The key facts
- The Mug 3 lets you change the temperature with a button on the base without an app — five presets from 125 to 145 °F in 5 °F steps
- It holds the temperature for up to three hours on a single charge and is the first Ember mug that is dishwasher-safe (but not microwave-safe)
- Prices: $129 for the 10-ounce version, $149 for the 14-ounce version; the $179 Tumbler 2 was also unveiled
Ember releases the Mug 3
Ember has unveiled the Mug 3, the third generation of its temperature-controlled smart mug, first released in 2016 to solve the problem of drinks going cold. The new model received a number of practical improvements, as TechCrunch writes in its review.
Control without the app
The main change is that the temperature can now be adjusted with a button on the base of the mug, without opening the app. The button cycles through five presets: each press raises the temperature by five degrees, starting at 125 °F (about 52 °C) up to a maximum of 145 °F (about 63 °C). The TechCrunch reviewer notes that he used this feature most often, since it meant he didn't have to get up for his phone. It is also convenient for users who had reported connection and pairing problems with the Ember app. At the same time, the author criticizes the placement of the button on the base: it is awkward to press, requiring the mug to be tilted and pressed with force.
The app and other features
The app is still available: after pairing over Bluetooth, you can choose presets for a drink — Ember recommends 136 °F for black coffee, 132 °F for green tea, and 142 °F for water with lemon. Custom presets can also be created. Other improvements include a sliding lid to prevent spills, temperature retention for up to three hours on a single charge, and the fact that the Mug 3 is the first Ember mug that can be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher. It cannot be used in the microwave.
Prices and the Tumbler 2
The Mug 3 comes in two sizes: the 10-ounce version for $129 in black, white, and stainless steel, and the 14-ounce version for $149 in eight colors, including sage green, lavender, blue, sand, and matcha. At the same time, Ember unveiled the 16-ounce Tumbler 2, replacing the Travel Mug 2 and the original Tumbler: it has a narrower and taller body to fit standard car cup holders, priced at $179 in black. The Travel Mug 2 will remain on sale while supplies last. The products are available on the Ember website, at Target, and on Amazon.
