Top 15 Best Soup Thermoses

At the present stage of human development, soup thermoses have become an integral part of the life of every modern person, this is a valuable invention created to save money and take care of your health.

Because homemade hot food is much more useful and cheaper than analogues in the dining room. Their use is predetermined by the desire to preserve food, drinks or some kind of liquid as long as possible in the initial state in which they are placed in a thermos for storage.

They can be set to keep food hot or chilled, or to maintain a certain temperature of tincture in order to take from soaked herbs, for example, a maximum of healthy vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the question of choosing the right thermos suitable for your task is always relevant.

What do you need to know about thermoses? Let’s learn about it!

What Capacity of the Soup Thermos Do I need?

Modern thermoses have a very wide range in terms of capacity. You can find a thermos with a capacity of 10 ounces, the thermoses with a capacity of more than 20 ounces.

When choosing the capacity of a thermos, keep in mind: the wider the neck – the faster the food cools down and the larger the thermos itself – the longer the temperature of the contents is maintained.

• Low-capacity thermoses from 10 to 15 ounces are represented by thermoses for liquids. They are used at home, at work, in training, on the road and on vacation. Their advantages include compactness and ease of use
• Medium-capacity thermos with a capacity of 16 ounces to 20 ounces include both a thermos for drinks and a thermos for food. These are used on family trips, during family vacations, fishing and picnics, as well as in travel
• Large-capacity thermos with a capacity of more than 20 ounces include universal thermoses. These thermoses belong more to the group of industrial thermoses, where they are not intended for individual use.

But for the catering industry. They are used in the field of trade, catering, in the army, agricultural enterprises, kindergartens and schools.

What Are Soup Thermos Features?

Why do you need a soup thermos these days, when you can easily warm up dinner on the stove, use a slow cooker or microwave? In fact, this is a very useful device, and that’s why.

• Food in a soup thermos remains hot for 8 hours. Having prepared food in the morning, you can have lunch in the middle of the working day and even have dinner, without using additional devices for warming up.
• They are suitable not only for food but also for drinks. If you can’t choose which model is best to buy, you should buy a product with a wide neck in the first place – it is more universal. Of course, such a soup thermos keeps the contents hot for a shorter period, but for the first time it can be used for soup and mashed potatoes with a cutlet, and for tea or coffee.
• Soup thermos stores not only heat, but also cold. In summer, you can salad to the cottage, put ice cream for dessert on a picnic, pour cold kvass or lemonade.
• Some models have separate containers for food: in three different containers you can put three servings or different dishes.

Who Needs a Soup Thermos?

Thermoses appeared in mass sales at the beginning of the last century and quickly gained popularity. Soup thermoses are very convenient for many people to use. Let’s see who will appreciate soup thermoses.

Travelers

If you have ever traveled by train or intercity bus, you know how difficult it is to think about the issue of food on a trip. On trains, all polls eat instant noodles, grilled chicken, boiled eggs and canned food.

Not the healthiest food, but often imagination, time and money are not enough to cook something better, given that there is no refrigerator in the reserved seat car, and the food can go bad.

Well, on the bus, even a sandwich is problematic, you have to eat during stops at roadside cafes, where expensive food of dubious quality is served. But if you have a compact thermos with food containers, you can take a tasty and healthy home-made lunch with you on the road.

Camping is a very popular holiday, and many spend their days off in a tent somewhere on the forest edge or on the lake.

There is no refrigerator or microwave, and the only way to leave the soup hot for a long time in cool weather is to pour it from a pot into a thermos. And thanks to the wide neck, you can eat without a plate.

Tourists

Camping is a very popular holiday, and many spend their days off in a tent somewhere on the forest edge or on the lake.

There is no refrigerator or microwave, and the only way to leave the soup hot for a long time in cool weather is to pour it from a pot into a thermos. And thanks to the wide neck, you can eat without a plate.

Healthy Eaters

If the doctor has recommended a specific diet for you, or if you decide to eat properly of your own free will, you should definitely buy a thermos. Nutritionists unanimously say that the most useful diet is fractional. That is, you need to take food in small portions 5-6 times a day.

