A New Flask

[Thegreatthor]

Okay, it’s that time of year. I need a new flask to stick in my Carradice.

any recommendations. I like the look of the Stanley’s but they are a lot more expensive. Are they worth it?

 

[wisdom]

My previous experience of Stanley flasks is very good.Yes they are expensive and they do last.
There are a lot of cheaper ones around in outdoor shops and supermarkets.I am sure they would also last well,depending on the abuse they receive.You could try one and if it suits you are in pocket.
That's the route I go down now and to be honest have found them excellent value for money.

 

[rogerzilla]

The Wilko stainless flasks are fine. The 330ml one goes nicely in a bottle cage, if you put it in a sock to prevent rattles.

 

[tom73]

Often it's down to making sure what you put in is nice and hot to start with.

 

[Smudge]

I've been using flasks for many years, always took one to work and always take one in the tailpack when out on my motorcycle. Often take one when using my bikes as well.
I've used the Stanley flasks in the past and they are good flasks and pretty indestructible, but for that indestructibility they are really heavy, a lot heavier than the usual stainless steel flasks. The other thing i dont like about them, is that they have a really narrow neck, which is better for keeping the temp in, but it makes it hard to clean the inside of the flask.
So i just use the standard steel flasks, either the Thermos Thermocafe ones or the generic similar ones. I also will only use ones with the twist & pour stopper. Many flasks now have the complicated push button stoppers, these are crap, heat will escape through them and because of the design, bacteria will trap in the mechanism.
The Thermos Ultimate are supposed to be really good, but they are quite expensive.

 

[tom73]

Have to agree with @Smudge i've used Thermos Thermocafe for years and work well and yes the Push button lids are rubbish.
Hard to clean and often get stuck or stop working and become hit and miss.
Can often pick up good quality ones a bit cheeper in TK max.

 

[Smudge]

I have quite a few flasks, of different sizes.
The last one i bought was a cheap generic 500ml one from Morrisons, its been easily as good as the branded standard Thermos ones and has lasted well. Some generic ones i've bought have not been as good at heat retention, or they're ok when new then seem to lose their thermal properties after a certain amount of use.

 

[raleighnut]

Rarely go anywhere without mine,

 

[wisdom]

On the cleaning front I put bicarbonate of soda in mine periodically It cleans them and leaves them fresh.

 

[Thegreatthor]

Thanks everyone, that’s really helpful. Off to Wilko’s I go!

 

[classic33]

Often it's down to making sure what you put in is nice and hot to start with.

Warming the flask first is worth considering. Less heat drawn from what you put in it.

Another vote for Wilkos/Wilkies own brand.

 

[tribanjules]

IKEA do small thermos for a couple of quid. Use mine when on nights.