Hosting a larger group for coffee
You want to serve several guests with one brew, so you compare the capacity in litres with the size of the cups on the table.
Who this choice is for
Hosting a long evening
You’ll be serving coffee at different times, so your main choice is between a jug you can move around and brewing another batch.
Hosting in a busy kitchen
You want to fill, pour and clear away easily during the meal. A timer, drip stop or removable part may be useful.
What to prioritise when buying for a group meal
For a family get-together or community meal, the main considerations are having enough coffee for the first round, being able to serve more later and keeping the machine easy to use during the meal.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough coffee per brew | Compare the capacity in litres with the size of your own cups. Check both the jug capacity and the stated number of cups. | For the first round, I want to brew enough coffee for everyone there without relying on a different cup size. Around 36% of consumers prioritise having enough coffee per brew. |
| Serving hot coffee later | Consider how long you’ll be serving coffee for and compare a thermal jug with the stated shut-off time for a hotplate. | If guests arrive later, I want to be able to pour from the jug without having to leave it on a hotplate. Around 29% of consumers prioritise serving hot coffee later on. |
| Easy to use during the meal | Check whether each model has a timer, drip stop or removable reservoir, and whether the jug is comfortable to handle. | In a busy kitchen, I want to top up the water and serve coffee without unnecessary steps. Around 21% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
| Cleaning and future use | Check how to clean the jug and filter, which filter you’ll need, and whether there’s a smaller-brew setting or a suitable replacement jug. | After the visit, I want to maintain the parts easily and make a smaller amount if needed. Around 14% of consumers prioritise maintenance and use after the meal. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every manufacturer means the same thing by a ‘cup’
Krups lists 15 cups for 1.25 litres, while Inventum states 10 cups for a machine with the same capacity. The cup counts aren’t directly comparable.
Compare the capacity in litres with the amount you actually pour into your own cups.
With larger mugs, one jug may serve fewer people than you expect, so you may need to brew another batch.
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Assuming a hotplate will keep coffee warm indefinitely
Consumentenbond reports that coffee can become more bitter on a hotplate. The shut-off time varies by model; according to the manufacturer, the Inventum KZ612 switches off after 40 minutes.
If you’ll be serving coffee over a longer period, choose a suitable thermal jug or plan to brew a fresh batch when the evening lasts longer than the keep-warm time.
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Choosing a replacement jug based on the brand alone
A jug may be made for a specific model number. Melitta advises that the model number for the LOOK Therm can be found on the underside of the machine.
Make a note of the full model number and compare it with the replacement jug details before choosing one.
Brands and models to consider
Inventum
The KZ612 and KZ818D offer two different jug options: a glass jug and a thermal jug.
- According to Inventum, the KZ612 has a capacity of 1.25 litres and its hotplate switches off after 40 minutes. The KZ818D has a capacity of 1.2 litres, a timer and a reusable filter.
- The KZ818D doesn’t have a removable water reservoir. These features apply to the models listed, not to every machine from the brand.
Melitta
The LOOK Therm is designed for pouring from an insulated jug, and its reservoir is removable.
- Melitta lists a double-walled stainless steel thermal jug, AromaSelector and a descaling programme for the LOOK Therm.
- The manufacturer’s website currently lists this version as unavailable. Check current availability and the exact model before making a decision.
Philips
The HD7460/40 from the 3000 Series is a filter coffee maker with a glass jug.
- For this model, Philips lists a capacity of 1.2 litres, a drip stop and automatic shut-off.
- For the exact model, check how long the coffee is kept warm. Don’t assume it has the same keep-warm time as another Philips model.
Krups
The Pro Aroma F3090810 is a straightforward option with a glass jug.
- Krups lists a capacity of 1.25 litres for this model and says it switches off automatically after 30 minutes.
- The stated capacity of 15 cups isn’t directly comparable with figures based on a 125 ml cup size. Compare the capacity in litres with your own cups instead.
Moccamaster
The KBG Select has a glass jug and a setting for brewing a smaller amount.
- According to Moccamaster, the KBG Select brews four to ten cups, has a half-jug setting and switches off its hotplate after 40 minutes.
- Treat the half-jug setting and shut-off time as model specifications. Claims about taste or brewing temperature aren’t the same as independent comparative test results.
Joybuy products for a larger first round of coffee
These filter coffee makers with glass jugs are suited to brewing a larger first batch. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, new electric filter coffee makers placed on the market in the Netherlands must carry a CE mark. Check the mark on the exact model.
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Emerio CME-122933 filter coffee maker, glass jug, 1.25 litres
The 1.25-litre capacity is suited to a larger first round of coffee. Compare it with the amount you pour into your own cups.
According to the product description, this model has a reusable filter, anti-drip function, hotplate, water level indicator and automatic shut-off.
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Philips HD5416/00 Café Gourmet, white
The glass jug and 1.25-litre water tank are suited to brewing for a group. Adjust the amount to suit your cup size.
The product description mentions a hotplate and an Aroma Twister spout.
It also mentions ground coffee and cleaning the jug and filter holder after use.
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WMF Stelio Aroma filter coffee maker, 1000 W, matt black
According to the product description, the glass jug is suitable for brewing up to 10 cups at a time.
The description lists a keep-warm function, water level indicator, automatic shut-off, button controls and a non-slip base.
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Tefal CM5338 filter coffee maker, 1.25 litres
The jug holds 1.25 litres. The product name states 10 to 15 cups, so compare that figure with your own cup size.
The product description lists a permanent filter, adjustable coffee volume and an anti-drip function.
According to the description, the filter holder has a double handle. The machine switches off automatically after 30 minutes.
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Aigostar filter coffee maker, 1.25 litres, black
The 1.25-litre capacity is useful if you want to brew for several guests at once. Bear in mind the size of your cups.
The product description lists a glass jug, a keep-warm function for up to 40 minutes, one-button operation, a water level indicator and automatic shut-off.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if one jug will be enough for the first round of coffee?
Divide the capacity in millilitres by the amount you actually pour into each cup. For example, a 1.25-litre jug makes ten 125 ml servings. Remember to allow for any second cups, as manufacturers may use a different cup size when stating the number of cups.
Can you pour coffee while it’s still brewing?
On models with a drip stop, such as the KZ818D and KZ612 described by Inventum, the feature is designed to let you pour while the coffee is brewing. Check the manual for your model and return the jug to its place after pouring.
How should you look after your coffee maker after the meal?
Remove the used coffee, clean the jug and filter according to the manual, and descale the machine as instructed for that exact model. Don’t follow care instructions for a different model without checking that they apply.
What if the jug breaks later, and what warranty applies?
Check whether a replacement jug is available for the exact model number. In the Netherlands, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product is faulty. A separate manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t replace this right.
What product safety requirement applies to a new electric coffee maker in the Netherlands?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, new electric filter coffee makers placed on the market in the Netherlands must carry a CE mark. Check the mark on the exact model. A brand name alone doesn’t confirm that a specific model meets all applicable requirements.