TL;DR: Some of the best thermal coffee makers utilize advanced brewing methods to achieve lasting flavor in every pot of drip coffee made. Thermal coffee makers are ideal for home or office use, especially in situations that involve leaving a carafe of coffee around for multiple people. It’s important to know how many cups of drip you’d like your thermal coffee machine to make as well as how long you’d like it to stay warm before making your final decision!

Even though I’ve upgraded my morning cup recently by making the switch to a home espresso machine, thermal coffee makers got me through college. I romanticize thermal coffee makers because of their ability to keep me coming back for more — are you seeking a thermal coffee pot for the same reasons?

As a long-time coffee addict and former professional barista, I’ll be the first to tell you: Thermal coffee pots are a game-changer if you like to linger with a mug of drip for most of the morning. Thermal carafe coffee makers take your brew to another level, keeping their contents warm and well-balanced for hours on end.

But what should you look for when shopping for a thermal coffee maker, and what are some reliable options? I’m here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. And, if I don’t answer all of your questions today, contact any of our Curated Coffee and Espresso Experts.

To fully understand your decision, let’s begin with all of the things you should consider about thermal coffee makers and carafes before diving into some of your options.

What Is a Thermal Coffee Maker?

Also known as double-walled carafes or insulated carafes, thermal coffee makers are appliances equipped with special carafes designed to keep your coffee warm for hours. Typically used to keep French press or drip coffee flavorful and hot, thermal carafes are an excellent alternative for anyone seeking to upgrade their glass coffee pot and hot plate setup.

The primary advantage of choosing a thermal coffee maker is the fact that it stays warm for so long. Without a heating element, thermal carafes maintain the ideal temperature for coffee and don’t lose out on flavor or potency. The taste and richness of coffee wanes greatly as its temperature fluctuates, something that happens in traditional drip coffee makers and glass carafes.

What to Consider About Thermal Coffee Makers

While thermal coffee makers aren’t too different from your standard drip coffee machine, there are still a few things to consider about this mainstay appliance. Let’s discuss what you need to think about before shopping.

Carafe Capacity

How many cups of coffee do you need to be able to brew up and keep warm? Thermal carafes are handy and prized because of their ability to keep drip coffee warm longer than the average glass coffee pot. This fact alone may keep you coming back for another cup, which is why choosing an adequately sized thermal carnage for your needs is important.

Are you buying your thermal coffee machine for your office or bustling household? What if you only plan on brewing coffee for yourself and a partner? These facts may matter as you shop for thermal carafes that suit your lifestyle. While you can always make another pot of coffee, thermal carafes are ideal for keeping larger quantities of drip hot for hours.

Temperature vs. Time

Speaking of keeping coffee hot, researching just how long thermal carafes stay warm is important. While every thermal coffee maker brand likely strives to achieve a long-lasting, consistent temperature within their thermal carafes, some options may cool off faster than others.

If you’re getting a thermal carafe for your household of multiple adults or plan on setting up this appliance in an office, you may not have to worry about your carafe keeping things warm for hours on end. It’s more likely that your coffee will be consumed long before it gets cold. But if you live in a smaller household and know you’ll be working on a single pot all day, prioritizing the heat retention of your carafe is a good idea.

Ease of Cleaning

One of the primary drawbacks of choosing a thermal carafe over traditional glass carafes is the fact that they can be more difficult to clean. While this will still depend on the specific brand or product you choose, thermal carafes aren’t always dishwasher safe. They also tend to have smaller openings or pockets within the vessel that are more difficult to access.

Since they’re typically made of double-walled stainless steel, thermal carafes may not be ideal for those of you seeking a coffee pot that you can toss in the dishwasher. However, some makes and models can offer this — it’s worth paying attention to as you shop, especially if ease of cleaning is a high priority for you!

Size of the Brewer

While your carafe or cup capacity is important, the overall size of your coffee brewer matters too. If you’re making drip in a compact kitchen with limited counter space, you may want to take some measurements before getting a thermal coffee maker. Some of these appliances are taller or wider than the average drip coffee machine, so make sure your top pick doesn’t take up too much valuable space on your counters.

Water Tank Options

While quality coffee beans matter when it comes time to make a good pot of drip, your water quality does too. Some thermal coffee makers have water filters or filtered water options, keeping your pot tasting its best for hours. And this isn’t the only aspect to consider about your coffee maker’s water reservoir. Where it’s located on the machine and whether or not you want a removable water tank should also be things to contemplate.

Programmable Settings

Traditional drip coffee machines often come equipped with buttons and programmable settings for ease of use. If you’re used to pre-programming your coffee maker so that there’s a pot of drip ready when you wake up, finding a thermal maker capable of achieving this is a good idea.

You may also want to program your brew strengths, how many cups to make, and even consider self-cleaning options so that your thermal brewer takes care of itself at the end of the day. Keep in mind that programmable features may increase the price point of your thermal coffee maker, but convenience is often worth prioritizing.

