Comparison Kamille 2052A 0.38 L vs Peterhof PH-12419 0.4 L

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.

Type of main lid provided with the thermos. The main lid in this case is the device that directly closes the working volume of the vessel; an additional cap may be fitted over it, often also serving as a cup. Modern thermoses feature the following types of main lids: screw-on (threaded), valve, lid, flip-top lid, drinking lid, pump, stopper. Here are the features of each.

— Screw-on (threaded). A solid (without openings) screw-on lid secured with threads. Such lids are very simple and reliable, but a classic screw-on lid cannot be used for drinking or pouring out the contents — it must be removed completely. There are also more advanced designs that allow the contents to be poured out without removing the screw-on lid — it is enough to unscrew it partially; however, this is a rather specialized option that is used infrequently. In any case, screw-on lids are found mainly among classic and food thermoses (see “Type”), for which these nuances are not decisive.

— Valve. A lid (most often threaded) equipped with a valve through which the liquid contents of the thermos can flow freely. Such lids are more complex and expensive than “sealed” screw-on lids (see above), but accessing the contents does not require unscrewing the l...id every time — it is enough to open the valve. This not only provides additional convenience but also reduces heat loss. Thanks to these advantages, valves are extremely popular in classic thermoses and are also often used in thermal mugs (see “Type”). One disadvantage of this option is that the valve opening is usually quite narrow and can easily become clogged with impurities (for example, tea leaves or coffee grounds). Therefore, a valve can only be used for liquids without such impurities (this also applies to food thermoses, which may likewise be equipped with valves). However, some models come with two different valves for drinks of different consistencies and flavors.

— Lid. In this case, lids are devices without threads (unlike the screw-on lids described above) that are held in place solely by friction or a latch. The design of lids may vary: some fit around the neck from the outside, while others are pressed inward when closed; more specialized options are also available. In any case, lids are easy to remove and replace, but are not very reliable — for example, turning such vessels upside down is not recommended. Therefore, this option is found mainly in thermal mugs and food thermoses (see “Type”), for which these disadvantages are not critical.

— Flip-top lid. A type of the lids described above that, when opened, does not come off completely but flips to the side on a special hinge. This reduces the likelihood of loss: essentially, the lid can only be lost together with the thermos itself; a latch, spring, or similar device is usually provided to hold the lid open. On the other hand, the attachment somewhat affects the price and dimensions of the vessel. This disadvantage is least critical for flasks and mugs (see “Type”), and flip-top lids are most commonly found among these types.

— Drinking lid. A lid (ordinary or threaded) supplemented with a special drinking opening. This design allows you to drink from the vessel without removing the lid; when not in use, the opening is covered by a flap or another similar device. Drinking lids are extremely popular in thermal mugs and car mugs (see “Type”): they allow you to drink comfortably from the mug while minimizing heat loss and the risk of spilling the contents.

— Pump. A lid (classic or threaded) with a built-in pump. Most often, this pump is operated by a special button: when the button is pressed, a portion of liquid flows from the spout, so the thermos does not need to be tilted. However, such devices are rather complex and bulky, so they make sense only in thermos pitchers (see “Type”): the pump’s size and weight are small compared with the dimensions of the pitcher itself, and tilting such a thermos can be difficult — using the pump is easier.

— Stopper. A classic stopper that fits tightly into the neck of the thermos and is held there without threads or other similar devices. Unlike the lids described above, stoppers are thicker and are inserted into the neck from the inside (whereas a lid may fit around the vessel from the outside). Stoppers are very simple to use but have low reliability, which decreases further as they wear out. As a result, this option has virtually fallen out of use.

The material from which the body is made is the outer part of the thermos, inside of which the flask is placed.

— Plastic. One of the main advantages of this material is its low cost. In addition, it can be given any colour, and low thermal conductivity contributes to better temperature retention. On the other hand, plastic cases are noticeably inferior to steel cases in terms of strength and reliability, and scratches easily appear on their surface, due to which the product loses its presentation as it wears out. Therefore, plastic is used mainly in inexpensive models of thermoses.

— Stainless steel. Steel is somewhat more expensive than plastic, but much stronger and more reliable. In addition, the steel surface has a stylish appearance that is long-lasting thanks to its scratch resistance. Among the shortcomings of this material, in addition to the price, high thermal conductivity can be noted; manufacturers usually compensate for this moment with various tricks that further increase the price. Nevertheless, in general, steel is a very favorable material in terms of price and quality, and it is from it that the cases in most modern thermoses are made.

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.