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Drip coffee makers are usually sold with either a traditional glass carafe and hot plate or an insulated thermal carafe to keep the coffee warm. A thermal carafe has a number of advantages over a hot plate, including portability and enhanced coffee quality.
If you’re in the market for a new or replacement brewer, we’ve picked out five of the best thermal carafe coffee makers to suit a variety of budgets…
| Price: | Around $330 to $340 (For the latest prices and discounts)
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| Color: | Black and silver options |
| Size: | 12.2 x 7.1 x 15.4 inch |
| Weight: | 6.5lbs |
| How long does carafe keep coffee hot?
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6 hours |
| Programmable | No |
Some Features of the Moccamaster KBT 10-Cup Coffee Brewer
We start with one of the pricier thermal carafe coffee makers on the market. The Technivorm Moccamaster features a distinctive design with a 10-cup (42oz)* stainless steel vacuum carafe that claims to keep the brewed coffee hot for up to 6 hours.
The brewign process in total is fairly quick and it makes quite a tasty cup of coffee. A full carafe takes around 5 minutes to brew, at between 196F and 205F. As is common with higher budget coffee makers, this is not a programmable coffee maker and has no automatic start function. While this may limit its appeal for those who like to wake up to the smell of freshly-brewed coffee, the advantage is that using fresh water added just before brewing enhances coffee quality. If you want a fresh brew, you have to do the work people!
Premium features on the Moccamaster include the copper heating element which shuts off automatically after the brew cycle is complete and a distinctive syphon-style design, along with enhanced control over steep time.
Some Cons
Negatives points include the design of the glass carafe lip and also the size of the unit, which is pretty big by coffeemaker standards. However, the Moccamaster is sold new with a 5-year guarantee and the manufacturers’ products are certified by the Specialty Coffee Associations of America (SCAA) and Europe.
*Note that the 10-cup capacity is based on smaller European servings. Based on the larger 5oz serving size, this is more like an 8-cup brewer.
Verdict: If you love your coffee enough to justify the higher price tag, the elegant Moccamaster is definitely one to consider.
| Price: | Around $75 (Check out the latest prices and discounts) |
| Color: | Black (stainless steel carafe) |
| Size: | 13 x 17 x 10 inch |
| Weight: | 7.8lbs |
| How long does carafe keep coffee hot? | Around 3-4 hours
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| Programmable? | Yes (24-hours) |
Some Features of the Cuisinart DTC-975BKN
We move to the other end of the price scale for our second choice. The sleek-looking Cuisinart DTC-975BKNfeatures a 12-cup (60oz) double-wall insulated stainless-steel carafe that keeps coffee hot for around 4 hours, although some third-party users have reported their coffee staying hot all day.
Unlike the Moccamaster, this brewer does have a 24-hour programmable feature, so you can dial in the time you want the coffee to start brewing. There is also an auto shut-off feature, for added convenience and safety. In addition, with its swing-out filter holder and clearly marked water level indicator, the Cuisinart is particularly user-friendly.
Some Cons
Negative points include a relatively long brewing time (around 15 minutes for a full pot) and the fact that you have to buy a separate filter basket (or use paper filters). In addition, the carafe takes some getting used to at first, as the lid is a little awkward to fit and the pour is quite slow. However, if you’re looking for a simple-to-use, budget thermal carafe coffee maker, the Cuisinart is certainly one to consider.
Negative points include a relatively long brewing time (around 15 minutes for a full pot) and the fact that you have to buy a separate filter basket (or use paper filters). In addition, the carafe takes some getting used to at first, as the lid is a little awkward to fit and the pour is quite slow. However, if you’re looking for a simple-to-use, budget thermal carafe coffee maker, the Cuisinart is certainly one to consider.
Verdict: This is great budget thermal carafe brewer from a trusted brand.
| Price: | Around $145 (For the latest prices and discounts.) |
| Color: | Stainless steel with black trim |
| Size: | 6.8 x 12.4 x 12.2 inch |
| Weight: | 6.13lbs |
| How long does the carafe keep coffee hot? | Around 3-4 hours |
| Programmable? | No |
The third choice comes courtesy of well-regarded manufacturer, Bonavita. The brewer comes with a durable 8-cup (40oz) stainless steel lined thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours. It features a one-touch brew operation with automatic shut-off. However, like the Moccamaster, it is not a programmable coffee maker, guess you’ll have to fill the water tank manually. This only means that you’ll have a better cup of joe in the morning, so don’t worry. As an avid coffee drinker myself, I can tell you that fresh filtered water makes the best tasting coffee. Even if there are programmable settings, I don’t schedule my coffee ahead of time. It’s worth the effort my fellow coffee drinkers to make a proper cup!
Premium features include the 500-watt heater that maintains an optimal brewing temperature of 195F to 205F. There is also an optional ‘pre-infusion mode’, which wets the coffee prior to brewing (to release built-up gas and enhance flavor) and a larger ‘showerhead’ that allows for uniform extraction during the brewing process.
Some Cons
Negative points include slightly confusing operations, despite the one-button functionality. A few third-party reviews have also noted issues with the low temperature of the coffee.
