Keep Fresh Coffee Hot for Hours With Our Favorite Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

How We Tested Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

We tested the majority of coffee makers in this article in person, either at home or in our Lab. Each machine was put through a rigorous and structured process to see how it performed. After testing, we submitted feedback about what we liked and disliked, and we rated each machine in several categories.

We Observed

• How long the coffee stayed hot: We used a stopwatch and thermometer to see how long the coffee stayed hot for each device. While thermal carafes naturally retain heat better than glass ones, some thermal carafes are better than others. We checked the temperature at different intervals and compared the results of all coffee makers across the board. Coffee is usually brewed at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the best drinking temperature is between 120 to 140 degrees, which were two figures we kept in mind throughout the process.
• How well the carafe poured: Thermal carafes don't always pour smoothly. Sometimes they're too heavy or prone to leaving a few ounces of coffee in the bottom. That's why we paid close attention when pouring the carafes and later wrote down whether they poured well or not. If a coffee maker underperformed in this area, it was typically not a big enough reason for us to exclude it from this list. However, it did detract from the item's ease-of-use rating, which we cover below.
• What settings the coffee maker had: We used every setting that a coffee maker came with to provide the fullest possible assessment. That included "strong" brew settings, 1-4 cup settings, and different drink options if the coffee maker offered them. Coffee makers with several high-quality features were prioritized over machines with few features.

We Rated

• Brew Quality: Maybe the most important area when testing a coffee maker is its brew quality. As a result, we brewed and tasted multiple cups of coffee from every machine and rated the quality on a scale of one to five. Some components we focused on included: strength, body, aroma, and complexity of flavors. We also used multiple types of coffee when brewing to ensure better accuracy.
• Ease of Use: After thoroughly testing a coffee maker, including all of its settings and accessories, we graded how easy it was to use. Did we understand the machine right out of the box, or did it take longer to feel comfortable with it? Were there any inconveniences when using the coffee maker? If so, would they prevent us from purchasing the machine? We accounted for questions like these when rating each item.
• Ease of Cleaning: We thought it was especially important to rate how easy it was to clean each thermal coffee maker. Thermal carafes are harder to clean than glass ones, especially if they're heavy, oddly shaped, or have small lid openings. We also noted if a machine had any features to make cleaning easier, like self-cleaning functions or permanent filters.

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
• Derek Rose has been the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats since 2019. He tested several coffee makers on this list firsthand,
• Cheyenne Elwell is a freelance writer specializing in food and coffee. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Insider, MSN, and her own coffee blog BakedBrewedBeautiful.com.
• Suzie Dundas is a freelance writer and editor based in Lake Tahoe, California. She writes primarily about travel, the outdoors, and millennial culture. She has a master's degree in Media from George Washington University.
• Sage McHugh has been a writer and product tester with The Spruce Eats since 2019, and she has been writing about kitchen appliances since 2008. Sage has a passion for all things food and finding the handiest kitchen gadgets. She tested and recommended the Cuisinart 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker, which appears on this list.
• Tracey Minkin tested the Frieling Stainless Steel French Press before we tested it again in our Lab. She is currently the Senior Travel + Features Editor at Coastal Living Magazine. Her freelance work has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, DEPARTURES, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Health. 

Long-Term Testing Takeaways

After our testing processes conclude, we continue using many of the coffee makers considered for this article. We've kept some thermal coffee makers for several years. This long-term use shows how well certain machines fare over time and provides insight into thermal coffee makers as a whole. Here's what we've learned:

• Consistent coffee quality: After several hours, there's a noticeable difference between coffee from a thermal pot and a glass pot. Wait long enough and coffee in a glass pot will likely taste burnt and muddy, even if the machine has a hot place. In contrast, we have found that most thermal carafes, even cheaper ones, usually keep coffee quality the same within a few hours of brewing.
• Cleaning is a nuisance: If you brew coffee every day, cleaning a thermal carafe may become slightly tedious, at least compared to cleaning a glass coffee pot. Thermal carafes tend to have small lids that you can't fit your hand inside. Instead, bottle brushes are needed for a thorough cleaning. While it takes less than a minute, it's more time-consuming than throwing a glass coffee pot in the dishwasher.
• No replacements needed: Along with using thermal coffee makers for several years, we've also kept machines with glass coffee pots. We can attest that, every so often, a glass coffee pot breaks during normal use, and we've had to order a few replacements over time. That's not the case with thermal coffee pots, though. Their durability gives peace of mind and prevents the potential hassle of ordering a new pot.

Other Options We Tested

• Cuisinart Coffee Plus 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker: While the coffee that the machine brews is strong and tasty, the item underperformed in other areas and we were unable to recommend it. The main issues our tester faced were related to the hot water system, which was inconsistent and difficult to use.
• Bodum Columbia Thermal French Press: The Bodum Columbia was tested in our Lab alongside 20 other French presses and, because it's made of double-walled stainless steel, it was in consideration for this article. Unfortunately, our testing team gave the item low scores for its design and brew quality. The filter was less efficient than many alternatives, and the coffee itself tasted bitter to slightly burnt.
• Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Thermal Carafe: This coffee maker didn't live up to its high-end price tag, preventing us from including it on the list. Our tester noted that it has very few features and the coffee it brews is solid but not stellar. In short, there are coffee makers on the market that outperform this Bonavita model and come at a cheaper price.

