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The Thermos Icon Series is the best version of an already-reliable product line. Improved thermal performance, a smarter rubberised base and a premium matte finish make these the obvious choice for anyone after a food jar, water bottle or travel mug that actually does what it promises — and then some.
- Outstanding thermal retention for both hot and cold
- Non-slip rubberised base is a solid improvement
- Premium 18/8 stainless steel build with attractive matte colours
- Top-shelf dishwasher safe across the range
- Pressure release stopper makes the lid slightly harder to clean
- Water bottle lid can be over-tightened easily
- Premium pricing compared to generic alternatives
It has taken me far too long to write this review. Not because it was a hard product to review. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The Thermos Icon series is arguably the epitome of design for what it actually does.
If you want to keep your food hot? This will do it. Need your water bottle kept cold? Look no further.
But what I liked most about this new release of Thermos’ standard food and drink storage products is the slight, subtle tweaks that improve the Icon series.
I would argue that every household should have at least one of the Thermos Icon Series Food Jars in their cupboard. Even better would be one for each family member.
It’s just that good.
What makes the Thermos ICON series stand out?
The Thermos brand has been around for over 120 years. It’s synonymous with food storage.
Just a few months before it launched the ICON series, I bought my son a standard food jar to use for taking food to school. My daughter already had one.
The ICON series improves the thermal performance of those original models, both for heat and cold foods. But the real advantage for these new models over the old ones my kids use is the grip.
The underside of each of the units I got to test – which included the food jars, water bottle and a travel tumbler – has a new rubberised base that allows it to sit more securely when you put it down.
That sounds so lame when I read it back, but honestly, it just helps so much. It keeps the bottom of the jar cool to touch, and means it’s harder to actually spill.
Thermos ICON series specs
| Product Name | Price | Hot Retention | Cold Retention | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermos Icon Series 470ml Food Jar | $64.99 | 10 hours | 24 hours | Includes a stowaway spoon and pressure release stopper |
| Thermos Icon Series 710ml Food Jar | $69.99 | 14 hours | 24 hours | Includes a stowaway spoon and non-slip base |
| Thermos Icon Series 710ml Water Bottle with Spout | $64.99 | N/A | 24 hours | High flow spout, hygienic lid, and locking ring |
| Thermos Icon Series 1.9L Water Bottle with Spout | $114.99 | N/A | 24 hours | High flow spout, moulded handle, and lockable lid |
| Thermos Icon Series 945ml Water Bottle with Screw Top Lid | $69.99 | 14 hours | 24 hours | Easy-grip moulded handle and non-slip base |
| Thermos Icon Series 1.2L Beverage Bottle | $89.99 | 24 hours | 24 hours | Twist and pour stopper, integrated serving cup, rugged handle |
| Thermos Icon Series 470ml Mug | $74.99 | 7 hours | 22 hours | 360º leak-proof lid, moulded handle |
| Thermos Icon Series 470ml Tumbler | $64.99 | 7 hours | 22 hours | Leak proof lid, cup holder friendly |
| Thermos Icon Series 710ml Cold Cup with Straw | $69.99 | N/A | 24 hours | Clear lid and reusable straw |
Design and build quality
One of the advantages of the new series is the newer range of matte colours. There’s black, obviously, but also a subtle pink and a pale blue colour option on a number of the products.
Everything uses Thermos’ vacuum insulation technology, that helps keep temperatures hot or cold, depending on how you want them. For the food jars in particular this is impressive – you’ll get up to 14 hours of keeping food hot, or cold for 24 hours.
Each product is made from premium 18/8 stainless steel, which helps in terms of the insulation and makes it relatively easy to clean.
If you’ve never used a Thermos food jar before, they come with folding stainless-steel spoons that have a dedicated storage space in the lid. The twisting stopper lid – which helps keep the heat in – has a pressure release stopper that means the lid is always easier to open.
This does make it slightly harder to clean, but it’s far from impossible. Especially given that all the products I tested are top-shelf dishwasher safe.
Performance
Eating a sandwich every day is for chumps. The Food Jar, out of all the products I tested, was my favourite because of just how easy it makes taking a hot lunch to work or school or a picnic.
Simply pour some boiling water in there to head it up for 5–10 minutes before you put in your hot food, and you’re good to go.
Depending on the product, Thermos says you will get up to 14 hours of keeping your food (or drink) hot, and up to 24 hours of keeping it cold. In the months of using these products, I never needed to test the heat for longer than maybe 4–6 hours, but it was always hot when I cracked it open.
Perhaps my only negative came with the water bottle, and it’s that the lid can easily be over-tightened.
Not really an issue, apart from when my wife couldn’t open it to refill or wash it for me.
Verdict
A Thermos food jar is just one of those things every household should have. The Icon series release is the best version to buy, thanks to its premium finish, attractive colours and rubber grip bottom.
But the Icon series also stretches out into things like travel mugs and water bottles, and they are all great. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of Thermos’s Icon series products.
But if you have to choose, start with the Food Jar.
Buy the Thermos Icon Series if
- You take lunch to work or school. The food jar is life-changing for hot lunches on the go.
- You want something that lasts. The 18/8 stainless-steel build and dishwasher-safe design means this is a long-term investment.
- You have kids. Get one for each of them. You'll wonder how you managed without it.
Skip the Thermos Icon Series if
- You only need something occasionally. A cheaper generic will do the job if you're rarely packing hot food or drinks.
- Bench or bag space is tight. Some larger bottles in the range are substantial. It’s worth checking dimensions before you buy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Thermos Icon Series keep food hot?
It depends on the size you go for. The 470ml food jar keeps food hot for up to 10 hours, while the larger 710ml jar and the 945ml screw-top water bottle both push up to 14 hours. The 1.2L beverage bottle tops the range at 24 hours. In day-to-day use, you're unlikely to push it past the 4–6 hour mark — and it'll still be hot when you get there.
Is the Thermos Icon Series dishwasher safe?
Yes, all the products in the Icon series are top-shelf dishwasher safe. The pressure release stopper in the food jar lid adds a little complexity to a hand wash, but throw it on the top rack, and it takes care of itself.
Which Thermos Icon Series product should I start with?
The food jar, unquestionably. It's the most versatile product in the range and the one most households will get genuine daily use out of. If you're already sorted on food storage, the travel tumbler is a close second — especially if you're a commuter.
What sizes does the Thermos Icon Series come in?
The range covers a lot of ground. Food jars come in 470ml and 710ml. Water bottles are available in 710ml, 945ml and 1.9L. There's also a 470ml mug, a 470ml tumbler, a 1.2L beverage bottle and a 710ml cold cup with straw. Pricing starts at $64.99 and runs up to $114.99 for the large water bottle.
What's the best way to prep a Thermos food jar before use?
Pour boiling water into the jar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before adding your food. This primes the insulation and makes a noticeable difference to how long your meal stays hot. It takes a little extra planning, but it's worth the habit.