How to Keep Coffee Hot With These 5 Easy Methods

No one wants to start their day with cold coffee, but the truth of the matter is that keeping your coffee hot seems impossible. You rush out the door, cup in hand, to go about your day. By the time you arrive at work and take a sip of your drink, it’s gone cold! 

The good news is there’s a way to keep your coffee hot without burning it. In this guide, we’ll go over how to keep coffee hot, but first, let’s debunk some myths surrounding hot coffee.

Myth #1: Use a Hot Plate 

It’s so easy to turn to quick fixes when it comes to warming up your coffee, but we are here to tell you not to. While they may be great for heating up food, don’t use a hot plate to heat your coffee.

Why? Well, because they use direct heat. This will turn your cold coffee into a scalding hot cup of java. This is a problem because in the process of warming up your coffee, it will over-extract, leading to a bitter-tasting brew. 

Myth #2: Use a Candle Warmer 

We’re not sure whose idea it was to heat up their coffee using a candle warmer, but this is another myth that simply doesn’t work. 

Candle warmers are designed to warm up scented candles that fill up the room with pleasant aromas. While you may think its plate is the perfect size for your cup, don’t run the risk of ruining your candle warmer and burning your cup of joe in the process. It’s the same concept as the hot plate – your coffee will go from cold to really hot, hence over-extraction once more.

Myth #3: Use the Microwave 

We’ll admit that we’ve relied on the microwave to heat up a cold cup of coffee in the past. I mean, it’s so convenient and gets the job done, right? Not quite. 

Reheating coffee changes the chemical makeup in the brew, which will ruin the flavor profile. And, because microwaves use radiation, the temperature of your brew will end up uneven. The top may be hot and steamy, but it will remain pretty cold everywhere else.

5 Ways to Keep Coffee Hot For Longer 

The best way to avoid bitter, over-extracted java is to keep your coffee hot for longer. There are a few ways to keep your coffee warm, our top 5 being: 

1. Wrap It With a Thick Fabric 

To prevent your cup of joe from going cold while you’re on the move, wrap it up with a scarf, jacket, or cup sleeve. Any kind of thick fabric will do the trick. Simply layer it around the cup to give it more insulation. While it won’t keep it hot all day long, it will keep it warm for about an hour longer than it would otherwise. 

Cup sleeves are another popular option because they are inexpensive and handy. They are meant to prevent your hand from getting scalded, but they actually help keep your cup warm in the process by acting like an insulator. 

2. Invest in a Travel Mug 

Keeping coffee hot is made possible with a quality travel mug. Travel mugs come with reusable lids and an insulated body that retains heat. This means your brew will stay warm without losing any of its delicious flavors or aromas. And, because of the hundreds of designs, colors, and styles, you’re sure to find a travel mug that suits you.

3. Preheat Your Mug

You probably never thought about preheating your cup, but doing so can make your coffee hotter for a longer time. To preheat your mug, fill it up with boiling water and let it sit for about a minute. When the water cools down, throw it away or place it into your kettle for next time! This hack will keep your coffee warm for longer without affecting its flavor. 

4. Use a Thermos 

Thermoses are designed with insulating materials like stainless steel or silicone that keep liquids hot for long periods. Some are capable of keeping your brew hot for up to 6 hours! Placing your coffee into a thermal mug right after brewing is an easy way to keep your java hot and steamy for hours. Just be sure to clean it after every use to eliminate any lingering smells or aftertastes.

5. Invest in a Cup Warmer for Your Car 

Yes, you may not know these exist, but electric cup warmers are a thing. You can easily plug them into your car to keep your travel mug warm. Most accommodate the standard takeout cup to avoid you being stuck in traffic with cold coffee! 

Enjoy Hot Brews For Longer 

If your brew is tasting bitter, chances are you’ve over-extracted your coffee, hence why you should avoid using a hot plate, candle warmer, or microwave. Instead, try out some of the 5 methods above to keeping coffee hot, which are sure to give you hot coffee for much longer. Happy caffeinating!