Has anyone tried these auto electric drink cup holders? Such as this type?

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Cool...TYDC14GNJA4KMN

I'm not expecting to have hot coffee or cold drinks, but I want my coffee to stay fairly warm during those cold or even summer commutes. As far as cold goes, well as long as it can keep a soda from getting hot would be OK. It's important that I can use most paper style cups as one would get from a Tim Horton's or Micky D's. I do realize a metal non-disposable cup would work better but I don't want to carry or keep track of a cup. I want throw away convenience.

I see that some use up to 30 watts while other only 10 watts. I assume a 30 watt unit would do a better job. Is it worth the $30 cost? AND will it harm the car's electrical system? Obviously I would only use while the engine is running. Any thoughts?

 

Generally they are good for about 40 degrees f above or below the ambient temperature and seem to do better heating. During summer when your parked car is 120f inside it will struggle to keep your drink at 80 which is better than hot coffee temperature but not really cold and refreshing. There are also simple cup heaters that are less expensive and only heat.

 

From what I can see, the better ones with battery protection seem to both heat and cool. I agree the cooling is not necessary.

Thanks for the input.

 

Do you always get the small size drink? The large McD paper cup is bigger diameter than a 12oz. soda can shown in the product photos. Won't fit. Also note half the can is sticking out the top thanks to the necked-down diameter of the heater cup. A tall cup won't have much surface area within the heater--plus it might stick out so far as to tip out when going around a curve or avoiding a pothole.

That unit might be fine when used as a cup rather than a holder but there goes your throw-away-convenience.

 

Good points.. But I usually buy the small size cups. Most units will accommodate a 2.8" dia cup.