy it all the same. This is a heavy-duty option for travel mug fans out there and it’s in our top picks for a very good reason.
4. Best Large Capacity – THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Bottle
Brand: Thermos
Size: 40 Oz
Color Option: 5 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: Yes
A large capacity thermos vacuum flask is ideal if you’re taking a trip and need enough coffee to sustain you for the whole day. This Thermos can hold a whole carafe of coffee and it will keep hot beverages hot and cold ones cold for 24 hours thanks to vacuum seal insulation.
It has an ultra-durable stainless steel interior and exterior that’s easy to clean and completely food safe. The outer lid doubles as a serving cup and the inner lid has a twist and pour function so you can serve your coffee without losing heat.
This is the best thermos for keeping large volumes of coffee hot for a long time. The silicone rubber gaskets ensure that it won’t leak and there are 5 different color options to suit any mood.
5. Best For Cold Brew – Teabloom All-Purpose Beverage Tumbler
Brand: Teabloom
Size: 16 Ounces
Color Option: 5 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
If you love cold brew coffee then this is the perfect thermos for you. It is a multi-purpose designed flask that comes with an infuser basket. This is specially designed with small holes so you can add coffee grounds to it and make cold brew right in the thermos.
The vacuum seal lid ensures no leakages and the stainless steel construction means it’s corrosion, stain, and odor resistant. This flask comes in five beautiful design options and is slimline so easy to hold and fits well into car cup holders.
This is a perfect choice for tea and coffee lovers alike and is a beautiful design with enough color options to keep your one unique. It’s worth noting that this option is not dishwasher safe and is hand wash only in hot water.
Coffee Thermos Buyers Guide
Size
The first main consideration when buying a coffee thermos is the size of the flask you’ve chosen. It needs to be big enough to hold all the coffee you wish to consume over the day but if it’s too big then it won’t insulate the coffee as effectively.
If you’re brewing directly into your thermos then make sure it’s not too big to fit under the coffee makers brew head. The final thing to consider is the width of the flask and whether it’s comfortable to hold and will it fit into a cars cup holder if you like to sip coffee as you drive.
Measuring up the internal and external requirements you have for your thermos will save you a lot of hassle later on.
Insulation
A vacuum insulated thermos is the best choice. These have superior insulating capabilities compared to ceramic or similar ones. The vacuum layer prevents any heat from escaping and the outside of the flask will be cool to touch. This also prevents condensation from forming if the flask is being used for ice-cold beverages.
Lid
The design of the lid can make or break how you use your coffee thermos. Make sure you choose a leak-proof and spill-proof design with a screw lid as this seals in all the heat and doesn’t compromise the insulating capacity.
Some lids come with an easy-sip spout which can be useful for on-the-go use and some come with a coffee cup attachment so you can serve the amount of coffee you want and enjoy it this way. A wide top can be very helpful for filling up your thermos or if you plan to brew coffee inside the flask.
The design of lid you choose will reflect how you use your coffee thermos so make sure you choose one that best suits your needs.
Clean it First
It’s really important to clean your thermos before you use it for the first time. You can do this using soap and hot water and make sure you clean each part well. Rinse it thoroughly several times with fresh water to make sure you get rid of any suds. Let it air dry and you’re good to go. You can use a dishwasher to clean it only if the manufacturers label it as dishwasher safe.
Remember to Pre-Heat
Before you add hot coffee or iced coffee to your thermos it’s essential to prepare the flask. Pre-heat it with boiling water for 5 minutes or cool it with ice before you add your coffee. Doing this simple step will make a massive difference to the temperature retention of your coffee and will improve your whole day.
F.A.Q.s
Which coffee thermos stays hot for the longest?
The Stanley Classic thermos keeps drinks hot or cold for 24 hours which is way longer than your average thermos. It can also keep ice cubes from melting for up to 5 days which is very impressive.
What’s the difference between a coffee thermos and a travel mug?
A coffee thermos is a sealed flask that prioritizes the insulation of liquid. They are completely sealed so you can carry them in a backpack. They are perfect for enjoying coffee all day at work or for hiking or camping trips.
A travel mug is a mug-shaped device that has insulated walls. They keep your coffee hot for longer than a traditional mug and allow you to easily sip and enjoy your coffee as you travel. The downside is they don’t maintain the temperature of your drink for as long as a thermos although they are easier to use.
