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The 11 Best Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We've found some top performers at a range of price points

Thermal carafe coffee makers we recommend on a purple background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

There are two carafe options when purchasing a new coffee maker: glass or thermal. While glass is more common and more affordable, there are several advantages to thermal carafes, primarily heat retention. The double-walled stainless steel used to make thermal carafes maintains temperature longer than glass and, since no heating plate is required, the coffee won’t burn or become bitter. Durability is another advantage—you’d really have to try to chip or break one. Some customers simply prefer the stainless steel aesthetic in their kitchen. No matter the reason, thermal coffee makers, from drip machines to French presses, can upgrade your daily coffee routine.

Best Overall

OXO Brew Coffee Maker

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    4/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sleek, minimal design

  • Brews excellent drip coffee

  • Makes single-serve and large batches

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • No water filter system

  • Water reservoir isn't removable

  • Not programmable

The OXO Brew 8-Cup not only has a thermal carafe designed to keep coffee hot for several hours, it's also one of the few coffee makers certified by the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard. This denotes that a coffee maker brews at the ideal temperature (between 195 and 205 degrees) and can make the whole pot within four to six minutes, among other criteria.

Further notable features include its compact design, separate lids for the filter basket and water reservoir, and single-serve capability. It's rare to find a drip coffee maker that can be make one cup as delicious as a full pot because the brewing speeds—i.e. the rate water that passes through the coffee grounds—are so different, but this one fits the bill.

We found the coffee delicious after trying it firsthand, and we also appreciated the ability to alternate between a small amount and a larger 8-cup pot. The cleaning process is quite standard and we didn’t have any issues with it. One drawback, however, is that it is not programmable, which may be a deal-breaker for those who routinely prepare coffee hours ahead of time.

As far as thermal coffee makers go, the OXO Brew 8-Cup comes at an average to slightly above average price. But given the delicious and consistent coffee it makes, it's a great value and earns our top spot.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: No | Dimensions: 10.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches | Warranty: 2-year limited | Wattage: 1400 | Voltage: 110 to 120

Best Budget

Black+Decker Thermal Coffeemaker

Black+Decker Thermal Coffeemaker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Heat Up Time
    3/5
  • Brew Quality
    4/5
What We Like
  • Intuitive controls

  • Shows time since last brew

  • Many features for affordable price

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic elements break easily

  • Plastic taste lingers for first several pots

Your basic thermal carafe coffee maker should be able to hold coffee at the optimal temperature for a long time. Black+Decker’s 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker takes on the task with its large-capacity, double-walled, vacuum-sealed carafe.

We found that the thermal carafe sufficiently keeps coffee warm for several hours. To test it, we made coffee around 9:30 AM and it was still quite hot by 1:30 PM, so you can trust it to save you a trip to the microwave.

This model also gives you the option to use preferred brew settings like "strong" for a bolder flavor in every cup. The Evenstream Showerhead ensures water disperses evenly over your coffee grounds for maximum taste. The quick-touch programming functions make this coffee maker effortless to use. Plus, if you get excited for your early morning coffee, there’s a Sneak-A-Cup feature which allows you to pause the flow of coffee so you can get in a quick cup mess-free.​

One thing to keep in mind is the extra care that thermal carafes need. Because it’s made of stainless steel, Black+Decker recommends a proper flush using a vinegar-water solution to remove hard water scale from the heater.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 9.5 x 8 x 13 inches | Warranty: 2-year limited | Wattage: 900 | Voltage: 120

Best Splurge

Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 KBGT Coffee Brewer

Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 KBGT Coffee Brewer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Delicious coffee

  • Easy to use

  • Brews at ideal temperature

  • Comes in different colors

What We Don't Like
  • Not programmable

  • No 1-4 cup setting

Technivorm is a Dutch brand famous for its line of Moccamaster Coffee Makers, which are generally considered some of the best drip machines you can buy. This KBGT model combines the signature quality of a Moccamaster with a thermal carafe to keep coffee warm for hours after brewing.

