What Is The UK’s Best Carafe?
When it comes to carafes, not all are created equal. Some are better than others at keeping your beverage of choice hot or cold, while others may be more difficult to use or clean. Here is a list of the best carafes on the market today to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Carafe Reviews
Carafe Buyer’s Guide
A great carafe is extremely versatile, suitable for storing ice teas and homemade lemonade in the summer as well as mulled wine in the winter. With an elegant look, carafes can be used for both formal dinners and informal get togethers, and their affordability make them a must-have for any kitchen.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best carafe? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Capacity
Carafes come in a range of sizes, with the capacity ranging from just a few hundred millilitres, to a few litres. Large carafes will be harder to store but are great if you do a lot of entertaining, while smaller carafes are great for couples.
Design
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the design and shape of your carafe.
Most wine carafes are designed to expose as much of the wine’s surface area as possible, allowing it to aerate faster. Wine carafes with wide bottoms and a narrower top will lead to a better tasting drink.
Narrow carafes are perfect for water, ice teas and homemade drinks. These can be stored upright in your fridge door, and hold a large amount of liquid. Many carafes come with a cork, glass or stainless steel lid which adds a lot to the final look and prevents spills.
Whether you opt for a very simple design or go for something more high-end and eye-catching, a carafe is a stylish addition to any kitchen table.
Durability
Glass carafes are generally very durable, often made from thick borosilicate glass. Ensure you look after your carafe according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bear in mind that even carafes which are safe to clean in the dishwasher may last longer if they’re washed by hand.
Most carafes are heat resistant, meaning you can fill them with very hot drinks as well as cold with no worries of them cracking.
Ease of Cleaning
The shape of your carafe will directly impact the ease of cleaning. Those with a wide base and narrow opening tend to be the hardest to clean by hand, while those with a simple shape and wide opening are easiest.
Many carafes can be cleaned in the dishwasher, although you may feel more comfortable cleaning them by hand.
Carafes FAQ
How to clean a carafe?
Even if you only use your carafe for water, you should still clean it on a regular basis. If your carafe can be cleaned in the dishwasher, this is a great option.
To clean your carafe by hand, add a small amount of washing up liquid into the carafe and fill it with boiling water (double check that your carafe is heat resistant). Allow this to soak overnight, then use a scrubbing brush to remove any stains the next day. Rinse the carafe thoroughly and dry.