All,

I've been in the UK since mid January and been commuting by train since (btw: I will add to the 'commuting by train' thread shortly). I've spent months trying to find a good coffee shop and nothing. Yes, there are the Starbuck's, the Nero's and the few mom and pop's... but nothing that I would classify as good enough that I would return to.

After all of that, I broke down and bought my own grinder and espresso kit. Well I should say I was told by my wife to stort out the coffee situation or else (she was serious!).

Now i'm bringing my favorite drink to work in the morning in some thermos that started leaking after day four of use.

Here's my critria and hoping that someone out there has been there/done that:
-500 to 600 ml
-will not leak, ever
-will stand up to being in my briefcase for the ride in the morning
-ideally, if it doesn't have the screw on cup/lid that would be great, but not a deal breaker
-will not leak!!!!

Anyone have any suggestions?

Kris

The Nissan/Thermos brand has quite a wide selection and are very efficient in holding heat in. I've gotten a couple for my parents. No leaks.

I second the suggestion for Thermos.
I have had great use from their stainless steel thermoses and they are a lot cheaper than they used to be.

I would also recommend Stanley/Aladdin brand except for them being much heavier, but maybe their newer versions are lighter.

(remember, NEVER try cleaning them with bleach. Bleach causes pinholes in the steel and wrecks them)

So do I. They have quite a line up of different sizes and opening mechanisms, take your pick. I think all of them are good. Haven't tried many other quality brands, but the quality leap between no-name brands (your average reasonably priced stuff) and a Thermos thermos is HUGE.. Get a all-stainless steel (no fancy colors) so you can toss it in the dish washer.

Sigg does a nice range of Thermos bottles;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0013...027FJW4Z2VTQSX5

Lifeventure Thermos's might be worthwhile checking out as well. Good brand but slightly less expensive than the Sigg Steelworks Thermos's.

http://www.lifeventure.co.uk/htm/cookware/tiv-vacuum-flasks.html

I have Lifeventure's thermos right now, their 0.5 Litre one. Got it at the local outdoor shop and leaks like mad now.

Highly don't recommend it.

Would like to try Sigg's, but do you know if they put the lining on them like their water bottles?

Looking at Thermos now, they have one thats similiar to the Lifeventure one I have now. Fits nice in the briefcase. Debating on it.

I had good luck with both Nissan and Thermos. My Nissan is old enough to be exhibited in a museum.

I've taken coffee to work for years (am partial to Harris-Teeter brand Hazelnut), mostly in 18 oz thermoses that LL Bean sells. I also use these for biking and walking in winter weather -- carrying them in backpacks. Coffee stays hot all day.

No leaks, ever.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/48415?parentCategory=9007&feat=9007-tn&cat4=1099

My favorite larger thermos is one I bought at a Dunkin' Donuts in New Hampshire on vacation a few years back. It's stainless and has a nice DD logo-emblazoned rubber grip midway on the thermos.

No leakage.

This new vacuum bottle that Bean is carrying looks promising, but I don't have one to vouch for from experience.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64055?parentCategory=9007&feat=9007-tn&cat4=1099

Innate Kaze Stainless-Steel Vacuum Bottle, 450 ml
BPA-free stainless-steel vacuum bottle, ideal for hot or cold liquids


This next item is not a thermos, but an 8 oz flask and I love it for walking around. Great for shoulder bags or coat pocket. BPA-free stainless. I transport it inside a small neoprene bottle holder and it stays cold or hot for quite awhile. No leakage. It's not insulated so filled with hot coffee, grabbing it with bare hands will hurt. Fine with gloves.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64043?feat=sr&freeText=flask

+1 on Nissan. I was given one maybe 8 years ago and it's still going strong. Much more effective at holding heat than the stainless Thermos I had at the time. Much lighter too.

I highly recommend anything in the Zojirushi line. My husband has used the Tuff Slim Thermos for 2 or 3 years now and it's never leaked: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-17-Ounce...5859&sr=8-4

It really keeps things hot for a long time. I've poured tea in there and it would still be steaming 6 hours later.