Warmies review: hot cuddly toys from the microwave
Warmies are heat cushions with cute furry faces. The soft toys can be heated to a cosy temperature in a microwave or electric oven. Mine’s a little meerkat with a millet and lavender filling.
A part of me feels sorry for him. The way he’s lying there on the turntable, hitting his head again and again. The Warmie I have is a meerkat. He’s been living in our home since Christmas and is currently celebrating his microwave premiere. It took a a bit of mental strength to stuff a fluffy animal into the kitchen appliance. After a good minute, I’m rewarded with the gentle scent of lavender and a Warmie that’s not hot, but pleasantly warm and seems to be sweating slightly.
For a start, I’m satisfied. I’ve had more unpleasant smells coming from my microwave in the past. And there’s no risk of burns. That’s good. Because if a Warmie overheats, that’s it. It’d go straight in the bin. And that’d be a shame.
Source: Michael Restin
How do Warmies work?
The first time I tried it, I was hesitant. I didn’t want to heat him for the recommended length of time that was indicated on the large label dangling from his little bottom. It reads: heat for a maximum of 90 seconds at 600-800 watts of power, 60 seconds at 850-1,000 watts. Alternatively, you could also put it in an electric oven for ten minutes at 100 degrees Celsius.
The label also clearly advises that children should be assisted when heating the Warmie. And of course, the microwave should be clean so that the lavender scent isn’t masked by old grease and to avoid cheese residues from sticking to its fur. The cooking space in my microwave is rather small, which is why the little animal gets wedged several times and I have to readjust it.
Source: Michael Restin
The filling in this Warmie can’t be removed – it’s sewn in and you can’t access it. In addition to millet, it contains dried lavender from Provence, France. The aroma is therefore natural, but can’t be refreshed if it starts to wane one day.
The cuddly toy isn’t produced in Provence, but in China and is made entirely of polyester. It’s hard-wearing and fluffy, but unfortunately not washable. If necessary, you can clean light soiling with a damp cloth. However, there are also Junior Warmies, which are smaller, lighter and easier to care for. You can remove the filling and you can wash the toy at 30 degrees Celcius.
What do Warmies feel like?
The filling is located in the belly of the Warmies, so it’s pleasantly warm, especially in that area. The millet and lavender cushion makes up a large part of the 735-gramme weight and fills about half of the 30-centimetre tall figure, so that the upper body looks more like a floppy addition. You can prop the animal upright on a shelf or on the bed when it’s not in use.
As long as it radiates warmth, it’s a cosy companion on the sofa or under the duvet. I like to place my Warmie on my stomach or tuck it under my back. After about an hour, I’ve had enough, as the cushion has cooled down noticeably and I no longer feel any particular effect. I wait a bit longer, because I’m not supposed to reheat the meerkat until it’s reached room temperature – this can take up to four hours.
Source: Michael Restin
A light lavender scent still fills the air and I can still spread the small pieces of filling around the animal’s tummy. Since the Warmie is completely synthetic, it’s not the highest quality cuddly toy I’ve ever got my hands on. But the finish is good and the natural smell from the inside makes up for the artificial exterior.
What else can you do with it?
Winter is peak season for Warmies. That doesn’t mean you have to put them in storage when summer comes round though, as they can also be used as cooling cushions. After two to three hours in a well-sealed freezer bag, the little animals will help you in the next heatwave, with a sprained ankle or other aches and pains. Of course, you shouldn’t keep them in the freezer permanently – it’s best to keep them in a dry and reasonably cold place. They probably feel at home with the other cuddly toys in the household. Or with the other hot water bottles and pillows.
What else is in the Warmies range?
From the otter to the unicorn and the ray – there are numerous Warmies. As far as animal preferences are concerned, there’s something for everyone. However the fragrance selection is limited. Almost all of them smell of lavender. Fortunately, the fragrance isn’t too strong. If you’d prefer an odourless Warmie, you’ll find one here.
Plus, there’s the mini version with the removable filling. It’s lighter, fits better in small microwaves and is also washable.
If you’re not looking for a gift and are no longer the age to have cuddly toys, Warmies also offers «grown-up» products such as neck warmers, hot packs (even with a mint scent!) or even slippers.
In a nutshell
Warmies: almost the whole zoo smells of lavender
They have a high-quality finish, are quick to use and radiate a cosy warmth for a good hour. The fragrant filling sets Warmies apart from other cuddly toys and from heat cushions. They definitely have the potential to win hearts. If you want to gift one, they beat any other soft toy because they double up as a warm and cold cushion.
There’s a wide range of designs, but the same can’t be said for the fragrance selection. If you don’t want to sniff lavender, your choice is suddenly limited. Most microwaves are big enough for the large Warmies but you’ll have to live with the fact that they can only be cleaned in a makeshift manner. If you prefer the option to wash them, the cushions in the mini range are the right choice for you.
Pro
- High-quality finish
- Natural fragrance
- Can be cold, warm or just soft
Contra
- Lavender or nothing
- Difficult to clean
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer, dad of two. Likes to be on the move, shimmies through everyday family life, juggles with several balls and occasionally drops something. A ball. Or a remark. Or both.