During the working day, it is simply unrealistic to take so many breaks and constantly warm up your steam cutlets. It is much easier to open a thermos, have a snack right at the workplace, without distracting from business, and screw the lid back on.

Those Whose Relatives Are in the Hospital

We all know that hospital kitchen is not distinguished by sophistication and high palatability. If your loved one is in a hospital bed, you can not only support him with your visits, flowers and fruits, but also please home-made food.

And so that the soup or the second does not cool down along the way, you can use a thermos with a wide throat, which will keep the home dinner warm and tasty.

Kids

In order not to worry that your kid will spill hot soup on himself, getting it out of the microwave, or not cope with matches and a gas stove, just leave him a dinner in a thermos. Returning from lessons, the student will simply open the lid and eat hot home-cooked food, cooked with love.

Older children can even take a thermos with lunch to school, especially if after the main classes they attend clubs or sports sections, and there is very little time for lunch.

For Office

If you work in office, you need the thermos that looks solid and elegant. Such thermoses are suitable for business people. The lid of such thermos can be used as a plate. Business people need the thermos that doesn’t leak and keeps the needed temperature for whole day.

Best Soup Thermos Brands

In this section I would like to mention most popular brands of soup thermoses that are worth to know and purchase.

Stanley

The American manufacturer of thermoses Stanley was founded in 1913. The company began to produce its first serial thermoses with a stainless steel flask since 1915.

Under this brand, a large assortment of thermoses and thermos-dishes for food and drinks is offered, making the trip convenient and the rest unforgettable.

All thermos for liquids (vacuum bottles) are presented in the following series: Classic (5 models), Adventure (4 models), Mountain (2 models).

The products are made of high quality stainless steel, have vacuum insulation, a stylish design and high efficiency in terms of maintaining the temperature regime in the required range.

The STANLEY soup thermos line is represented by a variety of models, including thermal containers and classic wide-necked products.

Thermos

In 1978, Thermos created the world’s first high vacuum insulated stainless steel thermos. In 1982, they created the first thermos that was designed for children and infants – the Shuttle Mini. After 6 years, they again create a new product – the first titanium thermos.

Towards the end of the 90s, Thermos began producing sports thermos that were convenient to open while running and other activities.

Since then, Thermos continues to create innovative thermoses that, like 100 years ago, have incomparable quality of materials, good design and versatility.

Zojirushi

This Japanese manufacturer dates back to 1918. In 1948, the Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company changed its name to Kyowa Manufacturing Co, and in 1961 to the now famous Zojirushi Corporation.

In 1981, the production of Tuff Boy thermos with double-walled stainless steel and vacuum insulation began.

Currently, Zojirushi offers a wide range of consumer goods: thermoses with a metal and glass flask, electric thermal pots, rice cookers.

Today in the assortment there are 19 models of thermoses with a metal flask, 16 thermo-mugs, 44 thermos-jugs. The company even made a film about its production.

Yeti

The Texas company Yeti has been manufacturing thermal cookware for hunting and fishing for more than 20 years. The history of the production of thermoses under the Yeti brand dates back to 2006, when the Ryan Brothers and Roy Seiders created Yeti in Texas.

The Texas brand offers Drinkware production under the line called Rambler. Yeti thermoses that are simple in design and affordable are offered in different capacities. The products range from 10 to 36 ounces.

What Are The Best Soup Thermoses?

Let’s have a look at this list of best soup thermoses on the market right now. You can turn to this list of 15 suggested products if you have any difficulties.

