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9 Best Thermal Coffee Makers in 2024

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This is a review of the best thermal coffee makers. Explore this guide to find your next caffeine machine.

I often love having my coffee remain hot throughout the day. However, it isn’t easy to find a good thermal coffee maker. That’s why I created this guide on the best coffee machines with thermal carafes.

I chose the Breville Precision Brewer as the number 1 choice because it’s SCA-approved (which means the coffee taste wonderful), has a lot of customization, yet doesn’t cost too much.

breville precision brewer

Breville Precision Brewer: Best Overall

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 7.5 × 12 × 15.75 in (D, W, H)
  • Water Reservoir Size: 60 fl oz = 10 6-oz cups
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Warranty: 1 year

It may appear costly to many, though. However, I’ve listed plenty of affordable and less complex machines.

Here’s where the fun begins.

9 Best Thermal Coffee Makers for Home Use

  1. Breville Precision Brewer: top pick
  2. MIRA French Press: best inexpensive thermal coffee maker
  3. Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB: best machine under $200
  4. Black + Decker CM2035B: best entry-level machine
  5. Keurig K-Duo Plus: best single-serve maker
  6. Breville Grind Control: best machine that includes grinder
  7. Cuisinart DCC-2750 12-cup: best for groups
  8. OXO Brew 9 Cup: most consistent taste
  9. Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker: best for anyone in Canada

What Is a Thermal Coffee Maker?

A coffee maker with a thermal carafe is a kitchen appliance that brews drip coffee and keeps it hot.

It uses the same brewing mechanisms as regular drip coffee makers but stands out because of its thermal carafe. The carafe is a vacuum-sealed container, designed to retain heat, not allowing the coffee to cool quickly.

This feature ensures you have hot, fresh coffee for hours after brewing.

9 Top Coffee Makers With Thermal Carafes

Almost all coffee makers on this list are drip coffee makers with thermal carafes. Because that’s mostly what thermal coffee makers are. Aside from a few French presses that use stainless steel.

I cover a lot of criteria throughout all these mini-reviews. If you have no idea what they mean, the buyer’s guide toward the end of the guide should provide clarity.

Now let’s ride.

1. Breville Precision Brewer: Best Overall

breville precision brewer
Price *$$$
Dimensions7.5 × 12 × 15.75 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size60 fl oz = 10 6-oz cups
MaterialStainless steel
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of customizable settings.
  • Produces Gold Cup-standard coffee.
  • Capable of making cold brew and iced coffee.

Cons

  • Generates a significant amount of noise during operation.
  • Has a steep learning curve due to its many features.
  • Priced higher than many other coffee makers.

The Breville Precision Brewer is excellent for coffee enthusiasts who crave control over every brewing parameter.

Its unique features, such as the PID temperature control and the ability to brew large batches, justify its price tag. The machine’s robust build provides additional value to anyone who doesn’t want to frequently replace their coffee maker.

There’s no reason this coffee maker shouldn’t be in first place. Breville has a reputation for long-lasting machines due to using stainless steel casing and components. And they don’t cut corners when building their appliances.

A long-lasting machine leads to more money saved. Since you won’t need to replace it frequently.

The thermocoil heating system will heat your coffee maker in 30 or fewer seconds [1]. Then the proportional integral derivative (PID) control continually adjusts your machine to maintain a consistent temperature and pressure.

Great for ensuring a consistent drink taste.

Speaking of, use a knob to control your drink settings on an LCD. Go through all their pre-made functions (e.g., Strong or fast), or tinker with the temperature and extraction rate on your own. If you’re too lazy and want a great-tasting cup, press the “Gold” button.

It brews a perfect cup of coffee—in the eyes of the SCA. Every cup with this setting will have an optimal brew speed and temperature. This machine’s SCA-certified, meaning it went through many tests to certify it’ll make good coffee.

While that sounds like a marketing gimmick, I’ve found an enormous difference between “SCA coffee” and regular coffee. It’s more flavorful.

