Ember Launches Mug 3 With On-Mug Temperature Controls

Ember has released the Mug 3, the third generation of its temperature-controlled smart mug, according to TechCrunch. The mug keeps coffee or tea at a set temperature without requiring the companion app to make adjustments.

What's new in the Mug 3?

Ember built its original smart mug in 2016 to stop drinks from going lukewarm during distractions, TechCrunch reports. The Mug 3 keeps that core function but adds a physical button on the bottom of the mug. Users can cycle through five preset temperatures starting at 125 degrees Fahrenheit, with each press adding five degrees up to a maximum of 145 degrees.

How does the on-mug button work?

TechCrunch's review called the button the most-used feature during testing, since it lets a drinker adjust temperature without reaching for a phone. "At night, when I'm curled up in bed with a book and a cup of tea, my phone is usually somewhere across the room," the reviewer wrote. The on-mug control also sidesteps Bluetooth pairing issues some users have reported with the Ember app.

What are the drawbacks of the button placement?

The button sits on the bottom of the mug, a position TechCrunch's reviewer called "a peculiar design choice when you're dealing with a cup full of hot liquid." The review said the button is not easy to press and often requires tilting the mug and pressing down firmly to register a response.

What else changed in the app and design?

The Ember app still works for users who want more control. After Bluetooth pairing, drinkers can select presets by beverage type: Ember recommends 136 degrees for black coffee, 132 degrees for green tea, and 142 degrees for lemon water, per TechCrunch. Custom presets are also available. The Mug 3 adds a sliding lid meant to reduce spills, holds its set temperature for up to three hours per charge, and is the first mug in Ember's lineup rated top-rack dishwasher-safe. It is not microwave-safe, according to the review.

How much does the Ember Mug 3 cost?

The Mug 3 comes in two sizes, TechCrunch reports: a 10-ounce mug for $129 and a 14-ounce mug for $149. The smaller size is available in black, white, and stainless steel finishes.

Glossary

Temperature-controlled smart mug: A mug with internal heating elements and sensors that maintain a drink at a chosen temperature, typically managed through a companion app or onboard controls.

Bluetooth pairing: The process of linking a device, such as a smart mug, to a smartphone app over a short-range wireless connection so the two can communicate.

Preset: A saved temperature setting a user can select with one action, rather than manually dialing in a number each time.