A good carafe figures prominently in the choice of a coffee maker. But there is no reason to remain beholden to the carafe bought with the machine. You could need a new carafe to replace a damaged one, or to be better suited to your requirements. Thankfully, several options are available that speak to consumer needs.
A large number of options makes it possible to pick the best coffee carafe that’s suitable for your specific needs. The most popular materials are steel and glass, though other options like ceramics are also available.
More often than not, the material is also relevant to the functioning of the carafe. Stainless steel carafes are generally insulated thermal carafes. Glass carafes can work on hot plates. Of course, these factors don’t always hold true, but they’re often relevant.
2020’s Top Rated Coffee Carafes
- Cresimo Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe
- Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe
- Emsa Eleganza Stainless Steel Insulated Carafe
- Hiware Standard Glass Coffee Carafe
- Mr. Coffee Replacement 12-Cup Glass Carafe
- Pykal Thermal Coffee Carafe
- Kungroo Airtight Glass Cold Brew Pitcher Pot
- Pykal SplashProof Coffee Carafe Airpot Dispenser
- Sdream Thermal Coffee Carafe
- Cuisinart DGB-600RC 10-Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe
- Cresimo Airpot Thermal Coffee Carafe and Coffee Server
Editor’s Choice: Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe
A solid build and great insulation are the winning characteristics of this thermal carafe. At 68 oz, it’s good enough to hold (and serve) a full carafe.
The quality insulation on this carafe keeps the coffee piping hot for a long time. Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe is easy to handle, reasonably priced, and overall a great pick as a thermal coffee carafe.
Best Coffee Carafes On The Market Reviewed
1. Cresimo Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe
Cresimo does a remarkably good job at being a dependable insulated coffee carafe. The double-walled thermal carafe is made from stainless steel. Cresimo claims that their carafe can keep coffee hot for up to 12 hours. On the other hand, if you choose to place something cold in this thermal carafe, it will stay cold for up to 24 hours.
Considering practical use, the coffee remains piping hot for 2 hours. It does remain sufficiently hot for about 9 hours as well.
Cresimo Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe is made from 18/8 stainless steel. This is a food grade material that doesn’t absorb contents from the food/items placed inside the carafe. Similarly, it doesn’t add or leach any substances into the stored foods.
Good quality of the material and construction work in the favor of this carafe. Cresimo coffee carafe lid has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill and clean. When in use, the carafe is easy to maneuver through a single hand, so it’s pretty easily handled.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal carafe
- Made from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel
- Internal volume at 68 oz
- Easy to handle and maneuver with a single hand
- Carafe should be cleaned manually
- Keeps coffee hot for 8-9 hours
2. Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe
Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe is the best thermal coffee carafe and the top choice of our editors for this category. Made from stainless steel, the flask has a dependable construction and can reasonably be expected to last a long time.
As a thermal carafe, it has excellent insulation. The carafe will keep coffee hot for almost 10 hours. If you choose to put cold beverages in the carafe, they will stay at the right temperature for up to 24 hours.
With a capacity of 68 oz, it holds a reasonable amount of coffee and keeps it hot for a long time. The carafe is easy to move and maneuver. Though 68 oz makes it fairly large, it can still be moved using a single hand.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal carafe
- Made from stainless steel
- Capacity at 68 oz
- Can be maneuvered and used with a single hand
- The carafe needs to be washed manually
- Keeps coffee hot for nearly 10 hours
See discounts and buying options
3. Emsa Eleganza Stainless Steel Insulated Carafe
Emsa Eleganza Stainless Steel Insulated Carafe looks sleek and elegant. I look at this carafe and a voice in my head goes “oooh shiny”. Then a more sensible voice reminds me that matte exteriors are better for carafes that you want to use for a long time.
That’s not a comment on its usability, but on the fact that this shiny exterior will show its age. You can delay it with meticulous maintenance, but there’s no avoiding it.
As for usability, this carafe scores top marks. It’s convenient to use and can keep its contents hot for several hours. I would trust this carafe to keep coffee hot for 8-9 hours.
It’s available in several sizes, but picking the larger ones makes better sense. And they fare better with managing the temperature as well.
