Buzz
Image Credit: Mytour / Catherine CoxFor coffee enthusiasts, the morning cup is essential. During winter, a steaming mug of coffee (or tea!) feels particularly comforting. However, a sudden lukewarm sip can be a letdown, and reheating it in the microwave often ruins the flavor—think burnt. A mug warmer ensures your beverage stays at the perfect temperature, preserving its taste until the very last drop.
Over a month, we put 16 models to the test, analyzing their performance, design, and usability. While some fell short, others seamlessly integrated into our daily routines. For expert advice, we consulted Olivia Laskowski, Cometeer's brand and partnerships manager, and Adriana Uriostegui, a brewing trainer at Talitha Coffee. Explore our top picks, featuring warming plates, smart mugs, and portable options for on-the-go use.
Top Pick
Nextmug Self-Heating Coffee Mug
IMAGE: AmazonIt consistently maintained an ideal temperature—warm enough to savor but not scalding.
The charging process is lengthy, and the warming plate doesn’t work with other mugs.
This mug scored top marks in design, functionality, and usability. After a month of daily use, we were impressed by its ability to keep every sip of coffee piping hot.
This mug warmer stands out for its simplicity. With just one button and three indicator lights (warm, hot, and piping), it’s incredibly user-friendly. A charging light bar on the front ensures you’re always aware of the remaining battery life.
Although the brand claims the mug can keep drinks hot for up to four hours, our tests showed it maintained the temperature for about an hour on both low and high settings. Still, we appreciated its ability to deliver steady warmth, keeping our coffee pleasantly hot without being too intense. The included lid also makes it ideal for travel.
Note that the warming plate charges the mug specifically and doesn’t work with other mugs. Additionally, since it’s not dishwasher-safe, hand washing is required. Despite these minor drawbacks, its performance makes the extra effort worthwhile.
Capacity: 14 ounces | Power Source: Battery, corded electric warming plate | Heat Duration: Up to 4.8 hours with lid, 2.1 hours without | Temperature Control: Yes | Auto Shut-Off: Yes
The Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug ensured our coffee stayed warm until the very last drop.
PHOTO: Mytour / Katie Bowler
Without the warming plate, it maintained our coffee’s peak temperature for an hour.
PHOTO: Mytour / Katie Bowler
Indicator lights display the remaining battery life of the mug.
PHOTO: Mytour / Katie BowlerTop Budget Pick
Cosori Original Coffee Warmer & Mug
PHOTO: AmazonThe plate allows precise temperature adjustments by the degree and kept our coffee hot and flavorful for three hours.
It lacks an auto shut-off feature, and the stainless steel imparts a faint metallic taste.
High-quality mug warmers can be expensive, but this Cosori set offers exceptional value. Unlike others with basic temperature settings, this model lets you fine-tune the heat precisely, from 77°F to 230°F, using simple up and down buttons.
The memory function is a standout feature—unplugging and reconnecting the warmer retains your previous setting, ensuring you always hit that ideal temperature. Our coffee remained consistently warm and flavorful for three hours, though the brand claims it can last up to eight. (We didn’t need that long to enjoy ours.)
The included stainless steel mug left a faint metallic taste, which might not appeal to everyone. However, the warming plate works with most mugs, though heating efficiency may vary. While it lacks auto shut-off, the ceramic plate stays safe to touch, and the rubber sleeve provides a non-slip grip.
Capacity: 17 ounces | Power Source: Electric | Heat Duration: 8 hours | Temperature Control: Yes | Auto Shut-Off: No
The Cosori Original Coffee Warmer and Mug allows precise temperature adjustments up to 230°F.
PHOTO: Mytour / Christian Mullane
While it includes a mug, the warming plate works with virtually any mug.
PHOTO: Mytour / Christian MullaneTop Smart Pick
Ember Smart Mug 2
PHOTO: AmazonThis mug ensured our coffee stayed scorching hot until the final sip, with temperature control available via the Ember app.
It requires charging after every use, which can be easy to forget.
The Ember Mug 2 exudes quality with its sleek, modern design. The Ember app allows precise temperature adjustments, with LED indicators showing battery status, heating progress, or target temperature. However, the power button behavior was slightly confusing—it entered sleep mode when empty but reactivated upon touch.
During testing, the mug’s heat retention impressed us. Even for slow drinkers, it kept coffee piping hot from the first sip to the last. Off the coaster, it maintained heat for an hour and a half—10 minutes longer than claimed. Just remember to recharge it for a few hours after use or keep it on the coaster for continuous warmth.
Beyond its excellent heat retention, the mug also preserved the coffee’s flavor consistently. The exterior and handle remained cool to the touch, ensuring safety during use. However, its 10-ounce capacity might not suit those needing a larger caffeine fix (though a 14-ounce option is available). This mug is ideal for coffee enthusiasts, slow drinkers, and tech-savvy users alike.
Capacity: 10 ounces | Power Source: Battery, corded electric warming plate | Heat Duration: 80 minutes | Temperature Control: Yes | Auto Shut-Off: Yes
The Ember Mug 2 kept our coffee at the ideal temperature for 90 minutes.
PHOTO: Mytour / Prairie Rose
We admired its modern design and user-friendly app features.
PHOTO: Mytour / Prairie RoseTop Travel Pick
Ember Travel Mug 2
PHOTO: AmazonThe integrated heater makes this mug perfect for travel and on-the-go use.
