Review: the Ember Smart Mug 2

I recently posted about my enjoyment of the Yeti Rambler mug, which I continue to use regularly for coffee. Sometimes my prolonged coffee nursing exceeds the heat-retaining capabilities of the Yeti. This is where the Ember Smart Mug 2 comes in. It is admittedly an excess; most people would scoff at a Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered heated mug, but hear me out.

The ability to maintain a constant temperature for over an hour allows my to enjoy my coffee at my own pace, instead of feel pressured to gulp it down before it descends into lukewarm mediocrity. Unlike a microwave, it won't overheat the coffee and transform it into a barely-drinkable bitter shadow of former self. The smartphone-enabled capabilities are a bit indulgent, but they allow for some feedback on the status of the mug (e.g. battery life) and enable setting a preferred drinking temperature. If the coffee from my pot is already too cold, it will warm it slightly. If it is too hot, it allows the coffee to gently cool until it reaches the desired temperature. This process works even better for tea, which I find is less susceptable to off flavors from prolonged heating.

The Ember is charged by resting on its saucer-like cradle. It is smart enough to only activate its heating function when liquid is added. Even with its reasonable battery life, I find that my slow-paced drinking challenges its staying power. Fortunately, owners can purchase additional saucers to allow unlimited heating; I have one in my office and one in the kitchen. Given the included electronics, the Ember is not dishwasher safe, but i have not found handwashing to be particularly burdensome. Overall, it is a welcome addition to my gadget collection.