"Discover the Ultimate Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers for the Perfect, Hot Brew"

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When on the hunt for a new coffee maker, it won't take long to realize that there are two carafe options: glass and thermal. While glass carafes are more affordable and show the amount of coffee remaining, thermal carafes are more durable and maintain the temperature of your coffee for longer periods.

Thermal carafes also offer greater versatility. "Coffee brewed into a thermal carafe can be brought to your table, desk, or bedside table," says Heather Calatrello of ShedLight Coffee Roasters. "Another important attribute is that the thermal carafe doesn't impart a burnt taste that can occur with a glass carafe that has been sitting on a hotplate for hours."

Because of these benefits, thermal carafes are especially useful for large-capacity brewing. They are perfect for entertaining guests, fueling a busy office, or enjoying a full mug all morning long. If you are in search of a thermal carafe coffee maker, we have compiled some of the best options below. Read on to discover our comprehensive thoughts on each one.

Pros: This machine has a modern appearance and ensures reliable performance at a reasonable price. It also offers the option to brew a single cup of coffee.

Cons: It is not programmable.

OXO remains one of our top picks with an outstanding 8-cup thermal carafe coffee maker. The machine's streamlined design features a rainmaker head, which evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, resulting in a high-quality brew that drips into the double-walled thermal carafe. Additionally, if you do not want an entire carafe of coffee, you may choose to brew a single-serve portion.

While this coffee maker lacks advanced features, it has a user-friendly design, an elegant appearance, and guarantees an exceptional pot every time.

Price at time of publish: $200

Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.5 x 7 inchesBrew Capacity: 8 cupsProgrammable: NoWarranty: 2 years

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

Black Decker Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Pros: This machine can brew a large capacity and is programmable.

Cons: The design is bulky.

When it comes to household appliances and tools, Black Decker is a trusted and durable brand. Their thermal carafe coffee maker is a great option for those looking for a value-conscious choice. It's also the best option for those who want to brew a large capacity of coffee. This programmable machine can make up to 12 cups of coffee, which can be kept hot with the 4-layer thermal carafe. The machine also has a brew strength selector and an auto-clean system, making it perfect for offices or workshops where it might receive frequent use. The price at the time of publishing is .

Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.4 inches

Brew Capacity: 12 cups

Programmable: Yes

Warranty: 2 years

Moccamaster KBGT Coffee Maker

Pros: This top-notch thermal carafe coffee maker has high performance.

Cons: It has a tall stance that may not fit into all spaces.

Moccamaster coffee makers are renowned by coffee enthusiasts worldwide, and Calatrello's favorite is the KBGT. According to her, this machine's lightning-fast brewing process produces a full 40-ounce carafe in just 4-6 minutes. Additionally, it features a unique copper heating element that quickly heats the water to the ideal brewing temperature of 196-205 degrees. It automatically shuts off when the reservoir is empty. The Moccamaster KBGT mimics manual brewing, which Calatrello appreciates. She also confirmed that the thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for several hours when capped with the included travel lid. The price at the time of publishing is $280.

Dimensions: 6.7 x 11.5 x 16 inches

Brew Capacity: 10 cups

Programmable: No

Warranty: 5 years

The Scoop from Hamilton Beach

Pros: This cool-designed machine brews single servings without capsules.

Cons: There are no special features, and it won't save much space compared to a multi-cup coffee maker.

If you're looking for a small coffee maker to keep at your desk, The Scoop from Hamilton Beach may be just what you need. This single-serve coffee machine brews into the included thermal travel mug without using capsules.

The sleek and wipeable stainless steel construction of this coffee maker exudes a modern vibe. Although it lacks programmable settings, you can select between regular or bold brewing strengths. For less than $40, this coffee maker offers great value.

Price at time of publish: $37

Dimensions: Measuring at 6.7 x 8.35 x 8.67 inches, it is a compact size. Brew Capacity: Capable of handling 14 ounces of coffee. Programmable: No. Warranty: 1 year.

Pros: Featuring double-walled insulation and a choice of three colors.

Cons: The press filters can be tricky to clean.

We adore this thermal French press for its chic design, which comes in three attractive colors and its portability. Made of robust stainless steel, it can easily accompany you to the office or on road trips and adventures.

The Mira French press is easy to use; simply add coarse coffee grounds and hot water. Let it steep, compress the filter, and pour. There are no special features, but it's an affordable and beautiful option that keeps coffee hot.

Price at the time of publishing: $24

Dimensions: Sized at 6.89 x 4.53 x 8.66 inches Brew Capacity: Holds 34 ounces. Programmable: No. Warranty: N/A.

Pros: Adaptable grind settings and fully programmable.

