Insulated by design
Over 100 years ago, we created the first everyday vacuum flask.
Today, Thermos continues to develop top products for people on the go, with the quality and performance you can rely on.
- 1892
Creation of the Vacuum Flask
In 1892, Scottish scientist Sir James Dewar invented the vacuum flask to keep chemicals at stable temperatures. He placed a glass bottle inside a larger one and evacuated the air between them, creating a partial vacuum. This led to the commercial manufacture of the “Dewar Flask” in 1898.
- 1903
The domestic vacuum flask
Reinhold Burger, Dewar’s glass blower, and his partner Albert Aschenbrenner, crafted a domestic vacuum flask with a protective metal casing and secured a patent for it.
- 1904
The birth of THERMOS®
Burger and Aschenbrenner hosted a competition to name the vacuum bottle. A Munich resident submitted the name ‘Thermos,’ derived from the Greek word for ‘heat,’ leading to the formation of Thermos GmbH.
- 1907
Thermos launches
In 1907, Thermos GmbH sold the trademark rights to three companies: The American Thermos Bottle Company, Thermos Limited (UK), and Canadian Thermos Bottle Co. Ltd. These companies independently developed the Thermos vacuum flask into a popular product used on famous expeditions, including those by Lt. Shackleton, Lt. Peary, Colonel Roosevelt, the Wright Brothers, and Count Zeppelin.
- 1909
Grand Prize Award
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. - 1911
World leader in glass vacuum technology
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. - 1912
Demand exceeds production!
The popularity of Thermos products grew tremendously – so much so
that The American Thermos Bottle Company had to move to a new site in
Norwich, CT to increase output. - 1925
Icy – Hot Bottle Co
Thermos Bottle Co. merged with the Icy-Hot Bottle Co. of
Cincinnati Ohio, also a vacuum bottle company established in the early
1900s. - 1928
Technology developments
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. - 1931
Thermos Limited economic recovery
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. - 1939
World War II
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. - 1952
The Plastene Corporation
Thermos acquired the Plastene Corporation of Indiana, giving
Thermos two injection moulding facilities in the US and greater
expertise in this emerging technology. - 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. - 1957
Diversification
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
airplanes, detection of oil deposits and weather reporting. - 1960
Merger with King-Steeley Corporation
Thermos merged with the King-Seeley Corporation, thus entering the tent, camp stove, and lantern field.
- 1966
Stainless steel
Thermos introduced the world to their first stainless steel vacuum bottle.
- 1985
The Thermos Coffee Butler
Successfully introduced onto the market was the Thermos Coffee
Butler, a vacuum-insulated glass carafe, becoming one of the top
household products in North America that year. - 2002
IsoTec™
The high-performance IceBound line of soft coolers is introduced.
Made with exclusive IsoTec™ multi-layered insulation and a leak-proof
interior lining. - 2004
100 Years!
Thermos celebrated 100 years of designing and developing vacuum insulated products.
The FUNtainer®
Thermos introduced the FUNtainer® line of kids insulated products.
- 2014
Thermos acquires Alfi
Thermos Parent companies acquire alfi GmbH, 100-year old German company specialising in premium carafes.
- 2017
Thermos acquires Lifefactory
Thermos LLC acquires Lifefactory Inc., leader in glass hydration and baby products featuring silicone sleeves
- 2024
Celebrating 120 Years of THERMOS
Thermos proudly celebrates its 120th anniversary. For over a century, Thermos has been synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in keeping food and beverages at the perfect temperature.
Founded in 1904, Thermos has grown into a globally recognized brand dedicated to superior insulation technology and sustainable practices.
“Celebrating 120 years is a remarkable milestone,” said Sharon Yen, Managing Director of Thermos Italy SRL. “Our success reflects our dedication to innovation and our customers’ trust. We will continue to deliver exceptional products that meet evolving needs.”
To commemorate this anniversary, Thermos is launching a special edition line of products that blend classic designs with modern enhancements, honoring the brand’s rich heritage.
THERMOS ITALIA SRL ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICE IN MILAN
Milan, Italy – January 2024 – Thermos announces the grand opening of its new office in Milan. This expansion reflects Thermos’ commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions to customers across Italy and Europe.
The new facility, located in Milan’s business district, is designed to enhance efficiency and foster team collaboration. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable features, it underscores Thermos’ dedication to environmental responsibility and product excellence.
“We are thrilled to establish our new home in Milan,” said Sharon Yen, Managing Director of Thermos Italia Srl. “This move represents a significant milestone, enabling us to better serve our customers and support our growth.”
The new office will help expand its product line and strengthen its market presence in Italy and beyond.
110 years anniversary for Alfi
Cheers to 110 years alfi®!
With 110 years of company history, the common thread at alfi® remains the same: top quality, progress, functionality and perfect design. Awards such as the Red Dot Design Award and the satisfaction of millions of customers are testimony to this.
