When buying a new coffee maker for your home, you will come across two types of carafe – glass and thermal. While glass carafes are cheaper, thermal carafe coffee makers are the best because of their efficacy. They retain heat for longer, potentially minimizing waste.
The extended exposure to heat also maximizes coffee extraction and keeps your coffee hot for longer after brewing. Finally, unlike glass that breaks, thermal carafes are dependable. The thermal carafe is a double-walled container, typically made of stainless steel that is designed to reduce heat transfer from the coffee inside. It will not burn coffee so it eliminates the need for the hot plate that is typical of a coffee maker with a glass carafe. If the added weight is not an issue for you, order one for your home worry-free.
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Check out these models. We have provided detailed reviews herein.
Benefits of Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers
Are you considering buying a new thermal carafe coffee maker for your home? If you enjoy coffee or brew it often for friends or family members, you will love having one around. Here are some benefits:
Efficient: Glass carafes are stylish and cheaper but tend to lose heat faster even during summer. Because of this heat loss, you may have to heat your coffee, which some consider to compromise its taste. This is never an issue with a thermal carafe. They not only heat quicker but also retain heat for better brewing results. The thermal carafe will also keep your coffee hotter, possibly eliminating the need to reheat your coffee.
Durable: Most thermal carafes have a double-walled stainless-steel structure that is less likely to break than a glass carafe. They can support heavier loads than glass thus without breaking. You can drop one a few times without damage and use them indoors or on the road without them rusting.
Easy to Use: While using pots or stovetop kettles to brew coffee, you have to check temperature manually to make sure the temperature does not get too high. With a thermal carafe, however, this is a non-issue. Most models have preprogramed designs that do the hard work for you. They maintain an optimal temperature for brewing coffee. You can also adjust brew settings and set it to shut off automatically after brewing.
Versatile: The best thermal carafe coffee makers can brew more than coffee. Depending on the model you choose, you can choose to brew cappuccino or another coffee product with the push of a button.
The 5 Best Thermal Coffee Makers
Here are our picks of the best thermal carafe coffee makes for you.
1. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemaker
Features:
- 12 cup carafe
- Stainless steel design
- 36-inch power cable
- Adjustable brew settings
- Safe electrical system
- Large and comfortable handle
- Touch controls
This silver thermal coffeemaker from Cuisinart has a stainless-steel design with a silver theme that does not fade. Stainless steel is also durable. Compared to plastic, it can withstand high levels of heat without melting. The carafe has a double-walled design that can prepare up to 12 cups of coffee. However, it also has 1-4 cup settings that you can use to brew a small amount of coffee.
This thermal coffee maker can brew regular and bold coffee. Use the brew-strength control on its front panel to set your preferred strength whenever you are making coffee at home. Its electric system has a 36-inch power cord, which is short by today’s standards. The cord requires 120 volts of power to work and meets the recommended electric standard in North America. For added safety, the manufacturer has included an automatic shutoff feature that switches off its system automatically after brewing coffee.
Pros:
- Its double-walled carafe makes up to 12 cups of coffee per session.
- The brew strength control enables you to brew regular and bold coffee.
- It has a pre-programmed system with touch controls for adjusting time, et cetera.
Cons:
- The warming plate builds up with scale over time, which lowers its efficacy.
Our Verdict:
Cuisinart is a plug-and-use 12 cups thermal coffee maker measuring 9 x 7.75 x 14.25 inches. It weighs 20-pounds and has a stainless-steel structure with rubber feet on the bottom. The system has a fully automated design. It monitors cooking time automatically and then shuts off after coffee is ready. The warming plate needs some improvement though as scale build-up lowers its efficacy over time.
2. BLACK+DECKER CM2035B Thermal Coffeemaker
Features:
- 12-cup coffee maker
- Double-walled carafe
- Stainless steel parts
- Cool-touch handle
- Brew strength selector
- 1-4 cup options
- Evenstream showerhead
- Drip pour spout
BLACK+DECKER gained prominence over the years with its power tools. However, the company has diversified into the thermal coffee maker industry as well with products such as the BLACK+DECKER CM2035B. This 12-cup coffee maker has a double-walled carafe made from stainless steel. The carafe has an insulated design that retains heat for long to boost coffee extraction. The carafe doubles as a serving jug as it has a sturdy base with a thick, cool-touch handle.
BLACK+DECKER CM2035B has the option for brewing small batches of coffee. You can set it to brew 1-4 cups of coffee directly into a cup while maintaining the flavor of a full brew. It also has customizable brew options, including a brew strength selector for setting the boldness of coffee. You can set it to brew regular or bold coffee, for instance, using front-mounted controls on its front panel. Each cup that this thermal coffee maker brews measures 5 ounces.
Pros:
- The thick stainless steel used to make this thermal carafe coffee maker is durable.
- Its brew-strength control supports brewing regular and bold coffee.
- An Evenstream showerhead spreads hot water over coffee grounds evenly to maximize extraction.
Cons:
- The electrical element is not the best and there are user reviews that mention electronic failures.
Our Verdict:
BLACK+DECKER CM2035B is a 12-cup stainless steel coffee maker that can also make smaller amounts, including as few as 1-4 cups of coffee. It has a low-pressure shower head (Evenstream) that spreads water over coffee grounds to maximize extraction. You can also customize the brew option for its system to brew regular or bold coffee. The electrical element needs improvements, though, as it tends to blow out under heavy load.