• Best Overall: Thermos Stainless King 16 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Compact lightweight design, 5-year warranty, stays cool even with hot food inside”
• Best Budget: Thermos Funtainer 10 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Reasonable price, compact capacity, durable stainless steel”
• Best for Work: Thermos Stainless King 24 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Great capacity, sweat-proof, wide serving bowl, beautiful color”
• Best for Hot Soup: Stanley Classic Legendary 17oz, 24oz Soup Thermos
  “Lifetime warranty, leak-proof, keeps food hot and cold for 12 hours”
• Best for School: Energify Vacuum Insulated 15.2 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Easy to clean, maximum retention, a cup can be used as a serving bowl”
• Best for College: Thermos Foogo 10 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Compact and durable design, low capacity, non-slip jar”
• Best for Catering: Thermos Stainless King 47 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Medium capacity, non-stick lining, wide neck”
• Best for Lunch: MIRA Lunch 13.5 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Triple-walled vacuum system, for great lunches”
• Best for Kids: Simple Modern Kids Provision Insulated 12 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Suitable wonderful lightweight soup thermos for kids, easy cleanup”
• Best for Liquids: Thermos Stainless King 68 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Big capacity, ideal for soup, drinks, lifetime warranty”
• Best Insulated: The Lobo 64 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Double-wall soup thermos, handle included, big capacity”
• Best with Spoon: Milu 15,2/22 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Perfect lunch container with a spoon”
• Best with Handle: Stanley 96 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “For big adventures, large capacity, comfortable handle included”
• Best for Office: Zojirushi 16.9 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “Take this soup thermos with you to the office”
• Best for Hot Drinks: Yeti 26 Oz. Soup Thermos
  “With Yeti soup thermos you can bring not only homemade soup, but also coffee and hot tea”

Best Soup Thermoses Comparison Chart

This comparison chart is needed as the summary of the 15 best soup thermoses which will be reviewed in this article down below. You can easily use this chart to make a right decision.

Top 15 Best Soup Thermoses Reviews

Now we move to the best and the most important part of my article. In this part you can read review about each best soup thermos of. Let’s consider each product’s pros, cons and specification.

1. Thermos Stainless King 16 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best Overall)

A compact and lightweight stainless steel soup thermos by Thermos is the perfect choice for lunch at the office, school or on the go. The best choice for those who really care about their health and nutrition. A wide throat allows you to use a thermos for any dishes.

Food is kept fresh and at the right temperature for a long time (14 hours – warm, 24 hours – cold). A double lid helps to avoid difficulties when opening a thermos with hot food inside. The collapsible design and wide neck allow you to eat comfortably and easily wash the thermos.

Key features:

• 5-year-limited warranty
• 16-ounce food jar
• 6 color options

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	3.7 x 3.7 x 5.5 inches
Item Weight	4.8 ounces
Color Options	Army green, cranberry, matte black, midnight blue, slate, stainless steel
Warranty	5 years

Click here for detailed review of this soup thermos:

2. Thermos Funtainer 10 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best Budget)

Funtainer thermos for foodstuffs from stainless steel TherMax technology has double vacuum isolation allows to keep temperature of food in the soup thermos for a long time. Lightweight, ultra-compact and convenient to travel and travel. Stainless steel construction inside and outside.

This is a durable, waterproof vacuum-insulated soup thermos for preschool and school age children that fits well in your hand and fits easily in your backpack, stroller or cup holder in your car. It is intended for daily use all year round.

Key features:

• Wide mouth
• 10 oz. capacity
• Durable stainless steel
• BPA free
• Keeps cold for 7 hours
• Keeps warm for 5 hours

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	3.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 inches
Item Weight	0.16 ounces
Color Options	30 options
Warranty	5 years

Check the video about the perfect thermos for kids:

3. Thermos Stainless King 24 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Work)

Stainless steel soup thermos from Thermos Company is the best choice for road trips, picnic trips, fishing trips or hunting trips. A wide throat, a full-sized lid – a cup and a metal folding spoon, will allow you to use a thermos for the first and second dishes.

This unbreakable soup thermos’ walls are able to withstand external damage and dents. This thermos is light and compact, convenient in transportation and storage.

The shimmering coating of noble dark shades is perfectly combined with the style of business and self-confident people who carefully select accessories for themselves.

