Ember Mug 2: Road Test

Goldilocks types, rejoice! This smart mug will keep your drink at the exact right temperature - not too hot, not too cold - for ages.

Just right: the Ember 2 mug

WHAT IS IT? A “smart” mug.

WHAT DOES IT DO, LIVESTREAM YOUR COFFEE BREAK TO TIKTOK? It’s nothing like that. The mug has sensors and a heating element hidden in the base, and it connects via the Ember app with your smartphone or smartwatch. Use the app to select the exact temperature you like for your drink, and the mug will maintain that temperature for 1.5 hours on a full charge.

SOUNDS A BIT, UM, HOW DO I SAY THIS POLITELY? ANALLY RETENTIVE. The folk at Ember would prefer that you say it gives you “the perfect temperature, every time”. (Although if you like a scalding tea or coffee, the Ember mug is not for you: the temperature range tops out at 62.5C)

ANYTHING ELSE? It holds 295ml, and weighs 410g when empty. You can use the app to customise preset temperatures for a range of your favourite drinks. And on first filling the mug, your drink is likely to be a little too hot or a little too cold, which is of course completely unacceptable. So as soon as it hits the “just right” spot, the app sends you a notification. Enjoy, Goldilocks!

$170, ember.com