As with any machine with a bunch of settings, it requires a learning curve. You have to take a while to acclimate yourself to using this beast. It also tends to produce a lot of noise.

And it costs a pretty penny. Yet it’s worth every penny.

Need a more affordable coffee maker?


2. MIRA French Press: Best Thermal Coffee Maker Under $50

mira french press
Price *$
Dimensions6.89 × 4.53 × 8.66 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size34 fl oz = 6.8 5-fl oz cups
MaterialStainless steel
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Easy to clean and use.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • All stainless steel components

Cons

  • Plunger rod may become unscrewable.
  • Handle has a flat top, making drying difficult.

The MIRA French press is a perfect match for the coffee connoisseur who craves a robust brew. Its ultra-fine mesh filter enhances flavors and aromas, delivering a non-metallic taste.

A French press isn’t the same as all the thermal coffee makers on this list. It doesn’t require electricity, but you must perform every coffee-making step manually. You first add your beans and hot water to the bottom of the machine.

From there, you use the plunger to immerse your beans in the water, allowing their flavor to soak into your beans.

Its durable, shatterproof construction ensures longevity, while the insulated design keeps your brew hot for hours. Making it worth the cost.

Most French press makers have glass casing, making them unideal for keeping drinks hot. This one’s different due to its double-walled stainless steel design. Unlike most thermal coffee makers that use a single wall, 2 walls help keep your drink hotter for longer.

Since the heat has less of an opportunity to escape. Meanwhile, the outside of your French press is cool to the touch.

Need to clean the MIRA? You could place any of the components in a dishwasher.

The top handle isn’t the most ergonomic design, though. Many have complained that the rod may become unscrewable, which could complicate cleaning. And the lid’s flat top may prove a bit more difficult to dry due to the lack of an angle.


3. Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB: Best Thermal Coffee Maker Under $200

zojirushi ec
Price *$$
Machine TypeThermal coffee maker
Dimensions8 × 10 × 14 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size10 cups
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Brews hot, smooth, flavorful coffee.
  • Cleaning is easy with removable parts.
  • Controls are simple and intuitive.

Cons

  • Clogs at the filter basket, causing overflow.
  • Takes a while to brew a pot.

The Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB is a top pick for coffee enthusiasts who crave bold, flavorful brews. That’s thanks to its high brewing temperature of 200 °F, which extracts the fullest flavor from coffee beans.

Despite its higher price point, it offers a range of features, such as a removable water tank for easy refilling, a drip prevention mechanism, and a stainless steel carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours.

With its sleek design and efficient performance, these features make it a worthwhile addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.

Every Zojirushi product I’ve owned I never regretted buying. This one’s no different. It has easy-to-understand buttons that don’t require you to read the manual.

It has a removable water reservoir for easy cleaning and refilling. However, you must remove it from the top, which isn’t great for anyone who doesn’t have much vertical space on their counters.

The pre-infusion cycle gently wets your beans before brewing, which helps extract more flavors. And it has a cleaning indicator that tells you when it’s time to descale your machine.

If you want to schedule the machine to brew coffee when you wake up, do so with the programming feature.

However:

Some folks have complained about clogging in the filter basket. That may have to do with the amount of beans they packed in. Experiment with different bean grind sizes and keep a rag nearby for cleanup.


4. Black + Decker CM2035B: Best Thermal Coffee Maker for Beginners

black decker cm2035b
Price *$
Dimensions8 × 11 × 11.5 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size12 cups
MaterialStainless steel & plastic
Warranty3 years

Pros

  • Fits nicely on counter.
  • Has a brew timer.

Cons

  • Carafe leaks.
  • Lacks customization.

The Black + Decker CM2035B is a match for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a robust brew, thanks to its adjustable coffee strength feature.

The machine’s long brewing time is a minor drawback, but the quality of the coffee it produces and its durability make it a worthwhile investment.

This machine’s easy to use because it has few (large) buttons. However, the lack of buttons means a lack of control over your coffee’s temperature and extraction. This machine’s the best choice if you want a cheap thermal coffee maker.

