Are you even a coffee addict if you are not on the constant lookout for GOOD coffee makers? Finding a good coffee maker is difficult enough, but having so many varieties and types to pick from makes it even more difficult!
As self-proclaimed coffee aficionados, we’re always on the hunt for new technology that can improve our coffee experience. Finally, we came across thermal coffee makers that may provide coffee addicts like us with the ultimate coffee experience!
What Is a Thermal Coffee Maker?
A thermal coffee maker is a modern take on the classic drip coffee machine. The carafes that come with these machines are designed to retain heat and prevent it from escaping. These containers are made up of dual insulated stainless steel walls. For a more visually pleasant aspect, some thermal containers have a single stainless steel wall inside and a different material outside, such as plastic or aluminum.
Since the inner wall minimizes heat transfer, the exterior of thermal containers remains cool to touch, and there is little to no risk of injury. Some benefits of using thermal containers for hot beverages include:
- Thermal containers keep your drink hot for hours
- Thermally insulated containers keep your drink fresh hours after it’s prepared
- They are also shatter-resistant, which makes them more durable
A thermal carafe adds the “thermal” element to a coffee maker since it is in that container where the coffee stays hot. The sole purpose of a thermal coffee maker is to ensure that freshly brewed coffee stays hot and fresh as it sits. That being said, having a thermal coffee maker can improve your coffee experience in many other ways. For one, most thermal coffee makers nowadays come with in-built timers that you can program per your schedule. For example, if you want to skip the hassle of making coffee yourself in the morning, you can easily program a thermal coffee machine to do it for you! These features are also available in a conventional drip coffee maker, but with a thermal coffee maker, your coffee will remain hot and fresh as it sits (even if you miss your alarm!).
Speaking of alarms, with thermal coffee makers, you might not need an alarm at all. Some thermal coffee makers are programmed to notify users when the coffee is ready. Imagine waking up to the sound of your coffee being ready rather than your annoying alarm! (Not to mention the heavenly aroma of coffee beans as they brew!)
Moreover, if you drink several cups of coffee a day but are looking for a way to cut down on the time you spend brewing them (without having to hire an assistant), thermal coffee makers will most likely solve your problem! Most thermal coffee makers come with carafes that have varying capacities of 10-12 cups. Therefore, you can easily prepare a large batch of coffee in the morning that would last you throughout the day without making it yourself!
Buyers’ Guide – Features to Consider When Buying a Thermal Coffee Maker
By now, you probably have a good idea of how a thermal coffee maker works. However, when deciding which one to buy, there are a bunch of key features you should look out for to make the decision process easier.
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Capacity
This is significant because thermal carafes come in a variety of sizes. Some carafes hold up to 12 cups, while others hold up to 10. If you don’t need a whole pot, most thermal coffee machines allow you to produce smaller amounts. However, if you’re buying a coffee maker for a large family or even an office, this feature is still important. As a result, when purchasing your thermal coffee maker, keep the required capacity of thermal carafes in mind.
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Programmability
There are a variety of programming options available for thermal coffee makers. For example, some coffee makers offer auto on/off mode, while others allow you to schedule when your coffee will be ready. Some even allow you to pause the brewing process so you may grab a cup mid-brew. Similarly, some coffee machines include an integrated grinder, while others do not.
It is advised that you consider the machine’s programmability when determining which device to purchase. Make a list of the features you must have in your coffee maker and make your decision accordingly.
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Budget
Programmability brings me to my last point; budget! Since last year, coffee makers have been an investment; therefore, it’s critical to stick to a reasonable budget. Also, keep in mind that the more programming features a thermal coffee machine has, the more it is likely to cost.
The Best Thermal Coffee Makers Out There
If you are thinking of buying a thermal coffee maker, we have prepared a list of the best thermal coffee makers that you can consider buying.
1. Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
The Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker is at the top of our list for thermal coffee makers. This coffee maker has a built-in grinder that you can turn on and off, an 8-ounce bean hopper, and a thermal carafe that allows you to prepare 2-12 cups of coffee at a time. The most impressive feature of this thermal coffee maker is its programmability, so you can program it to prepare your coffee every morning. The alarm settings on this coffee maker are not only to notify you that it has prepared your coffee but also loud enough to act as your morning alarm!
The stainless steel carafe that comes with the Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker traps the heat within and keeps your coffee hot for hours. In addition, the exterior of the carafe remains cool because there is little to no heat transfer; therefore, there is little chance of harm.