Can my thermos go in the dishwasher?
The general rule with most thermos’ is that they don’t do well in the dishwasher. Some brands may be dishwasher safe but always check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand.
What’s the difference between spill proof and leak proof?
Spill proof means that the lid is watertight against splashes and won’t leak if you carry the coffee flask upright. Even if a thermos is spill proof it may not be watertight enough to turn upside down or carry in a backpack. Leak proof means if you knock the flask over it won’t leak and it’s completely watertight so is much more secure than a spill proof option.
More Coffee Thermos’ Reviewed
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug
Brand: Zojirushi
Size: 12, 16, and 20 Ounce
Color Option: 24 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
This coffee thermos by Zojirushi is perfect for every occasion. It comes in three different sizes and 24 color options to suit any style. It has a flip lid with a sipping spout to make it easy to enjoy coffee on the go. This lid also comes apart for easy cleaning so you can get into all the cracks and crevices.
Stainless steel vacuum insulation keeps your drinks at the right temperature for hours. The heat retention capacity has a 5-year warranty so you can be sure it’ll last you well. The design is compact and lightweight so this makes it pleasant to use.
It has a non-stick interior which helps keep it clean and odor-free. This is a really modern-looking and well-designed flask for any use you can think of.
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Brand: Contigo
Size: 16 Ounces
Color Option: 37
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
This travel flask by Contigo is a really user-friendly option that has some unique design features that really make it stand out. The lid is the key feature with autoseal technology that prevents leaks and is spill proof so you’ll never end up with espresso staining your clothes.
It has one-handed operation so you can easily press a button to take a sip. This is ideal for busy folk when you need to grab a cup of joe on the go. It’ll keep the liquid hot for up to five hours so perfect for a busy morning.
The design means this flask will fit well into most car cup holders and the lid is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The body of the flask is hand wash only and will end up worn if you try to wash it in your dishwasher.
Contigo Couture SNAPSEAL Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
Brand: Contigo
Size: 16 Ounces
Color Option: 3
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
Another option by Contigo, the snapseal option was too good to miss out on. This option also features one-handed operation so you can sip and go. The lid is leak proof so keeps all your coffee safe and not all over the car.
The design of this flask is really stunning with a marble look graphic so you’ll really stand out in a crowd. It’s designed to fit in most cup holders and under single-serve coffee makers for ease of use.
Premium insulation keeps your coffee hot for up to six hours or iced coffee cold for 12 hours. This option does need care taken and is hand wash only otherwise it will suffer damage.
Simple Modern Kona Thermos Insulated Travel Mug
Brand: Simple Modern
Size: 16 or 24 Ounces
Color Option: 13
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
As the name suggests, this coffee thermos is simple and modern. With two size options and 13 color options from matte black to graphic patterns, this is absolutely one of the prettiest flasks out there. You can even get it personalized which makes a great gift for someone special.
The lid twists on securely and doesn’t allow for any leaks. It has a push-button cover that allows you to easily take a sip and then snaps back in place and locks closed. Double wall insulation and a copper coated interior keeps your coffee hot for hours.
This is a really nicely sized flask to hold and sip your coffee from. It’s simple and effective and a really great option.
Coffee Thermos by TLINNA
Brand: TLINNA
Size: 16 Oz
Color Option: 6 Options
Leakproof Lid: Yes
Coffee Mug Included: No
Last but certainly not least on our list today is this coffee thermos by TLINNA. It has a really unique feature that makes it stand out. The lid has a temperature sensor built-in so by a simple tap you can see the exact temperature of its liquid contents.
The LED display makes it really easy to read and just gives it a high-quality feel. The interior is stainless steel so food safe, odor-resistant, and corrosion-proof. There are silicone rubber seals to prevent leaks and these are all BPA free so completely food safe.
This bottle comes in six different color options to suit any style and is a really nice size to grip easily. It’s a high-tech option that works well with hot or cold drinks.
Final Thoughts
A coffee thermos is a great investment if you like coffee on the go or you just want a carafe of coffee to stay hot all day without burning it. No matter what your needs are, there’s a coffee thermos to suit you. I hope this review has been helpful in showing you all the different options out there. I wish you a tasty and steaming hot mug of java every day!