That also means the manufacturer cuts corners. One of these corners is the carafe’s design. If you’re not careful when pouring, it could leak. I said it’s durable earlier, not designed well.

This will probably lead to a learning curve to figure out a pouring style to avoid leaking.

Otherwise, there’s nothing else that’s special about this machine. It’s not too big, so it should fit in smaller kitchens. And it has a programmable timer to brew whenever you want it too.

I recommend getting one of the pricier options on this list (of course). However, they’re priced higher for a reason. They’ll last long, provide great-tasting coffee, and are usually worth their value.

If you’re on a budget, then go for this one. Or a Bialetti stovetop coffee maker. It doesn’t cost much, it has a metal casing—though, not stainless steel—and it produces great-tasting coffee.

This next one’s great for those who are the only coffee drinkers in their homes.


5. Keurig K-Duo Plus: Best Single-Serve Thermal Coffee Maker

keurig k duo plus
Price *$$
Dimensions15.88 × 7.68 × 14.19 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size60 fl oz = 12 5-fl oz cups
MaterialStainless steel
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Brews both single serve and carafe coffee.
  • Multi-position water reservoir adapts to counter space.
  • Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for 2 hours.

Cons

  • Requires a lot of vertical space.
  • Requires frequent cleaning.
  • Large clearance needed when pod holder is open.

The Keurig K-Duo Plus is an excellent choice for small offices or shared spaces, thanks to its ability to brew single-serve cups and full carafes of coffee. Its adjustable water reservoir makes it a flexible fit for any countertop configuration, ideal for those with limited space.

It’s a great investment because of 2 features. The machine’s Auto Brew function, which allows you to set a time for automatic brewing. And the Pause and Pour feature, which lets you pour a cup mid-brew.

I wish I could get an autograph from the person who designed this machine. The water reservoir is a godsend.

Here’s why:

  • It’s removable: Easy to clean & refill.
  • Can adjust tank positioning: If you need to fit the machine in a narrow area, move the reservoir to the back.
  • Includes a handle: Easier to carry.
  • Huge capacity: Reduces the amount you have to refill.

I don’t have the same praise for the buttons’ positioning, though. You’ll need a lot of vertical clearance to access the buttons on top of the machine. Moreover, you’ll need an extra 3.3” of clearance for when you open the pod slot.

Not great for those with low-hanging wall cabinets.

However, the buttons allow you to choose between single-serve or carafe. Fitting the needs of single-home coffee drinkers and for when you entertain guests.

The K-Duo Plus doubles as a drip coffee maker and a pod maker. Use K-Cups for convenience and speed. Or use the frontloading reusable filter for drip coffee. No matter the method, you won’t need to waste money on paper filters.

Perhaps you’re after something with a grinder.


6. Breville Grind Control: Best Thermal Coffee Maker With Grinder

breville grind control coffee

Price *$$$
Dimensions12.5 × 8.5 × 16.3 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size12 cups
MaterialStainless steel
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Brews a strong cup of coffee.
  • Features an efficient burr grinder.
  • Has an easy-to-fill water tank.

Cons

  • Requires calibration for optimal use.
  • Needs regular descaling for maintenance.
  • Setup & instructions.

The Breville Grind Control is a dream for early risers who crave a fresh cup of coffee without the hassle of grinding beans separately.

While it may seem pricey, its convenience, large brewing capacity, and the quality of coffee it produces make it a worthwhile investment. Especially for those who prioritize quality and convenience.

You’re likely here because of the built-in stainless steel conical grinder. Instead of transferring beans from one device to another, do all the grinding in one machine.

Are stainless steel conical burrs the best? No. But they’re ideal for the price range.

Stainless steel stays sharper longer than plastic and ceramic burrs, but can overheat and strip some flavor from your beans. Conical-shaped burrs have more consistent grinds than blade grinders, but not as much as flat burrs.

