Engaging in a somewhat elaborate, albeit foreseeable, coffee routine is a daily ritual for me. The sequence involves stumbling into the kitchen, initiating the kettle at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, grinding coffee beans, preparing the Chemex, filtering, and meticulously measuring 40 grams of beans on a scale. Subsequently, I gradually pour 600 milliliters of hot water, transfer the concoction into my trusted Yeti Rambler, and casually make my way to the living room for quality time with my son or a brief interlude on TikTok. It’s a routine, a slice of life, you could say.
Recently, the Ember Tumbler has insinuated itself into this familiar routine. Valued at $199, this latest Ember offering upholds the brand’s commitment to maintaining your beverage at the desired temperature for extended durations. By default, the internal heating system maintains a steady 135 degrees Fahrenheit. However, syncing it with your phone via Bluetooth and utilizing the Ember app allows you to fine-tune the temperature to your exact preference.
The Ember Mug, a long-standing companion in my daily life, did have its quirks. Its capacity of 10 ounces was objectively insufficient, though a 14-ounce model now addresses this limitation. Another inconvenience was its traditional mug design with a handle, rendering it impractical for on-the-go situations like train rides or car journeys. (Interestingly, Ember’s inaugural product was a travel mug, but it, too, was limited to 10 ounces. A perplexing choice, one might argue.)
Evaluating the Ember Tumbler: A Balancing Act of Features
In theory, the Tumbler seems like the ultimate solution to my beverage-related predicaments. Sporting a 16-ounce capacity, it outshines its predecessors. Additionally, it boasts two lids: one with a convenient sliding piece for easy sipping and another featuring a handle, ensuring complete closure. The three-hour battery life appears ample for savoring coffee or tea.
However, reality introduces nuances to this seemingly perfect picture. In my current work-from-home scenario, the Tumbler aligns seamlessly with my needs. It elevates the morning coffee experience with its satisfying weight, resembling a luxurious item rather than a mere mug. Whether with the lid on or off, it proves delightful. Placing it on the provided charging pad in my basement office keeps the coffee consistently hot for hours—an undeniably enjoyable routine.
Yet, when viewed as a travel companion for those venturing outdoors, the Tumbler falls short. Several instances hinted that, sans the charging pad, my coffee cooled faster compared to my trusty Yeti Rambler, known for its efficient insulation. To verify this observation, I conducted tests, pitting the battery-charged Tumbler against the unpowered Yeti Rambler—an exemplar among the plethora of well-insulated travel mugs available.
| Aspect | Ember Tumbler | Yeti Rambler |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 ounces (473ml) | Comparable |
| Lids | Two options: sliding and handle | Standard lid |
| Battery Life | Three hours | N/A (Batteryless) |
| Morning Use | Ideal, retains heat for hours | Equally effective |
| Travel Performance | Disappointing, prone to quicker cooling | Superior insulation |
This evaluation underscores the Tumbler’s duality—thriving in certain contexts while stumbling in others. The quest for the perfect mug continues.
Thermal Showdown: Rambler vs. Tumbler in Real-world Tests
To establish a baseline, I poured near-boiling water into both mugs and measured their initial temperatures after about 60 seconds.
| Start Temperature | Rambler: 205.9°F | Tumbler: 204.6°F |
After sealing both mugs, an hour of undisturbed wait ensued—a simulation of the “I made coffee, and then something came up” scenario.
| Temperature After One Hour | Rambler: 180.7°F | Tumbler: 149.4°F |
Despite the Rambler’s superior heat retention, the Tumbler’s purpose is to cool to the ideal drinking temperature. The Ember app defaults to 135°F, aligning with science’s notion of optimal coffee drinking temperature.
For the “early morning meeting” test, I left the lids ajar for another hour.
| Temperature After Two Hours | Rambler: 162.7°F | Tumbler: 139.2°F |
Both mugs excel; the Rambler retains heat, while the Tumbler reaches the perfect drinking temperature within two hours.
In a more challenging “warm drink on a cold day” test, with lids on and mouthpieces open in 40°F wind, both mugs impress.
| Temperature After Three Hours | Rambler: 144.1°F | Tumbler: 135.1°F |
In this demanding scenario, both mugs maintain drinkable temperatures, marking a double victory. The Tumbler still thrives in its sweet spot, showcasing its resilience even in adverse conditions. After three hours, both beverages remain highly enjoyable.
A Tale of Two Mugs: Ember Tumbler vs. Yeti Rambler in Extended Use Scenarios
After a three-hour mark, both beverages remain drinkable, showcasing their endurance. Now, closed lids prompt the “maybe this just became my afternoon coffee instead” test.
| Temperature After Four Hours | Rambler: 135.0°F | Tumbler: 113.7°F |
For the first time, the Tumbler yields a too-cold beverage due to a depleted battery. The Rambler, with better insulation, persists.
In the “I left it out overnight” test:
| Temperature After 12 Hours | Rambler: 99.0°F | Tumbler: 76.5°F |
Both are undrinkable, yet the Rambler outperforms, maintaining a noticeably higher temperature. The Tumbler is essentially at room temperature.
These tests highlight two key findings. First, the Tumbler excels at swiftly reaching and maintaining the right temperature for a few hours—an advantage for the fancy mug. Second, for prolonged heat retention, Yeti’s 16-ounce Rambler at $30 proves superior to the $200 Tumbler.
Analogous to Brian Regan’s refrigerator bit, the Tumbler serves its purpose but at a premium cost. The Rambler, more cost-effective, excels in maintaining warmth for extended periods. Personal preferences guide the choice between keeping drinks hot or hastening cooling.
For home-bound individuals with convenient access to the charging pad, the Tumbler shines. However, when venturing out, the Rambler, priced at $30, emerges as the practical choice, ensuring warmth for all beverages.