
We’ve all been there – made a delicious cup of coffee, only to be pulled away from it on some errand or other. When we return to our neglected beverage, it’s cold. It might seem like a minor problem, but nothing can ruin a morning faster than being unable to take your usual caffeine hit.
Fortunately, there’s a nifty gadget to help you out: the coffee cup warmer. This handy device does exactly what the name suggests. It keeps your cup of joe toasty warm until you’re ready to drink it. Mug warmers come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties, so choosing the perfect option for you can be something of a challenge. That’s why we’re here to help. In this handy buying guide, we run through 15 of the best cup heaters on the market right now, so you can make an informed decision.
The Best Mug Warmer
1
VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer
Kicking off our list is this cup warmer by VOBAGA. Its sleek, stylish design looks at home on any desk, and it’s equipped with some nifty features, too. With three temperature settings to choose from, there’s no need to worry about luke-warm drinks on the one hand, or burned tongues on the other. For your safety and peace of mind, the coffee warmer also features an auto shut-off mechanism, which switches the device off before the temperature reaches an unsafe level.
Thanks to this electric mug warmer’s water-proof design, there’s no need to worry about spilled drinks, either. Whatever type of mug you have, the device is almost certainly suitable. It’s compatible with most mugs, bowels, and can even act as a teapot warmer or heat a French press. It’s suitable for a range of materials too, including stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, and even paper cups. It’s perfect for the home and office, and also makes a great gift.
Sleek, stylish design
Features 3 temperature settings
Automatically shuts off for safety
Water-proof design
Suitable for teapots, French presses, and all kinds of mugs
Quiet in use
Suitable for use with a range of materials, including steel and ceramic
- BrandVobaga
- ModelVOB-10-1
- Weight9.6 ounces
2
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
The next item to earn a coveted spot on our list is this Mr coffee mug warmer. The handy 17 Watt warmer sits comfortably on any desk or table, keeping your tea, coffee, or hot chocolate toasty warm. Thanks to an extra-long power cable, it’s easy to find the perfect place for your mug warmer even in awkward spots.
The device also features a smooth, wipe-clean surface for easy maintenance, along with a subtle power light that lets you know whether it’s switched on or off. Mr Coffee has been improving the hot beverage experience since 1970, and today it continues to help tea and coffee lovers keep their delicious brew at the perfect temperature.
17 Watt mug warmer suitable for use wherever there’s a power outlet
Keeps tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and other drinks toasty warm
Power light lets you know when the device is heated
Wipe-clean surface for easy maintenance
Extra-long power cord for use in awkward spaces
- BrandMr. Coffee
- ModelMWBLKPDQ-RB
- Weight9.6 ounces
3
AAOBOSI Mug Warmer with Wireless Charger
Coming in at number three is this futuristic mug warming option by AAOBOSI. Thanks to a handy two-in-one design, the device not only keeps your cup of joe at a toasty temperature, but can also be used as a wireless charger. To activate this function, simply remove the mug, allow the plate to cool, and place your phone on the flat surface. Thanks to a smart chip, heating is automatically switched off, and charging triggered, as soon as you replace the mug with a phone.
The heating device is automatically triggered, too – as soon as you place a mug onto the plate, it will begin to warm, keeping your brew at a toasty drinking temperature. Along with its futuristic double function, the device also features a sleek, modern design, that will grace any desk or coffee table. Overall, it’s a great little gadget for any coffee loving tech-savvy friends and family.
Two-in-one mug warmer and phone charger
Smart design converts from mug to charger automatically
Heat switches off as soon as mug is removed for safety
Keeps your drink at a toasty temperature
Great gift for tech-savvy and coffee-loving friends and family
- BrandAAOBOSI
- Weight1.72 pounds
4
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Ember have also earned a spot on our list with their USB mug warmer. Unlike the mug warmers on our list so far, this device is actually a specially tailored mug, rather than a warming plate. This clever mug warmer has another trick up its sleeve, too – it can be connected to a smartphone or tablet app. Through the app, users can select their ideal drinking temperature, and receive an alert when this temperature is reached.