This thermal coffee maker has several useful functions that allow you to tailor your coffee experience to your own needs. If you are the kind of person who likes to sneak a cup of coffee mid-brew, well – this thermal coffee maker will let you do just that with its Brew-Pause feature. You can also set the machine to your preferred strength. The options you get with this machine are mild, strong, and medium.
Pros
Keeps coffee warm for hours
Inbuilt grinder
Programmable
Brew-Pause feature
It does not clog
Cons
Relatively noisy
Difficult to clean
2. Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker, 10-Cup, Stainless Steel/Black
This machine is your best buddy if you want a cup of piping hot coffee as well as a cup of delicious, iced coffee. This thermal coffee maker has outstanding drip-free features that make the process of making and consuming coffee spill-free. If the carafe is not in place, no coffee will drip onto your countertop. The showerhead also does an impressive job of making evenly brewed coffee. This thermal coffee maker will also brew you some strong iced coffee with its auto-adjusting mechanism, so the ice does not dilute the flavor of your iced coffee.
The thermal carafe that comes with this machine holds ten cups of coffee, but you can brew fewer if necessary. The overall design of the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker is trendy among users for being very user-friendly. Furthermore, unlike other coffee makers, the removability of the filter basket and water tank offers the user the convenience of cleaning them efficiently.
The cherry on the top with the Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker is that it comes with a reusable and washable mesh coffee filter and a measuring spoon, so you do not have to buy them separately. With these impressive features and add-ons, this thermal coffee maker is bound to be a hit in your home.
Pros
Keeps coffee piping hot
Durable parts
Easy to assemble
Easy to cleanup
Not noisy
Cons
Quite large in size
Lengthy brew time
Expensive
3. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemaker
The programming choices on this revolutionary thermal coffee maker are excellent. Not only can you set it to prepare your coffee every morning, but its self-cleaning features and auto on/off option also make this machine one of our favorites. The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemaker comes with a 12-cup stainless steel carafe which keeps the coffee piping hot for hours on end. The machine not only lets you choose how hot you want your coffee to be but also how strong you want it; mild, medium, or strong. The highlight of this thermal coffee maker is that, unlike most of its thermal counterparts, this one has a transparent window that lets you monitor the water levels. Moreover, if you find the beeping sounds that go off once the coffee is ready annoying, you can easily turn the settings off, so you do not have to bear with the noise.
This machine is also famous for its elegant design. The carafe is plain with a smart handle and fits the coffee maker snugly, eliminating any chances of leakage. In addition, it’s effortless to program, which also makes it super user-friendly.
Pros
Keeps coffee warm for a long time
Easy to program
No leakage
Cons
The carafe pours coffee very slowly
Short lifespan
4. KRUPS ET351 Thermal Coffee Maker
This KRUPS Thermal Coffee Maker is a popular choice among many coffee lovers. Equipped with a 12-cup carafe and an attractive black design, this thermal coffee maker comes with a fantastic no-drip feature. This feature allows you to remove the carafe from the machine while it is brewing, allowing you to pause it at any time. Furthermore, unlike most other thermal coffee makers, this one too has a transparent window, so you have an idea of the water level. The key feature of this thermal coffee maker is its programmability, which allows you to set the digital clock to auto-start in the morning for a fresh cup of coffee.
The thermal coffee maker’s carafe is cleverly designed to keep the heat up to 4 hours without compromising the taste. In addition, while the carafe has a total quantity of 12-cups, you can brew a smaller batch without having to worry about the flavor with its Adjustable Brew strength feature. The carafe has an opening wide enough to fit a man’s hand, which allows for easy clean-up. Like most thermal coffee makers, this one also comes with an alarm to let you know when your coffee has finished brewing.
Pros
The carafe design allows for easy clean-up
Keeps coffee hot
Easy to use the timer
Durable
Cons
The carafe spout is dripping
Limited lifespan
Minor leakage issue
A large and boxy design
5. Mr. Coffee 10 Cup Coffee Maker | Optimal Brew Thermal System
The Mr. Coffee 10 Cup Coffee Maker is a popular choice. The Mr.Coffee 10 cup coffee maker can brew 10 cups of coffee in one go and is available at a significantly lower price than other thermal coffee makers. In addition, the thermal carafe in this coffee machine keeps the coffee hot and fresh for hours after it is made.
