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I used to be a huge caffeine addict and would get through several cups of coffee when I started work in the morning. After the first couple of cups, when I started concentrating on work, I inevitably forgot about my coffee, which would go cold, which is one of my biggest pet peeves.
I have previously reviewed the Ember Mug 2 Metallic and Ember Tumbler and I loved them as they mostly solve my issues with cold coffee. As much as I love my Ember products, there is no denying they are prohibitively expensive.
The Ikago Heat Coaster Pro is an alternative product at a much more attractive price point of £65. It is not as fancy or as attractive as Ember, but it does what it advertises, and it does it well.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ikago Smart Heated Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set - Heated Mug... | £59.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Features
Precision Temperature Control
Experience unparalleled beverage customisation with ikago’s cutting-edge 1-degree temperature adjustment. Unlock the full potential of your drink’s flavour profile by fine-tuning its warmth to your exact preference.
All-Day Heat Retention
Our innovative dual-technology approach combines proprietary heating elements with state-of-the-art infrared sensing. This synergy ensures your coffee maintains its ideal temperature throughout the day, defying the usual cooling curve.
Real-Time Temperature Monitoring
Stay informed with our clear, user-friendly digital display. This instant feedback system allows you to monitor your drink’s temperature effortlessly, enhancing your overall beverage experience.
Universal Compatibility
From robust espressos to delicate teas, ikago adapts to your diverse taste preferences. Our versatile design accommodates a wide range of mug sizes and styles, guaranteeing consistent temperature control across your entire drinkware collection.
Smart Safety Features
Embrace peace of mind with ikago’s intelligent safety system. The device automatically powers down upon mug removal or when your desired temperature is achieved, promoting energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.
Adjustable Heat Range
Tailor your drink’s warmth within a broad spectrum of 40°C to 80°C (105°F to 175°F), catering to a variety of beverage types and personal preferences.
Unboxing / Design
Upon opening the box, you’ll find both the heating plate and a ceramic mug with a lid.
The warming plate itself features a clean, circular design with a matte black finish. It’s relatively compact, measuring approximately 16.9×11.0×3.6 cm.
The included ceramic mug is simple yet elegant, with a capacity of 414ml (14 oz). It’s worth noting that while the mug is designed to work seamlessly with the Heat Coaster Pro, the warmer is compatible with most flat-bottomed mugs and cups.
Compared to the Ember Mug 2, the ikago system lacks the same level of aesthetic refinement. The Ember Mug 2 boasts a more premium look and feel, with its sleek metallic finish and integrated heating element. However, the ikago’s simpler design allows for greater versatility in mug choice, which some users might prefer.
The Heat Coaster Pro features a clear LED display on its front edge, showing the current and target temperatures. The touch-sensitive controls are located on the top surface, allowing for easy temperature adjustments.
While the ikago Heat Coaster Pro may not win any design awards, its functional and straightforward appearance serves its purpose well. It won’t be an eyesore on your desk or kitchen counter, but it also won’t be a conversation starter like the more stylish Ember Mug 2.
How does it work?
The ikago Heat Coaster Pro employs a dual-technology approach to maintain your beverage’s temperature:
- Heating Element: The warming plate uses a proprietary heating element to transfer heat to your mug.
- Infrared Sensing: An infrared sensor continuously monitors the temperature of your drink, allowing the device to adjust its heating output as needed.
To use the Heat Coaster Pro:
- Place your mug filled with hot liquid on the warming plate.
- Press the power button to turn on the device.
- Use the touch-sensitive controls to set your desired temperature.
- The LED display will show the current temperature of your drink.
- The Heat Coaster Pro will maintain your chosen temperature until you remove the mug or the device runs out of battery.
This process is more hands-on compared to the Ember Mug 2, which allows you to set and forget your preferred temperature through its app. However, the ikago system’s simplicity may appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward approach without the need for smartphone integration.
