What makes a great coffee thermos? There are nearly as many answers to that question as there are coffee drinkers. It doesn’t matter if you take your coffee hot or iced, a reliable thermos will keep your drink at its ideal temperature for hours. And speaking of the future, the century-old vacuum technology used in thermoses was originally invented to keep liquid hydrogen (aka rocket fuel) cold. Now that technology is being used to keep coffee hot.
Today, everyone from campers to commuters uses some sort of coffee thermos. Most thermoses are affordable, so picking the right one comes down to your specific needs. A trigger-action lid makes it easy to sip while driving, while a leak-proof bottle means you can trust in your purse.
Maybe you just want an inexpensive metal bottle to keep your coffee hot during a meeting or as you hike through the countryside. Whatever you need, we’ve got the right thermos for you in our best coffee thermoses list.
Best Overall
1. Thermos King Drink Bottle – 24 Ounce
Benefits
- Keeps coffee hot for 12 hours
- Stainless steel thermos interior and exterior
- One touch lid opening
- Leak proof
- Look sharp while you’re on the go
Thermos has been crafting high-quality insulated beverage products for over 100 years, and it’s no wonder why the company enjoys such a stellar reputation. The Thermos Stainless King is one of their best coffee thermoses, offering up to 24 ounces of insulation for both hot and cold drinks. It is made of rust-proof stainless steel and comes with a King-sized container, so you can keep plenty of coffee on hand at all times.
The lid features their patented one-touch operation system, allowing you to open the best coffee thermos with just the touch of your finger. This comes in handy when you need to quickly take a swig or grab it out of your bag while running late for work. For added integrity, it’s also leak proof which makes this thermos great for throwing into your bag when commuting to work by car or public transportation.
If you are looking for something that is both durable and attractive, the Thermos Stainless King will not let you down! Its classic design comes in a variety of great colors and will look sharp as it keeps your coffee warm for 12 hours or cool for up to 24 hours. While it might seem large, it actually fits in most car cup holders.
It’s tough to go wrong with Thermos, and the Stainless King is no exception! This is a great thermos if you want something simple and functional that looks good too.
Best Large Capacity
2. Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler – 64oz
Benefits
- Large capacity
- BPA-free double-wall stainless steel vacuum insulation
- Leakproof lid with removable silicone gasket
- Wide mouth for easy filling, sharing, and cleaning
- Dishwasher safe
This massive thermos is meant not will hold an entire pot of coffee! That means, you can make your favorite brew at home and turn up your nose to your coworkers as they huddle around the company pot at work. This fantastic 64 ounce growler is meant to be carried with one hand, perfect for the caffeine junky who’s always on the go.
Not only will you have enough coffee to make it through the day, it will stay nice and toasty warm as well for up to 18 hours. This growler is easily cleaned and dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time scrubbing at the office sink and more time with your coffee.
The wide mouth allows for easy pouring and easy sharing as well! Plus, with a leak proof lid that stays in place with a durable clasp, your coffee won’t be leaving your possession any time soon. Because it’s large and heavy duty, it is quite heavy, so make sure to plan your trips accordingly. For those who love hiking or just need to make it through a long day at the work site, Stanley has you covered.
Best for Commute
3. Contigo Autoseal West Loop – 16 oz
Benefits
- Leak and spill proof
- Thermalock vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot up to 5 hours or cold up to 12 hours
- One-handed drinking with push of a button
- Easy-clean lid opens completely for thorough cleaning
- Over two dozens designs to choose from
The Contigo Autoseal West Loop travel mug is perfect for commuters. Its Autoseal technology is leak- and spill-proof, so you can drink from it with one hand while driving. The mug also has Thermalock vacuum insulation, which keeps coffee hot up to 5 hours or cold up to 12 hours. And its easy-clean lid opens completely for thorough cleaning.
This mug is only 16 oz, which makes it great if you only need a morning pick me up. Although, you can always brew more coffee throughout the day and refill this beutifully designed travel mug. It comes in so many designs and colors that there is no way you won’t find at least one you like (heck, buy two so you don’t have to wash them as often).
It does come in other sizes as well. No matter what, this travel mug is one of the best you can buy. It’s even made to last, with a lifetime warranty that covers all defects in materials and workmanship.
- Leak and spill proof
- Thermalock vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot up to 5 hours or cold up to 12 hours
- One-handed drinking with push of a button
- Easy-clean lid opens completely for thorough cleaning
- Over two dozens designs to choose from
Best Easy to Carry
4. Hydro Flask Coffee Travel Mug – 20 ounce
Benefits
- Easy to carry handle makes great for commuting and travel
- Spill proof lid prevents leaks
- The 20 ounce size is great for all day use
- Flex Sip lid prevents leaks and allows you to drink on the go
- Dishwasher safe design allows for quick and easy cleaning
This creatively designed Hydro Flask is meant to be carried around as much as it’s meant to be seen. The carry handle enables you to easily transport the bottle, and it’s 20-ounce size makes it perfect for size to last through the majority of the day.
The unique Flex Sip lid is like magic. It easily allows you to drink anytime, yet still prevents leaking! The lid is also compatible with other Hydro Flask wide mouth lid accessories. If you are a dedicated Hydro Flask fan, then you can add this bottle to your ever growing arsenal.
