Best flask 2025: I've tested over 20 insulated mugs, thermos flasks and cups - these are the must-haves for hot and cold drinks

• READ MORE: Save money on your morning brew by investing in one of the best coffee machines - reviewed by our expert 
• SHOP: Britain's 20 best mugs revealed by top interiors editor

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Flasks, insulated thermos, travel mugs - whatever you call them, they’re a must-have in the colder months. Whether you’re commuting, camping or just want to keep your drink warm while working from home, finding the best flask can keep you toasty and even stop extra trips to the kettle, helping you minimise energy usage.

As someone who always lets their drink go cold before finishing it, I found switching to an insulted mug was a smart move. No more trips to the microwave to reheat my tea and coffee and no constant reboiling of the kettle. I could make one big drink and have it stay hot for most of the day. Pair this with my favourite heated blanket and I'm set for the day.

From finding the perfect insulated coffee cup to a thermos flask food enough for soup on the go, I’ve been hard at work testing dozens of flasks. You’ll find a quick list of links below to all my tested favourites or find my full reviews of each further down the page.

Best flasks: At a glance 

• Best travel mug with a handle: BruMate Muv
• Best hardwearing mug: Yeti Rambler
• Best food flask: Zwilling Thermo food jar
• Best budget flask: Robert Dyas stainless steel flask
• Best for children: Thermos Disney Pixar Toy Story flask
• Prestige pick: Contigo Transit Autoseal Travel Mug
• Best heated mug/best for gifting: Ember Smart Mug 2

How we test

At the Daily Mail, we're committed to rigorously testing every product we review. If we haven't tested something or plan on testing something, we'll make that clear in the copy. For travel mugs, we make sure they are fit for purpose by testing their heat retention, how leakproof they are, how easy they are to hold and of course, value for money. Read more about how we test all our home products.

Why trust us 

Our team of reviewers have decades of testing experience between them. Whether they're testing the latest in beauty, wellness, home appliances or tech the team are dedicated to finding you the best products for your needs.

Danielle has been testing home and garden appliances for 7 years, with specialisms in kitchen products like thermal mugs, coffee machines and more. All of her reviews are honest and follow a testing process that gives you a 360 view of a product - flaws and all.

The best flasks and insulated thermos

1. Best travel mug with handle: BruMate Muv

 2. Best hardwearing mug: Yeti Rambler

3.  Best food flask: Zwilling Thermo food jar

4. Best budget flask: Robert Dyas stainless steel flask

5. Best for children: Thermos Disney Pixar Toy Story flask

6. Prestige pick: Contigo Transit Autoseal Travel Mug

 

7. Best heated mug: Ember Smart Mug 2

Our verdict

For everyday use at home, on the train or at your desk my recommended pick for an insulated mug is is the Yeti Rambler. Not only is it very design-led, it's hardwearing too. I think it strikes the perfect balance between style and substance and the wide colour range makes it ideal for adults and teens alike. 

If you're just looking for something simple, you can't go wrong with Robert Dyas' traditional flask and at under £10 - it's a bargain too.

For the ultimate protection from leaks, spills and scrapes, there's nothing better than the Contigo Autoseal.

FAQs 

Are insulated flasks worth the money? 

Absolutely. If you're someone who regularly commutes, travels or just wants to avoid drinks going cold on your desk, a flask will pay for itself in just a few months. Not only can it help you save money on coffee-shop drinks, which are more expensive than ever, it can also save on trips to the kettle or microwave to reheat forgotten teas.

What flask stays hot for 12 hours?

The Contigo Autoseal is the best flask for 12 hour heat retention, with the Robert Dyas flask coming in a close second.  

What is better - Yeti or Thermos?

Both Yeti and Thermos are great brands for keeping your drinks hot and cold. Yeti tends to focus on more aesthetic-forward designs with lots of modern colours, whereas Thermos has more classic flask-style designs. 

Each offer a wide range of flasks and mugs in different shapes and sizes.