When I set out to find the best coffee maker for keeping coffee hot, I knew it was going to have to be a thermal coffee maker. These well-insulated coffee makers keep the heat locked in so your coffee will taste freshly made for hours after being brewed.
After trying several coffee makers, this Zojirushi Coffee Maker earned our accreditation for the best coffee maker for keeping coffee hot. Read on to learn more about what makes this coffee maker such a great purchase. I'll also give you some other suggestions and share some tips regarding thermal coffee makers!
Our Pick: Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker
If you're looking for a coffee maker that can keep your coffee hot after brewing it, the Zojirushi coffee maker is your best bet.
The Zojirushi coffee maker features a vacuum insulated carafe that can hold the temperature of your coffee for hours. This will preserve its temperature and flavor, unlike hot plates which will keep your coffee warm at the expense of the fresh-brewed flavor. This design kept my coffee warm for over two hours after it was made.
Another one of the stand-out features is the pre-brewing infusion cycle. The Zojirushi coffee maker soaks the coffee beans before brewing them at a precise 200ºF. The result is flavorful and aromatic coffee that exceeded the qualities of many other coffee makers I've tried!
Other noteworthy features include a reusable filter, an iced coffee setting and a programmable timer. The only downside is that it's a fairly simple machine. It'll make a phenomenal cup of coffee and keep it hot, but it's not going to be your complete coffee solution.
PROS
- Well-insulated carafe
- Flavorful and aromatic coffee
- Programmable timer
- Reusable stainless steel mesh filter
CONS
- Fairly simple, no frills machine
Click here to get your Zojirushi Coffee Maker on Amazon today!
Runner-Up: Cuisinart DGB-650BC Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew is a pretty standard coffee maker, but it has the added feature of a built-in coffee bean grinder.
The bean grinding feature is what earned this coffee maker a spot on our list. In my opinion, nothing compares to the flavor of coffee brewed from fresh ground beans. With the Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew, you can add coffee beans the night before and they will be automatically ground and brewed fresh in the morning. Talk about convenient!
And, just like the Zujiroshi coffee maker, the Cuisinart offers an insulated carafe that will keep your coffee warm for hours. You can even remove the carafe to pour your coffee before the brew is done! The machine will automatically hold brewed coffee until you replace the carafe. Like any other standard coffee maker, it also features a programmable timer.
So what held this coffee maker back from the top spot? It doesn't seem as well made as others on the list. The coffee tasted great and my beans were always thoroughly ground. But, after a few weeks of use, I noticed some wear on my coffee maker. After speaking with other owners, they all noted that the durability of the machine was not as good as it could be.
PROS
- Built-in coffee bean grinder
- Effective insulated carafe
- Easy to use and program
CONS
- Poor durability
Click here to get your Cuisinart Grind-and-Brew Coffee Maker on Amazon today!
Premium Option: Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is one of the best coffee makers I've ever used.
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is incredibly versatile and programmable. You can fine-tune your brewing process to ensure you get the perfect flavor and temperature for your coffee. Plus, with simple dial settings, it's super easy to set the appliance to your desired settings.
It's definitely worth mentioning that this machine does more than coffee. It has settings for cold brews, teas, specialty beverages and more. There's even a built-in frother to get a silky, foamy texture from the convenience of your own kitchen.
And of course, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System comes with a thermal carafe to keep your brews hot for up to two hours after brewing.
PROS
- Tons of brewing options
- Built-in frother
- Brew coffee, tea and more
CONS
- Warranty is limited
Click here to get your Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System on Amazon today!
Budget Option: BLACK+DECKER Thermal Coffeemaker
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can still hold your coffee's temperature, the BLACK+DECKER Thermal Coffeemaker might be right up your alley.
The BLACK+DECKER coffee maker is a simple coffee maker, but its insulated thermal carafe will keep your coffee hot for hours after brewing. Like others we've mentioned, you'll be able to program the timer to brew your coffee automatically.
You will find some options for brewing a stronger batch of coffee, as well as a timer that displays the time it's been since the coffee has been brewed. Outside of these features, you're not getting anything too special with the BLACK+DECKER Thermal Coffeemaker. But, if you just need a simple coffee maker for the occasional cup of joe, this can certainly do the trick.
PROS
- Lower price point
- Insulated carafe for holding temperature
CONS
- Flavor is not as good as other units
- Fairly basic coffee maker
Click here to get your BLACK+DECKER Thermal Coffeemaker on Amazon today!
Coffee Maker FAQs
After you've picked up your new coffee maker, it's time to get brewing! Keep the following information in mind to get the most out of your coffee maker.
How Do I Clean My Coffee Maker?
If you don't regularly clean your coffee maker, it may begin to impact the flavor of your brews.
Many coffee makers can be quickly cleaned by running just water through a brewing cycle. In most cases, the hot water and steam will be enough to clean out the system. In severe cases, you may want to run white vinegar through the brewing process. Vinegar can eliminate any residue that has built up over time.
When it comes to cleaning carafes and water reservoirs, many of them are dishwasher safe nowadays. You can rinse them out and run them through the dishwasher to prepare them for your next cup of coffee. Of course, be sure to check with the manufacturer's guidelines – not all accessories are dishwasher safe. If you're in doubt, hand-washing is your best option.
Can I Reheat Cold Coffee?
Thermal coffee makers are a great option because they allow you to enjoy hot coffee for hours! You no longer have to worry about coffee getting cold moments after being brewed.
But, there still may be occasions where the coffee in your carafe has gone cold. In these cases, pour your coffee into a mug and reheat it in the microwave. You cannot run in back through your coffee maker, as this will damage your machine.
Can I Put My Carafe on the Stove or in the Microwave?
You should never place a carafe, either thermal insulated or regular, on the stovetop or in the microwave. This can damage your carafe and may even be dangerous. If you want to reheat your coffee, pour it into a microwave-safe cup and reheat it that way.
Looking for other kitchen appliance recommendations? Refer to our small kitchen appliances buyer's guide! Or, for the latest Appliance Accreditor reviews, be sure to visit our blog.