However, the Bonavita is recognized by the SCAA’s Certified Home Brewer Program, which provides an indication of its quality. If you want a more compact unit, Bonavita also makes a 5-cup thermal carafe coffeemaker.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a top-quality thermal carafe coffee maker for less than $150, the Bonavita is worth serious consideration.
| Price: | Around $80 (Check out the latest prices and discounts) |
| Color: | Black with silver carafe and display panel |
| Size: | 9.6 x 12.2 x 15.9 inch |
| Weight: | 10.4lbs |
| How long does carafe keep coffee hot? | Up to 4 hours |
| Programmable? | Yes |
Some Features of the KRUPS ET351
Our fourth choice is the compact KRUPS ET351, which is another brewer that offers quality at a budget price. The brewer features a 12-cup (72oz)* thermal carafe which claims to keep the coffee at 180F for up to 4 hours. The design of the carafe is squarer than many others on the market, which makes it easier to clean but also a little more difficult to pour.
The KRUPS is programmable, with a digital LCD screen which lets you dial in the time you want the brew to start (in hours and minutes). Extra features include a dedicated small batch setting for brewing between 1 and 4 cups. There is the added bonus of adjustable brew strength, offering regular and bold options.
Some Cons
Negatives include slightly awkward operation and the fact that it can take some time to find the right coffee strength, given the different options this brewer offers. Overall, this would be an especially good choice for office use, given its large capacity and handy pause/serve feature which allows for the removal of the carafe mid-brew without spills
* Based on 6oz servings.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a budget thermal carafe coffeemaker for your everyday home or office needs, the KRUPS is a great choice with some nice extra features.
| Price: | Around $200 (Check out the latest prices and discounts)
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| Color: | Stainless steel and black |
| Size: | 14.17 x 6.73 x 15.24 inc |
| Weight: | 7.7lbs |
| How long does carafe keep coffee hot? | Around 4 hours |
| Programmable? | Yes (24-hour) |
Some Features of the OXO On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker
We finish with the futuristic-looking OXO On Barista. It features a 9-cup (48oz) vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe that has been designed to optimally retain heat. The coffee is brewed at between 197.6F and 204.8F, with a 6 to 7-minute brew time for a full pot.
The OXO has a number of features in common with the Bonavita, including the ‘rainmaker’ showerhead, which is designed to evenly disperse hot water over the coffee grounds. However, unlike the Bonavita, the OXO is programmable, with a smart LED display and single-dial/button functionality that allows you to select the time you want the brew to start. The OXO also lets you choose the number the number of cups you want then runs the optimal brew cycle, including pre-moistening the grounds.
Some Cons
Negative points include third-party reports of water condensation leading to mildew in the water reservoir, for which the manufacturer recommends leaving the lid open after brewing to allow the steam to escape. Overall, the OXO is winning rave reviews for its features and coffee quality and also boasts SCAA certification. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, for $300 (list price) you can opt for the 12-cup version, which comes with a removable kettle.
Verdict: With its build quality and premium features, the OXO is a real contender to be one of best thermal carafe coffee makers on the market.
Final tips to get the best out of your thermal carafe coffee maker
- Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to ensure the brewer continues to run smoothly and produce the best quality coffee
- Boil some water and preheat your carafe if you like to keep your coffee super-hot.
- You can also use some boiled water to give yourself a hot cup — just heat the mug too.
- Ensure you use the proper grind for a drip coffee maker – you want a medium/coarse medium grind for the best results
- Remember that fresh is best when it comes to coffee quality – don’t store your ground coffee for too long and use fresh water for each brew
- Use filtered water for best tasting coffee. Most coffee makers do not have an adequate water filter.
I have owned the Barista Brain for about 5 months now. Makes fantastic coffee. However, I an unpleasant mildew odour developed a couple of days ago. I ran vinegar and water through it, let it sit with the lid open for a couple of days….It still smells like a swamp at dawn! I cannot use it and have resorted to using a Chemex that I had shelved. I will be contacting OXO for a replacement but I am really disappointed after having spent a considerable sum on a coffee maker to have to have to go to the trouble. I think there may be a design flaw and am afraid a replacement machine is going to have the same problem. If anyone out there is considering the Barista Brain 9 cup I might suggest they may want to hold off until OXO looks a little closer at the current design. I have owned many coffee machines over the years and have never encountered an obvious mildew problem.
Thanks for the heads up. Perhaps this might just be a one off, maybe you should think about getting a replacement and seeing if that helps. In love and coffee, Gordon.
Hi there. I spoke to OXO in PA. They sounded quite surprised and referred me to the Canadian distributor. They offered me a replacement right away. Before schlepping it to the post office I thought I would give Hudson’s Bay Company a chance to exchange it, which they agreed to do even though it meant making an exception to their return policy. Happy ending to the story. The replacement machine has been working fine and smelling like a rose. Or just like a coffee maker should. Kudos to OXO for a fine machine and Hudson’s Bay Company for standing behind the products they carry.
Bought the Technivorm and sadly the carafe design is messy. It doesn’t have the pour spout and leaves a mess by leaving a ring of coffee in the carafe lip.
Thanks for sharing that. It’s always helpful to have additional user reviews on this products, in love and coffee! Gordon.