The best coffee thermos flasks: top travel mugs

The best coffee thermos

Countless commuters probably praise the day the coffee gods decided to send us the thermos. It is, for the nine to fiver, night shift worker or anyone in between, almost likely the key to arriving to work with a fully functioning brain, so we’ve put together a list of the best coffee thermos flasks to ensure first sip satisfaction, whether you swig from the flask or drink from a cup.  

Thermos are, quite literally, the kings of coffee flasks and they certainly know it, with names such as Thermos Stainless Steel King Travel Tumbler chosen for their product range. Combining excellent ergonomics and clever vacuum insulation, you can rely on a Thermos flask to keep your coffee hot for a good 7 hours, so even the longest commutes are catered for. 

If you looking for a coffee flask to accompany you on car journeys, keep your eyes peeled for the brands that promise no spills or leakages and more importantly, flasks that can be operated with one hand - such as the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug.

For those of you looking for convenience features, ensuring that your chosen flask is dishwasher safe is a good checklist exercise, as not all coffee flasks are. You may also want to consider travel mugs with a silicon sleeve if you are planning to use your coffee flask on the go - our top pick for non-slip handling is the Bodum Vacuum Travel Mug.

The best coffee thermos

1. Thermos Stainless King Travel Tumbler

Thermos have literally thought of everything with this travel tumbler

Specifications

Capacity: 470ml
Dishwasher safe: No
Material: Stainless steel

Reasons to buy

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Keeps coffee hot for up to 7 hours
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Drinklock sealing lid - leak-free

If there’s two things you’re definitely going to need from your coffee thermos, it’s heat retention and no leakages. Well, Thermos, the market leaders in all things coffee flasks have hit the nail on the head with their King Travel Tumbler. The clever vacuum insulation makes convection almost impossible, allowing for an impressive 7 hours of hot coffee. With a range of attractive colours to choose from, this tumbler will probably continue to rule over all for a long time to come.  

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug

2. Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Half the price of a Thermos, and it keeps your coffee hot for up to 5 hours

Specifications

Capacity: 470ml
Dishwasher safe: Lid only
Material: Stainless steel

Reasons to buy

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Leak and spill proof lid
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Push button for one handed drinking

This clever coffee thermos has been adapted specifically for swigging on the go. Thanks to its patented Autoseal Technology, you can use the thermos with just one hand, with the lid remaining firmly closed to prevent any leakages when you aren’t pressing the button. There’s a button lock that makes sure the button isn’t accidentally pressed when the thermos is in your bag, too. It can keep your coffee hot for up to 5 hours – just make sure your coffee isn’t boiling when you put the lid on, otherwise it’ll be too hot to drink! 

Thermos Stainless King Flask

3. Thermos Stainless King Flask

Forget commuting, it’s time to go on an adventure

Specifications

Capacity: 1200ml
Dishwasher safe: No
Material: Stainless steel

Reasons to buy

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Very large capacity
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Keeps coffee hot for 24 hours

Whether your commute requires a big one or you’re in need of a coffee thermos flask to see you through your adventures in the wilderness, this one has the capacity and the insulation capabilities to be the perfect choice. Using the same vacuum technology as our first pick, it keeps your coffee hot for up to 24 hours – all two pints worth of it. The flask also comes with a cup, perfect for respites on your trek or when you’re sat down on a train, and it’s available to buy in a range of colours, too.  

LifeSky Insulated Travel Coffee flask

4. LifeSky Insulated Travel Coffee flask

A very pretty coffee thermos that proves looks aren’t everything

Specifications

Capacity: 470ml
Dishwasher safe: Lid only
Material: Stainless steel

Reasons to buy

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Retains temperature for up to 8 hours
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Fits regular cup holder slots

The metallic champagne and purple colour choices will certainly add a touch of sparkle to any morning commute. The flask itself is slim; perfect for slipping into cup holders, and features leak-free lid technology that can operated with just one hand. The flask uses the same vacuum technology as the Thermos, enabling it to retain heat for up to 8 hours, proving it’s more than just a pretty face.  

Bodum Vacuum Travel Mug

5. Bodum Vacuum Travel Mug

Save yourself some washing up with this dishwasher safe number

Specifications

Capacity: 350ml
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

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Travel mug size
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Dishwasher safe

As a travel mug rather than a flask, this coffee thermos isn’t completely leak proof. Having said that, it’s smaller size makes it ideal for commuters and if you’re tired of your coffee always going cold on your desk, investing in this travel mug is a surefire way of reducing your wastage. It’s available to purchase in a range of funky colours and features a slip-proof band for firm gripping.  

Mighty Mug Go- The Travel Mug That Won't Fall Over

6. Mighty Mug Go- The Travel Mug That Won't Fall Over

The perfect coffee thermos for clumsy people or rocky train journeys

Specifications

Capacity: 470ml
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

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Unspillable thanks to the Smartgrip base
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Completely dishwasher safe

Another convenient coffee thermos, the Mighty Mug is completely dishwasher proof, saving you on the washing up. More convenient, though, is the Smartgrip base which, when placed on a flat surface, prevents the flask from sliding around and falling over – great if you aren’t the most spatially aware person on the planet. And eco-warriors will be pleased to hear that the plastic used only takes 5 years to biodegrade, rather than 1000 – much better than casually throwing away an unrecyclable Starbucks coffee cup.  

Thermos Foogo

7. Thermos Foogo

You have yours, now they have theirs

Specifications

Capacity: 280ml
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Material: Stainless steel

Reasons to buy

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Perfect for warm milk 
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Comes with a straw for mess-free sipping

This kiddy flask is perfect for keeping their milk warm on long journeys. Alternatively, it keeps juice cold, making it ideal for keeping them hydrated on warm days. The push button lid is easy to operate, while the pop up straw will ensure they can sip their drink in the back of the car with minimal mess involved. Featuring BPA-free materials and made from stainless steel to inhibit mould growth, this is the ideal flask for children (minus the coffee).  

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Time to upgrade your home coffee mugs too? Check out our guide to the best coffee cups and mugs this season.