New York , NY , January 1st, 2008 – Hammacher Schlemmer announces the selection of The Best Thermal Carafe, chosen from a field of leading carafes for its superior heat and cold retention and its ergonomic design that enables ease of pouring.

“The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1983 to research, test, and rate products objectively without commercial bias,” explained Fred Berns, President of the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute.

The Best Thermal Carafe has a double-walled design with a glass liner and vacuum insulation. During tests, it maintained 86% of the peak temperature of hot water after four hours, unlike others that were only able to retain 65% of the initial temperature. It was the only one tested that kept cool water at a constant temperature (52º F) for four hours, while other models allowed the water temperature to rise by as much as 13º F.

Made in Wertheim, Germany, the Best Thermal Carafe incorporates the original design developed 93 years ago by Carl Zitzmann (a pioneer of thermal technology) for the luxurious Pullman cars of the American railroad.

“The Best Thermal Carafe’s wide, 2"-diam spout made filling easy and its unique design allows you to hold the handle and open the hinged lid with the same hand,” explained Tara-Ann Dugan, Supervisor of Product Research. “Other models were either too heavy or difficult to fill.”

The Best Thermal Carafe accommodates up to 1-liter and it has a chrome-plated brass exterior that wipes clean. It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95. For more information, please visit www.hammacher.com or call 1-800-543-3366.

About Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer is America’s longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind, and backs its products by a rather famous Lifetime Guarantee of Complete Satisfaction. Hammacher Schlemmer’s innovative offerings are available through its catalog, online at www.hammacher.com, and at its landmark store on East 57th Street in New York City.