Testing the NextMug: A Self-Heating Coffee Mug with Simplicity and Style

I’m no stranger to heated coffee mugs, having tested a few over the years like the Ember Mug and ThermoJoe. When I came across the NextMug, which boasts similar features but with a simpler design, I couldn’t resist giving it a shot. Here’s my take on whether this temperature-controlled mug lives up to its claims and my own early-morning coffee rituals.

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Unboxing and Setup

NextMug retails for around $100 and has earned a respectable 4.3-star rating on Amazon. Inside the box, it comes with a charging coaster, a 6-foot cord, a spill-resistant lid, and straightforward instructions. They’ve kept it app-free, which some users appreciate, allowing for more direct control without needing to fiddle with settings on a phone.

The mug offers three temperature options — Warm (130°F), Hot (140°F), and Piping (150°F) — which are controlled via a single button on the mug itself. This straightforward design is appealing if you’re not looking for overly complicated tech in a simple coffee mug.

Testing the Heating Capacity

Initial Test: Room Temperature to Warm

For my first trial, I filled the mug with room-temperature water to see if it could reach the Warm setting of 130°F. I pressed the button, set it to warm, and started my timer. However, I was surprised to find that the battery died before reaching 130°F, which felt disappointing given the claimed 2-hour battery life.

Thinking it might not have been fully charged initially, I gave it a proper charge overnight to retest its heating capabilities. I also tested the mug’s volume capacity with a full 14-ounce fill, which checked out as advertised.

Charging Coaster Test: Room Temperature to Warm

To address the battery issue, I placed the mug on its charging coaster for my second trial. This time, it only took about 30 minutes to reach 130°F — a noticeable improvement! It seems the coaster significantly enhances the mug’s heating efficiency. If you plan to warm up coffee from a cooler state, the coaster is definitely the way to go.

Real-World Use: Morning Coffee Routine

In my second trial, I tested the NextMug with coffee brewed at 140°F on the Hot setting, aiming to maintain this temperature while I went through my morning routine. I left it inside (since it was already a sweltering 100°F outside at 5:30 a.m.!) and returned after an hour. The coffee was still perfectly warm at 143°F, slightly above the set temperature — a pleasant surprise for consistency and heat retention.

Battery Life Check

The mug claims to last up to four hours on a full charge with the lid on, but it reached the three-hour mark before cooling to about 130°F. Although slightly shy of its promise, three hours at a stable temperature is quite good for a coffee mug. The coaster allows for indefinite heating if you’re using it at a desk or table.

Final Thoughts: How Does It Compare?

Battery Life and Usability
In terms of battery life, the NextMug outperformed the ThermoJoe and is comparable to the Ember mug. It’s simple to use, with no app needed, which is a relief for those who prefer easy, no-fuss gadgets. The lid helps retain heat, a feature that comes included (unlike Ember’s add-on lid).

Temperature Accuracy
NextMug was consistent in reaching and maintaining temperature compared to the other heated mugs I’ve tried. If you need a precise, app-controlled device, the Ember mug may be more your speed. However, for reliable warmth with just three temperature options, the Next Mug does the job well.

The Verdict
If you’re looking for a heated mug with a user-friendly design and accurate temperatures, the NextMug is a solid option. It keeps coffee warm for hours and fits nicely into busy routines. I’d place it above ThermoJoe in both accuracy and usability, though for fine-tuned, app-based control, the Ember is still the best choice.

Your Turn
Have you tried the NextMug, Ember Mug, or ThermoJoe? Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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