We did an in depth review of the top smart coffee makers.
If you’ve never hooked up a smart device in your home then you know sometimes they can be finicky. Most smart coffee makers work with Alexa. Others work with a combination of Google Assistant, Apple Home (Hey Siri!), and others.
We’ve listed their connectivity method along with features, pros and cons.
Read on to see which smart coffee makers were best and which popular models should be avoided.
The Best Smart Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach Alexa Smart Coffee Maker – 49350 is the best smart coffee maker.
This is due to the features, value, and ease of use.
What is a Smart Coffee Maker?
A smart coffee maker is a machine that makes coffee with the help of a smart-phone and the process is in some form automatic.
Features can vary, but for the sake of this article, any sort of automation using your voice or a separate app makes the coffee machine smart.
That separate device can be a smartphone or virtual voice assistant (think Alexa, Siri, etc.). There are more ways to connect to these devices, but this article is covering the basics. Although it may be simple: a one-button start doesn’t make it a smart coffee maker.
Although it may be simple: one-button start doesn’t make it a smart coffee maker.
There are some extremely high-end smart coffee makers, but we felt those deserved a separate article.
Smart Coffee Maker Connection Methods
There are two primary methods for connecting to the coffee maker. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Both of them have their benefits and drawbacks listed below.
In some cases, there were no physical buttons on the machine; a separate device, like a phone, was the only way you could summon a cup of java.
Those machines are not covered in this article.
Bluetooth Coffee Makers
PROS
- Reliable connection when within range
- Most are compatible with home automation systems
CONS
- Short range of less than 30ft (without interference)
Wifi Coffee Makers
PROS
- Great if you have stable internet
- Can connect from anywhere
- Make coffee when you're not home
CONS
- Dependent on internet connectivity
- Less common
- Usually more difficult than bluetooth to setup
The WiFi feature is useful if you use it in an office and want to start it up on the way there.
Excellent if your plans change at the last minute and you need to get closer to the coffee maker.
We try to remain as unbiased as possible in all our reviews and explain the pros and cons of each.
Is a Smart Coffee Maker Worth it?
Home automation can make your life easier, but you should know if you’re going to actually use the features.
Be honest with yourself if you’re technically savvy enough should you run across connection issues. You should ask yourself if you’ll actually use the capabilities.
Click here to jump down to the bottom where we explain a great smart coffee maker hack!
Check out our full review of the top choices in 4 price ranges.
Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
The first thing one will notice is how good this looks. One of the most attractive drip coffee makers available. Don’t be fooled by the upscale sleek looks and small footprint into thinking it’s all show and no go.
The Cafe Drip Coffee Maker is gold-certified by SCA (source). Basically, it means it brews award-winning coffee consistently.
The WiFi connectivity makes it a smart coffee maker that allows you to brew coffee and adjust the settings from the app. The settings include brew strength settings, temperature adjustments, and brew size. Although it can be done with the companion app, it’s not required to get a cup of coffee.
You can yell at it and it will brew using the voice assistance feature.
Actually, what really makes this coffee machine great isn’t the voice-activated control but the app. You can set up a daily schedule, which is useful for those who wake up at different times during the week.
Overall, it’s a wonderful coffee machine, and if coffee taste is something on your priority list, then the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker is a top choice.
PROS
- Sleek design
- SCA Certified
- Thermal Carafe
- Dedicated App
CONS
- Water tank isn't detatchable
- Premium price point
Other articles you may enjoy:
Behmor Temperature Control
The Behmor (pronounced Bee-More) coffee brewer has been around for a few years now.
It’s full of customizable features. It connects to Alexa and comes with its own app. The app allows you to customize the temperature, the strength of the coffee, and the amount. Of course, it doesn’t stop there.
Although the company had a lot of success with the Brazen Plus, which was certified by the SCA, this coffee machine didn’t fare as well with users. As of this writing, they have stopped advertising this model on their website.