Key features:

• 24-ounce capacity
• Keeps food hot for 14 hours
• Keeps food cold for 24 hours
• Sweat-proof
• Durable stainless steel
• Wide cup can be a bowl

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	7.2 x 3.7 x 7.2 inches
Item Weight	14.4 ounces
Color Options	Cranberry, hammertone, matte black, midnight blue, slate, stainless steel
Warranty	5 years

4. Stanley Classic Legendary 17oz, 24oz Soup Thermos

(Best for Hot Soup)

The Stanley thermos consists of a housing and an inner bulb between which there is a vacuum, so thermoses of a similar design are called vacuum. The body and inner flask are made of food grade stainless steel 18/8.

This type of steel has high anti-corrosion properties, strength and deprives the metal of magnetic properties. Due to this, when interacting with acids and alkalis contained in products, chemical reactions do not occur and no harmful substances threaten human health.

Key features:

• Keeps hot and cold for 12 hours
• 17-ounce capacity
• Doesn’t leak
• Lifetime warranty
• Cup can be a bowl

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Stanley
Dimensions	3.8 x 4.3 x 10.5 inches
Item Weight	7 ounces
Color Options	Hammertone green
Warranty	Lifetime

Let’s have a quick glance at Stanley soup thermos:

5. Energify Vacuum Insulated 15.2 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for School)

Energify soup thermos made of high-quality stainless steel belongs to the premium class series. Thermoses of this series incorporate the most advanced energy-saving technologies and are distinguished by the use of more advanced thermal insulation materials.

This soup thermos is designed to store hot and cold foods, frozen foods, ice cream, fruits and ice and is equipped with a cork without a button. This plug is reliable, easy to use and allows you to retain heat longer due to additional thermal insulation.

The Energify product is also equipped with a lid-cup and a thermal cover for additional thermal insulation, storage and carrying of a thermos. A light and durable thermos will keep your drinks and foods hot or cold for long.

Key features:

• Leak-proof
• 17- and 24-ounce capacity
• BPA free
• Cup can be as a bowl

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Energify
Dimensions	3.93 x 3.93 x 6.29 inches
Item Weight	15.2 ounces
Color Options	Blue, pink, orange
Warranty	Lifetime

6. Thermos Foogo 10 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for College)

Thermos Foogo has long been considered a reliable partner for parents to provide healthy food and drinks for children, Thermos has introduced its superior vacuum insulation technology for Foogo, a line of baby products for children from six months and older.

Freshness and safety go hand in hand. All Foogo stainless steel products have THERMOS vacuum insulation. Thermos family food cans are loved by families for their ability to keep food warm or cold on the go.

The Foogo soup thermos has a capacity of 10 ounces and is equipped with THERMOS vacuum insulation technology, which keeps warm objects for 5 hours and cold – up to 9 hours.

Thanks to the double-walled stainless steel construction, this food can remain cool to the touch with warm foods. It has a wide opening, making it easy to fill, eat and clean. Ideal for fresh, healthy foods.

Key features:

• Compact 10-ounce capacity
• Keeps warm for 5 hours
• Keeps cold for 9 hours
• Suitable for kids
• Non-slip jar

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	5.9 x 7.8 x 8.5 inches
Item Weight	0.16 ounces
Color Options	Blue, charcoal/teal, pink/purple, poppy patch, watermelon/green
Warranty	5 years

7. Thermos Stainless King 47 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Catering)

Universal soup thermos by Thermos made of high quality stainless steel belongs to the classic series. The hot-selling thermos of this series is easy to use, economical and multi-functional. A universal thermos serves as a thermos for food and a thermos for drinks: coffee or tea.

This is achieved thanks to a special universal cork, which is made of durable plastic, is easily disassembled for washing and, having additional thermal insulation, allows the thermos to keep heat longer.

The design of the cork allows you to use a thermos, both for drinks and for the first and second courses. The product is equipped with a convenient handle, a carrying strap, a lid-cup and an additional plastic cup.

Key features:

• Wide neck
• 16.9-ounce capacity
• 2 color options

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	5.3 x 9.1 x 6.1 inches
Item Weight	2 pounds
Color Options	Stainless Steel
Warranty	Not specified

Click here to watch the informative video about this soup thermos:

8. MIRA Lunch 13.5 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Lunch)

Mira soup thermos with a 13.5-ounce capacity of wide neck allows you to enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of a hectic working day. Homemade lunches, such as baked potatoes or meat soup, await you in a thermos.

