Elizabeth Howell
Globe and Mail Update Published on Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009 4:49PM EST Last updated on Friday, Nov. 06, 2009 3:48PM EST
Daylight savings is already pushing the sun down around 5 p.m. every night – prompting commuters to look for warm solutions on the way home from work.
Some manufacturers promise special thermal mugs to plug into your car and keep your coffee warm – but are they worth the cost against a normal insulated mug?
Inspired Solutions Yours & Mine Stainless Steel Heated Travel Mugs (3/5 stars)
$19.99
The cable is plenty long enough to take a sip when plugged into the car cigarette spot, and can even be modified to plug into your computer once you get to work. Trouble is, if the cup tips over in the car the coffee will probably spill as well – the manufacturer calls it “leak-proof but not spill-proof.” The hot tea I had inside stayed fairly warm and the outside of the mug was not hot to the touch. Available at: The Source
Globe Drive: Gizmos. Nexxtech mug
Nexxtech Heated Travel Mug (4.5/5 stars)
$19.99
Not a drop spilled from this cup when I turned it upside-down over the kitchen sink. It's missing the handy USB cable that Inspired Solutions has, but on the other hand it still has a long cable to plug into your car's cigarette holder. My tea stayed cozy and I felt more confident it would stay inside the cup. Also, the handle was fully enclosed, top-to-bottom – making it easy to keep a grip. Available at: The Source
Globe Drive: Gizmos
Arcosteel Thermal Mug (4/5 stars)
$9.99
This was my “control” – the mug that had no special cable, just to see if there was an advantage to buying one. Of course, the tea didn't stay as hot for as long. And the handle was a tad wide for my hands to keep a hold. However, like the Nexxtech the lid is fully spill-proof. After 45 minutes my tea was still fairly warm. It will work for all but the longest commutes – and at a cheaper price. Available at: Sears
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