Thermal Coffee Maker Carafes - Pros and Cons

A thermal carafe coffee maker may cost more than a glass carafe model, but you'll not likely ever have to replace the carafe - they're unbreakable. But durability is not the only benefit of a thermal carafe, they're also very portable - you can place the thermal carafe on the table for quick serving, take freshly-brewed coffee out on the patio or with you on the boat, because they generally keep the coffee hot for hours.

Just how long it keeps the coffee hot will vary with the thermal construction, water temperature and interior home temperature and you do need to heat it first, before brewing. Heating it is simple, just fill it with hot water and let it sit for a few minutes, then empty and proceed with brewing. If you want to make iced coffee, use cold water to prep the carafe. Some thermal coffee makers have a small lid that must be applied to help keep coffee hot (or cold) longer.

Coffee taste is also improved when the coffee maker has a thermal carafe. These models usually have no warming plate (just a base), so coffee does not become bitter and there's virtually no evaporation of liquid contents. Since there's no warming plate to burn out, that's one less part to break down. Thermal carafe brewers will also shut off after the coffee brewing process is completed, so there's also savings in energy as well.

There's lots of reasons to buy a thermal carafe coffee maker, but only a few constraints to this style of carafe. There's no visual of carafe contents so it's easy to forget to empty it completely between brewing cycles and this coffee maker style does cost more, and there's less variety on the market.



Read More About Coffee Makers

Coffee Maker 101 - From Buying to Caring
Best Thermal Coffee Makers
Coffees, Pods and Supplies
How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar
Coffee Maker Buying Tips
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