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Finding time to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee before it gets cold isn’t always easy, but mug warmers make it a whole lot easier. These handy accessories are engineered to keep the liquids inside of mugs warm for hours. Some models can also be used for other functions, such as warming candles or massage oils and heating up soup. That being said, the technology is complex, and not all mug warmers accomplish what they’re said to be capable of. After lots of research, we selected and tested six of the most popular heated mugs and mug warmers to see which are worth the investment. Read on to learn more about the best mug warmers.
- BEST OVERALL: Ember Mug 2 Smart Mug Warmer
- RUNNER-UP: Nextmug Self-Heating Temperature-Controlled Mug
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ikago Heat Coaster Mug Warmer Pro Set
- BEST DISHWASHER-SAFE: Ohom Ui Artist Collection Self-Heating Mug
- BEST MINIMALIST: Thermacup Self-Heating Temperature-Controlled Mug
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Ember Travel Mug 2 Temperature-Controlled Travel Mug
How We Tested the Best Mug Warmers
There are dozens of self-heating mugs that promise to keep your tea and coffee at your ideal temperature for hours, so determining which are the best can be challenging. To do that, we first surveyed the market for the most highly rated and well-reviewed brands. We then identified the best-selling and most-loved products from these trusted brands. We tested the six most promising mug warmers using a variety of criteria designed to assess their functionality, durability, and value.
To test the mugs’ ability to heat different liquids to a specific temperature, we brewed coffee without milk and hot chocolate made with milk. We then measured how long it took each mug to achieve our desired temperature as well as how well the mugs maintained the temperature over time.
We also measured how long it took each mug to raise the temperature of already-cooled liquids. We cross-referenced the results of our tests with the manufacturers’ claims about their mug warmers’ capabilities. To assess durability, we dropped the mugs a few times (except for the ceramic mugs, which would shatter if dropped). We also demoed any corresponding smartphone apps and other accessories, such as lids. Finally, we assessed the products based on how easy they were to clean.
Testing Stats
Products tested: 6
Hours spent testing: 100+
Tests performed: 6
Average price: $119
Our Top Picks
The following picks best represent the important features we highlighted above, such as material, size, temperature range, and features. This list offers a variety of mug warmers to suit varied needs and budgets.
Best Overall
Ember Mug 2 Smart Mug Warmer
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 10-ounce and 14-ounce sizes available
- Temperature range: 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 10 (varies between retailers)
Pros
- Wide temperature range, so each user can sip at their preferred temperature
- App stores user temperature preferences between uses for friction-free use
- Connected smartphone app allows users to dial in a specific temperature
Cons
- Smartphone app doesn’t always connect seamlessly and may require reconnecting via Bluetooth
- Mug causes a lot of evaporation while heating cooled beverages
Read our full review: Ember Mug 2 Smart Mug Warmer
The Ember Mug 2 features an innovative design that takes the standard hot plate–style mug warmer to the next level. The Ember system includes a charging coaster similar to that of other mug warmers. Once charged, the mug can keep a beverage hot for up to an hour and a half at a time. However, if you keep the mug on the coaster, it will maintain your desired temperature all day.
The Ember Mug 2 allows users to select a specific temperature between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which can only be controlled from an app on a smartphone. An LED indicator on the front of the mug lets users know when the drink has reached the desired temperature. There is also a built-in sensor to detect when the mug is empty; when it detects this, it will automatically power down to save energy and prevent accidents.
The Ember mug is made from scratch-resistant ceramic and should be washed by hand. Though it’s scratchproof, we don’t recommend using metal utensils on the surface, as doing so can cause it to wear down over time. The mug has a waterproofing rating of IPX7, meaning it can be submerged in up to 3.2 feet of water without incurring damage. Still, it’s best not to submerge the mug in water; rather, consider rinsing it, washing it by hand, and wiping it clean. It’s also important not to put the mug on the coaster when it’s wet, as this can corrode the battery prongs.
Get the Ember Mug 2 mug warmer at Amazon, Best Buy, or Ember.