Cons: It's reasonably priced, but it can be tough to configure straight out of the box.

If you prefer a grind-and-brew coffee maker, our top recommendation is the Breville Grind. Crafted with stainless steel flat burrs, it features six different grind settings and is wholly programmable. You can brew straight into a thermal carafe, mug or travel mug.

Calatrello asserts that the Grind Control delivers a consistently superb cup of coffee. Although it is pricey, it's a great option if you like to grind your beans but want to avoid dealing with an external grinder. Thanks to its programming attributes and reasonable 12-cup capacity, this is an excellent option for the best thermal carafe coffee maker with a grinder.

Price at time of publish: $350

If you're in search of an affordable but versatile coffee and espresso machine, Mr. Coffee’s Occasions is a fantastic option. Its 10-cup thermal carafe and built-in milk frother cater to all your espresso needs, and it can even serve K-Cup pods. The smart water system ensures that the right amount of water is dispensed according to the chosen brewing method. While it may not be as extravagant as some of the top-of-the-line espresso machines on the market, it's perfect for personal use at home.

At a price of $260, this machine's dimensions are 8.5 x 12.5 x 16.3 inches, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

The Zojirushi Fresh Brew is perfect for people who enjoy both hot and cold coffee. Its specialized setting for iced coffee tweaks the grounds-to-water ratio to prevent the coffee from becoming watered down by the time it hits the ice. This is a significant upgrade from simply waiting for a carafe of regular coffee to cool to room temperature. The thermal carafe will keep your hot coffee nice and hot, and the removable water reservoir and anti-drip sensor make cleaning up a breeze. At $184, it may be pricier than other thermal carafe coffee makers, but it's an investment worth making if you enjoy iced coffee.

At 18.6 x 16.6 x 11.2 inches, this machine has a brew capacity of 10 cups and comes with a 1-year warranty.

For a coffee maker that's both programmable and affordable, the Braun BrewSense is tough to beat. It comes with a 5-year warranty, brews up to 10 cups of coffee, and has programmable settings. Its size is 8 x 10.63 x 15.88 inches.

To avoid any noise complaints, the only downside to the machine is that it can be a bit loud. The auto shut-off feature ensures the pot stays hot without burning the contents, and the exclusive PureFlavor technology guarantees you receive a rich flavor every time you brew. This machine is a great choice if you're on a budget but still want a programmable coffee maker.

For those in search of an exceptional coffee maker, the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker is our top pick for its chic design, affordability, and ability to brew high-quality coffee. If you require something with more capacity and value, the Black Decker 12 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker is a great choice.

When selecting a coffee maker, take note of the amount of counter space you possess and choose accordingly. A large-capacity coffee maker will prove more efficient when catering to a crowd, instead of a single-serve machine.

Determine the type of coffee you prefer, whether you wish to press a button and walk away or pull shots of espresso. Perhaps you enjoy the traditional and low-tech process of a French press. Consider this as you decide on your ideal thermal carafe coffee maker.

If you treasure waking up to a pot of coffee already brewed, choose a programmable coffee maker that you can set accordingly. You may also wish to consider a machine that allows you to change brew strengths or switch between a carafe and a single serving.

Machines with removable water reservoirs make cleaning easier than those without. Drip trays and automatic flow stoppages also assist in avoiding coffee spills.

FAQs

What is a thermal carafe and how does it work?

Thermal carafes usually have an insulated stainless steel construction to maintain hot or cold temperatures.

“A thermal carafe uses the coffee’s initial heat to keep it warm, instead of relying on an external heat source (such as a hot plate)," explains coffee expert Calatrello. "Coffee retained in a thermal carafe tastes fresher and better than coffee retained in a glass carafe or reheated in a microwave."

How long does coffee stay hot in a thermal carafe?

The duration of hot coffee depends on the quality of the carafe’s insulation. Some carafes retain the temperature for several hours, while some for just about an hour.

How do you clean a thermal carafe coffee maker?

Rinse the components after using the coffee maker and let them air dry. Descaling the coffee maker once a month will remove oil residue from grounds and mineral buildup from hard water.

How should coffee be stored?

“Coffee storage is a key component in achieving the perfect brew," says Calatrello. “There are two factors that influence coffee oxidation: light and air. In general, coffee should be stored away from these elements.”

Calatrello recommends purchasing whole-bean coffee and storing the beans in an airtight stainless steel container, grinding them right before brewing, for maximum freshness. If you prefer ground coffee, use an airtight canister and avoid exposing it to light.

This article was written by Summer Rylander, a food and travel journalist with an extensive portfolio of published works in Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. Rylander researched, interviewed a coffee expert, and leveraged personal experience as a coffee enthusiast to write this piece.