The Best Mug Warmer

Buying Guide

If you rely on a hot cup of coffee to kick off your day, you likely know all too well how tough it can be to maintain the perfect temperature. Those who add creamer or milk to their coffee face the additional challenge of keeping it warm after it’s been significantly cooled down. For that reason, some consumers request coffee “extra hot” at cafés — which is defined as a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees. As water crosses the beans, it extracts oils and flavors, cooling down slightly before dripping into the carafe. If the water is too hot as it passes over the beans, the coffee can taste scalded, but if it isn’t hot enough, you won’t get the flavors you want.

But the temperature of the coffee after brewing also influences your enjoyment. While people tend to have personal preferences, 120 to 140 degrees tends to be an ideal temperature range for getting the best flavor and aroma. As you exceed 150 degrees, the heat can overpower the flavor of the coffee itself, taking away from the experience.

Regardless of the temperature you prefer, unless you drink your coffee in a couple of minutes, you won’t get consistent heat from start to finish. Slowly sip your coffee and halfway down, your coffee will become downright tepid. You can warm it up with a fresh pour, but if you rely on a one-cup coffeemaker, that isn’t an option.

A mug warmer is a great way to keep your warm liquids at your favorite temperature for hours. Whether you’re a slow sipper or you’d just like five to ten minutes to get every last drop down, these devices can be a big help. They act similar to a drink coaster, but they distribute heat through your coffee cup, keeping the liquid inside warm until you’re finished.

• With any electrical device, safety is a top priority. Many mug warmers have auto-shutoff features, but often this doesn’t kick in until the device has been running for a few hours. You may want to hook your mug warmer up to a smart plug that you can control from your mobile device if you fear you’ll forget to turn it off before leaving.
• Mug warmers aren’t just for keeping coffee warm. Some consumers use them to heat wax melts for scents. You can also use them to keep tea and cocoa warm.
• In addition to mugs, you can also heat bowls with some warmers. Look for one that’s at least 3.5 inches in size if you want to use your warmer to heat something larger than a cup.
• The build of your mug comes into play when you’re using a warmer. You’ll find if your mugs are made from ceramic, you’ll have no trouble finding a warmer that will work. However, if your mugs are glass, metal, enamel, tile or plastic, you’ll need to look for a warmer that will work with that material.
• Leaks are inevitable with any liquids. You’ll want to make sure your mug warmer can handle liquids, including condensation and accidental spills. It will need protections in place to shield the warmer’s electrical components from any liquids that fall.
• You’ll occasionally need to clean your mug warmer. Some surfaces are easier to clean than others, using just a wet, slightly soapy rag. You won’t want to immerse any mug warmer in water.
• Temperature control varies significantly from one mug warmer to another. Some let you set a very specific temperature, while others only promise to hold the coffee within a specific temperature range. If you’re especially picky about the warmth of your coffee, you may want to go for the former.