The more even your bean grinds, the more flavor will seep from your beans.

Setting up the Grind Control may prove a bit difficult because you’ll need to calibrate and tinker with a few settings to get it to brew per your preference. However, mostly hardcore coffee enjoyers will need to worry about this. Since it won’t make a huge difference in your coffee’s taste.

The water tank isn’t removable, which makes it a pain to clean. However, it’s easier to access and refill than most machines because it does not sit on the machine’s rear.

Speaking of cleaning, you must descale your machine at least once every couple of months. Or when your coffee tastes funky. Otherwise, mineral buildup could damage your coffee maker. However, this is common practice for all electric coffee makers.


7. Cuisinart DCC-2750 12-Cup: Best Thermal Coffee Maker for Groups

cuisinart dcc 2750 12 cup
Price *$
Dimensions9.5 × 11 × 16.25 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size12 cups
MaterialStainless steel
WarrantyLifetime

Pros

  • Brews coffee 25% faster than previous models.
  • Offers brew strength adjustment for personalized taste.
  • Programmable up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.

Cons

  • Carafe fails to keep coffee warm for long.
  • Can’t customize drink’s taste.

The Cuisinart DCC-2650P1 is a dream come true for early birds, thanks to its 24-hour programmability that ensures a fresh pot of coffee is ready when they wake up.

Its speed, programmability, and brew strength adjustability, all at a budget-friendly price point, makes it a worthwhile investment.

I usually don’t have the highest opinion of Cuisinart products, but this one’s different. It brews coffee quicker than previous models, great for making coffee faster. If you want to brew slower to extract more flavor, press the BOLD button.

Otherwise, press REG. The other easy-to-read buttons allow you to set schedule a time to brew. Fantastic for having it make coffee when you first wake up. And once it’s done brewing, it’ll automatically power off.

Need to automatically clean any gunk out of your filter? Press the CLEAN button.

Out of all these buttons, there’s no way to control your drink’s temperature. Yeah, there are pre-programmed features. But it lacks customization.

You’ll love this next pick.


8. OXO Brew 9 Cup: Best SCAA-Certified Thermal Coffee Maker

oxo brew 9 cup
Price *$$
Dimensions8.3 × 15 × 17.2 in (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size9 cups
MaterialStainless steel
Warranty2 years

Pros

  • Brews coffee at optimal temperature.
  • Features a programmable auto-start.

Cons

  • Requires significant counter space due to height.
  • Takes longer to brew compared to other models.

The OXO Brew 9 Cup is a dream for coffee enthusiasts who crave a barista-style experience at home.

Considering its advanced features and the quality of coffee it produces, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize taste and consistency in their daily brew.

Its design and functionality are on par with other SCAA-certified brewers, but it stands out with its programmability and attention to detail. For instance, it uses a double-walled stainless steel carafe for more heat retention.

Like most coffee makers on this list, you can schedule a time for it to power on. Great for when you predict you’ll feel too lazy to walk to the machine. Or to have a cup of joe ready upon waking up.

The BetterBrew feature automatically adjusts the machine’s settings to meet the SCA’s Gold Cup standard [2]. Meaning it’ll have an excellent extraction rate, temperature, and speed. A great way to get great-tasting coffee without much effort.

It does require a lot of vertical space. Keep that in mind if you have low-hanging wall cabinets. And it may take longer to brew coffee compared to other models. And unfortunately, you can’t control the brew speed.

One more.


9. Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker: Best Thermal Coffee Maker, Canada

mr. coffee coffee maker 10 cup programmable coffee maker
Price *$
Dimensions22 × 33 × 36.3 cm (D, W, H)
Water Reservoir Size10 cups
MaterialStainless steel & plastic
Warranty1 year

Pros

  • Brews quickly.
  • Keeps coffee hot for 2 hours.
  • Simple to set up & use.

Cons

  • Mush wash several times prior to first use.
  • Filter is difficult to manage.
  • No replacement parts available from manufacturer.

