Smart home appliances are the future. There are loads of things you can control with your iPhone or with voice control smart speakers and thankfully, coffee makers are amongst these items.
Imagine waking up to Alexa brewing hot coffee that’s just the way you enjoy it. You can stay snuggled up in bed until it’s ready. The only thing missing is the coffee delivered to your bedside (maybe you have a partner that can fulfill this role!)
Smart coffee makers give you a huge amount of control over the brew settings as well as allowing you to check the water levels and other brew parameters from a distance. There’s a lot to be gained from trying one of these machines and they’re actually not much more expensive compared to regular coffee machines.
Still needing some convincing?
Here are five top picks when it comes to smart coffee makers featuring all their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice to best suit your needs. Alongside these reviews, we have a buyers guide and some common FAQs to answer any questions you may have.
Let’s jump right in and check out our top choice today, the iCoffee Remote Brew by Smarter.
- 1. Top Choice – iCoffee Remote Brew with Smarter App
- 2. Runner Up – Nespresso Expert Original Espresso Machine
- 3. Easiest to Use – Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker
- 4. Budget Option – Atomi Smart WiFi Coffee Maker
- 5. Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART Coffee Maker
1. Top Choice – iCoffee Remote Brew with Smarter App
Brand: Smarter
Pros
- Integrated burr grinder
- Wifi Enabled
- Programmable
Cons
- App needs improvement
The top choice today is a coffee maker that ticks all the boxes and more. The iCoffee by Smarter is a grind and brew drip coffee maker so you can add fresh whole coffee beans in the evening and wake up to a perfect cup of coffee. It also has an option for coffee grounds which is perfect if you like a decaf cup in the evenings as well.
It’s wifi enabled and if you use the smarter app you can connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, and more smart home devices. This allows voice commands so you can simply wake up and ask your machine to brew your java.
It’s fully programmable so you can customize the machine for taste (boldness setting) or set alarms for when you want your coffee ready. It will keep your pot of coffee as warm as you like it for 40 minutes so you have plenty of time to enjoy your brew.
The app allows you to set how many cups you want as well as start the brew cycle. The downside is the app can be a bit glitchy and needs some improvement. Despite this, it’s some of the best smart coffee makers for your home and nothing beats the taste of freshly ground beans when you brew coffee.
2. Runner Up – Nespresso Expert Original Espresso Machine
Brand: De’Longhi
Pros
- Thermoblock heating element with 19 bars of pressure
- Three temperature settings
- Four coffee options
Cons
- Expensive
Our runner-up is definitely a more premium choice when it comes to smart coffee machines. The Nespresso brand is a popular choice when it comes to coffee makers due to the ease of use, functionality, and delicious espresso-type coffee they brew. You have four cup size options with this machine and these are ristretto, espresso, cafe lungo, and americano. You can even dispense hot water to make tea.
You can choose this coffee maker with the Aeroccino milk frother if you enjoy lattes or cappuccino.
The thermoblock heating element gives advanced control so you can choose between three temperature settings to suit your tastes. This machine achieves 19 bars of pressure so brews true espresso coffee.
The Nespresso expert along with the mobile app (with iPhone, iPad, and Android compatibility) gives you remote control of your coffee brewing and you can even order more Nespresso capsules when needed.
3. Easiest to Use – Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Pros
- Alexa voice compatible
- Front fill and low profile
- Brew Strength Selector
Cons
- Not the most durable
For coffee lovers that enjoy their cup of joe without any hassle, you’ll love this option by Hamilton Beach. Voice control using the Alexa app or Alexa smart speaker means you can simply ask for your next batch of java.
It’s responsive, reliable, and syncs wirelessly to keep time, and allows you to program in your particular coffee routine. The bold brew setting is perfect for those that prefer a stronger taste to their coffee.
It’s a low-profile machine with a front-fill water reservoir so will squeeze into any tight space. The glass carafe is drip-free by design so avoids any mess on your kitchen countertops. Overall this machine is really well designed and incredibly user-friendly.
The smart features are your perfect coffee-making companion but the downside of this machine is that it’s not the most durable. It is prone to issues but Hamilton Beach customer service is really exceptional. They are more than happy to help diagnose and fix issues with their machines or replace any defective models so this makes up for the potential risk of buying this option.
4. Budget Option – Atomi Smart WiFi Coffee Maker
Brand: Atomi Smart
Pros
- Voice Activated and Push Notifications
- Wifi Compatible
- No-spill Carafe Sensor
Cons
- The warming plate is tricky
The Atomi smart coffee maker is the perfect choice for smart coffee brewing on a tight budget. It uses wifi to connect to the Atomi smart app and push notifications to tell you when your coffee is ready. It’s voice-activated when you use Alexa or Google Assistant so you can turn the machine on and check or set the strength settings using this.
This is a 12-cup coffee maker so so is perfect for busy homes, entertaining, or office use. It also comes with a reusable filter so this cuts down on waste. The spill-free sensor means the brewing only starts when the carafe is fixed in place so you won’t end up with a mess of coffee all over the countertop.
