Ember Mug 3 Review: Still the Best Self-Heating Mug on the Market

I’ve been an Ember Mug fan for as long as I can remember. It’s a total extravagance, an expensive item that’s better received as a gift than paid for out-of-pocket. But whoever’s buying, I’m irrevocably spoiled by this self-heating cup that never lets my java go cold, that keeps it at exactly the perfect sipping temperature from top to bottom.

Honestly, there wasn’t much room for improvement after the Ember Mug 2 arrived way back in 2019. So what does the new Mug 3 bring to the table? A handful of small tweaks — some better than others. So is it worth buying? And if you already own an earlier model, should you upgrade?

How do self-heating mugs work?

If you’re new to the product, a quick explanation: The Ember Mug contains a small battery-powered heating element in the bottom. That means you can take it with you as you roam your home or office; you’re not tethered to a desktop “mug warmer” or running to the microwave every 10 minutes.

Even better, you can dial in the exact temperature you like, anywhere from 120-145 degrees. That makes it well-suited to other beverages — tea, hot chocolate, etc.. — not just coffee.

The Ember recharges by way of a plug-in coaster; I just plunk it down there overnight (after a quick rinse/dry) and it’s all set for the next day.

What’s new in the Ember Mug 3?

Like its predecessor, the Mug 3 pairs with a phone app that lets you adjust the temperature, set timers, and even choose a color for the Cylon-like status LED that glows near the bottom.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Mug can also work app-free: You can now modify the temperature by pushing the button embedded in the underside, cycling between five presets (which jump in five-degree increments). Tiny LEDs embedded below the status LED show which preset is selected.

That’s a nice improvement, though its pretty awkward to press that button while the mug is full of a steaming beverage. It’s easier if you’re using the included plastic lid — which itself is another Mug 3 perk. (Previously, you had to pay an additional $15 to get it.)

Here’s the most surprising change: The Ember Mug is now dishwasher-safe. I’ve only ever hand-rinsed and -dried mine; it honestly never needed more, and I’d have qualms about putting something with a battery and electronics into a piping-hot spray-bath for two hours.

That said, Ember says you can, so the option is there if you want it.

Unfortunately, the one thing most people probably want more than anything — better battery life — hasn’t changed. Ember promises “3+ hours,” but only if you use the lid (which adds considerable insulation, meaning the heating element doesn’t have to work as hard). Without it, you’re more likely to get about 90 minutes — possibly less depending on the temperature you’ve set.

For me, this is fine; I drink one big cup in the morning, nursing it for about 30-45 minutes, and that’s it for the day. If you drink multiple cups in rapid succession, the Mug’s battery probably won’t last — unless you use the lid and/or return it to the coaster from time to time.

That’s a dealbreaker for some buyers, and I get it. For me, however, the Ember Mug remains a prized possession, something I mourn leaving behind when I travel. (Ten minutes into that Airbnb’s stubbornly non-self-heating ceramic mug and the coffee is already tepid?! The horror, the horror.)

Should you buy the Ember Mug 3?

If you already own an Ember Mug, I can’t see any compelling reason to upgrade — unless it’s several years old and the battery has lost some of its capacity (which happens to all rechargeables over time). All the improvements here are decidedly iterative: nice to have, but far from essential.

Same goes for the Ember itself: You’ve probably survived just fine without a self-heating mug, but, man, once you start using one, it’s awfully nice to have. Anyone who loves a warm beverage is likely to love the Ember Mug 3.

It’s available for purchase now from Ember proper; it’ll reach Target stores in about a week and Amazon next month. The 10-ounce version sells for $129.95; the 14-ounce, $149.95. Steep prices, yes, but at least they’re the same as the Ember Mug 2.

Ember Mug 3

PROS:

• Now supports app-free temperature control
• No price increase over previous model
• Dishwasher-safe
• Lid included
• Expanded range of colors available

CONS:

• Awkward to press temp-control button with full mug
• Still very expensive
• No improvement in battery life

💡 VERDICT: The latest version of this pricey self-heating mug feels more like a “2.5” product, but it’s still the best in its class and an absolutely wonderful gift item.