For 120 years, Thermos has been synonymous with keeping drinks hot or cold all day long. Starting from the original and iconic vacuum flask that revolutionised the way we enjoy our drinks outdoors, Thermos has continued to innovate to ever changing lifestyles. 

In this blogpost we will explore the rich history and evolution of The Thermos Flask and its creation. Showcasing how this beloved brand has remained a household name for over a century in hydration and food storage solutions.

A Legacy Begins

The legacy of Thermos began in 1892 when the first ever vacuum flask was invented by Sir James Dewar. Through his work in cryogenics, he identified a need to keep a chemical placed in a flask at a stable temperature. To do this, Dewar placed a glass bottle in another larger glass bottle, and evacuated the air between the two bottle walls. In doing so, Dewar created a partial vacuum to keep the temperature of the contents stable. Hiring a professional glass blower to make a sturdier flask led to the commercial manufacture of the “Dewar Flask” in 1898.

20th Century Milestones:

In 1903 Reinhold Burger (Dewar’s glass blower) and his business partner Albert Aschenbrenner were manufacturers of scientific glass devices. While producing flasks for Dewar, they crafted a domestic vacuum flask with a protective metal casing and secured a patent for it.

In 1904 Burger and Aschenbrenner hosted a competition to name the vacuum bottle. A Munich resident submitted the word ‘Thermos’ named after the Greek word “Therme” meaning “heat” and Thermos GmbH was formed.

This extraordinary creation soon became a revolutionary product that changed the lives of everyday people. Thermos soon became a global sensation, loved for its temperature retention capabilities.

In 1907, Thermos GmbH sold the Thermos trademark rights to three independent companies: The American Thermos Bottle Company, US; Thermos Limited, UK; and Canadian Thermos Bottle Co. Ltd. Canada. The three Thermos companies operated independently of each other, yet developed the Thermos vacuum flask into a widely sought after product that was taken on many famous expeditions, including: Lt E.H. Schackelton's trip to the South Pole; Lt Robert E. Peary's trip to the Arctic; Colonel Roosevelt's expedition to Mombassa and into the heart of the African Congo with Richard Harding Davis. It even became airborne when the Wright Brothers took it up in their aeroplane and Count Zepplin carried it up in his air balloon.

By 1909 Thermos was praised around the world for its revolutionary design. Thermos won the ‘Grand Prize Award’ at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition and went on to be honoured at seven more world expositions.

In 1911 Thermos Limited, located in England produced the first machine-made glass filler, a critical industrial breakthrough for speeding up production. In automating this glass blowing process, Thermos became a world leader in glass vacuum technology and manufacturing.

Over the years The popularity of Thermos products grew:

The love for Thermos grew tremendously – so much so that The American Thermos Bottle Company had to move to a new site in Norwich, CT to increase output.

In 1928 Advancements led to new uses for vacuum-insulated technology. Notable products were the insulated cabinets for ice cream and frozen fish, in demand until mechanical refrigeration became available in the 1930’s.

In 1931 Thermos Limited almost shut down because of the war, operating not as a manufacturer but as an assembler of imported products. Production restarted in 1931 and a metal canister factory was opened in Leyton in 1932.

When World War II broke out, virtually all of the capacity at Thermos Limited was changed over to requirements of the British military forces. Every time a thousand bombers went out on a raid 10,000 - 12,000 Thermos vacuum flasks went with them.

In 1953 2,000,000 units Improving on their lunch kits, Thermos released the first fully lithographed steel lunch box with the image of Roy Rogers, which sold over 2,000,000 units in the first year.

In 1957 Thermos brand products, known almost universally now, had been used for plasma and insulin transit, as well as being utilised in various instruments measuring electric power, rate of climb in aeroplanes, detection of oil deposits and weather reporting.

1960 was when Thermos entered the tent, camp stove, and lantern field by merging with the King-Seeley Corporation.

In 1966 Thermos introduced the world to their first stainless steel vacuum bottle.

The Queen’s Award to industry was presented to Thermos Limited , UK in 1971 for exporting over 50% of their production to over 100 different companies.

In 1985 Thermos Successfully introduced the Thermos Coffee Butler Onto the market, a vacuum-insulated glass carafe, becoming one of the top household products in North America that year.

By 1996 the UK Thermos plant moved from Brentwood to a new site in Thetford, adjacent to the glass plants.  

Expanding Beyond the Flask:

In the 1920s and 1930s, Thermos flasks were a must have for adventurers, explorers, and everyday users. Thermos’ products became trusted companions for military personnel, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.

As time went on, Thermos didn’t just stick to beverage bottles. They branched out into lunchboxes, Food Flasks, and other insulated products that catered to a broader audience. 

By continuously adapting their designs and materials to meet customer needs, Thermos solidified its reputation for quality and reliability.

Modern Innovations: Combining Functionality with Style

In the 21st Century Thermos remains a leader in the industry by combining classic designs with modern innovations. Our recent launch of The Thermos Icon Series is a stand out example of how the brand combines functionality with today's modern trends. 

The Icon Straw Cup is specifically designed to seamlessly fit into today's fast paced and on the go lifestyle. These feature sleek, modern aesthetics that appeal to a new generation of users.

Celebrating 120 Years of Innovation

To celebrate over 120 years of Thermos, we have launched a campaign highlighting its rich heritage and commitment to innovation. 

This campaign not only honours the brand’s past achievements but also focuses on its ongoing efforts to design products that cater to the needs of modern consumers. 

Thermos continues to innovate with each new product, whether it’s a sleek Icon Travel Tumbler that fits perfectly in a car cup holder or a kid-friendly FUNtainer® that keeps drinks cool during school days.

The Future of Thermos: What’s Next?

Looking into the future at Thermos UK we are determined and committed to remain at the forefront of the industry by continually evolving with our consumer needs. 

In today's world people look for sustainable, durable and stylish products. Thermos is set to introduce even more collaborations and innovations that meet this.

The Evolution of Thermos has been extraordinary. From its classic tartan designs to trendy sleek designs Thermos has remained more than just a household name - It's a legacy of pioneers that continue to invigorate for future generations with over 120 years of experience. 

Thermos, pioneering since 1904.