The downside with this option is the warming plate cant be switched on independently. This means that after the 4-hour auto shut off there’s no way to turn it on without the machine trying to brew a fresh pot of coffee. As there’s no water in the reservoir, the machine figures this out and automatically shuts itself down. This is also true if you accidentally turn the machine off.
the real issue here is the machine is a bit too smart and sensitive so just beware of this problem so you won’t be caught out by this!
5. Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART Coffee Maker
Brand: Keurig
Pros
- Programmable
- Multistream Technology
- Temperature Selector plus Iced Coffee Option
Cons
- Poor customer service
If you want delicious coffee but without having to undergo barista training then there’s nothing easier than a single-serve coffee maker. Keurig machines are easy to use and compatible with hundreds of K-cup flavors so you’re bound to find your perfect cup of joe with ease.
The K-Supreme gives you all the control over your coffee brew settings with 5 strengths, 6 temperature controls, and 5 cup sizes as well as brew over ice option. Multistream technology extracts the fullest flavor from every pod so you get the most delicious coffee every time you brew.
This machine is programmable with BrewID so it recognizes your K-cup pod and automatically customizes the brew settings for you. The smart connectivity allows you to connect with the Keurig app through Android and iOS devices.
The downside with Keurig models is the customer service is known to be sub-par with minimal solutions available for when problems arise. To avoid any issues, check the manufacturer’s guidelines and the warranty thoroughly before you purchase one of these machines.
Coffee Maker Buyers Guide
How much coffee do you need to brew?
The first thing to consider when choosing the right coffee maker for your home or workplace is how much coffee do you need with each batch. If you only need 1-2 cups of coffee you can opt for a much more compact coffee maker or possibly a single-serve machine. If you have a lot of coffee lovers to keep up with then a larger drip machine is needed.
Some single-serve machines like the Nespresso brew espresso style coffee so these are perfect if you enjoy specialty coffee best.
The Carafe
It’s a good idea to think about the carafe design when you choose a new coffee maker. A well-designed model will have a drip-free spout and will be made of non-porous glass or even stainless steel.
A glass carafe on a warming plate will keep the coffee toasty hot but the warming plate runs the risk of burning the coffee if it doesn’t have a good thermostat.
A thermal carafe will keep the coffee hot without any risk of burning it but it does need to be preheated first with hot water otherwise it can cool the coffee down as it’s brewing.
Consider the Water Tank
There are a few things to think about when it comes to the water tank. Removable options are easy to fill and very easy to clean which is a major plus but they are also prone to leaking if you don’t attach them properly back in place!
The filling point can also affect how you use the machine with front filling options sitting under cabinets much easier compared to those that fill up at the back.
Finally, you need to consider the size of the water tank and whether it holds enough water for the amount of coffee you like to consume.
Customizable Settings
Customizable settings can really make or break a coffee machine and how you use it. Brew strength selectors allow you to choose the boldness you enjoy best and temperature controls also help you customize the coffee to suit your preferences.
Programmable timers are a great addition as well as auto-shut off so the machine doesn’t burn out if you forget to switch it off.
Don’t Forget the Grinder
Last up, don’t forget your coffee grinder! Freshly ground coffee has so much more flavor and aroma compared to pre-ground coffee and there’s just no substitute for this. The best grinders to use are burr grinders as these ensure an even grind as well as remaining cool so never burn the beans. A coffee maker with a built-in grinder can solve this all for you as well as save space in your kitchen.
F.A.Q.s
What does a smart coffee machine do?
A smart coffee maker gives the user the ability to control various settings by connecting their smartphone over Bluetooth or wifi. Things like brew temperature, size, and strength can all be set using this method. You can even start the brew cycle remotely using the app or using voice control options if you have Alexa, Google Home compatible devices, or a similar setup.
How do you use a smart coffee maker?
You can set up a smart coffee maker as easily as a regular machine. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s guidelines but it’s usually just a case of plugging it in and loading it up with coffee and water. Once the machine has power, you can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or wifi by using the specific app.
Should I buy a smart coffee maker or just a smart plug to use with a regular coffee maker?
The issue with buying a smart plug instead of a smart coffee maker is the plug only controls the power input to the machine. Often when you unplug the coffee machine, it loses all its settings so simply turning the power on doesn’t necessarily mean it will start brewing your coffee.
Some coffee makers have automatic timers built in that allow you to pre-set the brewing time and this is a good substitute if you don’t want a smart coffee maker.
How do I connect to my smart coffee maker?
You connect to your smart coffee machine using the app intended for this device. You will need to check you have the correct ios or android update that can support the app itself and then download it from the app store.
Make sure the machine is connected to the wifi or switch Bluetooth on if this is the preferred method. Check your phone is also connected to either of these and then it should find your coffee maker.
If you’re still having difficulty with connecting your smartphone, contact customer support.
Is my coffee maker dishwasher safe?
For some models of coffeemaker, the carafe and filter basket are dishwasher safe. The rest of the machine usually isn’t. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines because if they recommend that you don’t use a dishwasher then doing so can invalidate your warranty.
Final Thoughts
So that’s it for smart coffee makers. These kinds of machines are a great option for giving you remote control over your coffee so you can wake up to a cup of java just the way you like it. There’s nothing better than waking up all bleary-eyed and dazed and just being able to shout “Alexa, make me a cup of coffee!”
