Let’s Dive into Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500
The Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 isn’t your everyday hydration vessel. It’s a specialized piece of lab equipment, designed for controlled environments and precise applications, crafted by Kimble/Kontes. This flask boasts borosilicate glass construction, ensuring heat resistance and chemical inertness, while its narrow mouth and ground neck promise a leak-proof seal with compatible stoppers. The flared-shoulder design provides stability, and the 500ML capacity is perfect for a range of tasks.
I’ve spent years improvising with substandard containers for field testing water samples, distilling essential oils from foraged plants, and even creating makeshift brewing setups. I desperately needed a reliable, chemically inert, and heat-resistant flask that wouldn’t shatter under moderate stress. So, I began my search.
Unboxing the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The packaging was secure, and the flask itself felt substantial and well-made. The borosilicate glass is noticeably thicker than that of standard beakers, giving a sense of confidence in its durability.
Compared to a standard Erlenmeyer flask or even a consumer-grade glass water bottle, the Kimble/Kontes Flask stood out due to its precision-ground neck and overall sturdiness. Standard Erlenmeyer flasks lack the precise seal, while consumer bottles lack the chemical resistance and heat tolerance. I chose this particular flask for its combination of robust construction and reliable closure, crucial for my field experiments.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt like a serious piece of equipment, ready to handle the rigors of outdoor use. I was eager to put it to the test, albeit with a healthy dose of respect for its glass construction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test involved using the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 for distilling water in a remote backcountry setting. I heated the flask over a portable camp stove to create a simple distillation setup for purifying questionable water sources. The flask handled the heat admirably, showing no signs of stress or cracking.
Performance in varying conditions proved the worth of its high quality glass. A sudden rain shower caused the flask to cool rapidly, but thankfully, the Kimble/Kontes borosilicate glass resisted thermal shock. The flask’s narrow mouth, when sealed with a proper stopper, protected the contents from contamination.
There was a learning curve: finding the right sized stopper was critical, and carefully controlling the heat source to avoid rapid temperature changes required some practice. I initially used a makeshift stopper, resulting in some vapor leakage, but once I sourced the appropriate size stopper, the distillation process ran smoothly.
After my first use, I was impressed by the Kimble/Kontes Flask’s heat resistance and the integrity of its construction. I realized this flask was going to fill a serious niche in my outdoor gear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use, the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 continues to perform reliably. I’ve used it for everything from storing volatile essential oils to holding measured amounts of acids for soil testing. The chemical resistance of the borosilicate glass is truly impressive.
Despite being handled roughly in the field, transported in backpacks, and exposed to temperature fluctuations, the flask shows no visible signs of wear and tear beyond minor surface scratches. The glass remains clear, and there are no cracks or chips. Its durability is commendable.
Maintaining the Kimble/Kontes Flask is simple. I generally rinse it with distilled water after each use and occasionally wash it with a mild detergent. Its narrow mouth can be a slight challenge to clean thoroughly, but a long-handled brush solves this issue.
Compared to previous glass containers I’ve used in the field, the Kimble/Kontes Flask outperforms them in every aspect. Its superior heat resistance, chemical inertness, and robust construction make it an indispensable tool for outdoor experiments and resourcefulness. It’s a definite upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500
Specifications
- Description: The Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 is a laboratory-grade flask. It is designed for applications requiring chemical resistance, heat tolerance, and a secure seal.
- Capacity: It holds 500ML. This volume is useful for diverse experiments, sample storage, and small-scale distillations.
- Material: Constructed from borosilicate glass. This material is known for its exceptional resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion.
- Neck: The flask has a narrow mouth with a ground neck (CS6). The ground neck ensures a tight, leak-proof fit when used with a compatible stopper or closure.
- Flared Shoulder: The flared shoulder design offers increased stability. It minimizes the risk of tipping over, especially when used on uneven surfaces.
These specifications are critical for ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions. The borosilicate glass allows for heating and cooling without risk of shattering, while the ground neck provides a secure seal to prevent contamination or leakage. The flask’s flared shoulder adds stability, vital when working outdoors or in unstable environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 performs its job exceptionally well, providing a reliable and chemically inert container for a variety of tasks. Its heat resistance allows for direct heating over a flame or hot plate. Its narrow mouth, when properly sealed, prevents evaporation and contamination.
The flask’s main strength lies in its robust construction and chemical resistance. It can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles. Its primary weakness is its fragility, being made of glass, requiring careful handling to avoid breakage.
The flask meets and even exceeds expectations in terms of chemical resistance and heat tolerance. However, the glass material warrants careful handling and cautious use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Kimble/Kontes Flask is excellent, with thick borosilicate glass that feels sturdy and well-made. The flask weighs a bit more than standard glass containers of similar volume. However, this weight contributes to its perceived durability and stability.
The flask is inherently simple to use, with no complex features or mechanisms. There is a slight learning curve associated with finding the correct stopper size and mastering heat control during distillation.
Durability & Maintenance
With careful handling, the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 can last for years. The borosilicate glass is resistant to most chemicals. Damage typically results from physical impacts or sudden temperature changes beyond its tolerance.
Maintenance involves basic cleaning with soap and water, or specialized lab-grade cleaning solutions. The narrow mouth requires a long-handled brush for thorough cleaning. The flask’s simple design means there are no parts that require repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kimble/Kontes Flask itself does not come with any included accessories. However, the most critical accessory is a properly sized stopper for the CS6 ground neck. A variety of stoppers made of glass, rubber, or Teflon are compatible.
There are limited customization options available for this product, as it is primarily a laboratory-grade tool. However, you can modify the flask by adding markings for volume measurements or applying heat-resistant labels. The compatibility with standard stoppers and closures makes it easy to adapt to specific experimental needs.
Pros and Cons of Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500
Pros
- Borosilicate glass provides excellent heat resistance.
- High chemical resistance to acids, bases, and solvents.
- Ground neck ensures a tight, leak-proof seal with compatible stoppers.
- Durable construction withstands repeated use.
- Flared shoulder design provides stability.
Cons
- Glass construction makes it susceptible to breakage if dropped or mishandled.
- Narrow mouth can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Who Should Buy Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500?
This flask is perfect for: outdoors enthusiasts who need to test water sources, survivalists who are distilling water, herbalists who are extracting essential oils, and anyone who needs a robust and chemically inert container.
This product might not be ideal for those seeking a general-purpose, highly portable water bottle. The glass construction requires more careful handling than plastic or metal alternatives.
A must-have accessory is a properly sized stopper (CS6) to ensure a leak-proof seal. A long-handled brush will also make cleaning easier.
Conclusion on Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500
The Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 is a specialized tool that excels in demanding applications. It delivers exceptional heat resistance, chemical inertness, and a reliable seal. While its glass construction requires careful handling, its robust performance and versatility make it a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s kit.
The price of $73.99 is justified by the flask’s high-quality materials and construction. This isn’t a disposable container; it’s an investment in reliable performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 to anyone who needs a chemically resistant, heat-tolerant, and reliable container for outdoor experiments or resourcefulness. If you need a flask that can handle the rigors of the field, look no further – invest in the Kimble/Kontes Flask Narrow Mouth 500ML CS6 26500G 500 today!