3. Mr. Coffee 10 Cup Thermal Coffee Maker
Features:
- Gold-tone filter system
- 10 cup thermal carafe
- Reaches 205 degrees
- Stainless steel design
- Pre-programmed system
- Touch buttons
- Brew strength control
Mr. Coffee has produced eco-friendly coffee makers and espresso machines for homes and hotels for many years now. Its products are efficient and backed by a robust customer service system. Mr. Coffee, for instance, has a 10-cup design with a built-in reservoir. Like other parts, its reservoir is stainless steel and therefore durable. You can also remove and clean it by hand after use or when dirty.
The system uses an electric element to heat water. Made from steel, it has a fast heating and durable design. Also, it generates up to 1300 watts of power to ensure fresh flavor extraction. At full power, Mr. Coffee claims that the system can reach 205 degrees and can brew up to 20% faster than its predecessors. While this was not verified, it is noteworthy, especially to those who make a lot of coffee. The gold-tone filter in this system removes up to 70% of chlorine from water and eliminates the need for paper filters.
Mr. Coffee, like other premium brands, has a customizable brew setting. The top left of the product has buttons for adjusting its brew strength to either bold or regular. Because all systems come pre-programmed. You do not have to adjust attributes such as temperature or time to achieve this.
Pros:
- The thermal carafe has a 1300-watt electrical system that reaches 205 degrees.
- Its stainless-steel structure is stylish, durable, and easy to clean.
- It has a gold-tone filter that catches coffee grounds while serving coffee.
Cons:
- Customer service is reportedly poor that can be difficult to reach.
Our Verdict:
Suboptimal customer service from this coffee maker needs improvement. However, it has a few strengths including a robust design and a 1300-watt heating element. The carafe and the body are stainless steel. Finally, it has an adjustable brew strength.
4. BUNN 55200 CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal Coffee Maker
Features:
- One year warranty
- Stainless steel structure
- 50-ounce carafe
- Dishwasher safe carafe
- Fits 20-ounce travel mugs
- Stays warm for 2 hours
BUNN 55200 CSB3T is a thermal coffee maker that brews up to 10 cups of coffee per session. To work, you fill a built-in reservoir with water. Then, you add coffee grounds, switch it on, and let it brew coffee for you.
The stainless-steel carafe of this product has a removable design that is also dishwasher safe. If you decide to clean it by hand, rinse its interior thoroughly to get rid of the soap smell that often ruins the taste of coffee. At full capacity, the pot holds 50 ounces of coffee. The system can also brew coffee in a 20-ounce travel mug (not included).
The double-walled and vacuumed design of BUNN 55200 CSB3T is efficient. It does not lose heat as quickly as glass pots often do. Thus, it keeps coffee warm for longer, eliminating the need for reheating. Depending on the coffee you are brewing, it stays warm for 2+ hours. All parts come from the United States and have a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- The product has a stainless-steel carafe with a vacuum-sealed design that stays warm for up to 2 hours.
- All of its USA-made parts have a three-year warranty.
- The dishwasher-safe parts are durable and very easy to clean.
Cons:
- The system is slow with water taking a long time to heat.
Our Verdict:
Using the BUNN 55200 CSB3T coffee maker requires patience as it is painfully slow. However, it has durable steel parts. The carafe is dishwasher safe while its USA-made design has a 3-year warranty.
5. Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker
Features:
- 197-204 degrees system
- 13.5 x 9 x 16-inch design
- Specialty third wave carafe
- Vacuum insulation
- Temperature and time control
- Shuts off automatically
- Steep and release system
This brushed steel thermal coffee maker from Breville has a portable 13.5 x 9 x 16-inch design with a specialty third wave carafe. It makes up to 60 ounces of coffee in a stainless-steel carafe with a non-slip handle and vacuum insulation. As such, it retains heat slightly longer than some of the best glass carafes do.
The third-wave brew technology of this product has a few pre-set programs. Temperature and time control, for instance, are precise and automated. Once powered, it sets the correct temperature and time for making gold, strong, and iced coffee, to name a few. The thermo coil heating system of the product reaches 197-204 degrees.
Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker has an auto-sleep system. After making coffee, it shuts off automatically to save power and prevent its system from overcooking coffee. The steep and release system, on the other hand, makes smaller volumes of coffee on cups and not the carafe. The system has an automated setting too.
Pros:
- An auto-shutoff system prevents it from overheating or burning coffee.
- Its stainless-steel structure is durable and BPA-free.
- The double-walled carafe brews up to 60 ounces of coffee at full capacity.
Cons:
- Overpriced yet it is not as reliable as other products in this niche.
Our Verdict:
Breville Precision Brewer is a 60-ounce thermal carafe with an auto-shutoff feature that prevents coffee from burning. It measures 13.5 x 9 x 16-inches and has precision controls for adjusting the brew strength of coffee and its time. It has a durable structure made from stainless steel. The material is durable but somewhat heavy.
Final Thoughts
Thermal carafe coffee makers brew both bold and regular coffee in vacuum-sealed stainless-steel carafes. Most models have pre-programmed systems with touch controls on the front or side-mounted control panels. They also have a plug-and-use interface with reliable electrical elements and high-capacity designs (60 ounces or more).