Tired of making coffee the old-fashioned way? Upgrade to a smart coffee maker and start brewing in the 21st century! We compare models and features for you.
In the days of yore (read: early 2000s or before), brewing coffee was a very “analog” affair. You had to push a few buttons, place the beans or coffee grounds yourself, and then pay attention to when the brew was ready.
In modern times, coffee brewing has become high-tech. While we’re not quite at the point where a cup of Joe can make itself from scratch, we’re edging closer and closer each day.
If you’re interested in embracing the future, we’ve compiled a list of the top five smart coffee makers. Here’s what you’ve been missing.
Best Smart Coffee Maker Models
1. Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
With the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker, you won’t even have to push a button to prepare your morning brew. Its Voice-To-Brew feature allows it to connect to your Alexa or Google Home devices, so you can simply request your coffee out loud, but it can also be connected to a smartphone.
You can choose from four different strengths to ensure your coffee is just to your liking every time. The device can brew one of ten cups of coffee, which is ideal for entertaining guests.
2. Atomi Smart WiFi Coffee Maker
- 2nd Gen
- No-Spill Carafe Sensor
- Black/Stainless Steel
- 12-Cup Carafe
- Reusable Filter
- WiFi-Compatible Alexa, Google , iOS, Android, & the Atomi Smart app
If you’re the smart home type, you’ll appreciate the fact that you can connect the Atomi Smart Coffee Maker to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa device. So, all you need is your voice to brew the perfect cup.
Atomi is on its second-generation coffee maker, which improves the design and functionality of the original. You can build out your schedule for the week or brew on-demand, and the machine will deliver push notifications to your devices when your cup is ready.
3. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
- 6 Brew Sizes
- 5 Brew Styles
- Frother
- Coffee & Tea Baskets with Glass Carafe (CP301)
- Auto IQ one touch intelligence technology
Ninja has already made a name for itself with blenders, but the brand is branching into smart coffee maker territory. Although this system doesn’t connect to your smartphone or home device, it does have Auto-iQ technology.
The Ninja system works well for both coffee and tea and will adjust its calculations automatically. You can also brew hot or cold, giving you more versatility.
The device includes a built-in milk frother for lattes, Americanos, and cappuccinos. Better yet, you can brew a single cup or a whole carafe at a time.
4. Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker
- Programmable
- 12 Cup Capacity
- Black and Stainless Steel 49350
For those who want a more direct smart coffee machine experience, this model from Hamilton Beach is just one step above a regular drip coffee maker. The buttons and design are almost identical to a traditional version, except this model connects to Amazon Alexa.
This smart coffee maker is also made to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once. So, if you’re a one or two-cup kind of person, you’ll likely have a lot left over afterward.
5. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew
- 2-Way Coffee Maker
- Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds
- Single Serve & Full 12c Pot
- Black
Finally, we have this dual-coffee brewing machine from Hamilton Beach. Rather than just making a full carafe, you can choose between a single cup or a whole pot. Since this machine has programmable buttons, it’s considered a smart coffee maker. However, don’t expect it to connect to your phone or Alexa, as it does not have WiFi capability.
How to Choose a Smart Coffee Maker
Before dropping money on a smart coffee machine, it helps to know what to look for so you can compare models. Here are the top smart features to consider:
Connectivity
Some people like having more devices connected to their smart home, while others prefer a non-connected coffee maker. Also, consider whether voice control is better than a mobile app.
Size
Do you only need a single-serve machine, or would you prefer a 12-cup coffee maker?
Safety
Most smart coffee machines have safety features like automatic shut-off and push notifications. That way, you won’t accidentally burn your coffee or short out the internal mechanisms.
Price
High technology can be pretty expensive, especially when compared to a traditional coffee maker. Some models can easily cost upwards of $70 and $80, so you have to consider whether the extra features add enough value.
The Final Word on Smart Coffee Makers
For those who love a great cup of coffee, smart devices like the ones we’ve shown can make your life much easier. Imagine waking up to a fresh pot, all without having to use a grinder or fumble with coffee filters. Truly, we’re living in the future.
FAQs About Smart Coffee Makers
Can I use a smart plug on a regular coffee maker instead?
Smart plugs allow you to turn devices on with your smart home device. However, with this kind of setup, you’d still have to do everything yourself since the machine isn’t “smart.”
Do smart coffee makers last as long as traditional ones?
Anything that uses high-tech components will break down quicker than its “analog” counterparts. So you have to weigh the pros and cons of convenience vs. longevity.
What is a Smart Coffee Maker?
First, a smart coffee maker is one that you can connect to your phone or smart home via WiFi. Second, some machines will automatically brew your coffee based on pre-programmed settings. Overall, any coffee maker that uses high-tech features can fall under this umbrella. We’ll discuss specific features later on in the comparison section.
