Key takeaways
- Ember Mug 3 adds a physical button for temperature control, eliminating the need to use the app for everyday adjustments; temperatures cycle from 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit in five-degree increments.
- The mug can maintain a drink at the desired temperature for up to three hours and is the first Ember model to be top-rack dishwasher-safe.
- Mug 3 is available in 10-ounce ($129) and 14-ounce ($149) versions, with the larger model offering eight color options compared to three for the smaller size.
- Ember also released the Tumbler 2, a 16-ounce travel tumbler designed to fit car cup holders, priced at $179.
Ember has occupied a distinctive niche in the smart beverage market since introducing its first temperature-controlled mug in 2016. That inaugural product emerged to solve a problem every coffee and tea drinker knows: the distraction that leads to a lukewarm drink upon return. The company’s solution relied entirely on mobile app control, enabling users to set and maintain precise temperatures through Bluetooth connectivity. Now, with the arrival of Mug 3, Ember is fundamentally rethinking how users interact with temperature control in everyday situations.
Reimagining Temperature Control
The third-generation mug delivers several practical refinements, but the most prominent shift involves introducing physical controls directly on the device. Previous versions required users to pull out their phones whenever adjusting temperature, channeling all control through app interfaces and Bluetooth connections. Mug 3 incorporates a button on the mug’s bottom that cycles through five preset temperatures without requiring app access.
How the On-Mug Button Works
The physical button progresses through a series of five preset temperatures starting at 125 degrees Fahrenheit, with each press raising the temperature by five degrees until reaching the maximum of 145 degrees. This incremental approach preserves simplicity while offering sufficient range for different beverages and personal preferences. Rather than navigating app menus or wrestling with Bluetooth pairing, users simply press the button to reach their desired temperature.
During TechCrunch’s testing, this feature proved to be the most frequently used control method in real-world situations. The convenience advantage became particularly apparent during evening routines. Sipping tea in bed without needing to retrieve a phone from across the room represented a meaningful quality-of-life improvement over previous models.
The on-mug control also addresses a persistent complaint from Ember’s existing user base. Earlier models generated numerous reports of connectivity failures and pairing difficulties through the Bluetooth app, creating friction for users who wanted straightforward beverage temperature management. By offering a self-contained control option, Mug 3 sidesteps these technical complications for the most common temperature adjustments.
Usability Trade-offs in Design
However, the button’s physical placement created noticeable challenges during TechCrunch’s hands-on testing. Situating the button on the mug’s bottom makes it awkward to access while holding a cup full of hot liquid. The button also demands firm, sustained pressure to register reliably, frequently requiring users to tilt the mug slightly and press down with deliberate force before the device responds. While the concept of independent device controls offered genuine value, the implementation compromised ergonomics and ease of use.
Hardware and Physical Enhancements
Battery Life and Lid Design
Beyond the control mechanism overhaul, Mug 3 introduces several equipment improvements. A newly designed sliding lid intends to minimize spills, addressing practical concerns for anyone moving a hot beverage between rooms or locations. The mug sustains its target temperature for up to three hours on a single battery charge, allowing drinks to remain within your preferred range across extended periods like reading sessions, work blocks, or meal times.
Dishwasher Compatibility and Care
Mug 3 also sets a new standard for Ember’s product line by becoming the first temperature-controlled mug to achieve top-rack dishwasher-safe compatibility. This addition removes the hand-washing requirement that characterized earlier models, streamlining maintenance for users who integrate the mug into daily routines. The mug cannot be heated in microwaves, preserving that as an off-limits heating method.
Application-Based Control and Customization
Though the physical button dominates day-to-day use, the mobile app remains available as a secondary control interface for users seeking more granular options or specific beverage pairings. Once connected via Bluetooth, the app delivers preset temperature recommendations calibrated for different drink types. Black coffee achieves optimal taste at 136 degrees Fahrenheit, green tea at 132 degrees, and lemon water at 142 degrees according to Ember’s specifications.
These factory presets function as suggested starting points rather than inflexible requirements. Users can craft custom temperature profiles within the app, accommodating preferences for hotter or cooler beverages than Ember’s defaults. This flexibility supports extended drink longevity and addresses individual heat tolerance variations.
Model Variations, Colors, and Pricing
Mug 3 launches in two size options with distinct pricing tiers. The 10-ounce model costs $129 and arrives in three finishes: black, white, and stainless steel. The 14-ounce version retails for $149 and expands the color palette to eight options spanning sage green, lavender, powder blue, salt blue, sandstone, white, black, and matcha green.
The 10-ounce format’s three neutral color choices serve practical aesthetics for office and kitchen environments, while the 14-ounce model’s broader spectrum allows consumers to match home decor preferences and personal style choices.
The Tumbler 2 and Extended Ecosystem
Coinciding with Mug 3’s release, Ember unveiled the Tumbler 2, a redesigned travel vessel intended to consolidate the prior Travel Mug 2 and original Tumbler into a single product. The 16-ounce Tumbler 2 features a narrower, elongated shape specifically engineered to fit standard automobile cup holders, targeting regular commuters and drivers who prioritize in-vehicle beverage management. The Tumbler 2 appears exclusively in black at $179, while remaining Travel Mug 2 inventory will continue selling until depletion.
Where to Purchase
Both Mug 3 and the Tumbler 2 are available directly through Ember’s website and at mainstream retailers including Target and Amazon, providing varied purchasing options for interested consumers.
Source: TechCrunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Ember Mug 3 and previous versions?
The Mug 3 introduces a physical button on the mug's bottom that lets users adjust temperature without opening the app. It cycles through five preset temperatures from 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The mug is also now top-rack dishwasher-safe, has a sliding lid to prevent spills, and can maintain temperature for up to three hours on a single charge.
What temperatures does Ember recommend for different beverages?
Ember's app recommends 136 degrees Fahrenheit for black coffee, 132 degrees for green tea, and 142 degrees for lemon water. Users can also create custom temperature profiles in the app if they prefer different settings.
How much does the Ember Mug 3 cost and what sizes are available?
The 10-ounce model costs $129 and comes in black, white, and stainless steel. The 14-ounce version is $149 and offers eight color options including sage green, lavender, powder blue, salt blue, sandstone, white, black, and matcha green.
