The best smart coffee maker connects to wifi and generally includes a smartphone app that allows you to control your coffee pot from anywhere, making it useful for those who are extremely busy but can’t live without one or more cups of coffee. Combined with advanced features like scheduling and automatic grinding, you can enhance your coffee-making experience.
Coffee makers with wifi connectivity make it easier to ensure your hot coffee is ready when you need it by allowing you to control it via your smartphone. They often come with other advanced features like a reusable filter, an integrated burr grinder, and the ability to program your favorite brewing cycle. While these are some of the best coffee makers you can buy, this technology comes at a price.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about smart coffee makers and how they work.
Top Smart Coffee Makers
#1 Hamilton Beach 49350 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee machine works with a mobile app and smart speakers, allowing users to control the system with their voice. It has a scheduling function and can be switched on or off remotely.
- Impressive scheduling functionality
- Integrated Amazon Alexa
- Remote operation and monitoring
- Complicated initial setup
The Hamilton Beach 49350 12-cup coffee maker is a smart device with plenty of advanced features. This coffee maker supports Amazon Alexa, enabling effortless voice control via the Alexa app or smart speaker. It has a built-in clock that stays current by syncing with a mobile app and it allows users to schedule brewing. This coffee system can be switched on or off remotely via the app. However, setting up Alexa initially can prove to be complicated.
It has a front-filling design that enables adding water to the reservoir without turning the coffee machine. A high-quality brewing basket with a standard filter supports excellent extraction and it also pops out at the front for convenient maintenance. This coffee machine has an automatic shutoff function that turns the heating plate off after 2 hours of inactivity. With settings for regular and bold brew strength, this machine enables customizing the taste.
#2 Atomi AT1536 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Built-in wireless connectivity and a mobile application allow operating this device remotely or with the voice. This system supports weekly and daily scheduling and delivers push notifications when brewing is finished.
- Remarkably large glass jar
- Daily and weekly app scheduling
- Push notifications
- Mediocre warming function
Equipped with an extra large glass carafe, the Atomi AT1536 12-cup coffee maker will appeal to families. This machine has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, plugging seamlessly into smart home systems. It works with the Atomi Smart app for simple wireless operation and monitoring. This device allows users to make a daily and weekly brewing schedule and sends push notifications and audible alarms on the machines to alert users when brewing is finished. However, this machine has limited coffee warming abilities.
A clean, refined design with a stainless steel finish complements contemporary, modern, and classic kitchen color schemes. This machine enables customizing the cup size and boasts settings ranging from 2 to 12 cups. A brew strength selector allows adjusting between regular and strong coffee. With a pause and serve feature, this coffee machine lets users temporarily halt brewing during serving. This system also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
#3 Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR COFFEE CAPSULES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A detachable water tank allows filling and cleaning this coffee system easily. This model supports specialty capsules, brewing coffee without leaving messy filters.
- Convenient detachable water tank
- Supports K-Cups and other pods
- Five coffee strength settings
- Struggles without an internet connection
This Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart 12-cup coffee maker is compatible with K-Cup pods and other coffee capsules, brewing coffee without leaving messy filters. It uses multi-stream technology to saturate the coffee evenly, unlocking impressive aromas. With a black stainless steel finish and metal construction, this device offers lasting durability and supports easy cleanup. It supports changing coffee strength, boasting five different options. However, this machine doesn’t function well without a Wi-Fi connection.
A versatile brewing system supports various brewing sizes, including 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. This device has a smart auto-delivery platform that communicates with the supplier to refill, helping users to maintain a regular supply of K-Cups. It works with the Keurig app to enable remote control and scheduling. This device also supports various voice control services for effortless voice operation. The 78-oz reservoir on this machine is removable for simple cleaning and filling.
#4 Cafe Specialty Drip C7CDABS3RD3 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST EXTRACTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This coffee maker has a number of high-tech functions that enable remote control and monitoring. The device has a precision temperature control system and supports adjusting the brewing strength.
- Incredible thermal carafe
- 24-hour timer
- SCA certified
- Water reservoir is not removable
Gold certified by the SCA for excellent extraction and fast brewing, the Cafe Specialty Drip C7CDABS3RD3 10-cup coffee maker delivers barista-quality coffee. It has a 24-hour programmable design with a customizable timer for convenience. Equipped with Wi-Fi tech, this device allows users to manage settings easily. It supports adjusting brew strength, featuring Gold, Light, Medium and Bold settings. However, the water reservoir on this system is not removable, complicating filling and cleaning.
A precision temperature control system enables optimum extraction, delivering great tasting coffee. The machine has voice-to-brew controls for hassle-free operation. A 10-cup jar allows for preparing coffee for several people in one go. This thermal carafe has incredible abilities, keeping the coffee warm for hours. The coffee machine boasts intuitive manual controls for adjusting brewing parameters with ease. Thanks to a drip brewing system, this machine makes coffee at temperatures ranging from 185° to 205°F.
#5 Miele MilkPerfection CM 6160 Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR CAPPUCCINO
WHY WE LIKE IT: Exquisite LED lights on this model to create a good ambiance in the kitchen. This device has a built-in frothing system for making visually pleasing lattes and cappuccinos.
- Incredible smart functions
- Built-in frothing system for cappuccinos and lattes
- Integrated grinder
- Occasionally gets stuck in the cleaning cycle
Featuring an adorable lotus white finish, the Miele MilkPerfection CM 6160 coffee maker has a great appearance that blends in with a wide variety of design schemes. It has a powerful 1450W heating element that heats water fast and evenly to produce great espresso. This machine has a dynamic brewing system that will suit a wide variety of coffee enthusiasts. Equipped with a built-in grinder, this device supports brewing from coffee beans. However, this model sometimes gets stuck on the cleaning cycle.
