Nowadays, people around the world are finding themselves working from home. For the most part, this means that having a hot cup of coffee should be as easy as going downstairs and popping in a Nespresso pot; however, this isn’t always the case. Let’s dive into the creation of the smart mug.
This invention means that coffee drinkers can enjoy their drinks for more extended periods than using an ordinary ceramic mug. While they come with a price tag, these nifty gadgets allow the drinkers to set the temperature from their smart device’s convenience. Coffee drinkers can enjoy their coffee to their specifications, and depending on the model, the drinker can track how much fluid they have consumed throughout the day. This is suitable for anyone with a smart mug that caters to both hot and cold beverages. This is also ideal for anyone who likes to know their statistics for health purposes.
Top 10 Smart Mugs
While there are numerous smart mugs on the market, some are made better than others. Here are the top 10 temperature control smart mugs. Read on for an in-depth description and the pros and cons of each heated coffee mug.
- Ember Mug 2
- Glowstone Honeycomb Mug
- Ember Temperature Control Travel Smart Mug
- Muggo Coffee Mug with Temperature Control
- Ember Temperature Control Smart Coffee Mug 2
- The Smartshow S3 Smart Ceramic Mug
- iThermal Temperature Control Travel Mug
- Punica Car Smart Mug
- Cauldryn Travel Smart Mug
- Burnout Temperature Control Mug
Best Smart Mugs Descriptions
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
This Ember heated mug is perfect for the office or home. It is widely considered to be one of the best smart cups on the market. Not only does this model keep your drink hot, but it also gives the user the ability to set their preferred drinking temperature. This is suitable for the coffee drinker who likes to savor every sip or the person who wants it heated precisely. Once the temperature is set, the Ember temperature control smart cup stays at the set degree mark for an hour and a half.
Pros
- The Ember mug is available in 10 fl oz or 14 fl oz
- Easily hand wash in the sink as it can be submerged up to three feet deep in water
- The battery is built-in to the stainless steel cup
- Mugs come with a charging coaster
Cons
- Mug cannot be washed in the dishwasher; hand wash only
- The battery takes longer to charge than some other cups
Glowstone Mug
The Glowstone temperature control smart mug is made out of bone china to enhance your hot beverage taste. It features a glowing bar that indicates when your drink is at its optimal drinking temperature. The mug base is designed to remain at a cool temperature, even while it is heating up, so fingers are never burned. This mug comes in many different colors and designs to appeal to all users.
Pros
- Mug charges wirelesses
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
- Comes with a charging coaster
Cons
- Very expensive
- It takes five hours to recharge the mug
- Mediocre battery life
Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug
The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 is one of the best travel mugs with temperature control abilities. Like the office version, this Ember coffee mug gives the drinker the ability to set the mug to their desired temperature. Impressively, the coffee remains hot for up to three full hours.
Pros
- Ember heated travel mugs hold 12 fl oz
- Hand wash mug in up to three feet of water
- The charging coaster is included in the Ember cup purchase
- The spill-proof lid is dishwasher safe
- Improved battery life
Cons
- Limited color selection
Muggo Temperature Control Smart Mug
Unlike some of the other best smart mugs, this one allows you to drink your coffee while charging the mug’s battery. The spill-proof lid makes sure your coffee remains in your mug, even when walking or driving.
Pros
- The Interior of the heated mug is made with stainless steel
- The casing is made with space designed materials
- Holds up to 12 fl oz of coffee
- Battery life is three hours
- 360 click-open lid
Cons
- Only comes in one size
- Cannot microwave
Ember Smart Mug2 Copper Edition
The search for the perfect gift is over. The Ember temperature control smart mug is a special edition, making it an excellent gift for any coffee lover. It is truly one of the best smart mugs. Like other Ember coffee mugs allow the user to set their ideal temperature, which lasts for one and a half hours. It comes in a stylish copper color, making it stand out from the rest of the Ember line, but guarantees the same high-quality users love. Many reviews indicate that this Ember mug takes less time to set up, and the Ember app is compatible with Apple and Android technology.
