The quickest way to keep coffee hot is to warm your mug first and put a lid on it. For longer, pour it into an insulated flask or cup. Here are seven ways that work, and two common habits that don't.
Two habits that don't help
Reheating it in the microwave
A microwave heats coffee unevenly and it tends to taste flat and bitter afterwards. It's fine in a pinch, but it's no substitute for keeping it hot in the first place.
Leaving it in the cafetière
Leaving coffee sitting on the grounds keeps extracting it, so it turns bitter and it still cools down. Pour it all out once it's brewed, into a warmed mug or a flask.
7 ways to keep your coffee hot
1. Warm your mug first
A cold mug pulls heat straight out of your coffee. Fill it with hot water from the kettle while your coffee brews, then tip it out just before you pour. It's part of our five steps to better coffee.
2. Use a mug with a lid
Much of the heat escapes from the top. A lid keeps it in, along with the aroma.
3. Choose a thicker or double-walled mug
Thick ceramic holds heat better than thin china, and a double-walled mug keeps coffee hot for longer and stays cool to hold.
4. Add a cup sleeve
A knitted cosy or silicone sleeve adds a layer of insulation and protects your fingers.
5. Pour it into an insulated flask
A good stainless steel vacuum flask keeps coffee hot for hours, which makes it perfect for a big pot you'll drink through the morning or a walk.
6. Use a mug warmer
Desk mug warmers plug into the wall or a USB port and keep a mug warm from underneath. They're handy if you work from home and tend to forget your coffee.
7. Treat yourself to a heated smart mug
Temperature-controlled mugs, such as the Ember mug, keep your coffee at the exact temperature you set. They're the ultimate fix, but they cost well over £100.
And finally
Brew a smaller amount more often, so each cup is fresh and hot. If you use a cafetière, our cafetière guide shows you how to get the timing right.
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