A coffee thermos is a crucial piece of kitchenware that every coffee-drinker should own. You shouldn’t be strapped to finish your coffee at home when we all have busy lives ahead of us, or ruin your favorite drink with plastic water bottles.
This is where a coffee thermos comes in to save the day! It keeps your drinks hot or your iced coffee cold for hours, or even a whole day!
You may be wondering what the best coffee thermos is on the market today. Good news! We have scoured the internet for the top 10 best coffee thermoses so you don’t have to. Continue reading for our picks and see what unique features each one has. Decide for yourself which coffee thermos is the best for your lifestyle.
How To Choose The Best Thermos For Coffee
Like any other product, there are plenty of pros and cons you should consider before spending your hard-earned cash.
Figure out what features are most important to you. Lead your search with those factors.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insulation
Insulation is a big deal with coffee thermoses because, without it, your coffee will end up cold in no time. No one wants to take their hot cup of joe on the go, then end up at your destination with a cold drink.
The defining feature of a thermos is its ability to insulate. Insulation in a thermos works by creating a vacuum seal that eliminates the presence of atoms, thus almost fully eliminating the conduction and convection processes by which heat moves through space.
What differentiates a high-quality from a low-quality thermos is the materials used in its fabrication. A stainless steel coffee thermos with double-wall vacuum insulation is able to keep the temperature of your hot drink for a decent period of time. Good news for cold brew coffee lovers, this also works for cold drinks.
Size
Thermos comes in different sizes. If you are going to brew a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the go, a smaller thermos will suffice. They are lightweight and compact so you can put them in your backpack.
If you are preparing for a couple of friends while camping, you’ll need to choose a thermos with a large capacity. However, larger capacity means larger in size, it will be not as portable as a smaller one.
Ease To Clean
Cleanability is another important factor when it comes to thermoses. Leaving the coffee in a thermos for a long time will lead to coffee smell and nasty mold cleaning duty later on. You should pick a thermos that is easy to clean. In many cases, you can find a quality thermos that is dishwasher safe.
Design
Style is a decision-making factor for many people, but not all people. In the following best thermoses round-up, you can find thermoses with a modern, minimalist, or even retro design.
The design of the thermos is also part of the style component. Ask yourself a few questions: Do you want a lid that is easy to close? Do you prefer a non-spill thermos? Does the Thermos have a vacuum-sealed lid and detachable cup? Do you need a serving cup with your thermos? The design of the thermos can be a make-or-break decision for some.
Durability & Longevity
Durability is another factor when buying a coffee thermos. Inevitably you will drop this thermos at some point. You want to be sure that it will not dent, scratch, or break when you do so.
Will the design wash off after a few months? Is it going to begin leaking from screwing the cap on and off throughout the first year? Finding a reliable thermos that will last a long time is often a huge factor for coffee consumers.
10 Best Coffee Thermoses In 2023
Nothing is worse than spending more money by buying 10 cheap thermoses within a couple of years rather than spending a bit more money upfront for a thermos that will last for many years. To save your time in researching, here are our best picks.
1. Thermos Vacuum Insulated Bottle – Best Coffee Thermos with Cup
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THERMOS FBB500SS4 Vacuum Insulated 16 Ounce... | See on Amazon |
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The Thermos brand is the original vacuum-sealed, double-walled, insulated cup brand with an illustrious history of quality. You can trust that they know a thing or two of keeping liquid hot, or cold.
We love this Thermos Vacuum Insulated Bottle because it comes with a cup. Thermos is so good at keeping coffee hot for more than a couple of hours. In most cases, the coffee is too hot to drink. This often happens, the built-in cup comes in handy.
It is also perfect if you have a hot food item like oatmeal or soup in your Thermos. This thermos is useful for almost any portable hot liquid food you need. It can keep hot drinks warm for 12 hours and cold drinks cool for 24 hours.
Pros:
- The design of the bottle is classic and effective. The cup is a very convenient option for consumers.
- Double-walled stainless steel is durable and condensation-free.
- It keeps hot items hot for 12 hours and cold items cold for 24 hours.
Cons:
- This basic model is not as stylish as the other options on the list. However, Thermos offers many stylish models as well.
2. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug – Best Insulated Thermos
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Zojirushi SM-SA48-BA Stainless Steel Vacuum... | 30,953 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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Zojirushi is a Japanese brand known for its superior insulation technology, slim design, and solid performance. This stainless steel vacuum-insulated travel mug is no exception.
