You sit down at your desk to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa and the phone rings. By the time you hang up the phone, you have to respond to an urgent e-mail. The morning continues with one issue after another until you finally get a break. When you grab your drink to take a sip, it’s cold.
You could run to the microwave to warm it, but you know it won’t taste the same. If you had a USB coffee mug on your desk, it would keep your beverage toasty until you are ready to enjoy it. Place your energy-boosting drink on one of the best cup warmers and you can sip on your favorite hot drink all day long.
How a Mug Warmer Works
The units have a hot plate that receives power from a USB port. Once the heating coil receives enough power, it heats up the hot plate’s surface. Technically, kinetic energy comes into play, which involves slow and fast moving molecules converging to transfer heat energy. Put simply, the warm surface makes contact with the mug, which sends heat to the liquid inside.
Features of USB Mug Warmers
All USB mug warmers have three things in common. First, they are easy to use. You simply plug the unit into a USB port on your computer and it heats up. Secondly, they are convenient. With a warmer on your desk, you can enjoy a hot beverage anytime you desire. Finally, they are USB powered! Consequently, you don’t have to search for an outlet or batteries. Just plug and play.
Factors to Consider
Not all USB mug warmers are created equal. Therefore, you will need to decide which factors suit your situation. Do have a favorite cup that needs a special base? Would you prefer a warmer with a power switch? Following is a list of factors for you to consider before making a buying decision.
Power Switch: Units with an on/off button allow you to cut the warmer on when you need to warm your drink and cut it off when it is not in use.
Power Cord: Depending on the layout of your workstation, you may prefer a short cord or a long one. Make sure to check out the cord length before you buy. The last thing you want to do is buy a cable that is too long or too short.
Temperature: The temperature of the heating element will vary per manufacturer and model. While some devices keep your beverage warm. Others reach piping hot temperatures.
Hot Plate Diameter/Size: Make sure that the plate size can accommodate your favorite cup. Otherwise, you may have to search for a new one.
Safety Precautions
To prevent accidents and injuries, always use safety precautions when using a USB mug warmer.
- Do not place it too close to a keyboard.
- Don’t forget to unplug it or turn it off when it is not being used.
- Be careful when moving it.
- If transporting it from the office to your home, make sure it has cooled down before placing it in a tote, bag, or briefcase.
Best for Small Spaces: USB Cup Warmer: Garus
This stylish cup warmer has a faux light wood design to add a touch of class to your work area. Since it is small and compact, you can easily carry it to and from the office. The non-stick heating element warms beverages up to 140 degrees. A non-slip base keeps clumsy co-workers from knocking it over. Unfortunately, its 3.12” surface is unable to hold large mugs. Check price and details.
Best for Compatibility: Mustard Cookie Coaster
With this plug-and-play cookie coaster, a hot drink is always within reach. It is compatible with Windows and Mac devices. A stainless steel heating element heats your coffee or tea up to a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. So be sure to tell co-workers to be careful when placing documents on your desk. Use the power switch to cut it off, if you need to leave your workstation. See details – Price and more information.
Best for Charging Devices: Sonic IQ 4-Port Mug Warmer
This USB mug warmer not only keeps your beverage warm, but it also doubles as a portable charging station. The sleek silver unit is perfect for long days at the office. With four USB ports, you can keep your phone and three other devices at 100 percent. A single green light comes on to indicate that the unit is operating and a green and red light brighten when your coffee, tea, or soup becomes hot. Check price and details.
Best for Versatility: LANMU Electric Beverage Warmer
You can heat almost any type of liquid with the LANMU electric beverage warmer. it holds flat-bottom glasses, paper cups, baby bottles, and steel cups. plus, it has a 7.58-foot long cord, so place your drink in a location that is convenient for you. a recessed base helps to prevent spills. because of its unique design, however, it cannot accommodate thick ceramic cups. Check Price and details.
Best for Saving Energy: Corelson Mug Heater
The Corelson Mug Heater only uses five watts of power. With a stainless steel heating element, the warmer heats quickly and maintains a temperature of 140 degrees. A dark faux wood finish surrounds the heating element and coordinates well with any office décor. It is ideal for flat-bottom, non-insulated cups. Check Price and details.
Best for Pastry Lovers: Mustard and Co. Plastic Cupcake
Whether you’re an avid tea drinker or a coffee addict, you will enjoy this Plastic Cupcake Mug Warmer. It wipes down easily, so it is easy to keep clean. Make sure to turn off the switch when your shift ends. It can get very hot, so handle with extreme caution. Check price and details.