This Mr. Coffee machine is a boon for night owls in Canada, Australia, and the UK, thanks to its quiet operation that won’t disturb the peace during late-night brews.

It’s also a great fit for those living in apartments with thin walls, ensuring your coffee routine doesn’t become a nuisance for your neighbors.

Its thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for over an hour when pre-heated, a feature that outperforms many competitors in its price range.

It includes a fresh brew timer to tell you how much time has passed since brewing your coffee. Giving you an indicator to guess how fresh your coffee is. The Grab-A-Cup auto-pause feature lets you snatch your coffee mid-brewing if you’re desperate for caffeine.

I wouldn’t stand close to the machine when doing this. In case the auto pause feature stops working and leads to spillage.

If you don’t wash everything before the first time using the Mr. Coffee, you may notice a plastic taste. I’d wash things several times and run a cycle or 2 without drinking the coffee.

The filter never seems to dry, which could lead to mold accumulating. Ensure you frequently clean it. And it’s not possible to find replacement parts from the manufacturer. Considering this is a budget machine, we shouldn’t have expected more.

Here’s why you should use a thermal coffee maker if you’re hesitant.


The Advantages of Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

Buying a coffee maker with a thermal carafe offers enhanced heat retention and prolonged freshness.

Here are the pros of using these types of coffee makers

  • Superior Heat Retention: Designed to keep coffee hot for extended periods without needing a heating plate
    • Reduces the risk of overcooking or burning the coffee.
  • Sustained Freshness: Help maintain the original taste & aroma of the coffee by preventing it from getting cold or stale.
  • Energy Efficiency: Uses less energy than traditional carafes that rely on a heating element.
    • More environmentally friendly & cost-effective.
  • Portability: More durable & portable than glass carafes.
    • Bring your coffee to different areas of your home or office without dropping it.

Thermal coffee makers are best for those who enjoy sipping on fresh and warm coffee over extended periods, especially if they value taste, energy efficiency, and mobility.

Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Buying Guide

Consider these points when searching for a coffee maker with a thermal carafe:

CriteriaWhy It’s Essential
Water Tank Capacity & Machine SizeDetermines how often you must refill the water tank & if the machine fits in your kitchen.
Features & ProgrammabilityCustomizable settings allow you to tailor the coffee-making process to your preference.
Temperature SettingsEnables control over brewing temperature, which can significantly impact the taste of the coffee.
PriceBudget constraints often play a major role in purchasing decisions.
Built-in GrinderHaving a built-in grinder means fresh ground coffee every time, improving the taste and aroma.
Built-in vs. Separate GrinderA separate grinder allows more control over grind size but takes up more space.
Filter TypeThe type of filter (paper, metal, etc.) affects the taste of the coffee & the ease of cleaning.
Warranty Coverage, Design, & MaterialA good warranty provides assurance of quality & longevity; the design and material should match your kitchen aesthetics.

These sections will provide more details on the criterion above. Keep reading and you’ll know what to search for when shopping for a thermal coffee maker.

1. Water Tank Capacity & Machine Size

The water tank capacity should align with your brewing needs. For a solo coffee drinker, a smaller reservoir may suffice, while larger households or offices might need a machine with a more generous water tank.

Every refill requires time and effort.

The machine size impacts more than just countertop real estate. A compact coffee maker easily fits under wall cabinets, but you might struggle to access its water tank. A larger machine may offer convenient access to the water tank but might be too tall for your cabinet space.

Thermal coffee makers tend to demand more vertical space due to having tall carafes. Then many models have water reservoirs that open from the top, requiring more vertical clearance. Measure the space under your wall cabinets to ensure your desired machine will fit.

2. Features & Programmability

Want coffee ready when you wake up? Program it the night before. This function ensures you get a freshly brewed cup when you need it, without waiting or rushing in the morning.