Dishwasher safe and easy to disassemble makes this coffee travel mug the perfect addition to your car cup holder, briefcase, purse, or backpack. The size is perfect to fit under most Ninja bars or your automatic espresso machine.
Best Ceramic Interior
5. Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug – 16 ounces
Benefits
- Ceramic interior prevents any unwanted flavors or tastes from entering your coffee
- Designed with a wide mouth top so you can enjoy the aroma of your coffee
- Leak-proof so you don’t have to worry about spills
- Keeps your coffee hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours
Do you ever wonder why coffee shops insist on using ceramic mugs? Well, it’s been proven time and again that ceramic mugs keep your coffee brew flavor pure and free from any outside flavors or tastes. Ceramic mugs also keep your coffee at the right temperature and flavor until the last sip. If you prefer piping hot coffee or ice cold coffee, these mugs will do just that.
The Fellow mug immediately stands apart thanks to its “everywhere” design and double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for nearly 24 hours. Perfect for those long commutes or road trips.
Fellow Carters Everywhere Mug has a modern design with a clean look. Plus, the wide mouth top allows you to still enjoy the full aroma of your coffee brew, just like you would at home or in your favorite café. This means your favorite light roast coffee will retain all it’s subtle flavors from it’s single origin.
Fellow has engineered the mug to maintain heat and flavor until you finish your drink. Plus, there’s no danger of spilling since it has an airtight seal with it’s screw on lid.
If you’re looking for something different, Fellow Carters is perfect for those who take their coffee flavor profiles seriously!
What makes the best coffee thermos?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right thermos. The most important features are the size, insulation, and construction. Most will have different heat retention for keeping liquids hot or cold. Some coffee lovers just need a reliable classic thermos. Others might think the perfect coffee thermos should be both beautiful and functional for their morning cup.
Thermos Size
Consider why you need a thermos. If you only drink during a commute, then a small, portable container is best. However, if you work in an office where you can store your thermos, then a larger one with more insulation will make better use of space.
With a range of sizes from single serve all the way up to 64 ounces, you should be able to find a thermos that fits your needs. How much coffee you drink can vary, so you might need one for cold brew and another that’s better at heat retention for hot drinks.
Thermos Insulation
It’s also important to consider how much insulation your thermos has, as this directly impacts the temperature of your drink over time. A thicker and more insulated container will last longer and hold heat better than a thinner one with less insulation, but if insulation is your top priority, you’ll want to make sure the container is vacuum-sealed.
Exterior Thermos Construction
The construction of a thermos can determine how long it lasts and how well it retains heat. There are two main types of construction: thermos bottles made out of stainless steel or ones with durable plastic bodies. A stainless steel coffee thermos is best for durability and insulation, but it can be heavy to carry around. While plastic thermoses are often lighter than their stainless steel counterparts, they don’t insulate as well and may get too hot to hold after a while if they don’t have an insulated exterior.
Interior Thermos Construction
The type of construction you’ll find in a thermos’ interior will also influence the container’s performance. At their core, all thermoses should be able to hold liquids at a certain temperature for long periods. However, there are different ways that this is accomplished.
Coffee Thermoses with Double-Walled Construction
A double-walled thermos is structured so that there’s an air pocket between two walls. This also means there are two layers of insulation to keep the temperature constant, which helps prevent condensation and sweating.
Coffee Thermoses with Air Insulation
Air does not conduct heat well. That’s why many thermoses use air insulation. However, this type of insulation can be less effective than double-walled construction or vacuum technology.
Coffee Thermoses with Vacuum Insulation
Vacuum insulation is considered the best way to go for a coffee thermos because it completely blocks off all outside elements and prevents condensation from forming on the sides.
Thermos Coffee Lids
Another consideration for a coffee thermos is the lid. Controlling the flow of liquid coming out of your container can affect how quickly you drink and will also impact potential spills.
Trigger-Action Lids
Many thermos lids allow for one-handed operation. If you drink coffee on your commute, a trigger-action lid may be the best option so you can keep one hand on the wheel, while the other keeps you caffeinated.
Cup Lids
Cup lids are helpful if you’ll be drinking coffee for an extended period of time. Ideal for campers, they allow you to stop and take a break to enjoy your drink at any point along the way. If your thermos is insulated enough, it can last you into the next morning.
Leak-Proof Lids
For those who like to bring their coffee with them wherever they go, a thermos with a leak-proof lid is essential. If you want to take your coffee on a hike or for a walk, you don’t have time to be worrying about
spills.
What to avoid in a coffee thermos:
Over time, some insulation materials may break down and not do their job as well as they used to. This is why quality is the most important thing to consider when selecting a coffee thermos. Be sure you buy from a brand with plenty of positive reviews and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before you buy. While not all coffee thermos brands are the same, these choices are some of the most trusted brands on the market today.
While it might seem prudent to grab a cheaper thermos, this could actually cost you more money in the long run. Less expensive thermoses may not perform well and won’t last a long time. While a more expensive thermos might seem like it will break the bank, owning a reliable product for years to come can give you a much better value in the end.
The best coffee thermoses are also easy to clean and maintain and won’t break down. If you’re tired of wasting money on cheap thermoses that end up in the trash before long, look for a thermos with quality materials.