Emsa Eleganza carafe is made from 18/8 stainless steel, which testified to its high-quality construction. The company says that the carafe is dishwasher safe. However, I’ll suggest taking the manual route for cleaning.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal carafe
- Sleek, elegant design
- Available in different size and volume options
- Made from 18/10 stainless steel
- Good quality construction
- More expensive than the competition
- Keeps coffee hot for 8-9 hours
- Carafe is dishwasher safe, though manual cleaning is better
4. Hiware Standard Glass Coffee Carafe
Hiware Standard Glass Coffee Carafe is built specifically for use with pour over coffee makers. You could put this together with pour over coffee makers like Hario V60 or Kalita Wave. While the coffee maker does its job, the coffee is collected in the carafe placed below the cup.
The lid of this carafe is designed to be compatible with these pour over coffee makers. Specifically, it fits the specifications of the V60 and Mahogany Coffee Drip Stand although others too can work with this carafe.
In construction, this is a simple glass carafe. Due to its simple glass construction, it’s best avoided on the hot plate of drip coffee makers. However, feel free to put it in a microwave or chuck it in a dishwasher.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Simple glass carafe
- Made for use with pour over coffee makers
- 600ml capacity
- Includes lid compatible with various pour over coffee makers
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
5. Mr. Coffee Replacement 12-Cup Glass Carafe
As implied in the title, this is a replacement carafe for your Mr. Coffee machine. The 12-cup carafe bears the part number of PLD13-RB and is compatible with AMX, MV, CG, DW, SK, VB, EHX, SJX and JWX series coffee machines.
This 12-cup carafe has an easy-pour spout to pour coffee without the risk of spills. The cup markings on the carafe let you know how many cups of coffee it’s holding. It can work with hot plates on the coffee maker and is dishwasher-safe.
When buying a carafe like this one, check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with your coffee machine. An easy way is to use the part number and model number comparison. Amazon offers an easy tool to check compatibility.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Glass carafe for Mr. Coffee coffee makers
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to maintain and pour
See pricing and check compatibility
6. Pykal Thermal Coffee Carafe
Sturdy and well-designed, the Pykal Thermal Coffee Carafe is a great pick for your coffee carafe needs. The double-walled and insulated coffee carafe will keep your coffee hot for several hours.
Though it can get fairly large, it remains easy to maneuver and use. Coffee flow can be adjusted conveniently, using a single hand.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal coffee carafe
- Stainless steel construction
- Capacity at 68 oz
- Easy to use and maneuver
- Keeps coffee hot for 8-10 hours
- Carafe should be cleaned manually (not dishwasher safe)
7. Kungroo Airtight Glass Cold Brew Pitcher Pot
Kungroo Airtight Glass Cold Brew Pitcher Pot is more of a special mention here. This pot/carafe is meant to work with cold brew. In fact, it is available as a full cold brew coffee kit. It serves as a representative for cold brew carafes, though you could as easily use a mason jar for that.
The cold brew carafe holds 1 quart and can be sealed to be airtight. This works especially well when you have a large volume of coffee concentrate to store. Kungroo carafe has a sturdy glass handle for pouring. As a full cold brew set, it comes with a silicone sealer and removable stainless steel infuser filter.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Designed for cold brew coffee
- Includes full cold brew kit, including removable filter/infuser
- Holds 1 quart
- Glass carafe, dishwasher compatible
8. Pykal SplashProof Coffee Carafe Airpot Dispenser
I have to say I’m a bit partial towards airpots. They work as well as any thermal coffee carafe. Plus, the availability of a dispenser makes them easier to use. Sure, it’s not much trouble to pour a cup using a conventional carafe, but simply pressing a button to pour some coffee is way better.
That little feature makes airpots a pain to clean and slightly lowers their lifespan, but it’s fun and convenient. As for the carafe itself, it is double-walled and insulated, so the coffee stays hot for several hours.
The stainless steel construction ensures a long life. However, the problem point here is usually the pump, and rarely the carafe. Even so, it’s fair to expect it to last for several years.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Airpot thermal carafe
- Simple design with good usability
- Easy to manage
- Can keep coffee hot for 8-10 hours
- Capacity: 120 oz
9. Sdream Thermal Coffee Carafe
One big reason for liking Sdream Thermal Coffee Carafe is the availability of colors. Yeah, a coffee carafe isn’t going for a fashion show, but do all of them have to look bland? Absolutely not! And that’s exactly where the Sdream Thermal Coffee Carafe scores.
It’s as functional as any thermal carafe, but is available in several colors. There’s also a slight variation in shapes (on some colors), so there’s a wider range of options to pick from.