On top of all this, the device is rechargeable, so it’s even easier to use on the go than its USB or outlet powered counterparts. Each charge ensures a full hour of use – more than enough to keep a few drinks hot over the course of your day. When you’re finished with the mug, simply wash by hand as usual, and reuse again and again. Embee include a 12 month warranty with each of their mug warmers, so you can rest assured it’ll keep your coffee hot for years to come.
Mug with integrated warming function
Rechargeable for added portability
12 month warranty included
Connects to a smartphone or tablet app
Choose a specific temperature for your drink
App sends a notification when your drink has heated to this temperature
- BrandEmber
- ModelCM17
- Weight12 ounces
5
Cosori Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set
Cosori have also earned a spot on our list, with their pleasingly sleek mug and warming plate design. Crafted for impressive thermal conductivity, and premium quality, this coffee warmer is sure to find a lasting place on any caffeine-lover’s desk. Featuring touch-tech controls and an LED display, it’s easy to adjust the heater to find your ideal temperature. For added convenience, you can even switch between degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit based on your preference.
The mug itself is constructed from FDA-approved stainless steel, along with a cool-touch handle and insulating silicon sleeve to prevent accidental burns. With its brushed finish, the stylish mug looks at home just about anywhere. So you know it’s built to last, each mug and warming plate set includes a 12 month guarantee.
Sleek stainless steel mug and warming plate set
Designed for the best thermal conductivity
Features touch-tech buttons, and an easy to read LED display
Adjustable temperature controls in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius
Made from FDA approved stainless steel
Cool-touch handle and silicone sleeve for added safety
- BrandCOSORI
- ModelHTHOHASA07DC
- Weight1.65 pounds
6
Smartshow Smart Temperature Control Ceramic Mug
The next handy mug warmer to earn itself a spot on our list is this Smartshow device. Packaged as a two piece set, this piece of kit makes it super easy to keep tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or any beverage you fancy at the perfect drinking temperature. The rechargeable design is highly portable, allowing you to keep drinks warm wherever and whenever you need. Carefully designed to be efficient, it’s 30% better at heating your drinks that similar products. For improved safety, the warming function automatically switches on and off as liquid is detected.
Thanks to an impressively long battery life, lasting between two and eight hours your drinks will be kept toasty warm throughout the day. It’s also got a handy temperature control function, allowing users to select a temperature that’s not too hot, and not too cold. Selecting the right setting is easy, with a simple array of buttons on the warmer’s handle. The futuristic drinks warmer can even be connected to an Android or iOS app, for remote temperature control. Made from durable stainless steel, the design will last for years to come, too.
Self-warming mug
Controlled by buttons or iOS/Android app
Sleek design with LED temperature display
30% more efficient than similar designs
Long battery life: 2-8 hours
Made from durable stainless steel
Automatic shut-off function for improved safety
- BrandSmartshow
- Weight9.9 ounces
7
Home-X Mug Warmer
If you’re looking for an electric coffee warmer on a budget, look no further than this handy device by Home-X. Perfect for at home or in the office, it keeps tea, coffee, and other hot beverages nice and warm for laid-back drinking. Thanks to a sturdy plastic base, you can rest assured the warmer won’t tip over in use, and a bright ‘on’ light lets you know when things are heating up.
The device as a whole is light-weight enough for easy transportation between home and office, while a 3.5 inch heating surface is accommodating enough to fit most mugs. Suitable for use with ceramic, or glass mugs, it’s versatile enough to work with practically any household or office. For under $10, it’s a great self-care investment, or perfect secret santa gift.
