Lämpölaatikko

Lämpölaatikko, which translates to "heat box" in English, is a Finnish term that can refer to a few different concepts depending on the context. Most commonly, it is used to describe a portable insulated container designed to keep food or beverages either hot or cold. These are similar to coolers or thermoses but are often larger and more robust, suitable for transporting meals for outdoor activities, picnics, or work. They typically feature thick insulation and a well-sealed lid to maintain the internal temperature for extended periods.

In a different context, lämpölaatikko can also refer to a simple, often homemade, device used for keeping seedlings or young plants warm during the early growing season. This might involve a wooden box or container with insulation, sometimes with a heat source like a low-wattage light bulb or a heating mat placed beneath a tray of plants. The primary purpose is to provide a more stable and warmer environment than ambient conditions, protecting delicate plants from frost and promoting germination and early growth.

The term can occasionally be used in a more colloquial sense to describe any enclosed space that retains heat, such as a poorly ventilated room that becomes warm on a sunny day. However, the primary and most practical applications of lämpölaatikko relate to food transport and horticultural warmth.