Pros
- Ten fl oz capacity
- Users can hand wash in up to three feet of deep water
- Excellent battery life
- The battery is built-in
- A redesigned Ember charging coaster is included in the purchase
- Smart LED indicates when the coffee has reached the ideal temperature
Cons
- Only available in one size
The Smartshow S3 Ceramic Mug
This is one of the best smart mugs because of the balance between excellent design and construction quality. This stainless steel smart mug’s battery life can last up to eight hours when used on the lowest setting. It also has an excellent heat range, allowing users to set their coffee temperature anywhere from 94 to 149 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to an Ember product. A new feature that may be interesting to some users is the heat control app. You can use your phone to set the temperature warmer or cooler if you need it.
Pros
- The stainless steel interior and the ceramic coating is easy to hand wash
- Vast temperature range
- The app can control more features than just the mug
- Extremely long battery life
Cons
- Only comes in one size
- An extra charging coaster is not included in the purchase
iThermal Temperature Control Travel Mug
This is a very cost-effective mug. Unlike the rest of the best smart mugs, this one comes in at a much lower price point. Users do sacrifice some of the quality and sleek design features associated with mugs by companies like Ember. However, it is still an excellent product available on Amazon.
This cup is a good option for those who often misplace their lids. This mug comes with a free extra cap, so you do not have to search for one during your busy mornings. This mug not only heats coffee but cools it down as well; this is one reason it is on the best-of list. Within two minutes, this mug can cool down a very hot drink, so it is at a drinkable temperature.
A review of this cup says users found it very comfortable in hand. It also impressed some drinkers with its 100% environmentally-safe design.
Pros
- Easy to handwash
- Long battery life
- Holds 12 fl oz
- Twist or push open caps available
- Inexpensive
- Made of stainless steel
Cons
- Lower quality than mugs like Ember
Punica Mug
This is one of the best smart mugs lists because of it’s LCD screen. This is a unique feature that is not available on many other cups. The LCD screen means you do not have to search through any apps to ensure the mug is set to the best temperature. Simply look at the screen to see the number in front of you. This mug also features red and blue lights to show if it is in heat or warming mode.
Pros
- Holds 13 fl ozs
- The wide temperature range that can be controlled with buttons on the mug
- Decent battery life
- Automatic safety shut off in case of improper voltage
Cons
- Only comes in one size
- The cup must be disassembled to wash
- Bulky design
- Can be uncomfortable to hold for small hands
Cauldryn Travel Mug
This mug is another of the few best smart mugs that features an LCD screen. Though it features a long-lasting battery, you can alternatively use the desk base to keep this coffee cup charged all day, just like with an Ember cup. It also features an app that pairs through your phone with Bluetooth communication. To make life easy, you can choose from five preset temps or select your own through the app or on the cup directly.
Pros
- Extended battery life
- The app is easy to use
- Can put the mug into power-saving mode to increase heat range
- Can use a mug to boil water, brew tea, or heat soup
- 10 oz capacity
Cons
- The mug is quite large to hold
- Only comes in black
Burnout Temperature Control Mug
This mug is the epitome of smart. Designed by aerospace engineers, it uses the heat absorbed from the initial coffee to keep it at your ideal drinking temperature. Though it does not charge on its own, nor is it controlled by an app like Ember cups, it still deserves to be on this best-of list.
Pros
- Three stainless-steel walls
- Uses HeatZorb technology
- Comes in 12 and 16 oz options
- Two colors to choose from
- Easy to handwash
- The coffee temperature stays warm without plugging in or charging the cup
Cons
- Cannot set temperature
- No LCD screen
- No LED indicator light
- Has no battery life
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Mug
Buying a smart mug is an investment that requires careful consideration. Knowing which brands and models to get is one thing; however, one should consider important factors.
Factors to consider when buying one is:
Price
If you are someone who has always used a traditional travel mug, the thought of buying a travel cup can seem daunting, which is why it is important to consider the price. Smart mugs can start at $100 and go up to $300. If you are someone who is looking to have their coffee last longer, but aren’t sure whether or not a smart mug is for you, consider starting at the lower end of the price point. You can go for a quality product at a reasonable price, like an Ember cup.
