Concept: 3 out of 5
Execution: 3 out of 5
Yeah, but: Handy, but why did I buy one in the winter?
The Long Version: These bottles by Thermos solve the summer problems of metal water bottles: they warm up quickly and 'sweat' badly. In exchange for the insulation, they don't hold as much for their size, and because I can't feel the bottle get cold, I need to pay more attention as I fill it.
The bottles come in blue and red, with a glossy coat that does seem to scuff if it's handled roughly. Overall the bottles are quite attractive, easy to hold, and the plastic lids are comfortable to hold and use with a nice rubberized texture.
In my review of the Kleen Kanteen stainless bottle, I pointed out that the water in the container does not change its flavour, but that the bottle itself has a metallic taste. According to the google terms that bring people to that write-up, this is a common concern. The good news is that the plastic cap on the Thermos Quick Charge bottles gets rid of this problem. Just watch out how the cap is orientated when you take a drink, because it's easy to re-create a classic moment from the "Airplane" movies with it.
Posts
I purchased one of these bottles, and couldn't figure out how to use the sipper lid specified in the instructions. Could you give me some help?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what you mean about the sipper lid. Mine only came with what you see in these photos, and nothing else - not even instructions. It does have something in the middle of the screw-on cap, perhaps a pressure relief valve...? I've never actually figured that one out.
ReplyDeleteDoes everything it claims to, very sturdy, easy to hold, clean, great taste, perfect size for cup holders and best of all keeps drinks cold for hours! I would like to see a smaller version made for kids. I'm out the door to buy one for each member of our family. Great product!
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous - there is no sipper - it's a twist off lid. Drink directly from spout. The blue dot is part of design and not meant to be functional.
dear oh dear! the blue thing is a seal for the water no to come out of the spout...
ReplyDeleteMine came with instructions and the lid is meant to be a sipper. Thus being said, the instructions on how to work the blue dot involved turning the upper part of the lid a quarter turn and pressing the blue dot in order to obtain liquid. This did not work and we simply remove the lid.
ReplyDeleteCan you use hot liquid too?
ReplyDeleteThe double-walled body doesn't heat up the way that metal water bottles do, and the only plastic that the liquid would touch is dishwasher-safe, so temperature presumably wouldn't be a problem... but the thermos website only mentions that it's "Ideal for water, iced tea, juices and sports drinks." So my answer would be that I don't understand why it wouldn't work with hot liquids, but just the same, I wouldn't recommend it and it's a 'try at your own risk' thing.
ReplyDeleteThe Thermos website has all kinds of odd acrobatics going on in its link structure, so any link I post will probably be broken within weeks. Instead, you can find it by doing a google search on its UPS code: 0-41205-61886-7.
We really like our Quick Charges ... for hot or cold. Hot stays hot for at least 6 hours (haven't experimented for any longer than that) and we have had ice cubes in water still rattling around after being left for two and a half days. The "soft rubber" feel on the mouth is great (especially when drinking while moving) and the easy on - easy off top screw lid for sipping. Like so many others, gave up on the little blue dot.
ReplyDeleteI just got one of these things and I too was humbled by the blue dot.. Mine came with the confusing instructions as well. Visiting Thermos' website revealed that these are the generic instructions for all models of beverage holders and I don't think any of the three different operating instructions that came with this bottle actually apply to it -- i think the instructions are included for the care and warranty instructions. (The instructions explain how to use 3 different types of Thermos bottles).
ReplyDeleteI popped out the blue dot and thought about it. My guess is that it might be a "contents under pressure" indicator. If your forgotten beverage ever expands in the container I think the thing will stick out more noticeably than usual, and so you can be more careful opening it up. Haven't tested this though.
"contents Under Pressure"? Wait a minute everyone! Here`s my guess. "The blue dot" is nothing more than a seal for a 1/2 inch hydration tube. You pop it out by unscrewing the cap and pushing down on the "blue dot" with a pen (stick, whatever)Insert tube and voylà, hands-free hydration. I got the thermous(red) with a sling pack(red also) from MEC.
ReplyDeleteI love my Quick Charge Thermos, it keeps the drink inside cold for a lot longer than any other water bottle I have ever had. I would like to see a larger version of this thermos.
ReplyDeleteI quit trying to figure out the blue dot (I got it as a gift without instructions). I just drink from the bottle. Works for me.
ReplyDeleteLove my Thermos Quick Charge. BTW, Mine is color black. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like this bottle. I have been using them for several years for hot water. I take it just about everywhere.
ReplyDelete