Portable coffee bliss!
Written: May 21 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Slim, cute and works great!
Cons: Only holds 16 ounces
The Bottom Line: A perfect container to carry a solid dose of coffee. It's well-designed and nigh indestructible.
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| scoundrel's Full Review: Nissan 1-pt Stainless Steel Vacuum Commuter Bottle |
I had been using insulated travel cups to take my coffee to work, and although they served their purpose well they require a hand to carry them and they have to be held upright. I first stared at these new slim bottles in coffee shops, and finally caved in and got one (I have no spine when it comes to resisting new toys). Presto! Now I have the perfect coffee carrier -- I just toss it in my sidebag, no need for an extra hand, no spills, just hot coffee when I want it. Well, I can't sip it while I walk, but I'll get to that later...
IMPORTANT NOTE: My version has a slightly different "plug" than the standard product description, but otherwise seems identical (see my description of the plug under "Functionality" below)
Functionality
The container holds 16 ounces of liquid. The cap can be used as a small cup, and it is lined with plastic and works perfectly (once you get used to doing "shots" of coffee - it only holds about 4 ounces). The cap/cup unscrews with ease and with only a minimal twist (but seems secure). The "stopper/plug" also screws on/off with ease, although it has more "threads" and takes more turns to screw/unscrew -- which is a good thing, since it keeps the contents right where they belong. My "plug" has a red button on the top, which, when pressed, pops open a slot exposing a small pouring hole. To close it, you press another button (the back of the now opened slot), and it pops closed. The mechanism activates a seal within the "plug" that blocks the flow of any liquid before it even reaches the pouring hole. The buttons can be pressed with ease with one finger even while holding it with one hand. It pours well without spills until you get to the last drops, then I've had a little bit run down the bottle on occasion. And be careful where you aim it when you press the "close" button -- it pops back into place, sending the occasional drop of coffee flying off. I discovered this to my horror as I watched (in slow motion, you know, like the movies) as a drop flew through the air toward my boss's nicely pressed white shirt. The humanity!
Look and Feel
I love how it feels! It is stainless steel on the outside and it is relatively light (12.5 ounces when empty). It has a sleek outer shape with no snags, so it slides into bags and bag pockets smoothly. It is slender enough to hold firmly in your hand (I have large hands and my index finger almost touches my thumb when I wrap my hand around the middle of the bottle). The cup/cap has a flat bottom and sits squarely on a flat surface without any risk of toppling. It is lined with plastic and the "threads/grooves" are minimal so it doesn't feel awkward to drink from (it is small, however, only holding around 4 ounces).
Cleaning
Why did I even bother to add this section? Cleaning is a breeze! You unscrew the cap and the "plug" and wash it out. The stainless steel outside wipes off easily. However, there is a small lip inside the container near the top where some residue tends to gather, and since the neck is so narrow it's a little awkward to get a sponge or other scrubber in there to clean it. I take half-n-half in my coffee (which I mix into the container) so I don't know if other coffee drinkers (taking it black or with plain milk) will have this problem. I haven't had any trouble with residual smells in the container, although it does have a feint coffee "aroma".
Tea or Soup?
It occurs to me that not everyone is an obsessive coffee drinker like me. Some people might (gasp) venture to put something OTHER than coffee in the bottle. I assume it would suit just fine, even keeping cold beverages cold if need be. Soup could work too, although I don't imagine it would pour through the spout -- you'd have to unscrew the "plug". As I mentioned above, I haven't had any trouble with residual smells so far, but I've only used it for coffee so I don't know if clam chowder or beef stew would leave their mark!
Pros and Cons
Pros: It looks great, keeps my coffee piping hot all day, easy to pour, has a handy cup as a cap, easy to clean, not much bigger than a travel mug, fits in a briefcase or a sidebag, big purse, or messenger bag perfectly, seems nigh indestructible. Cons: Only holds 16 ounces, can't sip from it while you walk.
Thanks for reading - I hope this helps!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
scoundrel
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Member: Chris Aldridge
Location: Ohio
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
The world is complex. Simple answers are for simple people.
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