This review delves into the ICONIQ Qore Stackable Food Thermos, a multi-compartment lunchbox designed for portability and convenience. Arriving in minimal packaging, the Qore boasts a sleek design available in four colors, featuring a top compartment with a screw-on lid and a lower compartment with a push-on lid. An integrated spork adds to its practicality, while a carabiner loop enhances its versatility. Its unique selling point lies in its stackable design, allowing users to carry multiple meals simultaneously. This review will explore its performance in maintaining food temperatures, the robustness of its construction, and its overall suitability for various needs.The ICONIQ Qore promises a solution for those seeking a convenient and stackable food storage system. However, this review will critically examine whether its design effectively delivers on the promise of all-day temperature retention. We'll assess the performance of its double-wall insulation, the security of its lids, and the durability of its plastic components. Ultimately, this in-depth analysis will determine whether the ICONIQ Qore is a worthwhile investment for everyday use, short trips, or longer excursions.
Pros And Cons
- Two separate compartments for hot and cold food.
- Double wall vacuum insulation.
- Includes a spork.
- Stackable design.
- Ergonomic handle with carabiner hole.
- Keeps food hot or cold for a reasonable period (at least an hour and a half).
- Lid for the bottom compartment is a press-on lid, not a screw-on lid, making it less secure.
- Feels less sturdy than expected, with some squeaking sounds from the plastic and steel.
- Moisture forms inside the container, indicating some heat/cold loss.
- Heat transfer to the container's exterior is noticeable, indicating heat loss.
- Temperature retention isn't optimal for all-day use.
Read more: Cambro Food Transport Containers: A Caterer's Review of Two Models
Unboxing and First Impressions
The ICONIQ Qore arrived in minimal packaging – just a simple wrapper. This is understandable, given its Kickstarter origins. The wrapper highlights key features: sweat-free design, 18/8 stainless steel construction, BPA-free materials, double-wall insulation, and hand-wash only instructions. The overall packaging felt a little underwhelming, but the product's focus clearly lies in functionality over presentation.
Four color options were available in my set: red, space gray, blue, and purple. Each container has the same configuration. The absence of excessive branding is a plus; the understated ICONIQ logo is clean and modern.
Design and Features
The ICONIQ Qore's standout feature is its multi-compartment design. It features a top compartment accessible via a screw-on lid, followed by a second compartment with a push-on lid. A clever addition is the integrated spork stored in the base, eliminating the need for separate cutlery. This is a fantastic design choice for convenience and portability.
The two compartments are completely independent, allowing for hot and cold items simultaneously without cross-contamination. The double-wall vacuum insulation ensures temperature retention. A convenient carrying handle with a carabiner loop adds to its versatility.
Stackability and Practicality
The ICONIQ Qore's design enables stacking multiple units, making it ideal for families or meal prepping. The ability to screw the bottom section into the top creates a secure and stable stack. This is a huge advantage for carrying several meals at once.
However, the plastic components feel slightly less robust than expected. The push-on lid for the bottom compartment lacks the secure feel of a screw-on design. This compromises confidence in its ability to maintain temperature effectively over longer periods.
Real-World Temperature Test
A real-world test involved boiling water in the lower compartment and ice cubes in the top compartment. After a couple of hours, while the compartments maintained their respective temperatures, there was noticeable warmth on the outer wall of the middle section. This indicates some heat transfer. The top lid, being more secure, might be preferable for hot items.
Even with the temperature maintained, moisture formed inside the containers. This energy transfer from the food to the container walls reduces temperature retention. Therefore, expecting all-day temperature maintenance might be unrealistic. The frequent opening and closing for meals will naturally accelerate temperature change.
Final Verdict
The ICONIQ Qore is a unique and innovative food thermos, excelling in portability and stackability. Its multi-compartment design, integrated spork, and carabiner loop are thoughtful touches. However, the slightly less robust plastic and the less secure push-on lid are drawbacks. While it keeps food relatively hot and cold for a reasonable duration, it won't maintain extreme temperatures for extended periods.
Overall, the ICONIQ Qore is a decent product suitable for short trips or day outings. However, those seeking all-day temperature retention may need to consider alternative options. The convenience and features are valuable, but the build quality could be improved for better temperature maintenance.