Intertek Desktop/Tabletop Beverage Warmer: My Honest Take (Because Cold Tea is a Crime!)
Okay, confession time: I’m a tea addict. As a journalist, deadlines and endless cups of tea go hand-in-hand. That’s why I’m always hunting for those little gadgets that promise to make my life a tad easier. This time, it was the Intertek Desktop/Tabletop Coffee Tea Beverage Warmer that caught my eye. Could this be the answer to lukewarm tea woes? Let’s dive in.
First Glance:
Honestly, straight out of the box, it’s not going to win any design awards. The black and silver is… well, it’s neutral. It’ll fit in on any desk without being an eyesore. On the plus side, it’s seriously light – barely 8 ounces! And it’s slim, so it won’t hog all your precious workspace. The product description calls it “slim stylish gray,” which might be pushing it a bit, but hey, it does the job.
Does It Actually Work?
The warmer boasts a non-stick surface (always a win for easy cleanup!) and a little light that tells you it’s on. Super handy. Now, here’s where things get a little vague. It mentions a “Hi/Low temp function,” but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to switch between them.
So, I put it to the test with a mug of my favorite Earl Grey. The verdict? It keeps it warm, but not hot. After an hour, the tea was still drinkable, but definitely not that lovely, piping hot temperature I crave. I reckon it’d be the same with coffee or any other drink. That mysterious “Hi/Low” setting could have made all the difference, though!
The Good Stuff:
- Takes up hardly any space – compact and light.
- Won’t break the bank – it’s pretty affordable.
- The non-stick surface is a lifesaver when you’re clumsy like me.
- That little power light is surprisingly useful.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Temperature control could be better. I want HOT, not just warm!
- It’s pretty basic – not a lot of bells and whistles.
- The design is, shall we say, understated.
The Bottom Line:
If you just need something to stop your drink from turning into an ice age too quickly, the Intertek Beverage Warmer is a decent, budget-friendly option. But, if you’re a real stickler for temperature and want that perfect, scalding sip every time, you might want to splash out on something a bit fancier. Think of it as a “keep the chill off” solution, rather than a “keep it scorching” one. You get what you pay for, I guess!