T
he illustrious idea of a great cuppa often seems far out of reach. Maybe it’s because everyone’s tastes are so different. In various shades and sizes, warm drinks range from golden or ghostly coloured, vegan no-milk milk or full fat cream, sickly sweet or a bitter awakening. Whatever your choice, we all know a good winter drink should keep the chill at bay.
So, what is the perfect temperature for your drink? Tea experts Twinings profess the ideal warmth to be 60C “to avoid burning your tongue”. Their detailed instructions on how to make a cup of tea perfectly also include exactly how long to brew and cool your drink.
But when the tea gets cold, the cold get brewing. We have all faced the issue of that shiver-inducing frosty sip at the bottom of your cup, which should no longer be the standard. Microwaves are a sad solution and why should you fork out for a new kettle? Enter: mug warmers.
These gadgets, ranging from heated coasters to self-heating mugs, keep your drink at the ideal temperature to avoid a disappointing end to your tea break. Designs include funky and sleek devices, USB and mains chargers and even different levels of control with the new smart devices.
We’ve drawn up a collection of the best mug warmers to shop so you can have your tea and drink it too.
See our favourites below.
Ember Mug²
This self-heating mug has everything – including an app! The Ember mug2 puts the power in your hands allowing you to control your temperature from the connected app. Once your brew is ready, you will be notified by both the app and the LED light on the front of the mug. The new copper colour, just launched in October, matches the stainless-steel core with ceramic coating, giving a futuristic look to their metallic range.
The app, compatible with Apple and Android phones, has a simple design making it easy to use. The platform offers features that allow you to personalise the LED indicator colour on your mug, check battery life, adjust the temperature between 50oC and 62.5oC, time your brew and even access new tea recipes.
Your tea is kept at the desired temperature on the coaster and allows 1.5 hours of battery life when moved away from its base. The smart features continue as the mug turns on and off automatically, detecting when full and empty. The mug itself is at no danger of burning your hands as it stays cool on the outside and toasty on the inside.
This sleek design and various features make a luxurious experience that is well worth the higher price tag.
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Bottlyn Smart Coaster (with bunny ears)
This mug warmer is by far the most fashionable with its silicone cushioned edging and designs available with bunny ears. The range offers colours in two tones of pink and forest green. An LED screen at the front displays the temperature range from 55oC to 75oC and the integrated buttons allow you set it 10oC at a time.
Its spill factor rates quite low as it includes a non-slip silicone bottom that helps stop those, sometimes inevitable, accidents. The base is warm enough to heat mugs of various materials (we tested it!) so you can share the love with other mugs too.
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Joom USB Mug Warmer
This USB charged mug warmer has a polished wooden border around the metal hotplate, giving a somewhat earthy feel to the device.
With a 55oC constant temperature, the compact coaster provides the most affordable on our list for those who are looking for a no-faff perfect cuppa. Designs are available in dark and light wood grain, keeping to a simplistic style. Perfect for those looking to save time and money.
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Mustard Eggciting Cup Warmer
You’ll have a hard time trying to keep people from poaching this item from your desk (sorry, not sorry). This USB powered hotplate is another mug warmer in the Mustard range that brightens your morning and keeps your drink at a promised 70oC, after boiled. The wipeable silicone surface makes for a mess-free coaster that brings eggcitement to your day.
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COSORI Mug Warmer and Mug Set
With easy touch technology to control the temperature range, the perfectly paired mug warmer and metal mug set comes in silver and black for that modern hardware look. This set maintains a warm 70oC and the 500ml lidded cup adds that extra level of insulation when leaving your drink unattended for hours.
While we do recommend that you hand wash this for best use, this cool design can save time and make your winter just a little warmer.
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Verdict
Our top pick is the Ember Mug2for its unmatched high-tech options and range of in-app features. For the full futuristic experience Ember’s range is the way to go.
Of all our choices we all deserve one thing this winter – the perfect cuppa.