The winning feature of this machine is the removable water reservoir, a feature which many other coffee machines lack. The removability of the reservoir lets the user fill it up with a lot of ease. The Delay Brew Feature on this coffee maker allows you to wake up to freshly prepared coffee. There is also a Freshness Timer on this thermal coffee maker, so it lets you know how fresh your coffee is from when it was brewed. An exciting feature of this thermal coffee maker is that it brews better taste at extremely high temperatures. So, the higher the temperature, the richer your coffee will taste.
The overall design of this thermal coffee maker is an aesthetic addition to your kitchen. The stainless steel against the matte, jet black features make for a cool look in the kitchen.
Pros
Cheap
Aesthetic design
It makes great coffee and keeps it hot
Brews coffee fast
Cons
Releases a lot of steam
Large and bulky
Minor leakage
6. Hamilton Beach Programmable Front-Fill Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
The Hamilton Beach Programmable Front-Fill Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe is another excellent option that offers users a wholly customized coffee experience. If you’re searching for a thermal coffee maker, it’s also one of the more economical options on this list. A lot of users love it for how straightforward it is to program. It lets you choose from 3 brewing options as well as the strength of your coffee. There is also a timer on this machine to have coffee ready in the morning when you wake up. There is also an auto shut-off feature that activates right after the coffee maker is done brewing, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off. The Hamilton Beach Programmable Front-Fill Coffee Maker comes with its own reusable coffee filter, so you also save money on paper filters. Users also find it easier to fill with water due to its front fill feature. The wide opening also ensures a spill-free experience.
The thermal carafe comes with a capacity of 12 cups, and users love it because it keeps the coffee hot for hours after brewing and does not drip, which makes for a mess-free experience. In addition, both the basket and the carafes are easy to wash due to the wide mouth, so cleaning this thermal coffee maker is a lot less of a hassle.
Pros
Easy-to-use interface
Easy to clean
It does not drip
It does not make much noise
Small size
Cons
It takes longer to brew coffee
Occasional leakage
7. BUNN 55200 CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal Coffee Maker Stainless Steel
Like all other thermal coffee makers in this list, the BUNN 55200 CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal Coffee Maker is popular among coffee enthusiasts. This state-of-the-art machine lets you brew up to 10 cups of coffee in 4 minutes due to its unique design, enabling it to brew coffee on demand. In addition, this thermal coffee maker keeps about 70 ounces of water at brewing temperature so that the coffee can be made almost instantly.
Considering the design and speed of this thermal coffee machine, there is no need for a mid-brew pause button. Furthermore, since the coffee is prepared at such lightning speed, you won’t even need to sneak a cup of coffee from this machine!
The double-walled, insulated thermal carafe does a great job of keeping the coffee piping hot for hours. Since there is no hot plate involved, you do not have to worry about your coffee overcooking and filling the house with a burning smell.
The BUNN 55200 CSB3T Speed Brew Platinum Thermal Coffee Maker comes with dishwasher-safe parts, making clean-up much more manageable. Could this machine get any better?
Pros
Makes coffee fast
Auto-off feature
Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
The carafe is difficult to clean
8. OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a slightly expensive option, but it can brew by the cup or the carafe. It offers excellent value for money and has been recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association as a gold-standard coffee (SCA). Its most recent technology allows it to adjust water temperature and brew cycles with more precision. Moreover, its unique feature is a showerhead, ensuring the water gets sprinkled equally over the coffee grounds. It boasts a cutting-edge design that enables easy cleaning and storage beneath the cabinets.
It features many compatibility choices, including the ability to brew both 10-20 oz and 20-40 oz. In addition, it has a maximum capacity of up to 8 cups. This is a great machine that brews flavorful coffee at a reasonable speed. Moreover, it is user-friendly and does the brewing silently with no noise.
Pros
User-friendly
Its sleek design will easily fit under the cabinets
Coffee tastes great
A single-serve option is also available
Easy to clean
Cons
Low capacity
No water filter
Difficult to pour and spills at times
It does not empty completely
Conclusion
There are hundreds of thermal coffee makers out there in the market for you to buy. However, choosing the best thermal coffee maker can be a time-consuming and challenging process. The machines that we have listed here are produced by companies that have been in the coffee maker market for a while. We hope that our list of the finest thermal coffee makers helped you narrow down your choices.