USB-powered drink chiller / warmer keeps beverages happy

If you're the type who spends more time in your computer chair than basically anywhere else, Brando's got a must-have coming your way. While the zany (and numerous) array of USB-powered gizmos we've seen is nothing short of overwhelming, the USB Chiller And Warmer actually ranks fairly high in the utility department. Sporting that oh-so-hip glossy white finish, the device is entirely USB-powered, rocks a built-in fan, and can keep your beverage cool or warm with the flip of a switch. Moreover, it claims to boost the temperature of your drink 29-degrees in 10 minutes, and chills 13-degrees in the same period of time. So if you're already surrounded by a mini fridge and espresso machine, be sure to throw down the $24 required to keep your rear planted (and drink temperature satisfactory) around the clock.

[Dave @ Jan 4th 2007 12:27PM]

I have one... It's lame. Don't bother.

[Chris @ Jan 4th 2007 12:56PM]

Dave, I'm interested in something like this, does it work at all? -Or at least well enough to justify the $$?

[Chris @ Jan 4th 2007 12:58PM]

Dave, I'm interested in something like this, does it work at all? -Or at least well enough to justify the $$?

[Mrmean @ Jan 4th 2007 12:36PM]

yawn

[Kevin @ Jan 4th 2007 12:40PM]

Best invention of the century? I think so.

[Winston @ Jan 4th 2007 12:44PM]

Is that a pop top on that can? When is the last time you saw one of those?

[Drew @ Jan 4th 2007 2:10PM]

??
About two weeks ago for me.

[Dave @ Jan 4th 2007 7:53PM]

Chris, There is a fan in it that is somewhat noisy. I would imagine it would get louder over time. It would not work plugged into my computer. It required a powered USB hub. If you put a cold aluminum can on it, the can would get warm at a slightly slower rate than a can that is not on the device. If you want a USB powered peltier to play with, than pick one up. Right now, mine is sitting in a bin with some cat5 cables.

Maybe a USB version 2 unit would cool faster….

[Chris @ Jan 4th 2007 1:12PM]

Overclockers.com Has a review of it posted just today.

Highlights - will keep a beverage reasonably cool but not chill a warm one and is kind of noisy due to the fan for the peltier's heatsink.

[PiNPOiNT @ Jan 4th 2007 1:16PM]

Sadly, any review you find on the product claims that it does not work as well as you'd hope. The main problem, is that soda cans have concave bottoms, and therefore hardly any surface area touches the cooling platform. Cups or bottles with flat bottoms work better, but still no where near the cooling temperatures you'd want.

[Adam @ Jan 4th 2007 1:39PM]

The review at Overclockers is for a different device (which only cools, doesn't have an on/off switch, and costs 5 bucks more).

[Mark @ Jan 4th 2007 2:42PM]

I have coolit's usb drink cooler and it actually really only works best for cans. A can of Coke will stay cool for around two hours whereas a glass will only stay moderately cool and really only near the bottom. If I had an aluminum cup I'd probably get the best cooling possible, but as it stands it works fine for a can of Coke while at the computer.

[Krono6 @ Jan 4th 2007 3:07PM]

I agree.
I bought a CoolIT USB Beverage Chiller some time ago from ThinkGeek. It works very well for drink cans, and it doesn't make that much noise compared to my computer anyway.

[Chris @ Jan 4th 2007 3:26PM]

Overclockers.com has a review of this guy up for today - they said it keeps a drink cool (doesn't cool it really) and is kinda noisy due to the fan for the peltier's heatsink. http://overclockers.com/articles1399/

[Chris @ Jan 4th 2007 4:20PM]

My mistake - very similar though.

[Eh @ Jan 4th 2007 3:50PM]

What country is that can from? Never seen a top like that.

[Wasyl @ Jan 4th 2007 4:13PM]

I got a USB drink warmer in my Woot bag of crap a while ago, it doesn't even get hot enough to burn you, so I didn't really notice a different keeping my coffee mug on it. Great idea, but I just don't think you can draw enough current through USB to provide any significant source of heat or cold.

[etr @ Jan 5th 2007 4:23AM]

Maybe it's time for some sort of standardized power outlet for computer equipment since it seems so popular to use USB ports as power sources. It's such a waste using up USB ports on this crap, and it's not even a good power source (low currents obly, etc). A power outlet could also (primarily, in fact) be used to power equipment which USB cannot, e.g. 3.5" external USB 2.0 drives (if i'm not mistaken). It would eliminate the need for extra power adapters clogging up the floor. All this at the cost of the computer PSU though, of course.

[Matthew Smith @ Jan 12th 2007 11:32AM]

Those cans can be found in the middle east. I am currently in Iraq and thats how all of the cans look. Only difference is one side is in english the other side is in arabic i believe.

[Gilbert Cross @ Jan 26th 2007 9:57AM]

I don't know what some of you guys are expecting from a small USB device, but I've never had a problem. It's great for keeping your already cold drink from getting warm before its time - not for insta-cooling the hot soda you left in your car. If you're into buying from an American business, you can get one http://www.vat19.com/dvds/usb-warmer-cooler.cfm

[Sempron Gamer @ Apr 22nd 2007 12:27PM]

THIS is what i use to cool my drinks. 80watt peltier on a 12v line.
http://semprongamerrules.110mb.com/semprongamerrules_gamer/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=26