We called the maker on this and they said that you must heat the pot up before you make the coffee. But it does not state this on the box. The box says easy-to-use, portable thermal carafe with brew-through lid keeps coffee fresh for hours. It does not keep coffee hot even if you follow their directions that they tell you when you call their 800 number. My husband hates to heat the pot up before each use and still not have a hot cup of coffee. read full review »