Best Smart Coffee Mugs to Kickstart Your Mornings (2024 Edition)
Smart devices are everywhere nowadays, and they aim at making our lives a lot easier, so that we can focus on other tasks that are more important, such as friends and family.
However, whenever you hear about a smart device, you’ll probably think about phones, TVs, and pretty much any other type of device that has a screen, circuitry, and Internet connectivity, but that list has expanded over the past couple of years to include seemingly unlikely household items, such as smart robotic lawn mowers.
Even tools that we were used to having in an analogue version, such as the common thermostats are now available in a smart version, and we’ve even gone on and created a list of the best smart thermostats that you can get.
The list of smart devices is only getting bigger, and it even includes objects as small and simple as the iconic coffee mug that you just love sipping from in the morning.
Of course, some smart coffee mugs offer more features and tools than others, and certain models are particularly good in certain scenarios, so it goes without saying that the Internet is filled with a lot of options to choose from, and this makes choosing the right one for you rather difficult.
If we made you curious about getting such a neat little gadget, we went ahead and created this article so that you know exactly what features to look for in your new smart coffee mug, and we will also recommend a few models that we consider to be representative for one reason or another.
Why a Smart Coffee Mug?
The first and most understandable question that may pop into anyone’s mind is why do I need an Internet-connected coffee mug when I can sip from my simple $5 mug just as well? and at first glance, this argument alone would be enough to end this article, but there are some benefits to using a smart coffee mug, even if it’s the most basic model that you can possibly get.
For starters, smart mugs have the ability to keep your beverage warm and even keep it at the same temperature for as long as you keep it plugged and running, or as long as the battery lasts.
This means no more cold coffee that tastes like yesterday’s disappointment, and no lukewarm tea either, so those of you that love savouring their favourite drink during the morning instead of drinking it in one gulp will find the device extremely useful.
Then again, those of you that are tech-savvy may simply just enjoy knowing that they have yet another smart device in their house, and that reason alone is enough for them.
TLDR; Which Are the Best Smart Coffee Mugs?
Below you have the shortlist for the best smart coffee mug on the market right now.
- Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
- Cauldryn Coffee Smart Mug
- BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug
- Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug
- OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug
- BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Set
- Tech Tools Smart Travel Mug
How Do I Pick a Smart Coffee Mug?
Purpose
Based on their shape, smart coffee mugs alone fall into two major categories:
- The traditionally-shaped coffee mug
- The thermos-shaped coffee mug
While traditional smart coffee mugs are great to keep at home or at the office, the thermos shaped ones are great for travelling, or when you’re commuting to the office and like drinking your coffee while in a car.
Connecting the latter to the car via an adapter is also possible, but their build alone is more than enough to passively maintain the coffee’s temperature constant for a certain period of time.
Materials
The shape of a coffee mug isn’t the only thing that you should look for when choosing one for yourself since the materials that they are made of are just as, if not more important.
In general, smart coffee mugs are built out of one of these materials:
- Ceramics
- Metal
- A mix between metal and plastic
The materials are very important since they can determine many aspects of your coffee mug, such as weight, resistance to physical shocks, overall durability, what other features it can incorporate, price, design, and more.
For example, if your smart coffee mug is the type that is a regular ceramic mug that needs to be placed on a heating pad, don’t expect the mug itself to have any electronics incorporated inside.
On the other hand, if you do have such a mug, and you have a habit of dropping things, you’ll be better off with a metallic or a mixed cup.
Control Options
As mentioned earlier, there are simple smart coffee mugs that are basically a regular mug on top of a heating pad, and there are even models that have their own dedicated app that allows you to control the temperature or even make it heat the beverage even more straight from your smartphone.
If you like mugs that have all of the bells and whistles, there are models that have onboard control panels with buttons dials and display from which you can adjust the beverage to whatever temperature you like, and monitor it as well.
Power consumption
When it comes to how you power your smart coffee mug, there are just two options to choose from:
- AC-powered
- Battery-powered
Battery-powered mugs are usually the most desirable since there will be one less cable to worry about on your desk, and they also make great options for those that are on the road, especially since they are usually designed to keep the beverage warm passively for an extended amount of time well after the battery itself dies.