If you can find it in stores, be sure you’re comfortable with technology. Also check the store’s return policy because Behmor makes it difficult to return.
PROS
- Lots of variable control
- BPA Free
- Thermal carafe
CONS
- Connection issues are common
- Only operates on 2.4ghz
- Poor customer service
Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker - 49350
Hamilton Beach coffee makers have been covered by us, & they haven’t let us down yet. You’re probably familiar with them as well because they’re durable and get the job done. This coffee maker is no different in that regard.
While you can make any coffee maker “smart” by adding a smart plug to it (click here to jump down in the article to find out how), it still requires a little patience to setup. That’s where this voice-activated model shines.
It was designed with Alexa in mind and is certified for humans, which means it is simple (or easier) to set up. If you have an Alexa hub, then this will connect easily with that. You can set it up as part of your smart routine.
The smart coffee maker is very straight-forward. 12 cup capacity, two brew strength settings, and a front-swivel water reservoir (easy to fill and keeps tucked under cabinets).
There are buttons on the front, so if there is a time when you don’t want to use the app, then you can make a cup the old-fashioned way…with physical buttons.
Of course, it’s possible to grab a cup with the help of the voice assistant.
PROS
- WiFi connected coffee machine
- Easily connects with Alexa
- Swivel out water tank
CONS
- Still have to set it up like you would for Auto-Programming
- No dedicated app with extra features.
- Only works with Alexa
Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART
Keurig has three variations of the K-Supreme. The latest model came out in July 2021 and is “Smart”.
It connects to the app via WiFi connection and it is also able to get a cup with voice activation through Google Home or Alexa.
There is a lot of customization available with this Keurig. More than any other model we’ve tested. It’s a good thing it can be programmed for up to 10 profiles.
PROS
- WiFi connection
- Google Home & Alexa voice assistant
- Lot's of personalizations available
- Quieter than previous models
CONS
- Slow to brew
- Brew ID doesn't allow it to brew non Keurig K-Cups
- Cup volume is not accurate
More on Keurig SMART Drawbacks
Brew ID feels like a way to keep users in their walled garden. Brew ID cannot be disabled.
To get it to work, users suggest sticking used original K-Cup foils onto 3rd party K-Cups.
It doesn’t cache the K-Cups, so it takes 9–12 seconds to ID the coffee online even before the brew process begins.
You’re getting a quieter coffee machine, but it’s noticeably slower to brew.
Gevi 4-in-1 Smart Pour-over Coffee Machine
While this doesn’t connect via WiFi or Bluetooth, it made our list of smart coffee makers because of the amount of granular control on the device.
It’s not “Smart” in the sense of automation. It’s smart because it brews amazing pour-over coffee.
Gevi aims to brew pour-over coffee with extraordinary precision using a built-in grinder and scale. The kettle is the other feature that allows you to boil or heat water.
When we say make pour-over coffee with precision, we mean that you are able to control the flow rate of water dispersed over the coffee bed from 3 ml to 9 ml per second.
Furthermore, it’s possible to fine-tune the temperature of the water as well. The pause time is programmable to allow time to bloom and pour.
The scale measures in 1/2 gram increments. The grinder is a 60-millimeter flat-burr grinder.
It’s made of all metal, feels extremely sturdy & well-crafted. The glass carafe is covered in a heat sleeve and appears inspired by a Chemex design.
The neat feature is that since it’s an open design, anything that can fit under the water dispenser will work. You’re not tied down to the coffee pot provided.
The touch screen allows for each feature to be used separately. It’s also intuitive and programmable. Recipes can be saved and shared.
When we say programmable, we’re not talking about a clock; we mean the flow rate, grind setting, time between pours, and if you want to change flow rates after each pour pause. It’s like having a barista at home, sans the tattoos and piercings.
The GEVI sells out fast. Check back from time to time if you’re interested in purchasing.
