Type
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Thermos. Thermoses of a classic design: rather narrow and tall cylindrical vessels with a small diameter of the neck. They are intended mainly for a relatively pure liquid without impurities or with a minimum of impurities — tea, coffee, etc. Such vessels can be hermetically sealed, making them convenient for long hikes and trips. The average capacity of a classic thermos is from 500 to 1000 mL, but in general the range of such models is quite diverse.
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Thermos jug. A type of thermos designed mainly for home use and not intended for travel use. Distinctive features of such models are, firstly, rather large volumes (usually from a liter or more), and secondly, a spout for easy pouring of contents. Also note that it is among the jugs that the pump for liquid is most often found (see "Opening / serving"), in other types of thermoses such a device is practically not used. A thermos jug can be useful, for example, for storing a supply of hot water for tea parties during the day.
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Mug-thermos. Mugs with reinforced thermal insulation that allows you to keep the temperature of the drink for a long time. However, such vessels are designed primarily for ease of use “on the go”, and not for long-term storage of the contents (this is how thermo mugs differ from the thermos flasks described below). The design of thermo mugs often provides for valves or drinker
...lids (see "Opening / serving") that allow you to drink without opening the lid. Models with twist-on lids are somewhat less common — they retain heat more reliably when closed, but lose it faster when drinking. The capacity of all thermos mugs, of course, is small — usually up to half a liter.
— Thermos flask. Relatively small thermoses, shaped like "sports" bottles or camping flasks for water. The key difference between such models and conventional thermoses is that the contents of the flask can be drunk directly from the vessel without pouring it into a separate container (whereas it is difficult with a classic thermos, it is better to use a cup with it). At the same time, flasks are better suited for long-term storage of drinks than thermos mugs (see above), they can be used not only for drinking on the go, but also for transporting drinks on a long journey.
— Food thermos. Thermoses designed for hot food — soups, cereals, etc. A distinctive feature of such vessels is a wide neck through which not only liquid, but also rather large pieces of solid food can freely pass. In addition, the large neck width makes it easy to clean after use. And some models even come with containers for added convenience (see below). The volume of a food thermos can be up to several liters, although there are options for 400 – 500 mL.
— Children's thermos. Thermoses intended for children differ from "adult" models mainly in their reduced size and characteristic bright design. In terms of functionality, most of these models correspond to classic thermoses, however, there are other options — in particular, thermoses-flasks and food containers (for more details, see above).
— Automug. Specialized thermos mugs designed for use in a car. The key difference between such dishes and ordinary thermos mugs (see above) is the presence of a heating system powered by a car cigarette lighter. Auto mugs can be very useful on long journeys on roads where there are rarely cafes, gas stations and other places where you can get tea or coffee.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.
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).
