This E-Mug Ensures You'll Never Drink Cold Coffee Again

Enjoying a cup of hot coffee at home is one of those ridiculously simple luxuries that you never appreciate until you have children. If you're like me, it's likely that you'll reheat the same sorry cup of coffee several times in the microwave, and still somehow end up finishing it cold. Even adding a few ice cubes for a cold brew effect doesn't exactly turn lemons into lemonade in this situation.

It turns out, lots of people have this problem. So many, in fact, that the Ember Ceramic Mug ($80), a smart mug that keeps liquid at an exact temperature, was invented for this exact purpose. When I arrived at work a couple of weeks ago and found a package from Ember on my desk, I ripped open the box and immediately started fantasizing about all the warm coffee to come.

Available in white or — my favorite — matte black, the sleek mug comes with a charging coaster and pairs with an app that allows you to pick your ideal temperature and add preset temperatures. It also notifies you when your drink is perfectly heated. If you don't want to bother with the app or don't own a smartphone, it still works. The mug will just default to 130 degrees.

It isn't dishwasher safe — a warning to the dishwasher dependent! But so far, it hasn't been a pain to handwash. You do want to keep the charging coaster completely dry at all times, so it's important to make sure to dry the bottom of the mug thoroughly before charging it again.

It also feels really good in the hand, not clunky or heavy despite the technology. It might seem a little small if you're used to large mugs and heavy pours; it only holds 10 ounces of liquid. A tall coffee from Starbucks, for comparison, holds 12 ounces.

In the morning, I love that I can pour myself a cup of coffee and take sips in between the mayhem of diaper changing, messy breakfasts, and chasing my toddler around the house.

At night, I look forward to making myself a cup of herbal tea and settling into bed with a book without rushing. I know I can get lost in a chapter and still enjoy warm tea every time I take a sip.

Is it worth the money? For me, yes. While I received the mug for review purposes, I use it at least once a day and am already thinking about who I want to give it to for upcoming birthdays and holidays.

Aside from the practical purpose of keeping coffee and tea warm, which is an absolute delight, it's a reminder for something even more important. Slow down, don't rush. Seek out the tiny indulgences and enjoy them. We all deserve it!