However, choosing between models with bigger or smaller battery capacities is simply a matter of personal choice, and, for those of you looking for AC-powered options, make sure that it comes with its own adapter for the car or is at least USB-compatible.
Maintenance
Unfortunately, smart coffee mugs aren’t so smart as to clean themselves, so you’ll still have to do the dirty work at the end of the day. That being the case, you should go for a model that is easy to wash, look for models that are dishwasher-compatible, or ones that specify that they are water-resistant, especially those that have visible electronic components.
Speaking of which, you should be careful where you keep your mug when not using them, since it’s still an electronic device, so keep it away from dust or moisture.
Available Designs
Mugs are textbook examples of perfect gifts, since anyone has gifted a mug at least once, and everyone has at least one mug that they have but never used because it is a gift from their best friends.
Because of this, you should look for smart coffee mugs that offer a wide variety of prints and colours, so that you don’t mistake yours for someone else’s if there are more of you in the house or at the office with the same model.
Best Smart Coffee Mug in 2021
1. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Topping off our list is the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2, a well-rounded mug that features a traditional mug-like design with a big handle that makes gripping it easy, and a solid metallic design so that it is also very sturdy.
Features
As far as heating your coffee goes, the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 can maintain it anywhere between 120°F – 145°F.
Controlling this mug is very easy since it comes with its own dedicated app from which you can set the temperature, but it can also function without it, working at the last temperature it was registered to.
It comes with a built-in battery that can last up to 1.5 hours, during which it will maintain your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at just the right temperature, and whenever you need to charge it again, simply place it on its dedicated charging coaster, and plug it into the closest AC socket.
Of course, you don’t have to worry about too much power consumption or the lifespan of the battery, since the mug has internal sensors that help it shut down once it feels that it isn’t being used anymore.
Cleaning this mug is quite easy, all thanks to the updated scratch-resistant coating that makes it safe to hand wash, but also because it is IPX7 rated and fully submersible up to 1 meter deep.
Note: This mug is hand wash only, so don’t try to clean it using a dishwasher since it will be damaged.
Verdict
We were impressed by how well the mug looked and felt when we held it, and the fact that it comes in 4 different colour schemes makes it great for you to buy for your entire family or group of friends.
All in all, if you want to buy an Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 for yourself, all you have to do is head over to Amazon.com, add it to your cart, and wait for it to be delivered.
2. Cauldryn Coffee Smart Mug
The next item on our list is a model that will definitely make the tech geeks among you cheer with joy, since it is also the most high-tech entry — the Cauldryn mug.
Features
The Cauldryn Coffee Smart Mug is a thermos-shaped smart heating mug that can be controlled via a phone app through a Bluetooth connection, and it even has a small control panel with buttons, LED lights, and even a small LCD screen from where you can see your beverage’s current temperature.
The mug’s battery is also incredibly impressive, with a maximum capacity of up to 10 hours, and if you also include the desk base it comes shipped with, it can even last you all day long, most likely longer than you’ll need to finish your drink anyway.
You can pair this smart mug to your phone via Bluetooth, and you can use the dedicated app that is available for both Android and iOS to select one of the 5 temperature presents, or manually input one of your own. This can also be done from the aforementioned control panel and monitored from the LCD screen, and you won’t need to worry about it being too complicated since there are only 4 buttons.
Lastly, you should know that this smart mug doesn’t just keep your beverage warm, it also brews them for you, as you only need to add boiled water, coffee or tea leaves, and then simply wait.
The built is of the highest quality, the inside is vacuum insulated, the lid is 100% spill-proof, and cleaning it will be a piece of cake, just as long as you remember to hand wash it only.
Verdict
With so many features and such an amazing design, one can’t help but wonder why this particular mug isn’t on our #1 spot, the price tag and the fact that it doesn’t look like it can handle being dropped too many times.
There’s also the fact that it is indeed very large, standing at around 12 inches in height, so while this may not be such a bad thing while travelling or on the road, it takes up too much space on the average desk.
All in all, if you don’t find these caveats to be bothersome, you can go ahead and buy the Cauldryn Coffee Smart Mug from Amazon, although you need to hurry since everybody loves it and they are frequently out of stock.
3. BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug
Our third entry — the BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug — is yet another thermos-shaped smart mug that features advanced insulation capabilities that make maintaining a steady internal temperature easy, both actively and passively.