Performance
The true test of any coffee warmer is its ability to maintain a consistent temperature over time. I put the ikago Heat Coaster Pro through its paces, testing it with various beverages and comparing its performance to my experiences with the Ember Mug 2.
Temperature Consistency
One minor issue is that the temperature on the LCD display does not match the liquid inside. Using a food thermometer in the liquid, there was roughly a 10-degree difference. However, it is recommended that coffee is served between 49°C and 60°C, and the ikago can easily hit these temperatures.
It may not be ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want their coffee at a very specific temperature, but if you want your coffee hot, then I found the performance admirable in maintaining a hot temperature.
When compared to the Ember Mug 2, the ikago system holds its own. While the Ember may have a slight edge in precision due to its integrated heating element, the difference in real-world use is negligible for most users.
The main issue I have is that I tend to have the cup in front of me as I work. I need to make a conscious effort to place the cup back onto the heating plate, whereas I don’t need to do that with Ember (as long as the battery has some capacity left).
Heating Speed
I was impressed with the ikago Heat Coaster Pro heat speed. I assumed a small heating plate would struggle to warm up a drink significantly and would instead slow down the cooling process.
I found that my coffee would warm quite quickly; within a few seconds, the temperature would start rising, and if you use the lid on the mug, then it should heat up faster.
The heating element gets quite hot, so you should be careful, but it has an auto shut-off, which reduces the chances of burning yourself or leaving it on all day.
Mug Compatibility
One of the standout features of the ikago Heat Coaster Pro is its compatibility with a wide range of mugs. I tested it with various ceramics, and it performed well with all of them, as long as they had a flat bottom.
This versatility is a significant advantage over the Ember system, which requires you to use their proprietary mugs. It allows you to continue using your favourite mugs while still enjoying the benefits of temperature control.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ikago Smart Heated Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set - Heated Mug... | £59.90 | Buy on Amazon |
The ikago Smart Heated Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set is available on Amazon for £65 for the Black model or £70 for the Light Black colour.
The 414ml Ember Mug 2 is £180, or the smaller 295ml model is £130.
There are also plenty of affordable alternatives, including:
- GARMEE Electric Coffee Warmer for just £23 (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- CEROBEAR Coffee Mug Warmer for £17 (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- Suewow Coffee Mug Warmer for £22 (Amazon Affiliate Link)
I have not used any of the above, but I have used an affordable cup warmer before and was disappointed with the performance.
An alternative option would be to use an insulated coffee mug:
- Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug 354 ml is just £29 (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- GRANDTIES Insulated Coffee Mug is just £21 (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Verdict
As much as I love my Ember mug, it is very much a luxury purchase, and the high price makes it hard to recommend to everyone.
The ikago Heat Coaster Pro is the perfect alternative. At £65, it is half the price of the 295ml Ember Mug 2, and it does a superb job of keeping your coffee warm; the included mug has more capacity, and you have the flexibility to use different cups.
The downsides are that it is not as attractive as Ember, the heating pad is quite ugly but a sacrifice worth making for hot coffee, and you need to remember to put your mug back on the heating plate regularly.
Overall, Ikago Heat Coaster Pro is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable, affordable solution to keep their beverages warm. While it lacks the high-end design of the Ember Mug, it compensates with competitive pricing and versatile functionality. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want the convenience of a smart coffee warmer.
ikago Smart Heated Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set Review
Summary
The ikago Heat Coaster Pro successfully bridges the gap between basic cup warmers and high-end smart mugs. It offers a balanced combination of performance, versatility, and affordability that will satisfy most users’ needs for consistently warm beverages. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a hot beverage aficionado on a budget, the ikago Heat Coaster Pro is well worth considering.
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Much more affordable than Ember
- Heats up liquid fast
- You can use any flat bottomed ceramic mug
Cons
- Heating plate isn’t the most elegant design
- The temperature on the LCD doesn’t match the liquid temperature
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
