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Best Mug Warmer Review. Keep it warm!

We’ve probably all had the experience of making the perfect cup of coffee or tea, sitting down to drink it, then getting distracted. Maybe it’s that urgent email in your inbox, that gripping scene on Netflix, or the page-turner you just can’t put down. You finally reach for that beverage, take a sip, and resist the urge to spit out. When a drink that’s supposed to be hot turns cold, it can take all the pleasure out of it.

If you’re tired of pouring lukewarm or cold coffee down the drain, then this article is for you.

Why Buy a Mug Warmer?

You can have the finest beans, the fanciest espresso machine, and purest water, but when that hot coffee gets cold, it’s not so nice. Maybe you resorted to microwaving your cup, then reheating it again… and again. The microwave blasts the pleasant flavor and aroma out of the cup. It often leaves only bitterness behind.

A mug warmer is designed to keep your coffee at a consistent temperature, no matter how long it takes from the first sip to the last. Some of these devices also act as a candle warmer. Place the jarred candle on the base and let it heat up. The pleasant scent will rise without the danger and smoke of the candlewick.

7 Best Mug Warmers Reviews

We looked at lots of different brands and styles of coffee cup warmers. We also surveyed smart coffee cups, where the actual cup keeps the drink warm. Here we present seven devices made to keep your drink is just as satisfying from the first sip to the bottom of the cup.

1 Smart Coffee Warmer, BESTINNKITS Auto On/Off

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Nothing could be easier than this BESTINNKITS mug warmer. It has an automatic gravity induction switch. When it's plugged in, simply place your mug on the warming plate to turn it on. The warmer automatically turns off when there is no cup on it.

This 19-watt mug warmer keeps your drink at 131 degrees F. The burner is flush with the base, which is over five inches across. The waterproof surface means you don't have to worry if you spill a little (like when your big dog bumps the desk.) Besides keeping even the biggest mugs of coffee warm, it also works as a candle warmer.

The compact design is easy to fit on a desk or night table. The extra-long cord means you can plug it in almost anywhere. For maintenance, simply wipe the surface with a damp rag after each use.

Pros:

  • Auto on/off
  • Wider plate for multi-functionality
  • 7 color options
  • 50-inch cord

Cons:

  • No temperature control

2 Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

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If you don't want to be anchored down by a cord, check out this smart mug. The cup will keep your beverage hot for up to 80 minutes on a single charge. This makes it easy to keep coffee hot while commuting or just moving about the house.

If you drink a lot of coffee or hot tea, this is the smart mug for you. Previous models only had a 10-ounce mug, but this version boasts a 14-ounce mug.

The Ember mug is indeed smart. It automatically senses when a liquid is poured in and turns itself on. When the cup is empty, it automatically turns off. It also has motion sensors. If the mug hasn't been picked up for two hours, it automatically switches off.

This mug offers temperature flexibility. With the phone app, you can set the temperature anywhere between 120- and 145-degrees F. The app even suggests the best temperature for different types of beverages. Don’t want to use the app? No problem. Out of the box, the mug is set to 135-degrees. The mug remembers the last temperature setting, so you don't need to use the app every time.

Pros:

  • Stays warm 80 minutes
  • Adjustable temperature setting
  • 14-ounce mug
  • Timed auto-off

Cons:

  • Mug is hand-wash only
  • Expensive

3 Norpro Decorative Cup Warmer

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This mug warmer looks as good as it works. The base is white with a crackle design. It is compact, so it's easy to find room for it on a crowded desk. The extra-long cord gives you the flexibility of where to place it. At 24-watts, it's got the power to keep your drink piping hot.

The base is raised around the heating plate. That means you cannot use mugs bigger than the heating plate, which is only 3.75 inches. That is bigger than some warmers, and it will fit average and large mugs. But won't hold your extra-large mugs.

One drawback is that it does not have any kind of auto-off feature. You use the switch on the cord to turn it on and off. It does have a neon light to indicate when the mug warmer is turned on.

Pros:

  • 60-inch cord

Cons:

  • Won't fit XL mugs
  • No auto-off

4 Cosori Coffee Mug Warmer

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Whether you like your coffee blisteringly hot or lukewarm, this coffee cup warmer can keep your drink at your preferred temperature. It has simple buttons and a LED display to adjust the temperature anywhere between 77– and 230-degrees F. When the warmer plate is 230-degrees, the liquid temperature will be around 131-degrees.

The heating plate is 3.55-inches in diameter. The plate is flush with the base, which is 4.3 inches wide. That means you can use this with your XL mugs. You can also purchase this warmer with a matching stainless-steel mug that has a cool-touch handle and silicone sleeve.

With 25-watts of power, this mug warmer can heat up your drink as well as keep it hot. You can also melt chocolate or butter for baking and use it as a candle warmer. The brushed stainless-steel base is attractive and durable. It is also spill-proof, so you're not going to fry the wiring if you bump the full cup.

Pros:

  • Adjustable temperature setting
  • Wider plate for multi-functionality
  • LED digital display

Cons:

  • No auto-off
  • Short cord

5 Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

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Mr. Coffee offers a simple, easy-to-use mug warmer for the budget-minded individual. It features a sliding on/off switch and has a light to indicate when in use. The cord is longer than others on this list. That reduces any tripping hazard and gives a greater range for placement.

The warming place is recessed into the base. While the base itself is 5.2-inches wide, it only accommodates cups less than 3.25 inches. That is the smallest heating plate on this list and will not accommodate larger-sized mugs. Another consideration is that it is only 17-watts. While it will keep your beverage warm, it won't keep it as hot as some other warmers.