If you put your hot coffee in the Zojirushi at the beginning of the day, it will be still too hot to drink at night. We tried to put cold brew with ice cubes in it and left it in the sun on the beach, the ice didn’t melt for a whole day. That’s really impressive.
This vacuum-insulated mug will never spill due to the specific lock lid design. There is an air vent on the mouthpiece to avoid spills. When you press the button and the lid flips open, there’s also a magnet to lock the lid in place so it won’t hit your face when drinking. What a thoughtful design.
The bottle has a nonstick coating and comes in 24 different color varieties. The mouth opening is 1.5 inches wide for easy filling and pouring.
Pros:
- Specific lock mechanism to prevent leaking
- 5-year warranty on heat retention
- Easy to clean thoroughly with the detachable lid and non-stick interior coating
Cons:
- This bottle does not have a built-in cup.
- It is on the expensive side of the portable coffee cup market.
3. Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle – Best Large Thermos For Coffee
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Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle... | See on Amazon |
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Stanley is another household name when it comes to food storage. They have been around for over 100 years producing quality products you can trust. This Stanley classic vacuum bottle is our choice for the best large Thermos for coffee.
Stanley thermos is made of durable and BPA-free materials and is perfect for sharing with others. It is available in 1.1 Qt or 2Qt size and is great for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a small cup included in its design.
Pros:
- It keeps hot liquids hot for 24 hours, cold drinks cold for 24 hours, and solid ice for 5 hours in the double-wall stainless steel bottle.
- Available in many colors and sizes, leak-proof, and dishwasher safe.
- Durable for indoor and outdoor use for years.
Cons:
- One of the more expensive options.
4. Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug – Best For Driving Commuters
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Fellow 16 oz Carter Move Travel Mug -... | See on Amazon |
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If you are looking for a Thermos for your morning commute, this Fellow Carter travel mug is a good option. Fellow is a brand that produces durable coffee supplies. It is a high-end brand focused on modern looks and usability in today’s age.
This is the perfect cup for commuters because it fits in most car cup holders. The sleek design makes it easy to grab, and it has an interior splash guard for mess-free consumption on the move.
Pros:
- Sleek and mess-free design for commuters.
- The ceramic interior coating eliminates metal taste and lingering oil or smells.
- Leak-proof vacuum-sealed, double-walled container.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to many thermoses of this size
- It does not have a carrying handle or on-the-go detachable cup.
5. Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid – Best For The Public Transit Commuters
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Hydro Flask 32 oz. Water Bottle with Straw Lid -... | 8,375 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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Hydro Flask is a well-known brand for its large stainless-steel bottles. Many people use these for water consumption since the straw is very convenient. However, it can also be used for coffee and other hot drinks.
This is our best pick for public transit due to the carrying handle and easy-to-use straw that is attached to the lid. There are many sizes available, many color options, and they are easy to clean. The double-walled vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottle is a great choice.
Since you are drinking with a straw, make sure you fill the travel mug with the coffee at the right temperature. Then it can keep the perfect temperature for hours.
Pros:
- Convenient straw with lid.
- Plenty of sizes and color choices to choose from.
- More affordable option.
Cons:
- It may be difficult to drink hot coffee out of the straw.
6. Simple Modern Insulated Coffee Mug with Handle – Best Thermos Coffee Mug
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Simple Modern Travel Coffee Mug with Lid and... | 411 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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Simple Modern is a great brand known for providing easy-to-use products for a good price. They always get the job done if you are looking for something simple.
The insulated coffee mug with a handle is the best Thermos coffee mug for those who need to keep coffee hot or cold while working in the office or at home. It has a sleek design with a convenient handle and a small lid to sip through. There are many color choices to choose from, and this mug is cost-effective.
Pros:
- Small enough for one cup of coffee.
- Keeps coffee warm for a few hours while you work at home or in the office.
- Easy to clean stainless steel that is dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Not made for sharing or traveling.
7. S’well Stainless Steel Traveler Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug – Best Design
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S'well Stainless Steel Traveler-16 Fl Oz... | 1,160 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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S’well is another brand known for its stylish designs and mid-range price point.
This stainless steel travel mug is a triple-layered vacuum insulated mug. This triple insulation sets it apart from other mugs like it.
They have tons of stylish and good-looking designs for this travel mug. We have this as our best-designed travel mug because the triple-layered insulation is second to none in terms of keeping your drinks at their intended temperature.
Pros:
- Triple-layered stainless steel construction
- Tons of stylish colors and designs to choose from.
