Smart drinkware manufacturer Ember has officially released the Ember Mug 3, the third-generation iteration of its flagship temperature-controlled drink container. First introduced to the market in 2016 to prevent hot coffee and tea from cooling down prematurely, the product line has now been refreshed with hardware-focused improvements designed to reduce reliance on companion smartphone software.
Hardware Controls Replace App Dependency
The standout feature of the Ember Mug 3 is the addition of an integrated physical control button situated on the bottom of the device. Previously, owners had to rely entirely on Ember’s mobile application to configure or adjust their beverage temperatures. The new button enables users to cycle directly through five temperature presets without reaching for a phone.
The preset range begins at 125 degrees Fahrenheit, with each press of the button increasing the target temperature in five-degree increments up to a peak setting of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This physical interface addresses recurring consumer feedback regarding Bluetooth pairing difficulties and connectivity drops between mobile devices and the drinkware. However, because the button is located on the underside of the vessel, adjusting settings requires users to tilt or lift the mug and apply firm pressure, which may pose handling challenges when the container is filled with hot liquid.
Connected Features and Extended Usability
For users who prefer software control, the Ember mobile application remains fully operational alongside the physical button. Connecting via Bluetooth, the app offers predefined temperature configurations tailored to specific hot beverages, such as 132 degrees Fahrenheit for green tea, 136 degrees Fahrenheit for black coffee, and 142 degrees Fahrenheit for lemon water. Users can also configure and save custom temperature presets if their preferences fall outside the factory defaults.
Hardware functionality has also seen practical refinements. The Ember Mug 3 is rated to maintain a target temperature for up to three hours on a single charge. In addition, Ember has packaged the device with a sliding lid intended to reduce accidental splashes and retain heat. Maintenance has been simplified as well: the Mug 3 marks the first model in the company’s mug catalog certified as top-rack dishwasher-safe, though it remains incompatible with microwave ovens due to its internal electronics and heating elements.
Sizing, Color Options, and the Tumbler 2
The Ember Mug 3 is offered in two capacity formats. The 10-ounce version is priced at $129 and comes in black, white, and stainless steel finishes. The larger 14-ounce model retails for $149 and includes a broader color selection featuring black, white, sandstone, lavender, sage green, powder blue, salt blue, and matcha green.
Alongside the Mug 3, Ember introduced the Tumbler 2, a $179 portable smart container with a 16-ounce capacity. Designed with a taller and slimmer profile to fit standard vehicle cup holders, the Tumbler 2 arrives in a black finish and consolidates the company’s on-the-go lineup by replacing both the original Tumbler and the Travel Mug 2. Ember noted that the Travel Mug 2 will remain available for purchase only until existing inventory is depleted. The Mug 3 and Tumbler 2 are currently available through Ember’s online store, Target, and Amazon.
