Hot beverages tend to lose their warmth after just 30 minutes, leaving you with a lukewarm cup of coffee or tea if you like to enjoy your drink slowly. Luckily, there is a solution: a heated coffee mug. These innovative mugs are designed to maintain the perfect temperature for hours, allowing you to sip and savor your beverage at your own pace.
We have researched and tested various heated coffee mugs to bring you our top recommendations:
1. Nextmug Self-Heating Coffee Mug:
– Capacity: 14 ounces
– Temperature options: 130, 140, or 150°F
– Battery life: Up to 2 hours
– Control settings directly on the mug
– Available in 8 color options
– Easy to use and hand-wash
– Price: $100
2. Mainstays Warming Coffee Mug:
– Capacity: 12 ounces
– Temperature options: 135, 140, or 145°F
– Battery life: Up to 2 hours
– Budget-friendly option
– Comes with a lid to trap heat
– Available in black
– Price: $25
These heated coffee mugs are a game-changer for those who enjoy their drinks hot and are perfect for home use or on-the-go. Choose the one that best fits your preferences and budget for a delightful drinking experience.
The heated coffee mug features an auto-shutoff function that turns off the mug when it’s empty. While budget-friendly, this mug has a couple of quirks. The power button is located on the bottom of the mug, requiring you to remember to turn it on before pouring your drink. Additionally, the mug is constructed from lightweight plastic, which may not be as durable as other options. However, considering its price point, it’s a great self-heating mug option.
Pros:
– Very affordable
– Auto shutoff when empty
Cons:
– Plastic construction
– Awkward power button location
Price: $25 at Walmart
Ember Mug 2
– App-controlled
– Capacity: 10 or 14 ounces
– Temperature options: 120°F to 145°F
– Battery life: Up to 80 minutes
– Lid: No
– Color options: 12
For those who prefer more control over their drink temperature, the Ember Mug 2 is a top choice. It must be paired with a smartphone for operation, allowing you to set the temperature between 120 and 145°F through the app. The mug turns on automatically when you pour your drink, and it’s easy to clean due to its scratch-resistant coating. Available in 10 or 14-ounce sizes and various colors, though some options may be more expensive. It can keep your drink warm for up to 80 minutes but does not include a lid, which can be purchased separately.
Pros:
– Adjustable temperature control
– Two size options
– Scratch-resistant coating
Cons:
– Lid sold separately
– Some colors are pricier
Price: $133 at Amazon
OHOM Ui 3 Mug & Warmer Set
– Best ceramic option
– Capacity: 12 ounces
– Temperature options: 130°F
– Battery life: N/A
– Lid: Yes
– Color options: 8
The OHOM Ui 3 is a ceramic mug and warmer set for those who prefer ceramic over plastic. It is dishwasher safe and stylish, though the mug requires the charging pad to maintain the drink’s temperature. Suitable for those who enjoy sipping coffee at a desk, it can hold 12 ounces and keep the drink at around 130°F. The charging pad can also power other electronics and comes with a lid to seal in heat.
Pros:
– Stylish ceramic design
– Dishwasher-safe
– Charging dock doubles as a phone charger
Cons:
– Mug is not electronic
– One temperature option
Price: $98 at Nordstrom
Ember Travel Mug 2+
– Best for travel
– Capacity: 12 ounces
– Temperature options: 120°F-145°F
– Battery life: Up to 3 hours
– Lid: Yes
– Color options: Black only
For on-the-go use, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is a reliable choice. Resembling a classic travel mug
The travel mug is designed for convenience, with the ability to keep beverages warm for up to three hours, a feature that outlasts most other heated mugs. Its leakproof lid ensures spill prevention while on the go, and its comfortable design allows for easy sipping from any angle with its unique 360-degree construction. Holding up to 12 ounces of liquid, this heated travel mug sets itself apart with a digital display on the mug itself, allowing for temperature adjustments and other settings. Similar to the regular Ember mug, this travel version connects to your smartphone and even includes an “Apple FindMy” feature to help locate the mug if misplaced. However, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ comes with a higher price tag compared to other options, priced at $200 with an additional $50 for the compatible car charger.