Let’s look at the specific features to consider:

  • Auto Shut-Off: You won’t need to worry about leaving your coffee maker on.
  • Built-in Grinder: Ensures fresher taste. Freshly ground beans provide a richer flavor than pre-ground coffee.
  • Water Filter: Improves flavor. Can remove impurities from water that might alter the coffee’s taste.
  • Strength Control: Adjust the strength of your coffee to suit your taste.

Most drip coffee makers with thermal carafes will include the ability to schedule the time it brews. Few include built-in grinders. The ones that do cost more and don’t perform as well as buying a separate grinder.

Many allow you to control strength via pre-programmed settings (e.g., Strong vs. over ice). But doesn’t let you customize specific temperatures. Ones with the latter feature tend to cost over $200.

Don’t get a machine just because it includes features. Only get one with features you’ll use daily.

3. Temperature Settings

The right temperature extracts the best flavors from your coffee beans. And the right temperature is 195 to 205 °F [3]. Go any higher and it’ll lead to bitterness. Go any lower and the brew becomes too weak.

Thermal coffee makers over $200 usually offer precise control, letting you customize each cup.

4. Price

High-cost models with thermal carafes often offer advanced features, like programmability or high-capacity carafes. But, don’t overspend on features you won’t use. Budget-friendly options can brew quality coffee too.

Striking a balance between cost and needs ensures value.

5. Built-in Grinder

A built-in grinder in a thermal coffee maker saves counter space, eliminating the need for a separate grinder. Freshly ground beans deliver a flavor explosion, taking your coffee experience to a new height.

Plus, it’s a time-saver. You grind and brew in one process. Let’s determine whether it’s worth getting a built-in coffee maker.

Should You Use Built-in Grinders or Separate Grinders?

An integrated grinder comes built into your coffee maker. Providing a seamless, sleek look and freeing up counter space. Separate coffee makers are standalone units you can place anywhere on your countertop.

Offering greater portability and flexibility.

Separate Coffee Makers: Advantages & Disadvantages

Separate coffee makers are often more affordable and offer a wide range of options in terms of size, functionality, and brand. Their portability allows you to move them around as needed, which could prove beneficial for rearranging kitchen space or moving houses.

If the grinder breaks down, you won’t need to replace your entire coffee maker.

However:

Separate coffee makers take up counter space, which could be an issue in smaller kitchens. They may also not integrate aesthetically with the rest of the kitchen.

Their exposed parts are more prone to wear and tear, and they might not offer the same level of advanced features or automation as some built-in models.

Coffee Makers with Built-in Grinders: Advantages & Disadvantages

Coffee makers with integrated grinders usually come with advanced features like programmable settings, built-in grinders, or even connection to a water line for automatic filling.

Since they’re “built-in”, they don’t consume counter space, which is fantastic for small homes or folks who like filling their counters with various appliances.

On the downside, built-in coffee makers generally cost more, in terms of the unit cost and installation.

They lack the portability of separate units and might require professional assistance for repairs or replacement. And their installation also requires planning and might not be feasible in all kitchen layouts.

6. Water Filter Type

Water filters remove impurities and unwanted elements from water, improving the taste of your coffee. A good filter can also lengthen your machine’s lifespan by preventing buildup.

Some thermal coffee maker models come with built-in filters, offering convenience and cost savings. Others need external filters, providing flexibility to choose your preferred type.

7. Warranty Coverage, Design, & Materials

Warranty coverage isn’t about protection—it’s peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, you know the manufacturer stands behind their product.

A well-designed machine makes your morning routine smoother and can complement your kitchen’s aesthetics.

High-quality materials, like stainless steel, increase durability and enhance flavor. Over time, this can save you money and ensure a better cup of joe. Most thermal coffee makers will use stainless steel.

Sometimes, they’ll have plastic casing with a thermal carafe. Pay attention to the product’s listings and reviews to see whether this is the case.

Steel vs. Plastic vs. Glass Carafe

The following sections will compare glass, plastic, and steel carafes. 

1. Stainless Steel Coffee Carafes

Stainless steel carafes work better because of their durability and excellent heat retention properties. They offer a practical and stylish solution for keeping coffee hot and fresh for extended periods.

