The ThermaCool Dog Bowl in Azure Blue is an insulated dog bowl with a stainless steel inner bowl, a layer of thermal insulation and a non-slip rubber base. It is designed to keep food and water at a steadier temperature for longer, and it suits UK dog owners who want a hygienic, dishwasher-safe bowl in a bright colour, in a size to fit anything from a toy breed to a large dog.
Most of us choose a dog bowl in about thirty seconds, but the bowl your dog uses every day makes more difference than you might think. Water that sits in a sunny kitchen all afternoon warms up, plastic bowls scratch and get grubby, and lightweight bowls skate across the floor the moment an enthusiastic eater gets stuck in. This guide explains what the ThermaCool does differently, who it suits, how to pick the right size and how to look after it.
What makes the ThermaCool an insulated dog bowl?
Most metal dog bowls are a single skin of stainless steel. That is hygienic and tough, but steel passes heat quickly, so the contents soon match the room around them. The ThermaCool, made by The Buffalo Co., is built in four layers instead:
- Layer 1: an anti-skid, non-toxic thermoplastic rubber base
- Layer 2: a non-toxic plastic outer case
- Layer 3: SUPERMAT® E thermal insulation
- Layer 4: a human-grade stainless steel inner bowl, which the maker describes as vet recommended
That insulating layer is the key. According to The Buffalo Co., it keeps food and water up to 4°C cooler for more than four hours, and it also helps hold warmth for longer when that is what you want. In practical terms, a bowl of fresh water put down in the morning should stay more pleasant to drink as the day goes on, rather than slowly taking on the temperature of a warm conservatory or a sun-baked patio.
It is worth being clear about what this does and does not mean. An insulated bowl slows down temperature change; it is not a fridge. On a hot day your dog still needs fresh water topped up regularly, shade and a cool place to rest. Think of the ThermaCool as a helpful extra rather than a replacement for good summer habits.
Key features of the stainless steel cooling dog bowl
Beyond the insulation, the ThermaCool has several everyday details that make it easy to live with.
Stainless steel where it matters
Your dog's food and water only touch the stainless steel inner bowl. Stainless steel is a popular choice for dog bowls because it is durable, does not hold on to smells the way some plastics can, and is easy to keep clean. The maker describes it as human-grade and vet-approved steel.
A non-slip base for excited eaters
The thermoplastic rubber base is there to keep the bowl where you put it. If you have a dog who pushes their bowl around the kitchen at dinner time, or who knocks the water bowl every time they trot past, a grippy base can mean fewer spills and less mopping.
Dishwasher safe
The ThermaCool is dishwasher safe, which makes the daily wash far less of a chore. The Buffalo Co. also notes that it is Intertek quality-tested.
A cheerful Azure Blue finish
The Azure Blue version has a bright, fresh look that works well in modern kitchens and utility rooms. If blue is not quite your style, the same bowl also comes in other colours, including Hot Pink and Espresso.
Specifications at a glance
- Product: ThermaCool Dog Bowl – Azure Blue, by The Buffalo Co.
- Construction: 4-layer design with SUPERMAT® E thermal insulation
- Inner bowl: human-grade stainless steel
- Base: anti-skid, non-toxic thermoplastic rubber
- Temperature claim (manufacturer): keeps food and water up to 4°C cooler for 4+ hours
- Cleaning: dishwasher safe
- Small: 240ml, 12.5 x 12.5 x 3.5cm – £4.99
- Medium: 425ml, 15 x 15 x 4.5cm – £5.99
- Large: 890ml, 16.5 x 16.5 x 6cm – £8.99
- X-Large: 1.8L, 22 x 22 x 7.5cm – £11.99
Which dogs and owners does it suit?
Because it comes in four sizes, the ThermaCool works for a wide range of dogs. A few situations where an insulated water bowl makes particular sense:
- Homes that get warm in the afternoon. South-facing kitchens, conservatories and flats that hold the heat can all warm up a water bowl surprisingly quickly in summer.
- Dogs who spend time in the garden. If your dog likes to lie out on the patio, a bowl that holds its temperature for longer is a sensible choice for outdoor water.
