Review of Emsa Eleganza Insulated Carafes

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $109.00
Sale Price: $104.95
Today's Bonus: 4% Off

I recently got rid of my automatic thermal coffee maker and went to one that was plastic-free. I'd been reading a lot of articles about not cooking or heating food in plastic containers so I figured that making coffee using almost boiling water and pouring it through a plastic basket into a plastic lined pot might not be the healthiest way to go. After much searching and asking questions on Amazon discussions I found the Chemex 10 Cup Coffee Maker that made an excellent cup of coffee. The only problem was, how to keep it hot? That glass coffee maker kept it hot for all of about 10 minutes, even with the lid. So the search was on for a thermal carafe to pour the coffee into that would keep it hot for a several hours. And it had to be plastic free. So many of the ones that I looked at were stainless steel on the outside but lined in plastic. I finally came across this one that is 18/10 stainless steel both inside and out. There is a silicone ring at the top and under the lid there is a fiberglass stopper to keep the heat in. (I emailed the company to verify the materials.)

I couldn't be happier with the carafe. It keeps the coffee hot for several hours, like 4 or 5, and even after 24 hours the coffee is warm. I fill the pot up with hot water while I'm brewing my coffee like a few other reviewers recommended. Then I just dump it out when the coffee is ready and pour the coffee in. I love the way it looks, very sleek and elegant. I got the 44 ounce model. When I make 6 eight ounce cups of coffee I can get all but about half a cup into the carafe. And I always drink a cup right away, so that isn't a problem. This carafe is elegant enough that you could put it on your dinner table for a dinner party. It reminds me of the Nambe serveware type designs. It is both beautiful and functional. It has a nice balance to it and the lip flips up easily to pour. You can also flip it all the way back to fill or to clean the pot. I bought a soft bottle type brush with a large head that works really well for cleaning. And the carafe is dishwasher proof so you could put it in there if you wanted.

I'm posting some photos of the carafe, along with the Chemex Coffee Maker and the Hamilton Beach 40898 Cool-Touch Cordless 8 Cup Electric Kettle that I use to heat my water on the main product page so you can see the size of the 44 ounce model. It was kind of hard for me to visualize, so I hope this helps.

Update 12/9/12 I'm still using this carafe every day and still loving it. The finish is so durable. It's out on the counter all the time and when it gets fingerprints, they wipe off easily with a soft towel. I occasionally use a stainless steel spray cleaner, like the type you'd use for appliances. It comes out looking just like new. This is one of those products that's one of my all time favorites. It was worth the money. (I got the 44.2 oz.)

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I ordered this item from Amazon and received a defective item 4 times!!! The first time, it was the handle which gets scolding hot. I called the manufacture and they told me to return the product to to the seller immediately because it is defective, so I did and Amazon sent me a replacement. But the lid was loose and didn't close snug, never mind the leak proof. So I sent it back AGAIN and Amazon gave me a refund. A month later, I placed another order hoping this time they'll send me a non-defective item. BUT Amazon sent me back the first one I returned -with a defective handle. So I returned it for a replacement. Then they sent me the second defective one I returned -with the loose lid. I tried to order a replacement but Amazon gave me refund instead saying they will review the problems. In my opinion, if Amazon has defective items in stock, they should set those aside and NOT send them to anther customer hoping they won't notice. I hope no one has to go through this ordeal. Until Amazon gets non-defective items in stock, I urge you to wait before you place your order.

Best Deals for Emsa Eleganza Insulated Carafes

This carafe is even better than I expected. I use it to keep my tea hot throughout the morning. After brewing a pot, I pour it in this carafe and it stays piping hot for about four hours. Even after six or eight hours, it is still hot enough that I am not even temped to microwave it. I have tried things after 12 hours and they are still warm -but not hot enough that I wouldn't rather nuke it for a bit to drink. If you want it to stay hotter longer, prefill the pot with hot water prior to filling it with coffee or tea. It definitely works better than the expensive Zojirushi airpot that I purchased. It takes up less counter space, and looks good. It is also completely dishwasher safe. You just can't beat it.

Honest reviews on Emsa Eleganza Insulated Carafes

This is a really pretty carafe. It also keeps my coffee hot for a long time. I kept poking a thermometer in it the first time I used it. Without preheating it with hot water, after an hour, it was down to 170F, after 4 hours it was down to 140F with it full. The next morning, it was down to 100F but that was almost 24 hours later. I'm sure it would perform better with pre-heating and if I hadn't opened it to get the temps. Under normal use, it keeps my coffee piping hot for the 4 or so hours I usually drink it.

It has a nice self sealing insulated top but I can feel heat around the top while it is cool on the body outside. It is a gravity seal so it won't stay sealed if the carafe is tipped over.

I got tired of my Oxo carafes not keeping the coffee hot so decided to spend the money to get a good carafe. I'm not disappointed.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Emsa Eleganza Insulated Carafes

I have a love-hate relationship with these carafes. After all, how could you not love something so beautiful and elegant looking? Then, consider the easy care! Pop in the dishwasher and they are ready to go, right?

Actually, I have a word of caution when putting these in the dishwasher... Make sure that the top doesn't slip through the rack, thus interfering with the spinning water shower. The first time I put one in the dishwasher, I was puzzled that the load of dishes just weren't as clean as they usually are. While unloading, I noticed that the top on one of the upside down carafes had gone between the rack grate and was hanging down just enough to stop the shower mechanism.

While that's a pretty minor thing, the way the top pops open when pouring hot beverages can be down right dangerous. On more than one occasion friends have had the carafe in pouring position, and then hot coffee wound up all over the place as a result of the pressure build up when the carafe is less than half full. It's sort of hard to explain in words, which is why I hope that someone considering this product will take the time to watch the video.

Still, they are lovely to look at and keep liquids hot for an acceptable length of time. I use the small one for cold creamer or milk on hot days while on the deck having coffee. It's also a wonderful size because it can hold a generous mug full of coffee, for a breakfast in bed.

I use them all the time, for me personally, I like them very much. It's just that if I use them while entertaining, I take care that I am the one serving from them. It's always nice to avoid third-degree burns at dinner parties. Kind of a buzz kill.

UPDATE: As careful as I am with these....it happened anyway. I had coffee in one and without following my own advice, I poured a cuppa. The vacuum made the top stick, and hot coffee went everywhere. My hand, the tablecloth, what a mess! I think I'll use them only for water from now on. COOL water.