That perfect sip of coffee, still warm after you’ve gone through your morning emails. The Ember Mug promises just that–if you’re willing to shell out for it. But is this pricey, high-tech vessel really necessary to make it happen? There’s a much cheaper and simpler alternative.
Hot, But Pricey
The allure of the Ember Mug is undeniable. It’s sleek, it’s futuristic, and the promise of a consistently warm drink for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge (or indefinitely on its charging coaster) sounds awesome. You can even control the temperature with a smartphone app, setting it to your exact preference. If you’re like me and you tend to sip slowly, being able to savor every last drop of a hot beverage sounds incredible. It’s what makes the Ember Mug so tempting.
Charging coaster the Tumbler sits on to recharge
But all of that comes at a price. Unless you go for the small 6 oz Ember Cup, you’re looking at spending $130 for the 10 oz mug, or $180 for the 14 oz mug. That’s a significant chunk of change for something that essentially performs the same core function as, well, a regular mug–holding liquid. Not to mention, the Ember Mug is not without problems. People complain about the charging coaster failing, app connectivity issues, and, as a result, the hefty price tag not being worth it.
A Low-Tech Solution
Now, consider the humble candle/mug warmer. For a fraction of the cost–typically between $15 and $30–you can achieve a very similar result. These simple devices plug into an outlet (or even USB port) and provide a heated surface on which to set your mug. While you lose the integrated temperature control in the mug itself, many models still allow you to control the temperature of the pad, like this attractive $15 model from Amazon.
House Gem Mug Warmer
House Gem 36W coffee mug warmer provides superior heating performance to keep your coffee or drink at the desired temperature. Warm your beverage at a desirable temperature of 176℉/150℉/130℉.
One of the big points often touted for the Ember is its portability. Since the heating is built into the mug itself, you can enjoy a warm drink away from your desk. This can be convenient if you like to sip your coffee slowly while moving around your home or office. However, the battery life isn’t endless, and you’ll eventually need to dock it to recharge. In the same way, you can return to the mug warmer occasionally to give the temperature a slight boost.
The app integration of the Ember Mug is another feature that adds to its cost and complexity. While the ability to precisely control your drink’s temperature from your phone is neat, it’s almost certainly unnecessary for most people. How often do you really need to tweak the temperature of your coffee by a single degree? I love my coffee, but I don’t love it that much. For the majority of people, a consistently warm beverage is the primary goal, and a mug warmer achieves this without the need for a companion app.
That leads into another key argument for the Ember, which is the consistent temperature. You set it to your ideal warmth, and it stays there. Mug warmers, on the other hand, have a less direct impact on the beverage. They may come with multiple temperature settings, but the heat first goes into your mug, and then the beverage. It’s less precise, and you have to think about the feel of the mug along with the temperature of the drink.
The added technology in the Ember Mug introduces potential points of failure. Like any electronic device with a battery and heating element, there’s a chance it could malfunction. A simple mug warmer, with its basic heating element, is far less likely to fail, and when it does, you won’t be mad you paid nearly $200 for it.
Cleaning is another thing to consider. The Ember Mug, with its electronic components, needs to be hand-washed. It absolutely can’t go in the dishwasher. A regular mug is dishwasher-safe, and a mug warmer simply requires wiping down. Not to mention the mug warmer allows you to use that cabinet overflowing with mugs you can’t get yourself to get rid of.
Related
Ember Tumbler Review: A Perfectly Smart Coffee Cup
The world’s greatest way to maintain coffee temperature is getting a new addition to its family of products. The Ember Tumbler joins the Cup, Mug 2, and Travel Mug 2 to provide caffine enthusiasts the largest capacity container at 16 ounces. The caveat is the Tumbler comes in at a whopping $199.95, but don’t let that scare you off—at least yet.
Simpler is Better
Ultimately, the question of whether the Ember Mug is worth its hefty price tag comes down to your needs and priorities. If you absolutely must have precise temperature control and the portability of a battery-powered mug, then the Ember is essentially the only way to do that.
However, for most people, a simple mug warmer is surprisingly useful at a fraction of the price. It’s a low-tech solution that gets the job done. So, before you give in to the high-tech allure of the Ember Mug, consider whether a budget-friendly mug warmer might just be the smarter and more practical way to keep your favorite beverages perfectly cozy.
