As the evenings grow cooler, I find myself reaching for a cup of tea more frequently. If there is one element that can enhance a cozy autumn night, it is a warm beverage that retains its heat. Introducing Ember’s latest innovation, the Mug 3, which is the newest iteration of the company’s temperature-controlled smart mug, designed to maintain your drink at the ideal temperature for as long as you enjoy it. Ember first launched its smart mug in 2016 to address a common issue faced by many coffee and tea enthusiasts: becoming distracted for a few moments only to return to a tepid drink. Now, the company has unveiled its third-generation mug, which incorporates several practical enhancements.
The most significant improvement is that users no longer need to access the app to modify their drink’s temperature. Instead, a button located on the bottom of the mug allows you to cycle through five preset temperatures, beginning at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Each press increases the temperature by five degrees, reaching a maximum of 145 degrees, enabling you to easily warm your drink with each click. This feature became my go-to during my testing of the mug. At night, when I am nestled in bed with a book and a cup of tea, my phone is typically across the room. The ability to adjust my drink without having to get up to retrieve my phone is a minor convenience, yet one I genuinely value. This change is also beneficial for users who have experienced connectivity or pairing issues with the Ember app.
However, I do have one criticism: the button is situated on the bottom of the mug. This design choice is somewhat unusual when handling a cup filled with hot liquid, and it is not particularly easy to press. I often found myself tilting the mug and applying firm pressure to elicit a response. While I appreciate the inclusion of on-mug controls, I wish Ember had made the button more accessible.
If you prefer to use your phone, the Ember app still provides ample customization options. After pairing the mug with your phone via Bluetooth, you can select presets tailored to your beverage. Ember suggests 136 degrees Fahrenheit for black coffee, 132 degrees for green tea, and 142 degrees for lemon water. Additionally, you can create your own temperature presets, which is useful if you prefer your drinks slightly hotter or cooler than the recommended settings.
The Mug 3 also features several other enhancements, including a sliding lid designed to minimize spills. The mug can maintain your drink at the desired temperature for up to three hours on a single charge. Furthermore, it is the first mug in Ember’s collection to be top-rack dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleanup process. (However, it is important to note that it is not microwave-safe.)
The Ember Mug 3 is available in two sizes: a 10-ounce model priced at $129 and a 14-ounce version for $149. The smaller mug comes in black, white, and stainless steel, while the larger model is offered in eight colors, including sage green, lavender, powder blue, salt blue, sandstone, white, black, and matcha green.
In conjunction with the new mug, Ember also launched the Tumbler 2, which replaces both the Travel Mug 2 and the original Tumbler in its product lineup. The 16-ounce tumbler features a slimmer, taller design intended to fit standard car cup holders. It is available in black for $179, while the Travel Mug 2 will continue to be available until supplies are exhausted. These products can be purchased on Ember’s website, as well as at Target and Amazon.