Cons:
- It can be expensive depending on the size you buy
- It does not have an easy sipping lid or straw.
8. Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug – Most Convenient
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Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated... | See on Amazon |
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Contigo is a brand you can find in almost any store. They specialize in making travel items like mugs and water bottles, so you know this is a brand you can trust!
Their Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug is no exception. We have listed this one as our most convenient travel mug due to its one-hand open, auto seal design instead of a twist lid in other coffee thermoses. They are available in a few sizes as well.
Contigo manufactures a mug for Keurig that fits in most Keurig coffee machines, except the K-mini plus. If you have a Keurig coffee maker, opt for the 14-ounce mug, so that you can brew your k-cup coffee directly into this Thermos and take it on the go!
Pros:
- One-hand open, leak-proof model is convenient for traveling
- It offers a size that fits Keurig machines.
Cons:
- Design is not as aesthetically pleasing as others on our list
9. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Bottle – Best For Camping
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THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Beverage... | 3,185 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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This Thermos branded bottle is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. The stainless king vacuum-insulated bottle keeps liquids hot or cold for 24 hours.
Thermos Stainless King is nearly unbreakable and is portable due to the handle. The bottle holds a large quantity of liquid, making it the perfect choice for camping, other outdoor activities, and sharing.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel, vacuum insulated design
- Made by a trusted maker in the industry
- Great for sharing or keeping large quantities
Cons:
- It is larger than most other thermoses on this list
10. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2 – Best High Tech Coffee Thermos
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Ember Stainless Steel Temperature Control Travel... | 1,785 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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The Ember temperature control travel mug is the best high-tech coffee thermos on our list. It is for the person on your list who loves the latest in tech and, of course, coffee.
This high-tech product offers app control, a touch display, and temperature control from the app. You can program the mug to stay at the temperature you prefer, and it will keep your coffee warm at that temperature for a few hours.
Pros:
- Temperature is controlled by an app on your phone
- Up to three hours of warmth at your desired temperature
- It is travel-friendly, easy to hold, and the ceramic coating is anti-scratch.
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to others on the market
- Must be charged daily to keep warm
- You can’t enjoy all the benefits for iced coffee
What Is A Thermos, And Why Do You Need One
The thermos was first introduced as a way to keep hot liquids hot in 1892 by a Scottish chemist and physicist. It was not manufactured for commercial use until 12 years later, in 1904, by two German glassblowers. [Source]
The founders sold the Thermos company only a couple of years after they founded it. It grew to become the foremost brand for selling double-walled vacuum-sealed containers. It even received the Grand Prize Award at the 1909 Alaskan Yukon Pacific Exposition and gained more awards at seven other world expositions.
Though the Thermos company has changed hands plenty of times since its creation over 100 years ago, it is still one of the leading names in the portable insulated food and drink industry.
Thermos containers are among the best in terms of brand name, but there are plenty of other containers that keep your drinks, like coffee, hot for extended periods. They are incredibly useful, practical, and eco-friendly, making them the ultimate tool you need in your kitchen.
How To Make The Most Of A Thermos
No matter what your main reason for needing a thermos is, there are a few tips to keep in mind when using the thermos. Always wash your thermos daily so you can be sure you aren’t going to grow mold in your thermos. Use vinegar, baking soda for deep clean if needed.
Make the most of your thermos by reading the cleaning and use instructions when you unbox and follow them to extend the lifespan of your thermos. Be sure to pour your liquid in at the desired temperature and then close the cap or lid tightly to ensure it is vacuum-sealed.
For maximum heat retention, you can prime your thermos before using it. Simply fill boiling water into the thermos. Put the lid on and let it sit for 30 seconds to a few minutes. Once it’s done discard the water and fill your drinks in. Using iced water to prime your thermos for cold beverages also works. After priming, your hot drinks will stay warm for a lot longer.
The Verdict
Our best pick overall is the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug. We listed it as our top choice for the insulated mug because it has a specific locking mechanism unique to this mug to prevent spilling. We also love this pick for its slim design and many color choices.
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Zojirushi SM-SA48-BA Stainless Steel Vacuum... | 30,953 Reviews | See on Amazon |
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Additionally, there is a 5-year warranty on heat retention. This means if it starts losing its heat retention properties, there is a warranty on that. We also love this mug because it is good for traveling outside your home with your coffee. You can expect it to keep your coffee warm for multiple hours because of its stainless steel, vacuum-sealed design.