Desired Price Point

Speaking of price points, understanding your budget before shopping is always a good idea. Thermal coffee makers range in price but are typically higher compared to the average drip coffee machine. Likewise, your budget may need to factor in the purchase of additional accessories. Thermal coffee makers benefit from descaling products or other cleaners. And you may need to consider a coffee grinder if you want fresh ground beans every morning.

Here Are 7 of the Best Thermal Coffee Makers

To get a true understanding of what thermal coffee makers are all about, check out 7 potential options for your home and lifestyle.

1. Overall Winner: Breville Precision Brewer

Capable of crafting 60 ounces of quality drip coffee, the Breville Precision Brewer works well in just about any home or office. Compact and available in a sleek brushed stainless steel finish, this thermal brewer looks attractive in even the smallest kitchens. Plus, this coffee maker is programmable, efficient, and consistent, having achieved a SCA Gold Cup Certification.

The Breville Precision Brewer is ideal for coffee aficionados as well as novice enthusiasts. Capable of brewing drip coffee using a flat reusable filter or a cone filter option for more of a pour-over experience, this machine keeps any style of drip coffee warm for hours in its carafe. Plus, the Breville gives users the option to program the brewing temperature, strength, and style, with choices for cold brew or over ice.

2. Best for Large Households: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGT

While a bit tall to fit under the average kitchen cabinets, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGT brews plenty for the whole family. With a 10-cup capacity and intuitive design, this thermal coffee maker makes it easy to grab your coffee and hit the road. Or, better yet, hit the road with your fully brewed carafe— the Moccamaster’s pot comes with an optional travel lid.

While it isn’t programmable, the Moccamaster’s carafe is designed to help you avoid spills and messes should you snag a cup while it’s still brewing. This makes it ideal for offices or bustling households, especially given the fact that it starts making fresh drip coffee at the touch of a button.

3. Stylish and Stunning: Ratio Six Drip Coffee Maker

Available in three distinct colors, this thermal brewer from Ratio makes quality drip coffee and looks good doing it. Choose from white, black, or stainless steel housing for your Ratio Six, as this applies to both the carafe and the brewer itself. The minimalistic design and compact dimensions of this machine make it a standout on this list.

While it isn’t programmable, the Ratio Six has taken the guesswork out of brewing a single cup. With dedicating blooming time as well as an automated temperature control process, this machine from Ratio is ideal for anyone hoping to take the guesswork out of their coffee without sacrificing aesthetics or quality.

4. Best for Couples: Fellow Clara French Press

Attractive, compact, and perfect for two, the Clara French press from Fellow is a welcome addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. While technically a French press as opposed to a drip coffee maker, the Clara still counts as a thermal coffee maker. In fact, its double-walled construction utilizes a unique ceramic interior, allowing your coffee to maintain both its temperature and flavor for hours at a time.

It’s important to note that the Clara may not be ideal for individuals who don’t plan on brewing more than one cup of coffee a day; it can be difficult to get your ratios correct. However, this small and stylish French press is ideal for couples or small households looking for a carafe that won’t affect flavor.

5. Most Compact: OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Budget-friendly and capable of brewing a single mug at a time, the OXO Brew 8-cup maker is ideal for small families and kitchens. Not only does this brewer come equipped with a self-cleaning cycle, but it also utilizes an effective and efficient brew head that gets all of your coffee grounds evenly wet with a speedy brew time.

The thermal carafe on the OXO is capable as well, keeping up to eight cups hot for multiple hours. While some customers mention this brewer struggling to keep grounds out of the carafe, it offers some programmability but with less countertop space taken up in the end.

6. Entry-Level Price Point: Cuisinart Perfectemp Programmable Coffee Maker

Programmable, sleek, and priced lower than most of the other options on this list, the Cuisinart Perfectemp coffee maker may just tick all of your boxes. With a stainless steel construction and carafe, this brewer looks good and can keep your coffee warm for multiple hours. Plus, its programmable capabilities help it stand apart from many other options on this list.

You can set a 24-hour timer on this brewer so that your drip is ready when you want it. You can brew as few as a single serving or up to 12 with the right settings. It even has a brew pause feature. While the carafe may be more difficult to clean than the average pot, this option is a solid choice for anyone seeking entry-level programmability.

7. All-In-One: De’Longhi TrueBrew Automatic Drip Coffee Maker

If you know you’re shopping for a coffee grinder alongside your thermal coffee maker, the De’Longhi TrueBrew automatic maker may be for you. This machine can do it all, including adapting to your specific programming needs and desires. With a removable water reservoir and hot water functionality, this is one of the best coffee maker options with a thermal carafe.

You can brew iced coffee, alter the strength of your coffee, and more. Best of all, this De’Longhi appliance grinds your coffee beans fresh with a built-in grinder so that your carafe can maintain that freshness for hours.

Find the Best Thermal Coffee Maker for You

If you still have questions about any of these stunning thermal coffee makers, we’re here with the answers. Reach out to a Curated Coffee and Espresso Expert for advice, insight, and professional opinions today.