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Thermal coffee carafe
Learn about how a thermal carafe can keep your coffee hot and fresh for hours.
Published October 26, 2021
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Shruti Gupta
Coffee experts@Era of We
We all love a nice hot cup of coffee any time of the day. For some, it makes the start of a day brand new, and for others, it gives them the will and energy to keep going, and then there are others who like coffee for its delectable taste and aroma. But instant coffee can be a little boring and bland. It can leave you unsatisfied and also leave behind that bitter taste in your mouth, which isn't very pleasant to deal with.
If you're someone who doesn't know much about coffee makers but is interested in something quick and easy, a thermal carafe is for you.
What exactly is a thermal carafe?
It's a jug-like, double-walled container with a lid that can keep your coffee hot. They're usually made of materials like rolled steels or aluminum on the first wall and plastic or aluminum on the second. The material of thermal cafes also ensures the durability of the container. It can also come in handy when you want to brew up some coffee and keep it hot to sip on later. Carafes can come in various sizes and additions and are a must-have for coffee lovers.
Since there are many carafes available out there, especially glass ones, why should you consider thermal ones? Let's get into it.
- Insulation
You may think glass carafes are pretty much identical to thermal ones, but we recommend the latter as the glass carafes don't provide the insulation that metal ones do. This is because these carafes have a vacuum between the two walls to control the heat transfer and minimize it. This is how your coffee remains hot for hours.
Another factor is that the glass carafe is usually accompanied by a hot plate to keep coffee warm, but the heat can spoil the coffee and make it bitter over time, which is not the case with thermal carafes. While they may not keep the coffee piping hot for hours, it'll be fresh and perfectly brewed. Glass carafes can keep coffee hot for up to 20 minutes without a hotplate, whereas thermal ones can keep coffee hot for at least 2 hours.
- The price and the outlook
Glass carafes are considered the "traditional" version of the carafe and have been around since the 1970s. While the price can be lesser than thermal ones, when it comes to innovation and convenience, most thermal carafes come with the exclusion of a hotplate. Hence, making them easier to handle but a little more expensive.
Thermal carafes are also classier and have automatic options or settings to choose from.
- The aroma
The best advantage of a thermal carafe may, in fact, be that it preserves all the aroma of your coffee as it brews due to the lid that usually accompanies it. As soon as you pour it out, the coffee will be fresh as ever. Whereas, glass carafe will let the aroma escape. This also contributes to the thermal carafe eliminating the onset of staleness as it delays the oxidation of the contents.
- Sturdiness
Thermal carafes are made of metal and hence are way sturdier than glass carafes. You may drop it every now and then, but they still won't break. The metal exterior ensures the carafes last for years to come and hence are worth every penny.
- The taste
While the thermal carafes might not be the best for neutral or delicate flavored coffees, they guarantee freshness. As glass carafes let the air in through the opening, it can speed up oxidation and change the taste of the brewed coffee, which means you must drink it immediately to prevent the flavor from being ruined.
A thermal carafe is also ideal if you want to get rid of the "burnt" aftertaste usually associated with glasses accompanied by hotplates. Especially if you're someone who prefers a good 'ol cup of coffee without too many additions, a thermal carafe is a foolproof choice for you.
About the author
Shruti Gupta
I like coffee and I like writing, reading, and traveling, all with a cup of coffee in my hand. My recommendation? Brew some coffee (nutty flavors preferred), make it strong, add a little cinnamon and brown sugar, and a touch of soy milk, you've got happiness in a cup! Best served chilled :)
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