The USB Chiller And Warmer
Like the box it came in, the Brando USB Chiller And Warmer is also a white, nondescript device with no markings whatsoever. When viewed from the top, the only significant feature is a purple-coloured metal plate that is about 65 mm wide. That is the heating or cooling pad.
As you would already expect by now, this chiller makes use of a peltier (or thermoelectric) cooler to perform its cooling and heating functions. A peltier is a solid-state device that transfers heat from one side to the other side. This means one side will be cold while the other side would be hot. Switching the polarity of the current reverses the direction of heat flow, turning a chiller into a warmer.
While the top cover is pure ABS plastic, the bottom is covered by a pretty thick metal plate. That partially accounts for its considerable weight of 420 g. Four thick rubber feet keep the chiller off the table surface and help prevent it moving about.
Looking at the chiller directly from the front, you can see a large air outlet. When operating in the chiller mode, the peltier emits heat on the reverse side. This heat is dissipated by the heatsink fins, with a fan blowing from the rear to further improve dissipation of the emitted heat.
Looking at the back, you can see the small 30 mm fan that serves to cool it when operating in the chiller mode. Next to it is the switch that allows you to control whether the unit operates as a chiller or a warmer.
Specifications
Box Size |
16.9 cm long |
Chiller Size | 13.8 cm long |
Size Of Cooling/Heating Pad |
65 mm diameter |
Chiller Weight |
420 g |
Cable Length |
98 cm |
Supply Voltage |
USB +5V |
Current Draw |
0.6 A to 0.75 A |
Power Consumption | 3 W to 3.75 W |
Operational Temperature |
- 20 °C to 45 °C |
Warming Performance |
Maximum achievable temperature : 80 °C ± 5% |
Cooling Performance |
Minimum achievable temperature : 10 °C ± 5% |