Contents
‘Dripped Coffee, show me the best smart coffee makers to automate my morning brew!’
As you wish!
If you want to speed up and streamline your coffee routine while geeking out with high-tech apps, a smart coffee maker is definitely the right choice for you.
However, they’re not all the same! Check our simple buying guide to understand exactly what ‘smart’ means to you before jumping to the reviews.
AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS
Atomi Smart Coffee Maker - Best Pick
- Immersive app & many connectivity options
- You can create a coffee schedule for the entire week
- User-friendly interface
Breville-Nespresso - Runner Up
- Best smart choice for capsule-based espressos
- Only 25 seconds to warm up
- 4 drink sizes
Hamilton Beach - Also Great
- Connects directly to Alexa
- Programmable features
- Versatile design, especially underneath lower cupboards
Smart Coffee Makers Buying Guide: Your Kind of Smart
Let’s clarify a couple of points in order to avoid disappointment.
What is a smart coffee maker?
A smart coffee maker is a machine that can automate some parts of the brewing process by connecting to an app or home automation system via WiFi or Bluetooth.
Traditionally, some people still use this term to refer to coffee makers that include several advanced features (such as programmability) rather than connectivity.
Because we wanted to give you plenty of relevant options, we’ve included both types.
What type of smart features do you actually want?
Smart coffee makers offer different types of connectivity and, sometimes, a mixture of two or more. Just make sure that the feature that you need the most is in there:
- App connectivity: the company has a specific app designed to work with that coffee maker. This means that you can operate it remotely with your phone, program your brews, and, usually, use the app to improve their quality, too;
- Connectivity to other devices like Alexa or Google Assistant: as long as you already have one of these devices, you can use voice control without necessarily downloading a new app. Don’t forget to check that your chosen smart coffee maker is actually compatible with your specific one.
If you weren’t after this type of smart coffee makers because you don’t actually need any connectivity options, just focus on models with lots of features, instead.
Drip or single-serve?
Or, in other words, how much coffee do you want to brew every day?
- Automatic drippers with carafes are better suited for large households or, if they have a small-quantity function, for couples who occasionally need more coffee;
- Single-serve models are a more practical choice for single professionals or couples and households where everyone ends up brewing coffee at different times. They can either rely on K-Cups, fresh grounds, or both;
- Surprise! We’ve even included a pour over style smart brewer if you’re a fan of this method.
Other considerations
If you opt for an automatic dripper, here are some common options that you’ll have to choose between:
- Glass or thermal carafe. In most cases, we recommend thermal carafes because they keep your coffee hot for longer without stewing it like hot plates do. However, if you can already tell that you’ll drink your coffee asap, you can easily opt for a more aesthetically pleasing glass model;
- Paper or reusable filters. The former make for a quicker cleanup and give you a smoother pour over-style brew, the latter result in a more robust carafe of coffee that’s similar to what you get with French presses. Keep in mind that paper filters consist of an additional cost in the long run, too.
Best Smart Coffee Makers of 2021 [Top 7 Reviews]
Out of all the smart coffee makers that we’ve tried, these are the ones that we recommend the most:
Best Value | Best Value | Atomi Smart Coffee Maker |
| View on Amazon |
Best for Espresso | Best for Espresso | Breville-Nespresso |
| View on Amazon |
Alexa Compatible | Alexa Compatible | Hamilton Beach Smart |
| View on Amazon |
Best Pour Over  | Best Pour Over | Goat Story Gina Smart |
| View on Amazon |
Most Customizable  | Most Customizable | Behmor Connected |
| View on Amazon |
With Grinder  | With Grinder | Smarter SMC01 iCoffee |
| View on Amazon |
Best for K-Cups  | Best for K-Cups | Keurig K-Elite |
| View on Amazon |
Already intrigued, right? Now let’s see what makes each of the best smart coffee makers so special.
1. Atomi Smart Coffee Maker - Best Value
FEATURES
Type: automatic dripper
Connectivity: WiFi (Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.) & app
Best for: techie coffee lovers who can’t wait to make the most of the smartest features
This coffee maker works with Atomi Smart app and your WiFi to connect to your Alexa or Google Assistant.
Not only does this mean that you can operate it remotely and with voice activation, but you can literally create both daily and weekly schedules to match your caffeinated lifestyle.
You can also tweak the brew strength and use its LCD display should you feel like opting for a more hands-on experience, occasionally.
This smart coffee maker relies on a reusable filter that’s easy to wash and results in a full-tasting brew.
Bottom line: Thanks to the programmability offered by the app, this smart coffee maker is like having your own personal barista at home.
2. Breville-Nespresso USA BEC720BLK - Best for Espresso
FEATURES
Type: automatic espresso brewer (with capsules)
Connectivity: Bluetooth & app
Best for: capsules & espresso
If you have a soft spot for espresso, make the most of this smart coffee maker with Bluetooth technology.
After downloading the Nespresso App, you’ll be able to personalize your brew settings, schedule your next shot, manage its maintenance, and even order more Nespresso capsules from the comfort of… well, wherever it is you’re sitting.
As for quality, this Nespresso model relies on a patented extraction system that reaches up to 19 bars of pressure, more than double the minimum required for espresso brewing (1).
You can also choose among 3 temperature settings and 4 drink sizes, from the smallest espresso to taller americanos.
