Last Updated on October 17, 2023
Do you like coffee? Do you like to drink it hot? So do I. But many times that is easier said than done, particularly if your brewing method includes using a standard coffee maker.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to keep your coffee piping hot. There are a variety of different methods that you can use, and some are more effective than others. Keep an open mind and be willing to consider some different options, my friend.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Stay tuned, because learning how to keep coffee hot in a coffee maker is about to get interesting!
By the way, if you click on a link and then decide to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Why Your Coffee Maker Isn’t the Best Choice for a Warmer
If you’ve left a pot of coffee on the warmer for a while, you know it can make the beverage unappetizingly bitter. This is because leaving coffee exposed to heat causes it to develop more acidity and tannins, making it sour and acidic, as well as less flavorful. You’ll end up with bitter coffee. And that is not pleasant.
When coffee is hot and freshly brewed, these qualities are balanced out correctly, but extended exposure to heat doesn’t allow enough time for those flavors to mix together properly. So if you want to enjoy your favorite cup of joe without any harsh taste or unpleasantness, be sure not to leave your java sitting on the warmer.
So, what are coffee lovers to do, then?
Well, you might consider brewing one cup at a time using a simple method like a pour over. Each cup is hot and fresh. Will it keep your coffee hot? Initially, yes. It depends on how fast you drink your java.
I don’t mind my coffee warm rather than piping hot. I’ll enjoy it either way.
But I know that it’s not for everyone, particularly if you’re brewing coffee for more than one person. So, back to the question of how to keep coffee hot in a coffee maker.
The best response to that question is, you won’t be able to do that successfully, for the reasons noted above. Keeping coffee hot requires a little bit of effort and possible a small investment. More about that later.
Reheating in the microwave isn’t recommended
While the microwave might seem like an easy option, it’s actually not the best choice for reheating leftover coffee.
This is because microwaves don’t always heat liquids evenly and efficiently, resulting in an end product that may be too hot in some spots and barely warm in others. And, microwaves tend to strip away layers of flavor; this means that reheated coffee can become flat and lackluster.
So, I wouldn’t recommend popping the coffee mug into the micro, either, to keep your coffee warm.
Keep your brewed coffee in a Thermos or Thermal Carafe
The best option for keeping brewed coffee hot is to immediately pour the remaining coffee from your coffee maker carafe into a thermos or a thermal carafe, like one of these:
It is an extra step, but the coffee will not overheat and over-extract in a thermal environment.
How to Keep Your Cup of Coffee Hot
Do you see where we’re going here? It’s really all about the cup or mug of coffee, not the entire already-been-brewed pot of coffee.
There are some nifty options for retaining your cup of joe’s heat and flavor without burning it. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
Coffee Mug Warmer
A coffee mug warmer is an invaluable tool for any coffee addict. Essentially, it’s a device that gently and steadily warms your coffee—and other beverages—so you no longer have to worry about “cold” coffee.
With a steady stream of heat from underneath the mug, your favorite beverage stays at the perfect temperature—no more quick blasts in the microwave or heating yourself up with scalding hot coffee.
Best of all, most coffee warmer models come with convenient features like adjustable temperatures and auto shut-off. All you need to do is plug it in, set the desired temperature, and place your mug on top! Then you can sip away while your drink stays consistently warm every time.
So skip the reheating and invest in an efficient and reliable mug warmer so you can stay cozy with every cup!
Coffee Mug Cozie
Imagine no longer having to take sips of warm or cold coffee due to its quick temperature change when you’re out running errands. With a coffee mug cozie (also known as a sweater or cup sleeve), that’s exactly what you’ll get.
This piece of fabric is designed to fit around the circumference of most standard-sized mugs and offers thermal insulation, enabling your hot drinks to stay warm and your cold drinks to remain cold.
The fabrics used are usually either knitted or woven cloths made from cotton, wool, or bamboo strands, so it has a soft and gentle feel that won’t irritate your hands. It’s lightweight yet durable enough for everyday use, meaning it can be taken with you wherever you go.
Plus, it comes in a range of colors and patterns that suit any lifestyle — from plain shades for an understated look or bright floral designs for those who like something extra special.