It is convenient to take the accessory to work, a picnic in nature and a hiking trip. The reliable case and tight cover keep heat well, therefore the lunch keeps temperature for a long time.

Key features:

• 13.5-ounce capacity
• Triple-walled vacuum system
• Keeps food warm for 5 hours
• Keeps food cold for 10 hours
• BPA free
• Durable stainless steel
• 9 color options

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	MIRA
Dimensions	3.25 x 3.25 x 5 inches
Item Weight	14.2 ounces
Color Options	Cactus green, denim blue, lemon yellow, lilac, olive green, pumpkin, rose pink, sky, teal
Warranty	Not specified

Let’s dive into adventures with MIRA thermos:

9. Simple Modern Kids Provision Insulated 12 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Kids)

Stainless steel Simple Modern soup thermos is practical and easy to use. The presence of a wide neck makes it suitable not only for carrying hot drinks, but also for soups, cereals and other dishes.

Made of durable environmentally friendly materials, safe and durable. An indispensable companion for lovers of an active lifestyle! Lightweight and durable thermos keep your food hot or cold for long.

You can take a thermos with you when you go for a walk, on a hike or on a long trip and be sure that even after a few hours the contents of the soup thermos will be just as hot. This is provided by double-walled enclosures.

Key features:

• 25 design options
• 18/8 stainless steel
• Double walled vacuum system

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Simple Modern
Dimensions	6.5 x 3.7 x 3.58 inches
Item Weight	12 ounces
Color Options	25 options
Warranty	Not Specified

How to clean and take care of the soup thermos?

10. Thermos Stainless King 68 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Liquids)

The style set by the name of the King series itself is emphasized by the noble colors used in this model line. The model stands out with a folding handle, designed for convenient placement in luggage and a full-size cup made of stainless steel.

The soup thermos is equipped with a sealed rotary stopper, allowing you to pour out the liquid without unscrewing the stopper completely.

Key features:

• Durable stainless steel
• Serving bowl
• 68-ounce capacity

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Thermos
Dimensions	14.5 x 4.4 x 5 inches
Item Weight	2 pounds
Color Options	Matte black, midnight blue, stainless steel
Warranty	5 years

11. The Lobo 64 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best Insulated)

The Lobo wide-necked soup thermos is made of high quality stainless steel. Soup thermos is easy to use and very functional. A durable thermos bottle keeps your food hot or cold for long.

You can take the soup thermos with you when you go for a walk, on a hike or on a long trip and be sure that even after a few hours the contents of the thermos will be just as hot.

This is ensured by the double walls of the casing, and the material for the manufacture of the casing and the bulb is stainless steel.

Key features:

• Double wall
• 64-oz. capacity
• Perfect for hot drinks and food

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	The Lobo
Dimensions	5.3 x 5.1 x 12.3 inches
Item Weight	2.1 pounds
Color Options	Stainless Steel
Warranty	Lifetime

12. Milu 15,2/22 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best with Spoon)

Milu soup thermos made of high quality stainless steel. Soup thermos incorporates the most advanced energy-saving technologies and is characterized by the use of more advanced heat-insulating materials, as well as the latest technology for vacuum pumping.

The light and durable soup thermos will keep your drinks and foods hot or cold for long. The convenient and compact thermos flask is popular among those buyers who need to take lunch to work or to assemble a child’s breakfast / lunch at school. Soup thermos has a wide neck.

Key features:

• Spoon included
• 2 capacity options
• Ideal for lunch

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Milu
Dimensions	4.13 x 4.13 x 7.68 inches
Item Weight	1.01 pounds
Color Options	Gray, Blue
Warranty	Not Specified

13. Stanley 96 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best with Handle)

Stanley soup thermos is designed to store and carry hot and cold food products. The inner flask is made of stainless steel. Filling from rigid foam keeps the temperature and freshness of food for 12-16 hours. Food retains aroma, taste and nutrients.