PROS
- Consistent pour over flow rate
- Able to change brew vessel
- 51 grind sizes - Espresso to French Press
CONS
- Scale not accurate & slow
- Small batch brewer. 20 oz per serving max
- Expensive
Atomi Smart Wifi 2nd-Gen
The Atomi Smart coffee maker is very much like the Hamilton Beach. It’s a WiFi coffee maker that also connects to Google Home & Alexa.
It brews the standard 12 cups.
Download the app so you can program the coffee maker to brew at specific times on different days.
The model has a stainless-steel case but a reusable plastic filter. The reservoir is made of plastic.
Replacement Carafe for Atomi Smart Coffee Maker
Atomi uses a proprietary coffee pot. The only way you can get a replacement is if you call or email. The cost for a replacement Atomi 2nd Gen carafe is $35 and can be paid via PayPal.
email Atomi Support: support@atomismart.com
Call Atomi Customer Support Phone: 1.800.757.1440
PROS
- Wifi Connectivity
- Pairs with popular voice assistance like Alexa & Google Home
- Doesn't require a smart hub
CONS
- Shows signs of wear early, especially on warming plate
Java Groove’s No Nonsense Take: The Atomi 2nd Gen has made great improvements since its first version.
It connects easily via WiFi. You don’t need a smart hub device like Google Home for it to work. It works with the standalone app.
There are some automation hacks that can be done with this model. If home automation is something that appears interesting, then we recommend this model for those interested in a smart coffee maker that doesn’t break the bank.
Atomi has a 30-day return policy (customer service complaints are common), so you can take it for a spin to see if it’s right for you.
We reviewed the best coffee maker at Target. Check out which one is best for you!
Smarter SMc01 iCoffee
WiFi coffee maker that comes in different colors, has a built-in grinder, and can connect to your phone?!
Oh yeah… there is a bit of tech built into this.
These are just some of the features. The Smarter SMc01 WiFi coffee machine has been refreshed for this 2nd generation model.
Whenever you program it to make coffee, it grinds coffee and makes at least 4 cups. The bean hopper is on top, and it has an adjustable burr grinder.
Inside the box, you’ll find 3 colored front face plates. You can swap them out without much hassle.
While it can connect with Alexa, Echo, Google Home, IFTTT, and more, there is also an easy-to-use LCD panel on the front. The Smarter iCoffee can also be programmed to start using geofencing technology.
Essentially, it can be programmed to automatically start when you get close to home. This is done by using the location technology in the app.
PROS
- Built in grinder
- Flexible programming for family, roommates, etc.
- Use your own coffee grounds
CONS
- Difficult to clean
- Reports of beans getting stuck or not falling into the grinder
- Once you pick up the carafe the heater shuts off
Make Almost Any Coffee Maker “Smart”
The good thing about dumb coffee makers is that you can make them smart by simply adding a smart plug. What makes it dumb? A simple on-off switch. If it’s switched on and plugged in, it will brew.
Many coffee makers are not like this. They must be plugged in, and then a button or series of buttons should be pressed in order to start the brewing process.
In order to help out, we found the cheapest yet most durable coffee maker. We also found a simple smart plug that is very easy to connect to your home automation system, whether it’s Alexa, Siri, Google Home, or most other assistants.
Mr. Coffee Switch, 5-Cup Mini Brew
For $20 you can get this little guy to make you 5 cups in the morning.
We featured this coffee maker as one of the best coffee makers under $20 at Walmart.
Can’t say much about this barebones coffee maker except that it does have a 2-hour auto shutoff as well as a pause and pour feature. There is also a water gauge on the side so you don’t drown the little fella.
Smart Plug
Pair that coffee maker with this Smart Plug that connects to all* smart homes without a hub and you’ve got a WiFi “Smart Coffee” maker for under $45 (including taxes).
*To get it to work with Apple Home Kit it requires a bit of tinkering. Consider buying the Apple Homekit model for simplicity.