What to Look for When Buying a Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Price

Thermal carafe coffee makers are, on average, more expensive than ones with glass carafes. There is still a broad range of prices to choose from, of course. You can find budget options all the way up to models that cost a few hundred dollars. Since thermal carafes are more durable than glass, spending a little extra at first may save money in the long run. The price difference is not exorbitant, but adjust your budget accordingly.

Settings

Thermal carafe coffee makers, like all electric coffee makers, can be equipped with a wide variety of settings, and it’s worth knowing your options before buying. Some of the most popular features include 24-hour programmability (which lets users select a specific brew time in advance), different strength settings, and an option for 1 to 4 cups instead of a full pot. There are even thermal machines with built-in grinders, which is a great way to improve the freshness and flavor of your coffee. Expect machines with more features to come at a higher price and, conversely, a more basic model to be less expensive.

Capacity

How much coffee do you drink in a day? Do you need a brewing device for personal use or are there other coffee drinkers in your household? Thermal carafe coffee makers are especially great for family-sized batches, since they keep coffee at the right temperature and richest flavor longer, but that doesn’t mean larger carafes are automatically better. Plenty of smaller machines whip up more flavorful coffee and have more useful features than some of the larger options out there. If you only drink a cup or two a day, you may even want to consider a non-electric thermal device, like a pour over or French press.

Size

Thermal carafe coffee makers are no different in size than glass-based ones, even if the carafe itself is bulkier. This means there are plenty of compact options available for those with limited counter space. No matter what, it’s worth measuring beforehand. Pay especially close attention to the depth of your counters and the height of your cabinets.

Types of Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

Drip

Coffee makers with thermal carafes are most commonly drip machines. This is no surprise, considering the immense popularity of drip machines to begin with and that thermal carafes are especially useful for the large batches they brew. They can be equipped with a variety of features—such as coffee makers with grinders, 24-hour programmability, or dual coffee makers that can make large batches or single-cup servings. Prices vary widely in this category, so it is a viable option no matter your budget.

Coffee-and-Espresso Maker

Thermal carafe coffee makers aren’t just limited to drip coffee. Those who enjoy espresso or espresso-based drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, can find dual-purpose machines that provide all kinds of variety. These devices typically have a split design, featuring a carafe on one side and an espresso maker on the other; though, there are some space-saving options that brew both through the same mechanism. Just keep in mind that coffee and espresso makers are usually among the more expensive brewing devices. 

Non-Electric

Many non-electric brewing devices are favored among coffee experts, as they allow more control and often a stronger cup. The downside is that they tend to lose temperature quickly since they are not equipped with a hot plate. This isn’t an issue for thermal coffee makers though. In this category, you are primarily looking at French presses and pour overs, both of which can save money and space compared to electric brewers. One quick tip: pour hot water into these devices beforehand and they will retain coffee temperature even longer.

Brands/Manufacturers

Black+Decker

This century-old American company was initially known for its power tools but, over the years, has transitioned into manufacturing a number of different appliances, including coffee makers. Customers should keep this name in mind especially when looking for an affordable thermal carafe coffee maker, as Black+Decker offers several highly reviewed budget picks. Along with a standard-sized machine, its line also includes a single-serve coffee maker with a thermal travel mug.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart is the go-to name for thermal carafe coffee makers. The American company manufactures several top-grade options, including machines with built-in grinders and even ones that are K-Cup compatible. It’s an easy brand to find both in-store and online. In fact, Cuisinart makes so many different appliances, not just coffee makers, there’s a good chance you already have one of its products in your home.

Technivorm

Many might be unfamiliar with this Dutch brand, since it solely manufactures high-end coffee products, but Technivorm is a name worth knowing. Its machines are beloved by experts and known for making extremely delicious coffee, and Technivorm just so happens to make an array of thermal carafe options. Its products are quite expensive and take up more space than standard coffee makers but offer unparalleled quality, plus all machines are backed by a five-year warranty.

Maintenance

The brewing process for a thermal coffee maker is the same as one with a glass carafe: simply fill the water reservoir, scoop coffee grounds into the filter basket, and hit start. To make your thermal carafe even more effective, rinse it with hot water before brewing; this will prime the material to offer longer heat retention.

Unfortunately, cleaning a thermal carafe can be a chore. They often have smaller openings than glass carafes, making it more difficult to clean by hand, and they are less likely to be dishwasher safe. They are also heavier, so it isn’t as easy to hold them for long periods. There are three ways to clean a thermal carafe by hand. First, you can use good old-fashioned dish soap and a brush that’s safe on stainless steel. Second, a combination of vinegar and baking soda; let the mixture soak inside the carafe for several minutes before rinsing. And, finally, using a cleaning powder or cleaning tablets specifically designed for coffee makers. They will cost a little extra but provide a more thorough (and possibly easier) clean.

