Kiss those trips to the microwave goodbye: With this cup, you'll be sipping coffee, cocoa or tea at your perfect temp all day long. (Amazon)(Amazon)
Tired of your coffee getting cold? You may be in need of a heated mug. While the popular Ember mug is a fan favorite, it also costs around $130 (or more) — and that can be a hard price to swallow. Lucky for you, Amazon is currently selling a Yahoo editor-approved Ember alternative: the Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Mug. On sale for $100 (down from $130), it's your solution to hot beverages gone bad (and by bad, we mean freezing cold). While there may be other beverage warmers on the market, this one is versatile and suits your comfort level with temperature control. But you'll want to add it to your cart quickly — this limited-time lightning deal will end once it's 100% claimed, so zap it up, stat.
This pretty pink would make a lovely Valentine's Day gift, don't you think?
Just what is this little accessory? It's a portable coffee-brewing straw — yes, really! The travel-friendly device filters out coffee grounds and tea leaves as you sip, allowing you to enjoy a cup from just about anywhere. It works like any other straw, only it's equipped with a filter at the bottom to keep those unpleasant particles from ruining the drinking experience. To use it, all you do is fill your mug with hot water and ground coffee or loose-leaf tea, stir it and start sippin'! You can add milk, sugar or any other flavorings you typically use, and it also works with juice if you want to strain the pulp.
"I love this product — not just for traveling," wrote one caffeine consumer. "It's perfect for a quick cup of coffee, mate or herbal tea at home, with much less cleanup than a French press or coffee pot. No counter space required!"
While this magical beverage warmer normally retails for $130 at Amazon, it's currently on sale for nearly 25% off — that's close to its lowest price in years. And when you compare it to the $130 price tag of the Ember mug, you're saving even more. Some colors are already 70% claimed as of now, so scoop it up while you can.
There's little that's more disappointing than being called away from your desk (and your caffeine!) and returning only to find that the toasty beverage you were enjoying has gone cold. What's great about the Nextmug is the variety of temperature settings and how long they keep your beverage warm, hot or piping — even hours after you've removed it from its warming dock.
To cycle between the three available temperatures — warm (130°), hot (140°) and piping (150°) — simply press the button on the cup. LEDs near the bottom show battery and temp status. Trust us: It couldn't be any easier to use. If you're on the go, the double-walled thermal mug and secure lid keep beverages at the ideal temperature. That means you can carry your cup around the office or take it in the car, knowing that your tea, coffee or cocoa will stay toasty warm.
The Nextmug is available in an array of colors, including spice, dusty rose, burgundy, slate blue and classic black. At this price, you can also buy one for your favorite coffee drinker for Valentine's Day, and it makes a great present for college students so they can stay fueled in their dorm room during all-nighters. "If you like the idea of a self-heating mug (or need a great gift for a coffee lover), the Nextmug is definitely worth a look," says Senior Tech Editor Rick Broida. (Read his full Nextmug review for more.)
More than 2,700 Amazon customers are singing this mug's praises to the tune of a five-star rating.
"I was always finishing my coffee cold using a regular mug," shared one shopper. "Now, my coffee stays hot to the last drop. With the lid, my Nextmug keeps coffee piping hot [for] over two hours. The controls are easy to use. The mug definitely looks cool and comes in multiple colors. ... A+."
"While I like my coffee/tea a little more tepid, my wife likes it very hot, and once it cools even a little bit, she wastes the rest," wrote a relieved spouse. "She’s always complaining how her tea is not hot enough. She typically gives it to me when it gets too cold for her and perfect for me. This product changed everything. She uses it every morning and throughout the day with her tea or lattes. She loves it. Therefore, I love it too."
"I bought this temperature-controlled mug because I'm constantly reheating my coffee in the microwave," said a third fan. "Not anymore! I was able to use it immediately, and it keeps my coffee at the desired temperature. The see-through lid is an additional bonus, as I don't have to be concerned with spilling hot coffee on me. Charging the mug is a breeze."
"I hate drinking lukewarm coffee!" exclaimed a mostly satisfied sipper. "This mug has solved all my coffee woes, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. I will say, if you only like your coffee sort of warm, this may run too hot for you. Even the lowest setting is quite warm, and [the] middle setting is as hot as I ever want it without burning my tongue. Besides the fabulous joy of perpetually hot coffee ... I love the feel of the finish on the mug — it has the feel of holding a ceramic mug, as opposed to a stainless steel one, which I really enjoy."
"[The] only dislike I have is the handle, which has a severe edge," noted a final reviewer. "I wish it was more rounded, similar to a traditional porcelain cup. But, that doesn't prevent [me] from using it every day. I can confirm the auto shut-off works as designed. My everyday cup now."
Psst: Here's another gift-worthy java gizmo...
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.