Features
It comes with a high-quality insulated vacuum double-wall build that is based on designs developed by aerospace industry thermal engineers, and the materials are of the highest quality as well, making it both heat-resistant, as well as lightweight and durable.
In fact, all components are made in the US, come with their own unique serial number, and benefit from a lifetime warranty that you can cash in at any times, with certain restrictions of course.
One thing that makes this particular mug special is just how good it is at cooling your beverage, not just keeping it warm or heating it up. That’s right, by using advanced technology this mug can help cool your coffee in minutes so that you can enjoy it immediately.
Another thing that makes this mug stand out is the fact that it does all of the above completely passively, all thanks to something called Drink Now Technology that quickly absorbs and stores the extra heat from the coffee so that you can start drinking it in mere minutes.
This extra stored thermal energy is then used to maintain the temperature of your coffee for hours without the need for reheating.
Verdict
The BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug is basically a space-age thermos, so from many points of view users may argue that it is not exactly a smart coffee mug.
However, keep in mind that when using a regular vacuum mug, you can burn your mouth, need to wait for hours before you can drink the coffee, and you sometimes even have to reheat it, but with the BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug, you can drink your coffee right away, and you won’t need to reheat anything since the temperature stays constant for hours.
Those features alone should be enough to warrant this product the smart tag, and if you too want to get your hands on a BURNOUT Temperature-Regulating Mug, you can buy it online at a special price for a limited time only.
4. Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug
Following up on our list is the Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug, a smart mug that anyone can use to enjoy their favourite hot beverage either at home or while travelling, and it features a minimalist design that will make it suitable for almost anyone’s taste.
Features
It comes with a built-in 4800mAh battery that can help keep your drinks warm for up to 3 hours, and also comes with a dual charging coaster which you can use to power your mug while charging the battery. However, both slots are identical, so you can also use a single coaster to charge two batteries, or heat two mugs simultaneously.
This coaster also makes the Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug an ideal gift, since both you and someone else can enjoy the benefits of the dual charging pad, without the need for each of you to bring your own.
You can control the temperature using the LED touch-sensitive buttons which you can use to heat your travel mug to the desired temperature in less than 10 minutes, from anywhere between 95°F – 150°F.
The Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug is also good at passive heat retention too, all thanks to the advanced insulated coating that will allow your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to stay warm even hours after the internal batteries ran out.
It can hold up to 12 oz. of whatever brew you like, and it is also quite small in size, making it easy to carry around or simply hold in your hand. More so, the inside of the mug is lined with a spill-resistant rubber seal, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess, even if the mug ends up upside-down inside your bag.
Verdict
In terms of simplicity, the Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug is probably top on our list and the minimalist and yet elegant design coupled with the space-age build make it an excellent tool for the coffee fanatic of the future.
Go ahead and check out the detailed specs of the Muggo 12 oz Temperature Control Mug on Amazon, and if you find it to fit your tastes, get one right away, but not just for yourself, but also your special someone as well!
5. OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug
The OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug is the first entry on our list that actually feels like a mug, and we’re sure that those of you that are more traditional in nature will probably swarm around it since, at first glance, it looks like a ceramic mug with a heating coaster included.
Of course, that would be the broader description, since the design of the mug is a bit more complicated than that.
Features
It is built using high-quality non-toxic porcelain ceramic, has a volume of 12 oz., and it is also the first item on our list that is dishwasher safe, although we would like to let you know that you mustn’t heat it up using a microwave, ever.
Besides the mug itself, you also get a wireless charger made up of a blend of aluminium alloy and tempered glass, so heat transmission is fast and efficient between the charger and the mug, and there’s also a matching ceramic lid which also helps keep your beverage warm for extended periods of time, even when you’ve removed it from the charging pad.
Another unique aspect of this smart mug is that you can charge it using your smartphone, and it should be noted that it works with all Qi-compatible smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S8, Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, etc.
Speaking of smartphones, the OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug even features Fast Charging, although this only works with the non-Qi devices, and you even have 2 small LED indicators that show you when it is charging, and when it is warming.
Verdict
There are many unique things about the OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug, and we didn’t have a second thought when we decided on adding it to our list.
