Vacuum flasks, or Dewar Flasks, are a catch-all term for a type of container invented by James Dewar. These containers have an airtight inner chamber in which all of the air has been removed. This vacuum layer prevents any sort of conduction and makes the contents of the flask stay at their original temperature much longer than they would in a conventional container.

Vacuum flasks come in three basic varieties. Scientific or research flasks are used in laboratories to store chemicals and preserve samples. Commercial flasks store large amounts of volatile liquids for use in production and manufacturing; these are also the class most often referred to as Dewar Flasks. Standard flasks keep small amounts of liquid hot or cold longer; these are commonly called thermoses. Consider the following when researching vacuum flask suppliers:

1. Small vacuum flasks, commonly made of plastic or glass, are used in laboratory research.

2. Large canister-like flasks are used in many commercial machines.

3. Handheld metal and plastic vacuum flasks are common household items.

Action Steps
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Use vacuum flasks in your laboratory research

Research flasks are very useful in the lab. Due to their unique form of insulation, they can keep liquids stable at room temperature, such as oxygen or nitrogen, far longer than other containers. They typically have a secondary pouring spout on them so small amounts of their chilled contents can be removed without opening the flask.

I recommend: Kimble/Kontes has a wide range of vacuum flasks utilizing several connection methods and shapes. Pope Scientific makes lab ware that straddles the line between scientific and commercial vacuum flasks.

Find large vacuum flasks for your commercial equipment

The canister-like commercial flasks are not just used in manufacturing and fabrication; they're also used in the construction of high tech machinery. Devices such as MRI machines require several flasks simply to operate. These larger and more complex flasks typically hold large amounts of a very cold liquid, such as helium, argon or oxygen.

I recommend: There are a large number of vacuum flask manufacturers making commercial grade equipment. Each of them has a particular specialty in regards to type and purpose. Common examples of these are found at Cryofab and ArtisanScientific.

Buy smaller handheld vacuum flasks as advertisements

While the thermos style flask has very few manufacturing uses, they're commonly used as advertisements for a company. These flasks can be stamped with a company logo and make a very effective and useful marketing tool.

I recommend: Both Thermos and Timolino make high quality handheld vacuum bottles that are durable and easy to maintain.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always consider the stopper of your flask. Due to their construction, nearly no heat is gained or lost through the walls and bottom of a vacuum flask. The stopper is where nearly all of the heat transfer takes place. If you always buy products with superior quality stoppers, it will better ensure the quality of your flask.