The Born Free Tru-Temp is the only warmer in our review that includes an insulated cooler with two freezer packs. This can be handy for storing night time bottles within the bedroom or nursery for easy access.
The Tru-Temp scored a 4 of 10 in health and safety. It uses steam heat to warm which is continually emitted when on which in our opinion presents a potential burn hazard. Although has an auto shut-off and LED indicator on its dial, it lacks and end of cycle beep. Interestingly, this device lacked oomph in heating, typically under-heating refrigerated milk in a sleeved glass bottle, so you will probably need to ramp up settings in this scenario. Throughout our testing, even using the maximum heat settings, the temperature of the milk never exceeded 102F/38.8C.
In theory, the cooler seems like a neat addition, but we found it only added to its overall bulkiness and doesn't firmly attach to the warmer. Instructions are geared specifically toward the use of Born Free bottles, so it does take some trial and error to find the correct settings if you are using another type of bottle.
The Born Free scored a 4 of 10 in warming efficiency. At recommended settings, it took 1:54 to heat to 52F, so this really entails some leg work to find the right settings when using a glass bottle with silicone sleeve. At maximum settings, it took 4:00 to heat to 80F. For consecutive warming of another bottle, it is necessary to wait 3 minutes in between uses.
The Tru-Temp earned 4 of 10 in ease of cleaning. For one, the water reservoir has nooks and crannies that make it difficult to thoroughly clean. And, the more parts anything has, the more to clean which is certainly the case here. De-scaling is recommended every 4 weeks by pouring 2 ounces of white vinegar directly onto the heating element and letting sit for 2 hours. After wiping away residue, rinse warming chamber out.
For parents who desire limited up and around in the middle of the night, this would be a nice option in theory with an included cooler and water reservoir. However, because it underwhelms in the heating department and has steam heat, we recommend purchasing the Kiinde Kozii along with a separate cooler system. The Kiinde has a retractable water reservoir along with a gentle warming water bath.
You are better off spending your $70 on the Editor's Choice Kiinde Kozii. We do not recommend falling for the Tru-Temp's included cooler system which we found to be cumbersome and underwhelming.
We recommend you consider one of the higher scoring competing products instead of buying the Born Free Tru-Temp.