Key Features:
– Longer battery life
– Leakproof lid
– Fits in car cupholders
– Equipped with “Apple FindMy”
Cons:
– High price point
– Car charger sold separately
Our Selection Process:
To identify the best heated coffee mugs, we conducted extensive research and hands-on testing. We reviewed numerous products, analyzed user feedback, and scrutinized specifications to curate our list. Our criteria focused on mugs capable of accommodating a standard coffee serving, offering multiple temperature settings, and being offered by reputable brands. Additionally, our team member tested various heated mugs, including the Nextmug and Ember Mug, to assess factors like usability, heating performance, special features, and maintenance ease.
Types of Heated Coffee Mugs:
There are different types of heated coffee mugs available, each offering unique functionalities:
1. Electronic Mugs: Ideal for mobility, electronic mugs like the Nextmug and Ember Mug feature internal heating elements to maintain beverage temperature when off the charging base. These mugs typically provide warmth for one to two hours before requiring recharging and must be hand-washed due to the embedded electronics.
2. Travel Mugs: Similar to electronic mugs but designed for portability, heated travel mugs like the Ember Travel Mug 2 have elongated shapes suitable for on-the-go use. They often fit in car cupholders and come with spill-proof lids, offering longer battery life but at a higher initial cost.
3. Warming Plates: Models like the OHOM Ui 3 Mug consist of a regular ceramic mug placed on a warming plate to retain heat. While lacking internal electronics, these mugs need to remain on the charging plate to preserve warmth, limiting mobility but typically at a lower price point.
Advantages of Heated Coffee Mugs:
Investing in a heated coffee mug comes with several benefits, including:
– Ensuring beverages stay warm
– Convenient portability for on-the-go use
– Enhanced taste retention
– Customizable temperature control
– Reduced waste from reheating drinks
Whether you opt for an electronic mug, travel mug, or warming plate model, a heated coffee mug elev
One advantage of heated mugs is their ability to keep your drink warm for extended periods of time. Unlike regular mugs that allow warm beverages to cool down quickly, a heated mug can maintain the ideal temperature for up to two hours, ensuring that every sip is just as warm as the first. Additionally, some people use heated mugs to re-warm drinks, saving them from having to reheat their beverages in the microwave or make a fresh pot of coffee.
When comparing heated coffee mugs to coffee warming plates, both serve the purpose of keeping beverages warm, but there are differences to consider. Heated mugs, such as the Nextmug, are more expensive but come with the benefit of being able to maintain drink temperature even when removed from their charging base, thanks to built-in batteries. On the other hand, coffee warming plates are more budget-friendly and require the mug to remain on the plate to sustain the warmth.
Heated coffee mugs operate using a battery and heating element in the base, allowing them to maintain drink temperature for a specific period. Most mugs can keep beverages warm for one to two hours, but factors like temperature settings and using a lid can affect battery life. By placing the mug back on the charging dock, the battery can be continuously recharged, ensuring the drink stays warm indefinitely.
The Nextmug and Ember Mug are two popular heated coffee mug options with unique features. The Nextmug offers control buttons directly on the mug, with temperature options ranging from 130 to 150°F and comes in different sizes. In contrast, the Ember Mug requires an app for operation, available in various sizes, and offers more advanced technology features.
A smartphone is required for operating the Ember Mug. Once connected to its corresponding app, this smart mug can be adjusted to any temperature within the range of 120 to 145°F, providing users with precise control over the warmth of their beverage. However, it is important to note that temperature adjustments can only be made through the smartphone interface, making the Ember Mug a less ideal choice for individuals who are not comfortable with technology.
In terms of longevity, heated coffee mugs can typically last for several years if used correctly and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. While the maximum battery life of these mugs may experience a slight decrease over time, necessitating more frequent recharging, they are designed to remain functional for an extended period when cared for properly.
This article has been reviewed and edited by Kate Ellsworth.
