
Guide
Good and cheap? Or just cheap? How Galaxus’s thermos flask fares against its competition
by Martin Jungfer

The "Clima" vacuum flask from 24 Bottles makes me a tea drinker in autumn. It keeps the brew hot from morning to night and fits perfectly in my rucksack.
A new Galaxus thermos flask was recently added to the range. I introduced the own-brand product and put it through a tough test. Of the four insulated bottles in the test field, the «Clima» from the Italian company 24 Bottles was the model that kept the temperature best - whether hot or cold. That's why I'm taking a closer look at it for the test. Does it prove itself in everyday use? Does it have any weaknesses?
Without anticipating the conclusion below: The «Clima» has convinced me, only the price makes me swallow briefly.
As the saying goes: What's worth a lot costs more. So let's talk about the price right at the start. The 0.5-litre bottle I tested costs just under 30 francs, while the larger 850-millilitre bottle is around 40 francs. Definitely not a bargain.
With 24 Bottles, however, you get value for money. Because I had the bottle sawn open, I know that the manufacturer has used a really thick stainless steel sheet for the «Clima», significantly thicker than other thermos flasks. They have thinner walls at the start and save on material costs.
It is also noticeable that there is a comparatively large amount of space between the inner and outer flask. This is good because the vacuum is then larger and better insulated. Above all, with the «Clima» there is still a gap between the two layers right up to the neck of the bottle and even up to the cap. Other manufacturers have the metal sheets welded earlier, which results in poorer insulation.


It is pleasing that the good material thickness and high-quality workmanship do not affect the weight. At 260 grammes, the «Clima» is a lightweight. The «Series 2» from Chilly's, for example, weighs in at 306 grammes, around 18 per cent more.
The question of whether a vacuum flask is beautiful is a divisive one. My test model has a raw stainless steel look and reminds me of a military water bottle. Nevertheless, it looks more elegant. It has a diameter of 7.3 centimetres. I can hold it firmly with one hand and unscrew the cap with the other. The bottle fits into most bottle cages on the bike. Depending on the model, it can sometimes be a little tight, but this ensures a particularly secure hold.
The lid of the «Clima» is also made of metal, and a rubber ring ensures that nothing leaks out. When closing the lid, I have to get used to the fact that metal turns on metal and therefore scrapes. Nevertheless, there are no recognisable scratches.

If the precious metal look is too clean for you, you can look for a different design as an alternative. The selection ranges from psychedelic colour gradients to flashy gold and floral patterns. I have not tested how robust the prints or finishes are. Some buyers report scratches in the product ratings. If this bothers you, you may need to handle such a bottle a little more carefully.
In the everyday test, the «Clima» is impressive. I always hang a tea bag in the bottle in the morning; it fits easily through the drinking opening. I then pour hot water over it, leaving the lid open for a long time. After the brewing time, the tea is still just under 90 degrees. I put the lid on and pack this model into my rucksack. The 40-minute bike ride through the cold autumn morning is the acid test for the bottle's ability to keep warm. Afterwards, it sits on my desk in the 22-degree office.

On a normal eight-hour day, the bottle provides me with a cup of hot tea three times a day, even late in the afternoon. On the occasions when I don't drink it all, the tea I take home is still nice and hot in the evening.
By the way, I never drink the tea straight from the bottle for the first five or six hours after pouring it. It's simply too hot for that, which is why I prefer to pour it into a cup. However, if you feel less pain than I do, you can drink straight from it. It's pleasantly rounded at the top.

Two other facts make me a real «Clima» fan: the useful accessories and the compatibility of the lids.

Accessories: I got three things for the test: a sports lid, a carrying handle and an infuser.
The sports lid turns the «Clima» into a bottle that can be taken to the gym. The carrying handle is a useful addition. The infuser is practical if I want to add a little flavour to the water. I either put a quarter of a lemon or lime into the perforated stainless steel cylinder. Or I try my luck with a few blueberries, although I can tell you that they don't give off much flavour. And in case you're still wondering: yes, carbonated drinks are also allowed in the «Clima».

I think it's great that I've found a long-lasting companion in this water bottle. The manufacturer 24 Bottles promises good availability of spare parts. If something needs to be replaced, such as the sealing ring in the lid, this is no problem.

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Journalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.