Once you have given your cup a chance and enjoy its high-end and tech-savvy features, you could then consider purchasing one that has more features than your existing mug.
Lifestyle
Believe it or not, investing in a smart mug is a lifestyle. What kind of lifestyle? It is for someone who is always on the go and who enjoys having the luxury of convenience within their fingertips. Purchasing a cup like this is suitable for someone who has the financial means to invest in a $100 plus travel mug.
Spout
For some coffee connoisseurs, how they consume their coffee is an essential factor in whether or not they are going to purchase a particular cup or not. Some travel mugs can have too thick or thin spouts that have a bit of a curve or other feature that can make it difficult to consume their drink.
When purchasing a smart travel mug, consider the spout and whether you like how the coffee and your lips meet. If not, consider doing more research and trying other travel mugs.
Material
Smart mugs are typically made from a ceramic-like material, which means that they can be susceptible to breaking if they are dropped or too much pressure is exerted. It is essential when looking to invest in this kind of cup, especially for the first time, you consider whether or not the material suits your needs and lifestyle.
Buying a smart mug would not be wise if you are clumsy or require one that can keep your beverage at a customized temperature for more than two hours. Cups like Ember products are expensive for a reason, so only buy one if you need it.
Travel cups are unlike any travel mug, which is why before you decide to order yours online, consider these factors and ask yourself, is it worth it to buy a smart travel mug? If you enjoy having your drinking statistics accessible via your smartphone, then purchasing this type of cup would be suitable for you.
How Do Smart Mugs with Temperature Control Work?
Have you ever asked yourself, “What makes a $300 smart mug with temperature controls work?”
One of the first things that separate these from other mugs is they feature a temperature-controlled mechanism. This feature allows them to set the ideal drinking temperature to be either hot or cold enough.
How do smart cups regulate the temperature so that it is always a perfect sip?
This mug type is fitted with a unique self-heating mechanism that allows for it to be heated to what the drinker sets it at. Most smart mugs are smartphone compatible, which means you can have it synch to your Apple or Android device.
From your device, you can see the exact temperature of your beverage and increase or cool the temperature of the liquid as well. Initially, smart mugs entered the market only had the capabilities of heating the beverage. However, nowadays, smart mugs can either keep your drink hot or keep it cool. This, of course, comes at a price, which is why some smart mugs offer both a heating and cooling feature. This added dual feature is going to cost more than just a heating mug.
These cups are similar to smartphones as to have them work, they need to be charged. Depending on the make and model, the smart plug either has to be fully charged to heat or cool. A saucer or a pad comes with the mug in some models that then takes your customized settings and regulates your drink to that preference.
Most heated cups can maintain their temperature for approximately two hours, after which they begin to lose the ability to remain at the selected temperature.
The Downfall
Something that newbie smart mug owners don’t consider are the inner mechanisms of their nifty new gadget. They can be very sensitive, and they are not dishwasher safe; therefore, they have to be cleaned regularly, or the material can take on the taste of the coffee’s remnants.
Another downfall with these coffee cups is that they cannot be replaced once the inner mechanisms break. When shopping for this product, it is important to consider whether there is a warranty included with the mug, and if so, for how long.
Is it Worth it to Invest in a Smart Mug?
Deciding whether or not to invest in a smart mug is going to come ultimately come down to personal preference and budget. They offer many perks for the on-the-go commuter and worker; at the same time, they also offer the drinker the luxury of enjoying their cup of java an hour or two after it has been brewed. For some coffee drinkers, this is a great luxury.
The next time you are looking for a travel mug, make sure you do your research, set a budget for yourself, and make a list to be sure your money is well spent.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a unique gift for yourself, why not consider a smart mug? There is one to suit every price point and, more importantly, ones that may suit your drinking preferences. For example, Ember mugs are some of the best products on the market if you prefer a rechargeable coaster rather than a plug-in cup.
There are different products to suit your every drinking needs; all you have to do is search for the mug that is best for you.