Budget friendly electric coffee warmer
Under $10 in price
Sturdy 3.5 inch base won’t tip over in use
Bright ‘on’ light lets you know when the mug is in use
Durable and easy to use
Lightweight for effective portability
Compatible with most ceramic and glass mugs
- BrandHome-X
- ModelSH902
- Weight6.4 ounces
8
Darice Large Candle Mug Warmer
Next up is the dual-function warming device by Darice. As well as keeping cups of tea and coffee toasty warm, it can also be used to release the scent of your favorite candle without the need to light it. Not only does this significantly extend the candle’s life, it also completely removes the safety concerns that come with having an open flame. Equipped with felt covered feet, the warmer is safe to place on any surface. It won’t burn your wooden coffee table, and these grippy feet also help to minimize any slippage. In use, a bright power light lets you know the device is working.
With its 4.25 inch diameter warming plate, this piece of kit is compatible with a huge array of candles, mugs, and even bowls of soup. As diverse as it is simple to use, Darice have really pulled together a handy home device. At the $10 mark, it’s a simple and budget-friendly way to keep your drinks warm, and make the most out of your favorite candles.
Multi-functional warmer for hot drinks, soup, and candles
Allows scented candles to release their scent without the need for a flame
Felt-covered feet are non-slip, and won’t damage your surfaces
Great value for money at only $10
Simple to use
‘On’ light for safety
- BrandDarice
- ModelSS-DAR-1199-15
- Weight6.4 ounces
9
Misby Coffee Mug Warmer
Misby have also earned themselves a spot on our list with their own version of the USB coffee warmer. Unlike less powerful options on the market, the device not only slows the cooling of your coffee, it can actively heat it up, too. When switched on, the warming plate heats your beverage to the ideal temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius) – the perfect level of heat for safe and enjoyable drinking.
For safety and convenience, the device is equipped with an automatic power system, which is activated when a mug is placed on the plate, and switched off when the mug is removed. This also makes for super easy use, making it incredibly simple to keep tea, coffee, or whatever you fancy at the optimal drinking temperature. Fitted with a 3.5 inch diameter warming ring, the mug warmer is suitable for most types of cups. Glass or stainless steel works best to ensure quick and even heat distribution. For added peace of mind, each Misby mug warmer includes an 18 month guarantee.
Powerful enough to heat drinks up as well as keep them warm
Automatically switches on and off for safety and convenience
3.5 inch diameter warming plate is suitable for most cups and mugs
Sleek, attractive design
Use with stainless steel or glass mugs for best results
- BrandMisby
- Weight9.3 ounces
10
BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Warmer
It seems like everything is ‘smart’ these days, and it turns out that coffee warmers are no exception. This ‘smart’ coffee warmer by Bestinnkits can keep just about anything warm, from tea and coffee to candles. Thanks to its ‘smart’ design, the warmer is incredibly easy to use. Simply place your mug or candle on the plate to activate, and remove it to deactivate.
The warmer will automatically heat your beverage to the perfect drinking temperature, so all you have to worry about is drinking it. Thanks to the warmer’s water-proof design, there’s no need to worry about accidental spills, either. It’s even available in three different colors – black, white, and pink, to best match your decor wherever you choose to use it. A 24 month warranty ensures this handy accessory lasts for years to come.
Versatile warming device for hot drinks and candles
Water-proof design
Heats drinks to the perfect temperature
Automatically switches on and off
Available in 3 different colors
24 month warranty included
- BrandBESTINNKITS
- Modelcoffee mug warmer001
- Weight1 pounds
11
Tech Tools Heated Smart Travel Mug
The options on our list so far are all well and good for the office or at home – but what about in the car? Luckily, Tech Tools have come up with the perfect solution in this smart heated travel mug. To use, simply fill the mug with a hot drink of your choice, secure the lid, and plug the 12-volt plug into your car battery slot. Perfectly designed for life on the road, the mug is completely leak-proof, so there’s no need to worry about hot liquid spilling during your journey.
To make life even easier, the mug emits an automatic alert when your beverage has reached the perfect drinking temperature. Current temperature is also displayed on an easy-to-read LED screen on the front of the device, so you can see exactly how hot it is with only a glance.