As for functioning, it’s pretty similar to other thermal carafes. The double-walled and insulated stainless steel construction keeps coffee hot for a long time. And you can expect it to last for several years. The paint job might show its age after a couple of years, but that shouldn’t discourage you from this pick.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal carafe
- Capacity 68 oz
- Available in several colors
- Easy to use and maneuver
- Should be cleaned manually
- Keeps coffee hot for 8-9 hours
10. Cuisinart DGB-600RC 10-Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe
Cuisinart DGB-600RC 10-Cup Stainless Thermal Carafe is a replacement thermal carafe for Cuisinart machines. It’s well built, dependable, and convenient to use. Much like the Mr. Coffee carafe which is also on this list, this Cuisinart model is meant for specific Cuisinart machines.
Make sure to check the model number compatibility before you purchase it. As a thermal carafe, it can keep coffee hot for several hours. It’s also easy to pour and easily managed.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Thermal carafe for Cuisinart coffee makers
- 10-cup carafe
- Made from stainless steel
- Easy to use
- Best to clean it manually
11. Cresimo Airpot Thermal Coffee Carafe and Coffee Server
Cresimo Airpot Thermal Coffee Carafe and Coffee Server is another easy to use carafe. At 101 oz, it has a huge capacity and its dispenser is quick to action. The carafe and dispenser form a great combo and keep this airpot at the top of its form.
It’s available as a conventional carafe/airpot. However, given its large capacity, they also offer a version with a drip tray. Set it up at an office, event, or cafe, and you’ll have a steady supply of piping hot coffee for several hours.
Coffee Carafe Highlights
- Airpot thermal carafe
- Excellent usability
- Keeps coffee hot for 8-10 hours
- Dispenser works without a hitch
- Capacity at 101 oz
Choosing The Right Coffee Carafe – A Buying Guide
Coffee Machine Carafe Or A Different Thermal Carafe
If you bought a coffee machine with thermal carafe, do you need a different carafe? There isn’t necessarily a reason to replace the carafe that came with your machine. Of course, product defects or damage to the carafe can warrant replacement.
Or, simply wanting a new carafe is a legitimate-enough requirement. They’re useful when you need to have large batches of coffee brewed and ready. Besides, you may simply want a carafe different from that offered by your machine.
The simple answer is usability and its features that work for you.
Choosing Between An Insulated Coffee Carafe And Coffee Thermos
Superficially, the coffee mug and carafe offer the same function – keep your coffee hot for several hours. While their functionality and features often blur the line that separates them, a distinction can be made when necessary.
Get yourself a coffee thermos when you want to take the coffee away from your home/office. Though the modern thermos may often have a construction similar to the carafe, they’re usually geared towards being used outdoors. Carafes often end up being clunkier than a thermos.
A thermos can easily function as a travel mug – in fact, many travel mugs do utilize the principle of the thermos. Besides, the thermos can be available in tiny sizes, even as small as a single cup serving. A thermos can easily take on the role of a small coffee carafe.
Stainless Steel Carafe vs Glass Carafe
Stainless Steel carafes usually are insulated, thermal carafes. Of course, there’s nothing stopping a regular stainless steel pot from working as a carafe, but that’s rarely employed. Modern steel carafes are double-walled and insulated to keep coffee hot for a long time.
Glass coffee carafes are often made using heat-resistant glass. They often work with hot plates on coffee machines to keep the coffee hot for a couple of hours. Glass carafes are usually dishwasher safe, comparatively lighter in weight, and remarkably easy to use.
Steel carafes will last a long time. However, they should be cleaned manually and their insulation may get damaged if placed in dishwashers. Steel carafes can keep your coffee hot for several hours, with many claiming to go as high as 12 hours.
Keep in mind, the coffee temperature in these carafes is a gradient. While most carafes do a great job of maintaining the temperature for 2 hours, it starts to gradually fall after that. You might get “hot” coffee after 10 hours, but it will be substantially cooler than a freshly brewed coffee.
At this point, it’s more a matter of personal preference. Some may still see the coffee as hot and enjoyable, while others may see it as “not hot enough.” If you’re using a thermal carafe, see the temperature and time range that works best for you, so there are no future disappointments.
For The Love Of Coffee – And A Good Carafe!
As we see, a relatively wide range of carafes is available to suit a range of tastes and requirements. Stainless steel thermal carafes and glass carafes are the most popular, though you may also find other materials like ceramic being used. I’m sort of partial to airpots, but their use can be limited.
In most cases, thermal carafes fare better than their competition. Our top choice for this category is the Vondior Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Carafe. But there are several candidates to be considered as the best coffee carafe.
All carafes on this list have proven their mettle, so take a look and you’ll hopefully find something fit for your use.