Two features that set the machine apart from a generic coffee maker are the spray arm and the copper heating element. The overhead spray arm has nine holes to evenly saturate coffee grounds and yield an ideal extraction percentage between 18 to 22 percent. Meanwhile, the copper heating element maintains a water temperature between 196 and 205 degrees, which is the optimal range when brewing. These seemingly small details make a major difference in taste.

The Moccamaster KBGT has a few notable limitations, however. It cannot be programmed to brew at a specific time, and there's no setting to adjust for smaller brew sizes. The coffee still tastes good when you make just two or three cups, but the brewing parameters are best suited for a full 10-cup carafe. It would be nice to have these common features, especially given the machine's hefty price tag, but as far as pure coffee quality goes the Moccamaster KBGT is hard to top.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: No | Dimensions: 6.25 x 11 x 16 inches | Warranty: 5 years | Wattage: 1400 | Voltage: 120

Best Programmable

Cuisinart Programmable 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Programmable 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Heat Up Time
    4/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • Attractive stainless steel design 

  • Easy to use 

  • Programmable up to 24 hours

  • Adjustable brew strength

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy carafe

  • Narrow mouth makes it difficult to pour 

The Cuisinart DCC-3400 Thermal Coffee Maker gives you total control over your favorite beverage. It uses a unique internal heating system to offer three different brew temperatures: regular, hot, and extra hot. The Extreme Brew option uses new re-engineered brewing technology to make your coffee 25 percent faster than the standard coffee maker without skimping on taste and flavor.

We came away praising the carafe's heat retention, as the coffee stayed warm for one of the longest intervals that we tested. One aspect to watch out for, however, is that the carafe is heavy and somewhat cumbersome. Thermal carafes are naturally heavier than glass ones, so keep that in mind before purchasing.

The backlit LCD screen and the ability to set the brew time to 24-hours ahead are two other features that make this coffee maker a top-rated model. The thermal carafe is dishwasher safe, and the coffee maker has a self-cleaning function as well. It's available in seven different colors.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 9.00 x 7.75 x 14.25 inches | Warranty: 3-year limited | Wattage: 1050 | Voltage: 120

Best French Press

Frieling Double Wall French Press

Frieling Double Wall French Press

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Eye-catching design

  • Great heat retention

  • Superior coffee flavor

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Finish is prone to smudging

  • Heavier than other French presses

From French presses to pour overs and more, many non-electric coffee makers are designed from thermal material to retain heat longer. And the Frieling Stainless Steel French Press will keep your coffee piping hot for hours, which is far longer than what a glass press can accomplish. In fact, we compared the Frieling French Press to two glass French presses and the Frieling model was far superior, not only in its insulation but the brew quality too. One quick tip: rinse the press with hot water beforehand and it will keep its heat even longer.

Like all French presses, this one needs to be cleaned—or, at least, rinsed—after every use. For us, cleaning was straightforward and easy, even though the exterior is prone to smudges. The press is available in five sizes, ranging from 8 to 44 ounces, and it comes in two different finishes: an eye-catching mirrored finish and a more subdued brushed finish. As an added bonus, both models are dishwasher safe.

While the Frieling French press is certainly expensive, it's also extremely durable, so it may save money in the long run as glass presses all too often chip or shatter. That being said, there are more affordable thermal French presses on the market should this model be too pricey.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: Available in 8, 17, 23, 36, and 44 ounces | Warranty: 5 years

Best Self-Cleaning

Mr. Coffee 10-Cup Coffeemaker

Mr. Coffee - 10-Cup Coffeemaker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Fast brewing

  • Programmable

What We Don't Like
  • Prone to leaking

  • Not the strongest coffee

It's a major convenience when our daily appliances have self-cleaning mechanisms to make caring for them even easier. With Mr. Coffee’s 10-Cup Coffee Maker, you can clean your device with the simple push of a button. It doesn’t get any better than that. And this is not a widespread function on other coffee makers, especially those featuring stainless steel thermal carafes.

