The Smart Mug is one of the more well-known brands of electric cup warmers, popular in in-flight magazines and available on a number of online shopping sites. Its main claim to fame is the ability to select the temperature level desired, by degrees. Using the temperature control button on the face of the cup it is possible to heat a liquid anywhere from 85-160 degrees.
This nifty aluminum/rubber type travel mug even has an alarm that beeps when the desired temperature has been achieved. It uses LED technology to display the status of the heat on digital watch type display. While the settings go up all of the way to 160 degrees, many users report that around 120 degrees is the optimum for a nicely warm but drinkable temperature. Others complain that not even the maximum setting keeps their beverages warm enough for their liking.
The Smart Mug has been promoted as primarily an auto-based electric cup warmer. An adapter for the typical car cigarette lighter outlet, a twelve volt, is included. A lot of newer cars do not have a lighter outlet anymore but do have a separate power plug outlet. One user remarked that the product works best when the adapter is plugged into the power outlet and not so well in the lighter outlet.
There are several online users reporting that the first one or even two Smart Mug models ordered did not work even after being received brand new and in the original packaging. One user reported that his first two mugs separately melted in his car and filled the vehicle with a sooty smoke. For whatever reason, he purchased a third and this one did work for him for about three months. Other less than pleased users report that their electric cup warmer never worked, or worked sporadically.
While the ability to create individualized temperature settings can be an asset, there appear to be some manufacturing flaws in this warmer. For those whose units work properly, most expressed satisfaction with the unit. However, the number who report malfunctioning or even dangerous cups makes this product a definite buyer beware purchase.