The design is familiar, the concept is simple, you can use your own phone to charge it, and washing it is a breeze. All in all, if you do decide to add the OHOM Kopi Self-Heating Mug to your daily morning routine, go ahead and order one at BestBuy, or even their own official website.
6. BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Set
This next smart mug — the BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Set — is yet another one with a more traditional feel, although the charging capabilities and design are a bit different.
Features
The heating is done via a gravity-induction pad, and it can be used to warm up your coffee, tea, hot chocolate, tea, or whatever warm beverage you prefer to around 131℉ (or 55℃).
This gravity induction technology allows the warming pad to activate every single time you place the cup on it, and it shuts down by itself whenever you remove the cup, effectively saving energy that would otherwise be wasted.
The mug itself is pretty sturdy, made from high-quality porcelain ceramic, that can accommodate up to 14 oz. of liquid, and the glass layer protects both the mug and the charging pad from environmental hazards. Not only that, the water-resistant coating makes this mug extremely easy to clean, as putting it under a jet of water for a few seconds is more than enough.
The cup comes in 2 colours, namely black and white, so you can get one of each to use for yourself, or gift them to someone that’s dear to you.
Verdict
While this mug may be easy-to-use, maintain, and is efficient at keeping your beverages warm, the highlight is the incredibly affordable price, as it is likely the most accessible entry on our list.
If you want to see that for yourself, you can go ahead and buy the BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Set from Amazon, since they have it on sale anyway.
7. Tech Tools Smart Travel Mug
Closing off our list is the Tech Tools Smart Travel Mug, a smart coffee mug with a unique design that brings together elements from regular cups and thermoses.
Features
It is made from high-grade stainless steel, and this alone should be enough of a reason for you not to even think about warming it up in the microwave. Besides, the cup itself has electronic components attached to it, such as a control panel featuring several buttons and an LCD display, so don’t try warming it on a stove either.
The handle is made from high-grade plastic that is ergonomically shaped, so don’t worry about losing your grip and spilling anything while walking or even when you’re drinking and driving.
Speaking of which, this particular smart mug is designed with vehicles in mind, as it comes with a 12V charger that is car-compatible, and the base is also coated with non-slippery rubber and it also has a non-spill lid, so you can place it anywhere without fear of making a mess, even if you hit a really big pothole.
As for heating your coffee, it heats it to temperatures between 85-160° Fahrenheit, and it alerts you when the ideal preset temperature has been reached.
Verdict
The design is sturdy, it has 4 different temperature presets, and it is ideal for those of you that are frequently on the road and are used to drinking their coffee inside of their car more often than inside of their kitchen.
All aspects considered, if you fit the profile described above, you should definitely check out the Tech Tools Smart Travel Mug, and decide for yourself whether it is worth it or not.
Note: The smart mug is intended to keep your beverage warm at your desired temperature and to heat up lukewarm drinks, but won’t boil cold drinks.
Best Smart Coffee Mugs: Conclusion
The way we work throughout any given day is determined mostly by how we start off our morning, and anyone that knows about early morning work schedules or jobs that require burning the midnight oil will surely appreciate a good cup of whatever warm beverage they like the most, be it coffee, tea, hot chocolate, eggnog, or anything of the sorts.
That being said, a good cup can help a lot (and we all have our own special cup from which we’ve been drinking for years now), so upgrading from a traditional one that leaves your coffee cold and tasting awful after a few hours to one that keeps it hot throughout the day is understandable.
We hope that we’ve made it easier for you to understand what you need to look for when buying a new mug. We also hope that the 7 suggestions that we’ve presented will have piqued your interest since they are all efficient at what they do while still maintaining certain characteristics that make each of them stand apart from the rest.
Let us know what you think about our list, and if you know a particular smart mug that deserves recognition, tell us about it in the comments section below, and we’ll review it as soon as we get the chance.
Thank you for sharing this amazing unique coffee mugs.
This has got to be THE most useless, useless-junk ad ever. (Plus more junk to fill a land fill site.) People, it’s call a Coffee BREAK for a reason. If your coffee gets cold by you keyboard then stop, make a coffee, drink it (while it’s hot), and then go back to work. Coffee breaks are there to get you away from your computer/chair/work to give you a little stretch and a bit of time to refresh. If you need to hydrate, keep a container of water nearby to sip.