Pros:

  • Superior heat retention, keeping coffee hotter for longer.
  • Robust construction makes them highly durable & long-lasting.
  • Resistant to stains & odors.

Cons:

  • More expensive than glass or plastic carafes.
  • Difficult to see the remaining coffee in the carafe.
  • May alter the taste of coffee over time if not cleaned thoroughly.

They also don’t rely on warming plates, which tend to burn coffee that sits in glass carafes. Speaking of—

2. Glass Carafes

Using a glass carafe for coffee makers has several advantages. The transparency of glass allows you to easily monitor the brewing process and the amount of coffee left, and the nature of glass ensures that it does not alter the taste of your coffee.

Since no chemicals or metal will seep into your coffee.

Pros:

  • Allow for easy visual monitoring of the coffee quantity & brewing process.
  • Preserves taste & aroma due to the non-reactive nature of glass.
  • More aesthetically pleasing, adding elegance to your coffee setup.

Cons:

  • More susceptible to breakage compared to other materials.
  • Do not retain heat as well as insulated, thermal carafes.
  • Coffee in glass carafes can cool quickly.

These types of carafes rely on warming plates. If you read the previous section, you’ll know why this isn’t good for your coffee.

3. Plastic Carafes

Plastic carafes for coffee makers offer several advantages, including durability, lightness, and affordability.

Pros:

  • Less likely to break if dropped.
  • Lighter than their glass counterparts, making them easier to handle.
  • More affordable than glass or metal carafes.

Cons:

  • May absorb coffee oils over time, affecting the taste.
  • More prone to staining from coffee.
  • May not be as heat resistant as glass or metal ones.

A plastic carafe is best for someone who values durability and affordability over the potential impact on taste and appearance.

FAQs for Thermal Coffee Makers

The following sections will cover frequently asked questions regarding thermal coffee makers.

How Long Will My Coffee Stay Hot in the Thermal Carafe?

A thermal carafe can typically keep coffee hot for 2–3 hours. However, this varies depending on the carafe’s quality and insulation, as well as the starting temperature of the coffee. For optimal heat retention, preheat the carafe before use.

Is the Thermal Carafe Different From a Coffee Thermos?

Yes, they’re different. A thermal carafe is a double-walled container with a spout, mainly used for serving hot beverages like coffee. A coffee thermos is a portable, insulated bottle designed to keep coffee hot for longer periods, ideal for travel or outdoor activities.

Will My Coffee Taste Bad if I Leave It in the Carafe for Hours?

Yes, coffee left in the carafe for hours can taste bad. Over time, heat and exposure to air cause coffee to oxidize and become bitter.

Why Is It Better to Use Filtered Water?

Filtered water removes impurities that can alter coffee’s flavor. It maintains the right mineral balance, enhancing coffee’s taste and aroma. It also reduces scale buildup in coffee machines, extending its lifespan.

What Is the Best Grind Size for the Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker?

Use the same grind size as for drip coffee makers, which is medium for medium coarse. Note that if you change the coffee blends frequently, you may want to readjust the grind to get the best results.

Our Verdict

Here are the best 3:

  1. Breville Precision Brewer: Offers a bunch of features.
  2. MIRA French Press: Portable.
  3. Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB: Balances cost & great taste.

I went with the Breville Precision Brewer as the best because it’s SCA-approved, includes pre-infusion, and heats up fast. All while not costing a fortune.

breville precision brewer

Breville Precision Brewer: Best Overall

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 7.5 × 12 × 15.75 in (D, W, H)
  • Water Reservoir Size: 60 fl oz = 10 6-oz cups
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Warranty: 1 year

Footnotes:

* Price will vary by model, manufacturer, and vendor.

Photo of author

Author

Tim Lee is, as you might have guessed the founder of TimsCoffee.com. He is a former barista and a professional web publisher. He has now combined his knowledge and expertise in both subjects to create TimsCoffee.com.
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