Ember Mug 3 Review: Promising but Bitter at $150

The Ember Mug 3 has a 14-ounce capacity and weighs more than expected, similar to a 24-ounce thermos, due to the heating element and computer in its base. It features a thin LED under the logo and comes with a coaster that doubles as a charging pad. The mug is top-rack dishwasher safe. The review notes that the coaster-charger uses a two-pin pogo connector rather than the Qi standard, likely to avoid excess heat, and a barrel plug for wall power instead of USB-C.

Battery life proved problematic. When the reviewer first used the mug at 145 degrees Fahrenheit—the top of the supported range and ideal for brewed coffee—with about 30 percent battery, it died within two hours, and the coaster's slow charging could not sustain it. With a full battery, the mug performed better. Ember claims the included lid adds three extra hours of battery life, but the review says this is due to heat retention, not extra batteries. A device designed to defy thermodynamics must still obey them, the review notes.

The biggest complaint is the Ember app. Setup was seamless, and temperature settings were easy to adjust, but the app often failed to apply changes, requiring re-pairing via Bluetooth about half the time. The reviewer, using an Android phone, also encountered error messages on launch. The mug has a single button on the bottom for temperature presets, but the placement is risky when the mug is full.

The Ember Mug 3 affects the taste of drinks. After an hour at 140 degrees, a pour-over Colombian medium roast lost fruity top notes and developed a more bitter, over-extracted taste. The reviewer settled on 120 degrees by midweek. Espresso and milk drinks were less temperamental, and a latte tasted good two hours later. Black tea fared better, especially at medium temperatures, and herbal tea was the best.

The review concludes that the Ember Mug 3 has potential but is a tough sell at $150, given its flaws.