Runner-Up
Nextmug Self-Heating Temperature-Controlled Mug
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 14 ounces
- Temperature range: 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 9 (varies between retailers)
Pros
- Includes spill-resistant lid that makes the mug more portable and limits evaporation
- Capable of maintaining a hotter temperature than most other mug warmers
- Lower cost compared to other options makes this mug a good value purchase
Cons
- Can only choose from 3 temperature presets rather than selecting the exact temperature
- Material can be difficult to clean as fingerprints stick to the sides
The Nextmug is a powerful and effective heated mug that users can set to a higher temperature than our Best Overall pick, the Ember 2. It comes with a spill-resistant (though not spill-proof) lid that keeps liquids hot and reduces evaporation. This mug also comes in nine color options, so every member of a household can pick their own color.
The Nextmug charges on a coaster, and as long as it’s kept on the charger, it will keep a drink at the desired temperature indefinitely. When it’s off the charger with the lid on, the mug is designed to maintain its “warm” setting (130 degrees Fahrenheit) for nearly 5 hours; its “hot” setting (140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 4 hours; and its “piping” setting (150 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 3 hours. Without the lid, these times are reduced to 2 hours at warm, about 1.5 hours at hot, and 45 minutes at piping.
During our tests, the mug maintained these temperatures precisely without fluctuating, both on and off the charger. A progress bar on the mug shows the current temperature setting of the liquid—between “warm” and “piping”—as well as the battery level. It holds 14 ounces of liquid and has a rounder shape than the Ember Mug 2, but it weighs about the same and has a similarly sized charging coaster. The mug must be hand-washed, and the lid is dishwasher-safe. We found this mug to be harder to clean than some of the others, and fingerprints tend to linger on its exterior.
Get the Nextmug mug warmer at Amazon, Walmart, QVC, or Nextmug.
Best Bang for the Buck
Ikago Heat Coaster Mug Warmer Pro Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 15 ounces
- Temperature range: 105 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 1
Pros
- Large-capacity mug holds more coffee and tea than smaller heated mugs
- Mug heats to a precise temperature controllable down to 1 degree Fahrenheit
- Heating coaster can be used with mugs you already own
- Includes ceramic lid to limit evaporation and retain heat better
Cons
- The current temperature of the liquid in the mug is only displayed on the coaster, not on the mug itself
- The ceramic lid is not tight fitting and does not prevent spills
Ikago’s Heat Coaster Mug Warmer Pro set features a unique heated mug that offers precise temperature control down to the degree. A standout feature is that this heating coaster will work with nearly any ceramic mug, not just the 15-ounce mug that comes with this set. The heating pad has a built-in infrared sensor to estimate the temperature of the liquid inside the mug.
Infrared thermometers take a surface reading that can differ from the temperature of the core of the liquid, and in our tests, we found that the temperature displayed on the coaster was slightly higher than the actual liquid temperature. This charging pad is slightly larger and more attention-grabbing on a countertop than the rest of the chargers in our roundup. The temperature display is bright and large, compared to the sleeker and more minimalist charging coasters other mugs come with.
This heater has the widest temperature range of any mug in our test, beginning at 105 degrees Fahrenheit and running all the way to a piping-hot 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The charging coaster will beep when it hits your desired temperature, but you can mute the notification if you wish. The ceramic mug can be cleaned in the dishwasher. It comes with a ceramic lid that won’t prevent spills, but it will limit evaporation and heat loss.
Get the Ikago mug warmer at Amazon or Ikago.
Best Mug and Warmer Set
Ohom Ui Artist Collection Self-Heating Mug
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 15 ounces
- Temperature range: 130 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 5
Pros
- Charging coaster can also be used to wirelessly charge cell phones with MagSafe capabilities
- Mug has an attractive, unique design due to hand-glazing techniques
- Not comprised of metal, so the mug can be cleaned in the dishwasher between uses
Cons
- Ceramic mug is more fragile and likely to break than other materials
- There is no precise temperature control; the mug heats to 130 Fahrenheit degrees every time
The self-heating mugs in Ohom’s Artist Collection are the most aesthetically attractive options that we tested. Each ceramic mug is hand glazed using ancient Chinese techniques, resulting in a unique finish every time. The mug is warmed through an aluminum plate in the base that conducts heat via electromagnetic currents emitted from the charging coaster. The charger heats the mug from the bottom up to a steady 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which many people consider the perfect temperature for tea. If you like your brew to be piping hot, though, this may not be the mug for you.