Battery life shortens if you prefer temperatures above 135°F.
While we love the Ember Smart Mug 2, its travel limitations are clear with just 90 minutes of battery life off the charger. The Ember Travel Mug 2 solves this with a built-in heating system. A tap on the Ember logo activates the display, and the app allows temperature customization and beverage-specific presets. It even integrates Apple’s ‘Find My’ feature for added convenience.
The lid is sleek and opens with a simple press, though leaving the mug closed for extended periods caused minor splattering upon opening. Despite its tall appearance, it holds 12 ounces, not 16.
The mug maintained a uniform temperature throughout, ensuring every sip felt freshly brewed. Even after an hour, the coffee tasted as if it had just been poured, with minimal temperature fluctuations and no loss of flavor.
The brand claims three hours of battery life when starting with hot liquid at 135°F. Cooler settings extend battery life, while hotter settings reduce it slightly.
Capacity: 12 ounces | Power Source: Battery, corded electric warming plate | Heat Duration: 3 hours | Temperature Control: Yes | Auto Shut-Off: Yes
The Ember Travel Mug 2 offers approximately three hours of battery life, perfect for portable coffee enjoyment.
PHOTO: Mytour / Russell Kilgore
Featuring Apple's Find My technology, you can easily locate the mug using your phone if misplaced.
PHOTO: Mytour / Russell Kilgore
An hour after brewing, our coffee remained hot and flavorful.
PHOTO: Mytour / Russell KilgoreTesting Methodology
We tested each mug warmer in real-world home settings, integrating them into our daily routines. We observed their ability to maintain beverage temperature and whether they preserved flavor without overcooking. For models with battery-powered heating, we monitored battery life to verify manufacturer claims.
Additional Recommendations
Ohom Ui Self-Heating Mug Set: This mug stands out for its sleek design, though we wished it offered more than one temperature setting.
Vsitoo S3pro Smart Mug 2: This smart mug maintains beverage temperature for up to eight hours on a single charge and features a temperature-indicating light bar. However, we observed a slight change in flavor over time.
Mug warmers vary, with some featuring heating plates and others integrating heating technology directly into the mug.
Mytour / Catherine CoxExpert Tips for Choosing Mug Warmers
Mug Compatibility
When selecting a mug warmer, think about your mug’s size, shape, and material. Some warmers, like the Ember Mug 2, come with a compatible cup, while others are more adaptable.
If you want to use your own mugs, Laskowski notes that most warmers work with glass, ceramic, metal, or enamel. She particularly recommends ceramic mugs for their superior heat retention. “While some plastic mugs are safe, I’d avoid using them with warmers, just as I’d avoid microwaving most plastics,” she advises.
Size
“Mug warmers are available in various sizes, with some bases fitting mugs up to 6 inches in diameter,” Uriostegui explains. “There’s a warmer for every mug size, even larger ones.” Mugs can range from 6 to 16 ounces or more, so consider your drinking habits and how often you’re willing to refill.
Special Features
While the primary function of mug warmers is to keep beverages hot, some models include extra features for added convenience. Laskowski highlights temperature control and auto shut-off as the most crucial features to look for.
Some warmers provide basic temperature settings, such as our top pick, the Nextmug Self-Heating Mug, which offers warm, hot, and piping options. In contrast, our budget-friendly choice, the Cosori Original Coffee and Mug Warmer, allows precise temperature adjustments by the degree.
For those prone to forgetting, an auto shut-off feature is a must, as it turns the device off after a certain period, minimizing safety concerns.
Portability
Many mug warmers include lids, making them ideal for travel. However, for frequent travelers, a dedicated travel mug like the Ember Travel Mug 2 is a better choice. Its built-in heating technology eliminates the need for a separate warming plate.
Mugs with warming plates maintain beverage heat longer due to continuous charging.
Mytour / Michael NavarroCommon Questions
Are coffee mug warmers worth it?
For those who enjoy slowly savoring their coffee, a mug warmer is an essential addition to your desk or counter. It preserves your drink’s freshness, flavor, and aroma by maintaining the ideal temperature range of 130°F to 150°F.
How much should you spend on a coffee mug warmer?
Coffee mug warmers come in a wide price range, with more features typically driving up the cost. “Premium warmers with internal heating, temperature controls, and auto shut-off can cost over $130,” Uriostegui explains. “On the lower end, basic pad-based warmers are available for as little as $10.”
Is a warming plate or mug better?
If you use multiple mugs, a warming plate is more versatile, as it works with various cup types. However, it’s less portable, often requiring an outlet. In contrast, a warming mug with built-in heating is ideal for travel, though you’re limited to using that specific mug.
Can you travel with a coffee mug warmer?
Absolutely! While some mug warmers are designed for home use, others are travel-friendly. For a portable option, choose a spill-proof mug with a larger capacity to minimize refills. A handle-free design can also make it easier to fit in cup holders.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was authored by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Mytour. As a coffee enthusiast, she cherishes her daily morning brew. While she leans toward iced coffee, she appreciates the importance of a perfectly brewed cup.
To create this list, we tested 16 coffee mug warmers and consulted Adriana Uriostegui, a brewing trainer at Talitha Coffee, and Olivia Laskowski, Cometeer’s brand and partnerships manager, for expert insights on selecting the best mug warmer.