With a 25-second warm up time, you really don’t have to worry about wasting time in the morning either.
PRO TIP: Its flat-to-wall design will allow you to optimize space on a countertop that isn’t too deep.
Bottom line: Our new favorite way to enjoy Nespresso capsules.
3. Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker - Works with Alexa
FEATURES
Type: automatic dripper
Connectivity: WiFi (Alexa)
Best for: those who don’t want to download an additional app
Not a fan of having too many apps on your phone? No problem.
This Hamilton Beach model connects directly to Alexa so that you can activate it and tweak its settings with its voice control.
For example, you can tell Alexa to turn it on or program a brew so that it’ll be there waiting for you when you next wake up in the morning.
This is also a particularly practical model thanks to its front-fill design and its paper filters.
Bottom line: A handy model to integrate Alexa to your coffee routine.
4. Goat Story Gina Smart Coffee Brewing Instrument - Best Pour Over
FEATURES
Type: manual pour over
Connectivity: WiFi & app
Best for: pour over fans
We know what you’re thinking: how can a manual pour over have smart features? We were just as surprised when we tried it (2).
“Gina is a manual coffee maker which combines classical brewing methods with new technology.” Red Dot Design Award
Because its innovative valve and integrated coffee scale are connected to the Gina app, you can control its flow to brew with 3 different methods: pour over, cold drip, and French press-style immersion.
PRO TIP: Why not experiment with hybrid techniques?
The app will also guide you to help you get the very best out of each method.
Plus, let’s be honest: the look of this award-winning smart coffee maker is guaranteed to turn heads!
Bottom line: A game-changer that brings the magical worlds of smart coffee makers and manual pour overs together.
5. Behmor Connected - Most Customizable
FEATURES
Type: automatic dripper
Connectivity: Wifi (Alexa, etc.)
Best for: those who want to personalize their brew as much as possible
This model was the first smart coffee maker to enter the prestigious SCAA coffee maker club, only reserved to brewers that can meet all their strict requirements (3).
Compatible with Alexa, it allows you to tweak pretty much every aspect of your brew: from pre-soak time to temperature control and altitude settings, you’re fully in charge.
Once you’ve found the perfect combination, you can save it so that it’s only one button (or tap) away. You can always use it without the app too thanks to its intuitive interface.
As for coffee quality, this smart brewer uses pulse-pouring techniques and a pre-soak function to achieve pour over-style brews, and the double-walled stainless steel carafe will keep them piping hot for hours.
Bottom line: The best coffee maker to experiment with different variables in a smart way.
6. Smarter SMC01 iCoffee Remote Brew - Best Smart Coffee Maker with Grinder
FEATURES
Type: automatic dripper with grinder
Connectivity: WiFi (Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, etc.) & app
Best for: fresher coffee with a two-in-one solution
Whether you want to use the LCD control panel or the Smarter app, this smart coffee maker with grinder can streamline your morning routine even further (4).
“Fresh beans, freshly ground is the key to consistently great coffee at home.” Caffeine Magazine
You can customize lots of settings, from the grind size to the number of cups and strength level.
Because this smart coffee maker includes a reusable filter, you won’t even have to worry about buying paper ones on a regular basis. A proper hassle-free brewer!
Finally, a stylish touch: you can revamp your kitchen as frequently as you want by experimenting with its 3 interchangeable color panels.
Bottom line: With this smart coffee maker, you can automate the grinding process, too.
7. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker - Best for K-Cups
FEATURES
Type: single-serve dripper
Connectivity: /
Best for: a quick single-serve brew with more perks
As promised, here’s a different type of smart coffee maker: a more affordable model packed full of features.
This Keurig machine hasn’t got any connectivity options, but it offers many more perks than most of this company’s coffee makers.
For example, it includes 5 different brew sizes, a programmable auto-on, a strong brew button, an iced setting and even a high-altitude feature. You can also get hot water on demand, which is always handy.
As for speed, you’ll get your brew in less than a minute and, thanks to the quiet brew technology, you won’t run the risk of waking up the entire household.
Why not grab their reusable My K-Cup filter, too?
Bottom line: a more budget-friendly choice for those who were hoping for a smart coffee maker with many perks rather than connectivity features.
FAQs
1. Is there a coffee maker that works with Alexa?
Yes, there are many coffee makers that work with Alexa. Our favorite ones are the Atomi Smart and Hamilton Beach Smart.
2. What coffee makers work with Google Home?
Atomi Smart and Smarter SMC01 iCoffee Remote Brew are some of the best smart coffee makers that work with Google Home.
3. Does Keurig make a smart coffee maker?
At the moment of writing this article, Keurig doesn’t make any smart coffee makers that can connect to proprietary apps or devices like Alexa and Google Assistant. This company does however make a model that can be considered ‘smart’ thanks to its features: the Keurig K-Elite.
References
- Kilbride, D. (2017, June 8). How Does Pressure Affect Espresso Quality?. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2017/06/how-does-pressure-affect-espresso-quality/
- (n.d.). Coffee Maker Gina. Retrieved from https://www.red-dot.org/project/gina-22460-22459
- Hollins, S. SCA Education. Retrieved from https://scae.com/images/pdfs/SCA-Education-pp.pdf
- (n.d.). (2018, August 14). Ground control. Retrieved from https://www.caffeinemag.com/