Heated travel mug, perfect for on the road
Powered by your car’s battery (12-volt plug included)
Spill-proof design for safety
LED display lets you know the drink’s internal temperature
Perfect for road trips in chilly weather
- BrandTech Tools
- ModelPI-170
- Weight15.2 ounces
12
KUWAN Coffee Mug Warmer
Kuwan have also earned themselves a coveted spot in our list of the best mug warmers, thanks to this simple but effective device. Taking the form of a warming plate, it can accommodate mugs in a range of sizes, ensuring your drink is kept at the best temperature for hours on end.
Thanks to a small, sleek design, it’s easily at home in any office, living room, or den. It’s also lightweight enough to slip in your bag when you’re out and about – all it needs to work is an accessible power outlet. In use, you can choose between two different temperature settings, to ensure the beverage is the perfect temperature for you time after time. For improved safety, the device also features an automatic shut-off function, which cuts the heat as soon as you remove the mug from its surface. Suitable for most types of mug, especially glass and ceramic, you’ll find no shortage of options for experimenting with this nifty piece of kit.
Simple but effective mug warmer with 2 temperature settings
Sleek, lightweight design is easy to transport
Keeps hot beverages at a suitable temperature for hours on end
Automatically shuts off when mug is removed for improved safety
Suitable for a wide range of mugs – ceramic and glass work best
- BrandKUWAN
- ModelFX-H1
- Weight15.2 ounces
13
Norpro Decorative Cup Warmer
If you’re looking for a mug warmer that’s a little more decorative, look no further than this striking option by Norpro. Designed to resemble a small slab of marble, the stylized warmer will find itself at home in most modern living rooms, kitchens, or offices. Lightweight and portable, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go – so you’ll never be confronted with a cold mug of coffee again.
Equipped with a non-stick heating element, mugs find their way on and off the device smoothly and easily. In the event of a spill, it’s easy to wipe clean, too. For improved safety, a bright light makes it clear when the device is switched on, so it’s difficult to forget to turn it off at the end of the day.
Mu warmer featuring an attractive marble design
Lightweight and portable
Features a non-stick heating element
Easy to wipe clean in the event of a spill
Bright power light lets you know the plate is warming
Safe and efficient, suitable for a range of spaces
- BrandNorpro
- Model5569
- Weight14.7 ounces
14
Disney Minnie Mouse Mug Warmer
This next mug warmer is perfect for the avid Disney fan in your life. The two-piece set includes a cute, Minnie Mouse themes mug, along with a stylish pink and black warming plate. Fitted with an illuminated power switch, it’s easy to tell when the device is on – or off – for safe use.
To get started, simply plug in, switch on, and place a mug atop the pink warming plate. Thanks to a powerful yet compact design, Minnie’s cheerful visage will keep beverages hot – not just luke warm. At less than a pound in weight, it’s easy to move between home, work, and beyond.
Mug warmer and matching mug featuring a cute Minnie Mouse design
Perfect gift for Disney fans
Keeps coffee hot – not just warm
Illuminated power switch lets you know the device is switched on
Lightweight for easy transportation
Non-slip surface keeps mugs safely in place
- BrandDisney
- ModelDMG-18
- Weight1.1 pounds
15
Senj Mug Warmer with Automatic Shut Off
Last, but not least, comes this sleek and effective coffee warmer by Senj. Through microgravity induction, the smart design automatically switches on and off as soon as a mug is placed on its surface, or removed. It’s a great option if you’re a little forgetful, since there’s a very low risk of leaving it switched on by mistake.
The warmer also features a water-proof design, to mitigate the impact of those inevitable spills. Equipped with a 3.1 inch diameter heating surface, the device is suitable for use with a wide array of mugs, so there’s no need to buy a new one before you get started. In fact, it works well with ceramic, stainless steel, and even glass mugs. As an added bonus, the warmer also includes a silicone mug lid. When placed atop your mug, it helps to lock in heat, and prevents any spills on the way back to your desk.