If your thermal coffee maker is electric, it will also require regular descaling. This is the process or removing mineral buildup inside of the machine itself. The easiest way to descale is by wiping all parts and pieces with a combination of vinegar and warm soapy water. As an alternative, many brands sell cleaning solutions specifically designed for descaling. Try to descale at least once every three months, though more often won’t hurt. Check the instruction manual included with your coffee maker to see if the manufacturer specifies how often it should be descaled. If you don’t regularly descale, the machine may face a number of issues, like clogging, altered coffee taste, not getting hot enough, or not running altogether. 

Accessories

A reliable coffee grinder is a useful accessory no matter what brewing device you own. The simple process of grinding beans right before brewing, rather than relying on weeks-old grounds, makes a huge difference in the flavor of your coffee. Brands like Baratza, Bodum, and Cuisinart manufacture some of the most popular electric grinders, while Hario is a top choice for manual options. Allie Caran, the Product Manager at BaristaValet, told us that burr grinders are superior to blade grinders. "A lot of people buy blade grinders because they're super cheap," she says. "The problem is that it gives all different size grinds." Burr grinders, on the other hand, offer a more consistent grind and produce less heat, so the coffee’s flavor remains intact.

Since thermal carafe coffee makers can be somewhat time consuming to clean, it’s also worth looking at products that speed up the process. Brands like Urnex and Brew Rite manufacture cleaning powders and liquid solutions that help whether you’re simply touching up the carafe or entirely descaling the machine.

FAQs

What is a thermal carafe?

Thermal carafes, also called insulated carafes, are coffee pots constructed from stainless steel (and sometimes aluminum), as opposed to the more common option of glass. The idea behind them is to keep coffee hot for several hours and to do it more naturally than relying on a hot plate, as glass carafes typically do. Thermal carafes usually consist of two layers of stainless steel, which you’ll see referred to as “double-walled,” and are vacuum-sealed so that external air doesn’t cool down the coffee.

How should coffee be stored?

Caran says that coffee lasts longer and tastes better when stored in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dark place. Oxygen, sunlight, moisture, and high heat all negatively affect the quality and shelf life of coffee beans. Under ideal circumstances, whole bean coffee stays fresh for two weeks. Naturally, it loses freshness more quickly if any one of those four damaging factors are in play.

Many coffee lovers turn to the fridge or freezer to store their beans and, while this may seem like a logical method of preservation, it is actually quite harmful to coffee due to the high levels of moisture that come from freezer use—not to mention the temperature fluctuation of taking it in and out every day. In a pinch, coffee can be stored fairly well—though not optimally—in the bag it comes in. "Those circles on coffee bags will let all of the oxygen out," Caran told us. "You can keep coffee inside the bag and squeeze out all of the air and it will extend the life of your coffee beans, even though it isn't the best solution." The best solution, instead, is an airtight coffee canister.

How much caffeine is in drip coffee?

The caffeine content in drip coffee ranges widely depending on the type of coffee bean and number of scoops used when brewing. In general, an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee contains anywhere from 80 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. This puts drip on the more caffeinated end of the coffee spectrum, especially because customers often drink it in large servings. Espresso has more caffeine by volume—roughly 60 to 75 milligrams per single shot—but it is of course served in smaller portions. It may seem counterintuitive, but light roast coffee is slightly more caffeinated than dark roast, so keep this in mind too if you are especially monitoring your caffeine intake.

What is descaling?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral residue—also known as “scale”—that builds up inside a coffee maker over time. If the task isn’t performed regularly, a device can face issues that range from brewing weak coffee to the machine not working at all. The general rule is to descale at least once every one to three months, but users should default to manufacturer instructions if a different interval is recommended. Descaling can be done with a simple at-home combination of vinegar and warm soapy water, and many brands sell liquids or powders specifically for descaling. The first step in the process is to fill your coffee maker’s reservoir with a mixture of water and descaling solution. Second, run the brew cycle. Third, empty the carafe (now full of descaling solution) into the sink and rinse clean. Finally, run the brew cycle with just water to remove any leftover descaling product. 

What is a 1-4 cup setting?

A 1-4 cup setting calibrates a machine’s brew cycle to suit smaller batches of coffee. Since most drip coffee makers are designed to brew 10 cups or more, the normal drip speed is too fast for small portions and leads to a weak pot of joe. By clicking the 1-4 cup setting, your machine will slow down the drip speed to perfectly extract the small amount of coffee you want. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. For this piece, he researched the difference in heat retention between glass and stainless steel, as well as the best methods for cleaning stainless steel. He typically uses non-electric coffee makers at home, alternating between the Bialetti Moka Express and the Bodum Brazil French Press.

Sources

Allie Caran is the Product Manager at BaristaValet—a delivery service that partners with more than a dozen roasters to bring fresh coffee right to your door. Allie has been in the coffee industry for more than 15 years.