Capacity
The nominal volume of a thermos is the maximum amount of contents that it can be guaranteed to contain.
This parameter is directly related to the type (see above). So, a capacity
of up to 500 mL is quite normal for a thermo mug, a flask or a baby thermos, but it is considered small for a classic thermos, and even more so a jug or a thermos for food. The
"500 to 1000 mL" category includes most traditional and food models; for mugs, flasks and children's thermoses, this is actually the maximum volume. Among the jugs there are many more capacious options —
from 1000 to 1500 mL. A volume
of 1500 to 2000 mL is considered quite large, and the most solid models can hold
more than 2 liters.
Anyway, a large volume allows you to hold more drink or food, but the downside of this is an increase in the size, weight and price of the thermos itself. Therefore, when choosing, you should not chase the maximum capacity, but proceed from real needs. For example, a model of 400 – 500 mL is quite enough for two cups of coffee, and for tea drinking at a halt for 3 – 4 people, it is advisable to have a model of at least 1000 mL. More detailed selection recommendations can be found in special sources; especially they will be useful to those who choose a thermos for long-distance hiking trips.
Additional cup / bowl
This feature means that the thermos is equipped with
two cups or bowls at once (depending on the type, see above).
Many modern thermoses are equipped with a drinking cup or a food bowl; in the stowed position, such a container usually plays the role of a lid. In some models of cups / bowls, there can be two at once, which is useful if the thermos is used not only for yourself: you do not have to carry additional dishes with you separately.
Carrying handle
The special
handle for convenience of carrying of a thermos. The design of such a handle can be different: for example, in ordinary thermoses and thermo mugs (see "Type") it is usually installed on the side, in food thermoses and jugs — from above (and is made collapsible). The handle can be a structural element of both the thermos itself and its cover (see below). In addition, the small carrying strap that some models are equipped with is also considered a handle in this case (but the shoulder strap does not count, see below).
Anyway, holding a thermos by the handle is usually more convenient and safer than by the smooth body, especially when it comes to a large-capacity model.
Shoulder strap
The presence in the design of the thermos of
a special belt, which allows you to comfortably carry the container on your shoulder. This function is usually found in large-capacity models, primarily food ones (see "Type"): it is much easier to carry a weighty thermos in this way than in your hands, and it's more convenient — your hands themselves remain free. Most often, the shoulder strap is attached to the thermos itself, however, in some models, it may be part of the complete cover (see below).