When you’re not heating your mug, the charging coaster doubles as a charger for MagSafe devices like iPhones and AirPod cases, which makes it a handy desk accessory. In addition, this heated mug is dishwasher-safe. It doesn’t come with a lid (though you can purchase one separately), but there are five beautiful colorways to choose from. It’s worth noting that the mug will only stay hot if it’s kept on the coaster.
There’s no battery in the mug itself to help it maintain temperature, so when it’s removed from the charging pad, your coffee will cool—albeit more slowly than a traditional mug that’s not preheated. As long as I remembered to heat the mug for a good 10 to 15 minutes before pouring my coffee, I found that it stayed warm down to the last drop. A slower coffee drinker may end up with a cold mug, however. And if you don’t give the mug enough time to warm properly, the bottom will be quite hot, but the rim may still be cold. This mug takes longer to reach its temperature than the battery-powered options on this list.
Get the Ohom mug warmer at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Bespoke Post, or Ohom.
Best Minimalist
Thermacup Self-Heating Temperature-Controlled Mug
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 10/12/14-ounce sizes available
- Temperature range: 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 6
Pros
- Includes spill-resistant lid that prevents liquid evaporation and reduces heat loss
- Mug comes in multiple size options, including 10-, 12-, and 14-ounce models
- 1-button temperature-control interface on the mug is simple to use
Cons
- 10-degree-Fahrenheit temperature range is narrower than other mugs, providing less versatility
- Only 3 precise heating levels: 140, 145, and 150 degrees Fahrenheit
The Thermacup is a straightforward, easy-to-use heated mug with a wired charging coaster. This mug does away with frills like a connected app or wireless charging. It has a single button on one side, which allows the user to power the mug on as well as toggle through the three preset heat levels.
This cup has a more narrow temperature range than other options. The lowest setting will maintain a drink’s temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the middle setting at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and the highest setting at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. With your mug on the charger, you can enjoy coffee at your desired temperature indefinitely. Off the charger and with the lid on, the mug will be able to keep the contents at the same temperature for about 3 hours. Without the lid or charger, the mug should be able to maintain the temperature for about an hour.
During testing, this mug held its promised temperature evenly. It was able to heat room-temperature liquid to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in about 40 minutes, which is on par with the other high-performing mugs in our test. If you’re looking for a smaller heated mug, the Thermacup comes in 10-, 12- and 14-ounce sizes, and it’s available in six color options. It charges quickly, and a lighted meter on the front displays the current charge level so that users will know at a glance when it needs to be returned to the coaster.
Get the Thermacup mug warmer at Amazon.
Best for Travel
Ember Travel Mug 2 Temperature-Controlled Travel Mug
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Temperature range: 120 degrees to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Color options: 1
Pros
- Keeps drinks warm on the go for up to 3 hours after being removed from charging coaster
- Clear digital display on the mug shows the current liquid temperature at any time
- Connected Smartphone app allows for precise temperature control within the range of 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than most nonheated travel mugs
- Charging coaster is also larger than the other mug chargers we tested
Barring its portable to-go shape, the Ember Travel Mug 2 has the same durable, user-friendly design as the brand’s signature mug, the Ember Mug 2. Like the Ember Mug 2, this version has a wide temperature range of 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Users can dial in their preferred temperature down to the degree using the connected smartphone app. The app can sync with multiple mugs, too, so you can operate your at-home and travel mugs with ease. The Ember Travel Mug 2 also has a clear LED display on the front that shows the current temperature of its contents.
During testing, when we measured the temperature of the mug’s contents, it matched spot-on with the temperature displayed on the mug. This to-go mug is also compatible with the Apple Find My app, so you can track its precise location if you misplace it. We had some trouble getting the mug to connect to my Find My app at first, but it did eventually connect.
The mug is made from heavy-duty plastic and has a tight-fitting leakproof lid. The lid is dishwasher-safe, but the mug should be hand-washed. We found this mug to be slightly harder to clean than others due to the higher walls, but as long as you clean it soon after use and avoid letting milk or other liquids dry onto the mug, you can get the job done without needing much elbow grease.
Get the Ember Travel Mug 2 mug warmer at Amazon, Best Buy, Nordstrom, or Ember.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Mug Warmer
The following sections detail some of the most important qualities to keep in mind when shopping for the best mug warmer for your needs.