Stylish mug warmer
Includes a silicone mug seal
Automatically powers on and off with the presence or removal of a mug
Suitable for use with stainless steel, ceramic, and glass mugs
Water-proof design means no need to worry about spills
- BrandSenj
- Weight11.2 ounces
Best Mug Warmer Buying Guide & FAQ
We think these 15 mug warmers are the best of the bunch, and we’re confident that any lover of hot beverages will find the perfect option for them somewhere on the list. To help you find the right solution for you, we’ve put together this handy buying guide, addressing some common questions about mug warmers.
Features to Look for in a Mug Warmer
When it’s time to choose your perfect mug warmer, there are a few key features to look out for:
- Safety
First and foremost, it’s important to consider safety when choosing a mug warmer. Warming plates often become hot, so if you have kids or pets around, opting for a self-warming mug may be the better option. If you do choose a plate design, look out for an automatic shut-off function, and a power light.
- Effectiveness
Not all mug warmers warm equally. Look out for a version that customers say is powerful enough to keep your drink as hot as you’d like - not just luke warm.
- Versatility
Some mug warmers can be used for more than just keeping hot beverages toasty. If you’re feeling creative, look out for a device that can also handle candles, and even soup or ice cream! As far as versatility is concerned, try to choose a mug with different temperature settings, which are suited to these different uses.
- Budget
As with any purchase, it’s important to consider your budget when buying a mug warmer. Fortunately, devices can be had for $10 and up, so you’re sure to find the perfect option that fits your spending limit.
- Aesthetics
Finally, it’s important to choose a device that you like the look of - it’s probably going to be sat on your desk all day, after all. Fortunately, there are plenty of colors and styles out there for you to choose from, so you should be able to track down something you like.
Why You Should Use a Coffee Cup Warmer
Using a mug warmer comes with a host of benefits, including:
- Preventing that annoying moment when your tea or coffee is too cold to drink
- Certain designs keep drinks hot on long journeys
- Mug warmers can also heat other substances
- Most mug warmers are simple and easy to use
- Maintaining a mug warmer is generally easy
Cup Warmer Cleaning and Maintenance
How you clean your mug warmer will depend partly on its design. Below we run through how to properly clean the two main types of mug warmer:
- Warming plate designs
Most of these designs are very easy to clean. All you have to do is unplug, and wipe down with a clean damp cloth, using all-purpose kitchen cleaner to remove bacteria and spills. To maintain these devices, store in a dry spot, and check the wire for faults every now and then.
- Self-heating mugs
The main thing to remember about self-heating mugs is to avoid placing them in the dishwasher. This will damage their inner workings, and you should instead wash them by hand before thoroughly drying. Be sure to remove any non-waterproof components first if instructed by the manufacturer.
Best Mug Warmer FAQ:
Q: How does a mug warmer work?
A: The way in which mug warmers work is fairly simple. They function through a heating element, embedded inside either a mug or a warming plate. When an electric current is passed through this element, it becomes hot. This heat in turn is transferred by conduction into your tea or coffee, keeping it warm.
Q: How hot does a coffee warmer get?
A: This depends on the make and model of the mug warmer. Certain devices can only slow down a liquid’s cooling process, while others are hot enough to actively heat it.
Generally speaking, the hottest a coffee warmer can get is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How can I keep coffee hot for a long time?
A: As well as using a coffee warmer, there are a few other tricks you can try for keeping hot drinks warm:
- Try an insulating lid
- Drink your coffee from a Thermos, or other double-lined cup
- Avoid placing your mug in the way of a draft
- Consider drinking smaller cups, to ensure your coffee doesn’t go cold before you can finish it
Our Top Pick
For us, the best mug warmer on the market right now has to be this nifty design by VOBAGA. Sleek, stylish, and simple to use, the device is well at home in just about location. With three different temperature settings to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect option for your own taste.
For added safety, the warmer features an automatic shut-off function, and water-proof design that won’t leave you in trouble if there’s a spill. With its large base, the device is suitable for use with everything from small mugs, to take-away cups, to French presses.
Sources:
- Mechanics of Mug Warmers - How Stuff Works
- Buy Yourself an Electric Mug Warmer - Lifehacker