This soup thermos is ideal for home use, for outdoor recreation or travel. Elegant and stylish design suitable for any occasion.

Key features:

• 96-oz. capacity
• Lifetime warranty
• Leak-proof
• BPA-free material

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Stanley
Dimensions	Not Specified
Item Weight	1 pound
Color Options	Stainless Steel
Warranty	Lifetime

14. Zojirushi 16.9 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Office)

The Zojirushi soup thermos keeps your food or drink hot for hours. Its sealed cover and double walls with vacuum insulation contribute to heat retention. It includes a small cup. Durable stainless steel inner is stain and corrosion resistant.

The optimum dimensions of the lid provide a comfortable grip and opening of the soup thermos. A wide throat facilitates filling and allows you to eat directly from the soup thermos. There is vacuum insulation to keep food hot or cold.

Thanks to its compact size, the soup thermos can be placed vertically in a bag or backpack. It is convenient and easy to wash it.

Key features:

• BPA-free stainless steel
• Clear-coated finish
• 5-year warranty

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Zojirushi
Dimensions	6.1 x 3.54 x 3.54 inches
Item Weight	11.3 ounces
Color Options	Aqua, Black, Pink
Warranty	5 years

15. Yeti 26 Oz. Soup Thermos

(Best for Hot Drinks)

Soup thermos from the famous brand YETI. It has double walls made using vacuum insulation technology. This soup thermos will keep your drink cool and your coffee or soup hot until the last sip. Hot drinks do not heat the outer walls,

So you can safely take the soup thermos with your hands. No Sweat technology is used in the soup thermos, which prevents fogging. Thanks to its shape, the soup thermos fits well in the car cup holder and fits comfortably in the hand.

Key features:

• Suitable for hot liquids
• Big color range
• 18/8 stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe

Product Specification:

Manufacturer	Yeti
Dimensions	10 x 4 x 3 inches
Item Weight	1 pound
Color Options	13 options
Warranty	Lifetime

How to Choose the Best Thermos?

To choose a good thermos for your food and drinks, consider some useful tips!

Capacity. Two simple rules: the wider the neck of the thermos – the faster the food cools, and the larger the capacity – the longer the temperature is maintained.

A 24 oz. thermos is an opportunity for an adult to take a full-fledged lunch, and a small 10 oz. thermos is an excellent solution for mothers who often send their children to trainings and performances and are forced to give sandwiches to their children.

Screw plug. A good screw plug is a guarantee that the temperature will stay for as long as stated. When choosing a soup thermos, choose the one screw plug which provides maximum tightness.

A narrow-necked thermos retains heat better than a wide-necked one. However, it is easier and quicker to put and take food from the wide-necked soup thermos.

Price. A pricey soup thermos doesn’t mean it is good. Don’t look at the price, but at the appearance and quality of the goods.

Relate the concept of price and quality. And remember, no matter how beautiful and expensive a soup thermos is, it can be not suitable for your purposes.

Ergonomics. Pay attention to those little things that increase the overall ergonomics and functionality of the thermos. For lovers of camping and caravanning, this can be a pen or sling, which allows you to easily carry a filled thermos.

For tourists it will be very important to have a thermally insulated lid that can act as a cup – this will allow you to abandon another mug in a backpack.

Protect the thermos from scratches, chips, etc. external damage will help the cover, which are equipped with some models.

Insulation. The heat-insulating characteristics determine the period during which the drink or food will remain hot. This data is usually published by the manufacturer.

In any case, a good steel flask holds the temperature for about 8 hours. High-class steel soup thermoses keep food or drink hot for up to 24 hours.

FAQs

My Top Pick

I hope everything is clear for you now and my article helped you to decide which soup thermos to purchase for you. My own favorite is Thermos Stainless King 16 Oz. Soup Thermos. This compact stainless steel soup thermos comes with folding spoon is very convenient and nice.

Are you the one who always brings your food around? Do you prefer homemade healthy food? Leave some comments below. I would love to read all of them!