Size
Mug warmers come in a range of sizes, though many are just slightly larger than the average coaster. They can be square, rectangular, or circular in shape. They typically have a surface area of around 5 to 8 inches in length with a height of 1 to 2 inches. Some compact models have very little surface area aside from the heating element, making them a good choice for desks or tables with limited space.
Wired vs. Wireless
Mug warmers can be either wired or wireless. Wired mug warmers have either a USB charger or an AC power cord. Models that plug directly into a wall outlet tend to be more powerful, while models with a USB charger are convenient because they can be plugged into a laptop or a desktop computer. It’s important that the cord of your wired mug warmer be long enough so that it can be placed in a convenient location at a safe distance from your computer.
Wireless mug warmers don’t need a cord and instead require periodic charging. Alternatively, some mug warmers run on batteries. While wireless models may be more convenient for some users, note that these mug warmers are less powerful than their wired counterparts.
Material
Mug warmers can be made from various materials, but the best mug warmers are typically constructed from plastic or stainless steel and are often designed with nonstick heating elements. Plastic mug warmers are generally the most lightweight and inexpensive option.
Stainless steel mug warmers are durable and provide a sleek, industrial look. If a mug warmer comes equipped with a compatible mug, it’s generally made from stainless steel or, alternately, has a stainless steel core and a ceramic coating.
Temperature Range and Controls
Coffee is generally brewed at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal temperature to enjoy it is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Most mug warmers are designed to maintain temperatures within this range so that you can enjoy a toasty drink for hours.
It’s important to note that most mug warmers aren’t powerful enough to heat up a beverage that has cooled completely. For best results, a hot beverage should be placed on the warming plate and remain there when you’re not taking a sip.
The most basic models simply have one temperature setting, while more high-end products offer a range of temperature controls, allowing you to heat your beverage exactly how you like it. Some models have a light indicator to let you know when your drink has reached the desired temperature.
Auto Shutoff
Some mug warmers automatically turn off after a set amount of time. An auto shutoff function may be an important safety feature if you’re worried about accidentally leaving your mug warmer on. It’s also great for conserving energy and makes your device more eco-friendly. If you choose a model without this feature, it’s important to be mindful and ensure the mug warmer is turned off when it’s no longer in use.
Waterproofing
Because mug warmers are meant to heat up beverages, it’s important that they are able to withstand the occasional spill. The best mug warmers usually have waterproof elements that are easy to clean, requiring just a quick wipe-down if any splattering occurs.
Aesthetic
While a mug warmer is largely functional, you may want to match the device to the decor style of your other desk accessories since it’ll be sitting at your workspace all day. Many models have a sleek, streamlined appearance that helps them blend in with other electronic devices. Others have a more decorative look, with faux marble or wood-grain finishes.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about mug warmers.
Q. How do mug warmers work?
Mug warmers essentially function like miniature hot plates. They are powered by electricity and use a hidden heated coil to warm up beverages.
Q. How do you use a mug warmer?
Most mug warmers are designed to maintain an already-warm beverage’s temperature rather than heating up a cold beverage. For the best results, place your hot cup of coffee or tea on the heating element and use it like a coaster by setting your mug back on the element whenever you’re not sipping it.
Q. Are mug warmers safe?
Most mug warmers on the market are perfectly safe to use at home and in the office. For added peace of mind, look for a model that has an automatic shutoff feature.
Q. How hot do mug warmers get?
Mug warmers are generally able to maintain liquid temperatures between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the elements themselves can reach over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. Can you put a paper cup on a mug warmer?
Some mug warmers are compatible with paper cups. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to establish whether it’s safe to use your mug warmer with disposable cups.
Q. Are there cordless mug warmers?
Yes. You can find cordless mug warmers that run on replaceable batteries or that can be recharged regularly. It’s worth noting their corded counterparts function more effectively, but if you prefer a cordless mug warmer, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Meet the Tester
Lizzy Briskin is a freelance home and kitchen writer and product tester for Bob Vila and other outlets. She has covered food and home products for over 5 years and has a culinary degree. Lizy has been using a heated mug nearly every morning for over a decade. She loves a piping-hot morning cappuccino and won’t settle for tepid tea, so she carefully considered each product’s performance during testing and took detailed qualitative and quantitative notes to support this guide.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.