YETI Rambler
Are you an avid coffee drinker looking for something to keep your beverage hot for several hours? Then you need to check out the YETI Rambler.
This stainless steel travel mug has double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure maximum temperature retention from morning until night. The construction creates a condensation-free exterior, so you don’t have to worry about leaving puddles on your desk or table.
Plus, it comes with a shatterproof and dishwasher-safe lid, so your brew won’t accidentally spill everywhere. Furthermore, the Rambler’s Anti-Sweat design prevents your hands from getting wet in warm climates. With this cup at your side, you can sip up all that delicious coffee flavor without worrying about carrying around an uncomfortable, heavy thermos.
[YETI options here]
Smart Mug with Temperature Control
Have you heard about smart mugs with temperature control? These new mugs make it possible to keep your coffee warm or hot, at the perfect temperature, all day long.
So, how does this cutting-edge technology work? Basically, the mug has temperature sensors that allow you to set the desired temperature of your drink. Then, a heating element keeps it at that exact temperature until you’re ready to sip.
When connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can also receive notifications when your beverage is too hot or cold and even adjust the settings directly from your phone. With one of these innovative mugs in hand, your coffee stays hot and you can enjoy perfectly brewed brews for hours.
Plus, most of them have an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand and has easy-to-clean surfaces. Take advantage of this modern convenience today and never worry about drinking lukewarm coffee again!
[smart mug options here]
How to Brew Great Tasting Coffee
No matter how hot it is, a weak, watery, bitter cup of coffee just won’t satisfy. Some say that making great coffee is an art. I wouldn’t go that far, but there are definitely some choices that will impact the result of your coffee brewing efforts.
Bottom line? Freshly brewed coffee tastes the best.
Fresh, Whole Beans
Brewing great coffee starts with the right beans. If you’re serious about your cup, there’s no better option than using fresh, whole coffee beans.
The flavor of fresh coffee is a delight to the senses and has a unique complexity that can’t be matched by using pre-ground beans. Plus, grinding your own at home ensures you get the most out of each bean as they go from grinder straight to brewer in minutes.
When you use the right brewing method and freshly ground coffee, the water will draw out all the delicious and nuanced flavors that make your coffee so enjoyable.
Filtered Water
Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is all about consistency. To ensure you get the same flavor and strength each time, it’s essential to use the same kind of water each time you brew.
Tap water contains many impurities including chlorine and minerals which can interfere with the taste and aroma of your coffee.
Filtered water, however, helps to remove these pollutants so that only pure H2O goes into your cup. Since filtered water is free from most contaminants and sediment, it also has less bacteria present in it, allowing you to make a cleaner and more flavorful morning cuppa than if you were to brew with tap water.
So if you want a consistently great cup of coffee, be sure to invest in a good filtration system or cartridges for your brewer and use filtered water every time!
Correct Coffee-to-Water Ratio
When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, the key is having the right coffee grounds to water ratio.
Having too much or too little of either ingredient can quickly derail your efforts and produce a weak, overly bitter, or over-extracted cup of coffee. The correct ratio ensures that all the grounds are fully immersed in water, which allows them to evenly dissolve and release their flavor.
You’ll also avoid wasting grounds, as too little water means they won’t be able to fully dissolve and may get stuck in your filter when you pour out your coffee.
To make sure you’ve got it just right, use two tablespoons of medium-fine ground coffee for every six ounces of water when making drip-brewed coffee. It might take a few attempts to fine-tune the grind size for each method but once you master it, you’re sure to impress with every cup!
Correct Water Temperature
You don’t want boiling water (212 degrees Fahrenheit) for brewing coffee – that’s too hot. The perfect water temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have an electric kettle with temperature settings, perfect. If not, you can let the water boil, then remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 30 seconds to bring the temperature within the range of coffee brewing.
Conclusion: How to Keep Coffee Hot in a Coffee Maker
So, you’ve discovered that coffee makers just don’t to the trick to keep your coffee hot. But, there are a number of options that will do very nicely when it comes to keeping coffee warm, or hot, and controlling the coffee temperature.
The choice is yours, my friend. So now, go and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed, hot coffee!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
