As the evenings grow colder, I’ve been reaching for tea more frequently. If there’s one thing that can enhance a snug fall evening, it’s a hot beverage that remains warm. Introducing Ember’s latest Mug 3, the newest iteration of the brand’s temperature-regulated smart mug, crafted to maintain your drink at the perfect temperature for as long as you enjoy.

Ember unveiled its smart mug in 2016 to address a common dilemma faced by coffee and tea lovers: losing track of time and returning to a tepid drink. Now, the company has returned with its third-generation mug, which features several practical improvements.

The most significant update is that you don’t need to access the app to change your drink’s temperature. Instead, you can utilize the button at the base of the mug to toggle through five preset temperatures, beginning at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Each press increases the temperature by five degrees, up to a maximum of 145 degrees, allowing you to incrementally warm your drink with each push.

Truthfully, this is the feature I utilized the most during my testing of the mug. At night, when I’m nestled in bed with a book and a cup of tea, my phone is typically across the room. The ability to modify my drink without having to get up to retrieve it is a minor convenience that I truly value.

This is also a beneficial modification for users who have encountered connectivity or pairing concerns with the Ember app. 

However, I have one critique: the button is situated on the bottom of the mug. This design choice is odd when managing a cup filled with hot liquid, and it’s not particularly user-friendly to press. I often found myself having to tilt the mug and press down firmly to elicit a response. While I appreciate the addition of on-mug controls, I wish Ember had designed the button to be more accessible.

For those who favor using their phones, the Ember app still provides ample customization options. Once the mug is paired with your phone via Bluetooth, you can select presets according to your beverage. Ember suggests 136 degrees Fahrenheit for black coffee, 132 degrees for green tea, and 142 degrees for lemon water. Additionally, you can set your own temperature presets, which is useful if you prefer your drinks slightly hotter or cooler than the suggested settings.

The Mug 3 also features several other enhancements, such as a sliding lid designed to help prevent spills. The mug can maintain your drink at its preferred temperature for up to three hours with a single charge. Additionally, it is the first mug in Ember’s collection that is safe for the top rack of the dishwasher, facilitating clean-up. (Just remember that it isn’t safe for the microwave.)

The Ember Mug 3 is available in two sizes: a 10-ounce variant priced at $129 and a 14-ounce version for $149.

The smaller mug comes in black, white, and stainless steel, while the larger model is offered in eight colors, including sage green, lavender, powder blue, salt blue, sandstone, white, black, and matcha green.

In addition to the new mug, Ember has also launched the Tumbler 2, which replaces both the Travel Mug 2 and the original Tumbler in its range. The 16-ounce tumbler showcases a slimmer, taller design meant to fit standard car cup holders. It is available in black for $179, while the Travel Mug 2 will continue to be sold until stock runs out.

These products can be purchased on Ember’s website, Target, and Amazon.