While simple in design and use, the price tag makes this item very attractive. It costs about half (or less) of what many other mug warmers cost.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • 67-inch cord

Cons:

  • Only 17-watts
  • No auto shut off
  • Very small heating plate

6 VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer

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The VOBAGA mug warmer has 20-watts to keep your drink piping hot as long as you need. You can set it for three different temperatures; keep your drink at 104,- 131-, or 149-degrees F. Besides black, this warmer is available in imitation woodgrain, pink, blue, and white with a red warming plate.

For safety, it will automatically shut off after four hours. Another safety feature alerts you when the warming plate is still hot. After you turn off the warmer, the light will flash blue until the plate has cooled. The longer cord gives you more flexibility of placement without being a tripping hazard. The base is waterproof, so spills are no problem.

The 3.5-inch heating plate is inset into the base. Even though the base is 4.5 inches, this warmer will only accommodate mugs with a bottom of 3.5 inches or less. While this will accommodate average-sized mugs, it may be too small for your larger mugs. This warmer is also available with a glass 10-ounce mug.

Pros:

  • 3 temperature settings
  • Auto shut off
  • 59-inch cord
  • Available in 4 colors

Cons:

  • Won't fit XL mugs

7 Home-X Mug Warmer

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This is another 17-watt mug warmer that will keep your beverage at a drinkable temperature: not too hot, not too cold. The simple on/off switch is located on the cord, which keeps it safe from any spills. The base features a red light to indicate when the warmer is switched on.

While the base of the warmer is 5.6 inches wide, the warming plate is inset into the base. You can only heat mugs with a base smaller than 3.5 inches wide. This may prevent you from using it with your larger mugs.

While not quite as long as the cord on Mr. Coffee's mug warmer, this cord is still longer than most. At over 60-inches, you can put the warmer almost anywhere in your office and still be able to plug it in.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • 64-inch cord

Cons:

  • Only 17-watts
  • No auto shut off
  • Won't fit XL mugs

Things to Consider Before Buying a Mug Warmer

You’ll find lots of mug warmers and smart mugs on the market. Prices range from around $10 to over $100. Each has its own selection of features and benefits. To help you decide which one would be best for you, we present some things to think about when you’re ready to buy a mug warmer or smart mug.

Look in Your Cupboard

Some of these warmers only accommodate fairly small mugs while others work with the largest mugs, bowls, or small pots. You need to look at the bottom of the mugs you use most often. If your favorite mugs are larger than 3.5 inches across the bottom, be sure to select a mug warmer that has either a large burner plate or a plate flush with the base.

Also note that to work effectively, you need a mug with a flat, relatively thin bottom. Many manufacturers recommend using glass and ceramic mugs only. The more powerful warmers may be able to keep your beverage warm in a mug with a slightly concave bottom. If most of your mugs have feet or are deeply concave, you may need to consider getting new mugs. Some of these warmers come with mugs made specifically to work with the burner plate.

Some Like It Hot

I have a friend who likes her coffee extra hot. Personally, I prefer coffee above room temperature but not blistering hot. Perhaps you like some types of drinks hotter than others.

Some of the warmers on this list offer a range of temperatures while others will only heat to a single temperature. If you prefer your drinks really hot, you’ll probably be better off with a higher wattage. If you’ll need to heat drinks to different temperatures, be sure to get one with variable temperature settings.

Cord Length

While this is often an after-thought, when you’re dealing with potentially scalding liquids, cord length gets super important. You don’t want a cord so short that a slight bump could topple the cup on the mug warmer. Also, think about how far the outlet is from where you’ll want your warmer. Some mug warmers on this list are only a few feet long, while others are well over six feet.

FAQ

  1. Are mug warmers worth it?

    If you love hot beverages but are easily distracted, then the answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re working at your desk or lounging with a good book or TV show, chances are those last few sips might be cold. A mug warmer will keep your drink hot to the very last drop.

  2. Are coffee mug warmers safe?

    Yes, but some have more safety features than others. If you’re forgetful, a warmer with an automatic shut-off may be a good idea.

  3. Can you use a glass mug on a mug warmer?

    Yes. Most manufacturers recommend flat-bottomed glass or ceramic mugs.

  4. How hot do coffee mug warmers get?

    Warming plates can get as hot as 230 degrees. But that doesn’t mean the liquid will be that hot. Warmers work through contact with the heating plates on the bottom of the cup. A drink in a tall mug will be cooler than a drink in a short, wide mug.
    Some warmers are designed to melt chocolate or wax in addition to warming your drink. That means that the highest setting may not be suitable for your beverage.

  5. What is the best coffee cup warmer?

    Our favorite mug warmer is the Smart Coffee Warmer from BESTINNKITS. But your needs may differ from ours.

The Final Word

Our overall top recommendation for a mug warmer is the Smart Coffee Warmer from BESTINNKITS. It keeps your drink hot but not blisteringly so. It’s ridiculously easy to use. Just put your coffee cup on it. It automatically turns off when there is no cup on it. The surface is over five inches across. That makes it great for even the biggest cups or candles.

If you don’t want to be tied down by a cord, our recommendation is the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2. You charge the mug on the base. With a full charge, the mug will keep your beverage hot for over an hour. With the phone app, you can set your preferred temperature.

For a no-frills, affordable option, we like the Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer. It’s a modest device with a basic on/off switch. From a brand you trust, you can rely on this simple gadget.

We hope this roundup of top mug warmers was helpful. Whichever warmer you choose, we wish you the best in your coffee endeavors.

Sasha Pavlovich

Hi, I'm Sasha Pavlovich and welcome to my blog about coffee! As an experienced barista, I have a deep passion for coffee. I love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone, and I never get tired of talking about it. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, I'm sure you'll find something on my site that will make you appreciate the wonderful world of coffee even more.

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