Other functions include a ‘Dim Display’ button, a programmable setting to start brewing at a specific time, and a timer that shows how long it's been since the coffee was brewed. You can also choose your brew strength per session, as well as pause your brewing process to sneak in a fresh cup of coffee. The double-walled thermal carafe lets you enjoy fresh coffee throughout the day from a single batch. There is also a two-hour auto shut off function which safely shuts off the coffee maker in case you forget to turn it off before leaving the house for work.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 8.7 x 13 x 14.3 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1300 | Voltage: 120

Best Single Serve

Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Heat Up Time
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    4/5
What We Like
  • Single serve and carafe brewing

  • 24-hour programmability

  • Slim design

  • Easy to use and set up

What We Don't Like
  • Requires regular cleaning

  • Settings aren't the most customizable

  • Detailed user guide not included

Since single-serve coffee makers usually brew right into your mug, they don't have much need for a thermal carafe. But the Keurig K-Duo Plus is one of the rare coffee makers designed to brew a single cup as well as a full carafe. When you want a full pot of coffee, you can use ground coffee and select sizes ranging from 6 to 12 cups. When you're in the mood for one quick cup of joe, simply pop in a K-Cup and select a size from 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces.

The K-Duo Plus is programmable up to 24 hours, which is standard for most thermal coffee makers but unique for a Keurig device. The item is also slimmer than most coffee makers, which saves counter space, and it has a removable water reservoir for easy filling. It may be a little pricier than other thermal options, but if you're looking for a convenient pod-based brewer, this is the coffee maker for you. We tested the item over several weeks and, by the end, felt the K-Duo Plus was definitely worth the price. Not only is it so easy to use and set up, but it also makes good coffee and comes with several extra features.

Grounds or Pods: Both | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 14.2 x 7.7 x 15.9 inches | Warranty: 1 year | Wattage: 1470 | Voltage: 120

Best with Grinder

Capresso Coffee Team 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker

Capresso Coffee Team 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Adjustable burr grinder

  • Reasonably priced for machine with grinder

  • Can program both grinding and brewing

What We Don't Like
  • Learning curve to get flavorful coffee

  • Doesn't grind oily beans well

The Capresso Coffee Team 10-Cup Digital Coffee Maker has a reputation on the market for being a noiseless force to be reckoned with—even with its grinding ability. If you’re a coffee bean connoisseur then you will appreciate the slow grinding of the burr, which protects your coffee's aroma while allowing a finer, uniform grind compared to that of a standard blade grinder. Plus, the five grind settings give users full control of their coffee experience.

The 10-cup thermal carafe keeps your coffee warm throughout the day to cut down on waste. You can brew the maximum amount of coffee in just under 10 minutes. The clock/timer feature lets you set up everything the night before so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. The charcoal water filtration system is also a unique selling point; it can remove chlorine and impurities from tap water, which most people use to make their daily batch.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 9 x 9.5 x 15.5 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1000 | Voltage: 120

Best Espresso

Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One Coffee Maker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Makes coffee and espresso

  • Uses both grounds and K-Cups

  • Compact for a two-in-one machine

What We Don't Like
  • Messy frother

  • Not the easiest to use

The vast majority of thermal coffee makers brew straightforward drip coffee. But when you're in the mood for something a little different, it's nice to have other drink options at your disposal. The Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One Coffee Maker offers precisely that. Customers can use the 10-cup thermal carafe to make drip coffee for the whole family, or switch to the built-in espresso maker to pull two delicious shots at once. The machine even has an attached frothing wand to craft specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Perhaps the most unique feature of all is that it is compatible with K-Cups and can brew a single serving of coffee in seconds. As the name suggests, the Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One really can do it all—and it even comes at a reasonable price, though buyers should expect the item to cost more than a standard thermal carafe coffee maker.

Person weighs coffee grounds next to the Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One Coffee Maker while another person works on a laptop

The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik

Grounds or Pods: Grounds and K-Cups | Programmable: No | Dimensions: 16.6 x 11.2 x 18.6 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1500 | Voltage: 110 to 120

Best for Iced Coffee

Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
What We Like
  • Programmable up to 24 hours

  • Removable water reservoir

  • Large filter basket and brew head

What We Don't Like
  • Loud brewing and beep when finished

  • Wide design

Iced coffee is usually a treat we have to leave the house for and get at a coffee shop. Not anymore with the Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus. This device, which comes with a 10-cup thermal carafe, lets users brew up to five cups of iced coffee right from home. The unique setting adjusts the coffee's strength and turns it into a concentrate that, when poured over ice, balances out into a smooth glass of iced coffee. The Fresh Brew Plus is also sold in a 12-cup model with a glass carafe; the benefit of that option is that it includes an ice basket that you can place inside the carafe for slightly faster and more convenient iced coffee.

