Flasks are more 'smell prone' than 'stain prone' – none of the flasks we tested had any staining after cleaning, but some retained a faint coffee smell. Since the American manufacturer, Thermos, came to fame, the term has become slang for vacuum-insulated flasks. Although the terms are largely interchangeable, the original scientific phrasing is 'vacuum flask'.

Airpots are very portable and can be used on any sort of flat surface. This means that they cannot only be used by your members of staff behind a counter or other type of service space, but they can also be used by customers at a self-service area, provided they are supervised by staff of course. They can also be used at various parties, meetings or events, depending on what your individual business provides. Depending on how often the airpot is used, as well as what it is used to keep hot, complete the step-by-step vinegar and water cleaning process anywhere between once a day, once a week, or once a month. Airpots help to keep your chosen hot drink hotter for much longer than other forms of insulating containers such as decanters. This is as a result of the glass and/or stainless-steel lining which provides an additional insulating layer for your airpot. Stainless-steel also provides a corrosion resistant layer, which means it will not change the flavour of the hot drink contained in the airpot, no matter how many hours it sits there. Additionally, it is also a long-lasting material, that cannot be easily scratched, scuffed or marked. So, even when faced with the most vigorous of pot washing or handling, which will occur on a day-today basis in busbusy environments, it will not be damaged.

Our pick of the best Thermos and vacuum flasks will keep your brew hot and your lunch cool all day

Insulated cup: Good flasks also pay attention to the insulation of the detachable cup, if they have one. This is so your drink stays warm while you’re drinking it. Meanwhile, the outside stays cool, so you don’t risk burnt hands. A Thermos King will last years but it’s not officially dishwasher-safe, and you’re not even meant to submerge it in water (if you do, you kill the manufacturer’s 50-year guarantee). Inquisitive users report that it does survive the dishwasher intact, albeit with peeling colour.

None of the flasks leaked from the main body – however, some flasks can't be filled to their stated capacity without liquid coming out when you screw on the lid. Leave this vinegar and hot water solution to sit inside the airpot overnight - approximately 10-12 hours, or less, depending on how dirty your airpot is. A solid performer in testing, SHO’s food flask kept water chilled for the advertised 20 hours and even managed to keep a portion of ice cream very cold, albeit a little melted, for the same period of time. Similarly, it kept hot food such as pasta piping hot over a period of 10 hours. The flask’s design also proved practical as well as stylish, with neat touches including a handy foldable spork, which stores in its lid, and a rubber carry handle. While the 530ml version is suitable for single portions, those of you looking to share may want to opt for the more roomy 800ml option. However, many airpots can be easily cleaned if you know how to do it - all you will need is two very easy to buy ingredients: vinegar and water. Also called catering flasks or thermos pump pots, airpots are well-insulated, as well as being easy to transport, and are very simple to use for all your members of staff. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to; buffets, cafes, restaurants, events, parties, meetings and even outdoor events. This is because airpots are able to keep either coffee, tea, or other types of hot beverage at a high temperature, for a number of hours. Airpots are also a simple alternative to making your hot drinks fresh every time.Make sure that the airpot is cleaned at least once a day – especially if it is used all day long - with a mild dish detergent and hot water. If it is used more than once a day, the step-by-step guide will be more appropriate. There are so many reasons why airpots are the perfect choice for any type of business which caters hot drinks to its customers. This is because they are not only efficient accessories which make the day-to-day tasks for your staff members much easier, but they are also wonderful for your customers too.