- Owners who are out for part of the day. If water has to sit for a few hours before someone tops it up, slowing down the warming process is useful.
- Messy or enthusiastic eaters. The non-slip base helps with dogs who chase their bowl across the floor.
- Anyone who wants an easy-clean bowl. Stainless steel plus dishwasher-safe construction makes daily hygiene simple.
It is also an affordable way to upgrade from a plain plastic bowl, with the small size starting at £4.99, so many owners pick up two: one for food and one for water.
How to choose the right size dog water bowl
Picking the right size comes down to your dog's size, how much they drink and whether the bowl is for food or water.
Small (240ml)
A good fit for toy breeds and small puppies, or as a food bowl for small dogs. At 3.5cm high it is shallow and easy for little muzzles to reach into.
Medium (425ml)
A versatile size for small to medium dogs, and a sensible food bowl for many terriers, spaniels and similar-sized breeds.
Large (890ml)
Suits medium to larger dogs and works well as a water bowl for smaller dogs if you would rather top up less often.
X-Large (1.8L)
The best choice for large breeds and for a main water bowl in a busy household with more than one dog.
As a rule of thumb, choose a water bowl that holds comfortably more than your dog drinks between top-ups, and a food bowl that fits a full meal with a little room to spare so kibble does not spill over the edge. If you are unsure how much water your dog should be drinking, especially if you notice a sudden change, it is always worth asking your vet.
Getting the most from an insulated bowl
A few simple habits help the insulation do its job:
- Start with cool, fresh water. Insulation slows warming down, so the cooler the water when you fill it, the longer it stays pleasant.
- Place it in the shade. Even an insulated bowl will warm faster in direct sun. A shaded spot on a non-slip floor is ideal.
- Refresh regularly. Change water at least daily, and more often in warm weather.
- Think about winter too. Because the design also helps retain warmth, it can be handy if you serve food that has been brought up to room temperature.
For extra summer enrichment, many owners pair a cool water bowl with a frozen lick mat. Our Pet Lick Mat for Dogs and Cats can be spread with something tasty and popped in the freezer for a calm, cooling activity. And for days out, a portable option such as the 2-in-1 Travel Water Bottle & Feeder keeps water to hand on walks.
Care and cleaning tips
Keeping any dog bowl clean is one of the easiest things you can do for your dog's day-to-day wellbeing. With the ThermaCool:
- Wash daily. Food bowls should ideally be washed after every meal, and water bowls at least once a day.
- Use the dishwasher. The bowl is dishwasher safe, which is the simplest way to get it properly clean.
- Check the base. Crumbs and drips can collect around the rubber base, so give it a wipe now and then.
- Dry before refilling. A quick dry helps keep the steel looking its best.
- Inspect occasionally. As with any bowl, replace it if it becomes damaged.
Frequently asked questions
Does an insulated dog bowl really keep water cooler?
It slows down how quickly the contents warm up. The Buffalo Co. states the ThermaCool keeps food and water up to 4°C cooler for over four hours. It will not chill water, so start with fresh, cool water and keep the bowl out of direct sun.
Is the ThermaCool dishwasher safe?
Yes. The ThermaCool Dog Bowl is dishwasher safe, which makes daily cleaning quick and easy.
Will it slide around the floor?
It has an anti-skid thermoplastic rubber base designed to keep it steady, even with excited eaters. Very determined dogs can still move most bowls, so a flat, non-slip surface helps.
What size should I buy?
Small (240ml) suits toy breeds and puppies, Medium (425ml) small to medium dogs, Large (890ml) medium to large dogs, and X-Large (1.8L) large breeds or a shared water bowl. If in doubt, size up for water.
Can I use it for food as well as water?
Yes. The insulation works for both, and the stainless steel inner bowl is suitable for wet and dry food.
Shop the ThermaCool Dog Bowl in Azure Blue
If you want an insulated dog bowl that is easy to clean, stays put on the floor and brings a splash of colour to your kitchen, the ThermaCool is a smart everyday upgrade, with four sizes from £4.99.
Shop the ThermaCool Dog Bowl in Azure Blue at The Canine Co.