For people who like to enjoy their coffee-drinking experience and aren’t in a rush to finish, keeping their coffee warm can be a challenge. Using a coffee carafe is a simple but effective way to maintain the temperature of brewed coffee, but understanding how to use it can make all the difference.
There are several types of coffee carafes consumers can choose from, and each one has a different way of maximizing heat retention. Keep reading to find out more about how to use a coffee carafe.
Table of Contents
How to use a coffee carafe
Global market value of coffee carafes
Glass coffee carafes vs. thermal coffee carafes
Glass coffee carafe
Thermal coffee carafe
Final thoughts
How to use a coffee carafe
A coffee carafe is a hands-on container that’s designed to keep coffee warm for long periods of time. Glass carafes are used with drip coffee makers and often sit on a warming plate, whereas thermal carafes use insulation to retain heat. Thermal carafes are preferred for outdoor use or events where a full carafe needs to be kept at a warm temperature for more than an hour.
To effectively use a coffee carafe in the coffee brewing process, it should first be preheated with hot water before the brewed coffee is added. Once the coffee is added, the lid should be kept closed to ensure the heat doesn’t escape. For glass carafes, it’s important not to leave it on a warming plate for too long. To maintain the quality and taste of the coffee, users should regularly clean the carafe with warm water and soap. This is important for maintaining the durable carafe construction and for hygiene purposes.
Global market value of coffee carafes
In recent years there’s been a big change in consumer habits, and this has brought forth a rise in preference for coffee that’s brewed at home. The growing coffee culture has increased demand for coffee equipment such as coffee carafes, French presses, and coffee grinders. This equipment allows consumers to enjoy exceptional-tasting coffee from the comfort of their own home, and when used in coffee shops, they help to elevate the coffee-drinking experience for customers.
In 2024, the global market value of coffee carafes exceeded USD 1.5 billion. This number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2024 and 2032. This will bring the total market value up to approximately USD 2.2 billion by the end of this period. The growth in innovative designs and materials is helping to improve sales as buyers look for aesthetically pleasing yet functional coffee carafes.
Glass coffee carafes vs. thermal coffee carafes
There are two main types of coffee carafes: glass and thermal. Both of these styles are very popular but come with completely different features, which makes them more or less suitable for certain situations. If the consumer prefers to keep their coffee warm for hours, then a thermal carafe is best. However, a glass carafe may be preferred for those who want to drink their coffee quickly and don’t mind varying coffee temperatures.
According to Google Ads, “coffee carafe” had an average monthly search volume of 22,200 in 2024. The most searches appeared in January when they reached 33,100. Both November and December had search numbers of 27,100 each. This shows that coffee carafes are highest in demand in the colder months, when keeping coffee warm is more essential.
Plastic and ceramic coffee carafes are also available to buy, but they are significantly less popular and not as reliable. Keep reading to find out what the key differences are between glass and thermal coffee carafes.
Glass coffee carafe
Using a glass carafe is a very popular choice for drip coffee makers. This style of coffee carafe sits on a warming plate, which allows it to maintain the coffee’s temperature. The transparent nature of the glass carafe makes it easier than ever to monitor the amount of coffee inside, and the lightweight design is ideal for households.
Glass carafes also tend to be a more budget-friendly version of coffee carafes, which is an attractive feature for buyers looking for great value. There are fewer small parts to clean, and although they lack vacuum insulation, the flavorful coffee they produce using the pour-over method is fantastic. Both a plastic filter cone and different size cone filters made of paper can be used with this carafe for the best results when making an optimal brew.
There are a couple of downsides to coffee carafes, though. Since they use a warming plate, the coffee can become overheated after a long period of time due to the hot plate temperature. This can make the hot coffee taste bitter or burnt. Once the carafe is removed from the warming plate, it doesn’t retain heat well, and the fragile nature of the carafe makes it less durable than other materials.
Thermal coffee carafe
The second main type of coffee carafes is the thermal carafe. This design is known for its ability to keep coffee warm for long periods of time without the need for a warming plate. This insulated coffee carafe is typically made from double-walled materials or stainless steel, which are able to trap heat and preserve both the coffee’s temperature and flavor. It can also be used for other hot liquids, such as tea.
The top of a stainless steel carafe will include a carafe press-fit lid with an included stopper to help keep the coffee warm and make sure the spout is secure when not in use. This plastic top is an important feature of this product.
For people who are on the go or for workplaces where keeping coffee warm is essential without the worry of bitterness, thermal coffee carafes are a good option. Using a stainless steel carafe is usually the go-to choice for larger-capacity brewers. It’s a popular replacement for pod machines since it’s a sustainable choice and the most straightforward process for making a fresh brew.
The thermal carafe model does have some downsides, though. It’s more expensive and heavier than glass carafes, and since they’re not transparent, it can be difficult to see the coffee level. Despite these downsides, thermal coffee carafes are an excellent alternative for long-lasting heat retention, especially for guests and customers in cafes and restaurants or in small offices during business days.
Final thoughts
When used properly, the coffee carafe is the perfect way to ensure coffee remains at a warm temperature and retains its flavor for a prolonged period of time. Both glass and thermal coffee carafes have their upsides and downsides, so it’s important that buyers understand how to use both effectively.
Many carafes can be disassembled and the individual components can be placed in the dishwasher, which is something buyers will take into account when looking at placing an order. The size difference among all types of carafes is also important to note.
By knowing how to preserve coffee quality and maximize heat retention, everyone can enjoy their cups of coffee throughout the day.