As far as the thermal model goes, a removable water tank makes filling and washing super easy. The item's clean light alert removes the guessing games and lets you know when it's time to clean the machine. If you fear leaving your coffee pot on while running around in the mornings, you can rest assured thanks to the machine's auto shut-off feature. You also get a 24-hour programmable timer so you can wake up in the best way possible—to the smell of your preferred coffee beans.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 10.6 x 8 x 14.9 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1200 | Voltage: 120

Best Large-Capacity

Hamilton Beach 14-Cup Programmable FrontFill Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach 14-Cup Programmable FrontFill Coffee Maker

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Fully Programmable

  • Multiple brew settings

  • Easy to fill water reservoir

What We Don't Like
  • Not all coffee pours out of pot

  • Some say not as hot as expected

Your family deserves the best of cup of joe on the market, but sometimes there isn't enough for everryone. Moments like this, you’ll be thankful to have a large coffee maker with a 12-cup thermal carafe to keep your coffee fresh throughout the day. Hamilton Beach's 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker is easy to use and fits well under cupboards because of its shorter lid flap.

You can choose between regular and bold brewing options depending on your preferred tastes, as well as a 1-4 cup setting. The charcoal water filter makes it a great choice for those using tap water to brew. It's also programmable, so you can prepare the coffee maker at night to brew the moment you wake up in the morning. Some customers mention that the coffee doesn't stay hot for as long as they expected, but overall this is a great value-for-money buy.

Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Programmable: Yes | Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.2 x 14.4 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1025 | Voltage: 120

Final Verdict

The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker can be trusted to brew delicious coffee every morning. It's programmable, easy to fill and clean, plus it's certified by the SCA. Those looking for a more affordable machine should check out our budget choice, the Black+Decker 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker.

How We Tested Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers

The majority of coffee makers featured in this article were sent directly to our expert food writers for testing. They spent weeks using and evaluating the machines in their kitchens to see how they performed with everyday use. We also tested several of these coffee makers in our Lab. After testing, we submitted feedback about what we liked and disliked, and we rated each machine on a number of 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, 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, and you can find more of her work at suziedundas.com, @hikeupyourskirt on Instagram, or @suziedundas on Twitter.
  • 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. 

Other Options We Tested

Cuisinart Coffee Plus 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker: We sent this two-in-one device to a member of our team so they could test it in their home over several days. 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.

Cleaning

We’ll go over cleaning tips in greater detail later on in this guide, but it should be noted that thermal carafes are often more burdensome to clean than glass. Many have small openings that make it difficult to fit your hand inside to scrub, and since stainless steel can scratch you should avoid cleaning items like steel wool brushes and certain scouring powders. If a harder-to-clean carafe is a major drawback for you, look for dishwasher-safe options or cleaning powders and dissolvable tablets that make the process easier.

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 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 nuisance. 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?

To better understand how to keep coffee fresh, we spoke with Allie Caran, the Product Manager at BaristaValet. She said 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," Allie 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.

Originally written by
Wendy Vazquez
Wendy Vazquez is a Cincinnati-based freelance writer and PR and marketing strategist. She has worked with brands—both on the editorial and public relations side of things—in the fashion, beauty, lifestyle, business, and technology industries.
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  1. Specialty Coffee Association. Coffee Standards. SCA.coffee.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Choosing Home Water Filters. CDC.gov.

  3. Chen, Joanne. How to Clean Your Coffee Maker. Nytimes.com.

  4. Olechno, Ewa et al. Influence Of Various Factors On Caffeine Content In Coffee BrewsFoods, vol 10, no. 6, 2021, p. 1208. MDPI AG, doi:10.3390/foods10061208

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