Like most people who exist in this world, I am a huge fan of coffee. Ironically, I only drink decaf, so I clearly drink coffee solely for the taste (and the sugar content). However, I prefer to drink iced coffee. Yes, even in the 10-degree brisk cold New England days. Making iced coffee at home doesn’t quite hit the mark as well as buying iced coffee, as the ice melts when trying to cool down my brewed hot coffee, and dilutes the taste. So, when I discovered a tool called the HyperChiller Beverage Cooler that can chill my drinks in just 60 seconds, I obviously had to try it out.
Specifications
- Price: $24.99.
- Colors: Three.
- Dimensions: Dimensions: 4.25 inches deep x 4.25 inches wide x 6.75 inches tall.
- Weight: 12.64 ounces.
- Capacity: 12.5 fluid ounces.
- Material: BPA free polypropylene plastic & food grade stainless steel.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Easy to clean.
- Reusable.
- Under $25.
Cons
- Only holds 12.5 fluid ounces.
- Can be awkward to hold.
HyperChiller
First Impressions
My first impression of the HyperChiller was confusion. How does this thing work? It came completely set up, so when I pulled it out of the package, it was just one bulky black cup with a spout on the top. It wasn’t until I unscrewed the lid that I discovered the neat mechanisms inside.
The HyperChiller features two metal cups inside. The metal cups both have lines indicating where the water should go, which I’ll discuss further later. While a bit confusing, it’s easy to screw on and off.
Product Features
The HyperChiller works by using regular water in the main black compartment and the smaller metal cup. The medium-sized metal cup is where the hot liquid goes. With the two walls of ice surrounding the liquid, the hot drink should cool down in just a minute of swirling.
Unlike other brands that use artificial gels to cool, the HyperChiller focuses on the reusability of water. Because of this, each part of the HyperChiller is dishwasher-safe.
The HyperChiller also features a unique tactile surface to prevent slipping while in use. The spout on top and deep lid make it easy to pour liquids without making a mess. It also features vent placements inside to help regulate the pressure of the stainless steel chambers.
Testing
When testing the HyperChiller, one of the main factors I needed to test was its overall performance. Does it actually cool drinks in just 60 seconds? It seemed like a bold statement. What if the drink is extra hot? Does it consistently cool drinks to the same temperature in just a minute? I also wanted to test how easy it was to set up the HyperChiller and if the design was ergodynamic.
Setup
Setting up the HyperChiller can seem a bit confusing at first, but the instructions are straightforward.
First, you need to open your HyperChiller to retrieve the cups inside. Then, add water to the medium one until you reach the line on the side of the cup. Dump that water into the black container — don’t leave it in the medium cup, as that’s where the hot liquid goes.
Next, fill the tinier compartment with water up to the line. That’s it!
Now, put the HyperChiller back together and place it in the freezer until it’s ready for use. It’s crucial to ensure you wait until the HyperChiller is completely frozen before you use it, or your drinks won’t get as cold as they should, or may take longer than 60 seconds.
Performance
The most important factor to test with the HyperChiller is its ability to cool down a hot beverage, so I put this to the test. I used my pod coffee maker to brew myself a hot cup of coffee. When I put the thermometer into the coffee, it read between 161°F and 165°F. Typically, you would pour the coffee directly into the HyperChiller, but for the sake of the test, I poured it into a regular mug.
Once I poured the hot coffee into the container, I set a timer on my phone and started swirling the HyperChiller in the air. I did this for exactly 60 seconds before pouring it into a glass cup. From here, I immediately measured the coffee, and it read 46°F. For reference, most cold drinks are served at a temperature between 34ºF and 45ºF, so for the drink to get close to this ideal range in just 60 seconds, and without adding ice, is incredibly impressive.
Design
The HyperChiller has a straightforward design: The outer wall features a matte black finish, and the interior is made of metal. It’s also relatively compact, which I found helpful as we have a tiny freezer. I can hold the HyperChiller in one hand, but it’s worth noting that it’s pretty bulky. I find it barely fits comfortably in my hand, which can make it awkward when swirling or pouring liquids out of it. I’m sure there’s a reason for its bulky design, as the water inside needs to expand as it freezes around the walls, but I can’t help but wonder if there is some other, skinnier design that proves just as effective.
Cleaning the HyperChiller is relatively easy, but can be a bit annoying, thanks to all of the parts involved. Putting it back together is where the real learning curve is: When I haven’t used the HyperChiller in a while, I tend to forget exactly how to fill it with water.
HyperChiller
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick solution to get your drinks colder, then the HyperChiller is an excellent option. It managed to get a very hot cup of coffee to a desirable cold temperature without the use of ice. This means that any drink you cool down won’t suffer the consequences of ice melting and watering down the flavor. I personally find that my iced coffees taste significantly better because the ice doesn’t immediately melt. Also, for just around $25, this is a great gift for friends, loved ones, and even coworkers.