A one-touch system allows making a variety of beverages without fidgeting around with complex settings. It works quietly, so it won’t interfere with conversations in the kitchen. This coffee machine comes with descaling and cleaning tablets for easy maintenance. A WiFiConnect system allows easy customization and operation. This device has LED lights to create a good ambiance in the kitchen. With a removable dishwasher-safe drip tray, water tank and leftover container, this device support easy cleanup.
#6 Korex AX-WF188 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST APPEARANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This brewing system supports flexible operation, allowing changing settings via the control panel, voice commands, or mobile application. It has a stunning silver gray finish that provides visual appeal.
- Stylish appearance
- Mobile app and voice control
- Large glass carafe
- Clock turns off when the device is inactive
The Korex AX-WF188 12-cup coffee maker uses a smart interface that enables convenient control. This device works with the Smart Life app, enabling users to change settings via iOS or Android mobile devices. Equipped with a large 12-cup glass carafe, the machine prepares beverages for families and small gatherings. It has a silver gray finish and sleek design that will complement kitchen decor. However, the clock on this device shuts off when it’s not in use.
This coffee machine also supports voice commands and has an on-device control panel for changing settings easily. A washable, reusable filter supports brewing ground coffee. The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon for ground coffee, and its reinforced base offers durability and supports easy cleaning. A 900W heating element provides fast boiling and it features overheating protection for safety. This device has an energy-saving design that goes into standby mode when it’s not in use.
Beginner’s Guide to Smart Coffee Makers
What is a Smart Coffee Maker
Smart coffee makers are appliances that connect to the internet and can be controlled with a mobile app. These machines allow you to schedule when your coffee is made, and many even have features like programmable grinders and hot water dispensers. They give you the option to set up multiple devices to control your brew strength, temperature settings, and more. A smart coffee machine may even allow voice commands if you connect it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
While not a smart device, there are great reusable Keurig cups that can be used with most coffee machines. But, you will find smart devices in our list of the top-rated Ninja coffee makers.
Since the best smart coffee makers are connected to the internet, they have various features that you can control from your phone. Some smart coffee makers offer programmable grinders and timers, while others have Wi-Fi connectivity and a downloadable app for your smartphone. Additionally, smart coffee machines usually come with thermal carafes to keep your delicious coffee warm for up to 12 hours.
For more coffee machine tips and tricks, check out our helpful guides discussing how to descale a Keurig and how does the coffee maker auto shut off works.
Smart Coffee Makers vs Standard Coffee Makers
Smart coffee makers are more than just a fancy carafe. They connect to the internet and allow you to change a wide variety of settings with your smartphone, from simple displays like the time of day to more complex brew settings like grind size. You can also control these smart coffee makers remotely, so you can brew a pot of coffee on your way home from work or before you even wake up in the morning.
Built-in grinders allow you to set your preferred grind size, and learning the right commands will make these programmable coffee makers even more compatible with your other smart home devices. There is a wide variety of ways you can program your favorite brew setting and maximize the brew cycle for a smoother daily routine.
A regular coffee maker doesn’t have all these features, but they’re cheaper. A standard coffee maker may have quite a few programmable settings and accessories, but it won’t connect to the internet or have a smartphone app. If money isn’t a concern and convenience is key, a smart coffee maker may be right up your alley. But if you want an appliance that does it all for under $100, a smart coffee maker is probably not for you.
How a Smart Coffee Maker Works
For the most part, a smart coffee maker works just like any other coffee machine. Although the exact brewing method varies between machines, the basic process requires you to place ground coffee beans into the filter basket, and the brewer will infuse them into hot water, which is then dispensed into a glass or thermal carafe or your favorite mug.
There’s more setup involved in using a smart coffee maker than a regular drip coffee maker. You have to connect it to the internet and your smartphone if you want to use the most intuitive features. It will come with an instruction booklet on how to do this because every coffee maker is different.
After that, you’ll be able to use your phone to control the coffee maker, even when you’re not at home. Your coffee maker will receive those instructions wirelessly and perform the necessary task whenever you need it to. You can have your coffee ready and enjoy the bold flavor with very little work from you. You can even begin a brew cycle from the living room when your friends text you to say they’re coming over at the last minute.
Why should you buy a Smart Coffee Maker?
For many people, coffee is the most important part of their morning routine. If you are a coffee lover, you might find that a smart coffee maker is a valuable addition to your kitchen simply because you can control them via your phone. If you frequently run behind every morning before work or just don’t feel like messing with the hassle of setting up your brewer every day, this feature alone makes them worth the added expense.
Is a Smart Coffee Maker Worth Buying?
- They save electricity: You won’t have to worry about your coffee pot being on all day or heating up an empty carafe on a hot plate. You can turn your coffee maker off remotely or double-check to make sure you did, even after you leave for work. Of course, if you don’t want to invest in a smart coffee maker, you’ll get electricity savings and less waste with the best small coffee maker.
- They make it easy to build a schedule: You can schedule your coffee to be brewed automatically at a specific time of day. This is perfect for busy mornings when you don’t have time to make coffee manually. You can even sync it to your other smart home devices so it can brew coffee according to your daily schedule.
- They’re durable: Smart coffee makers are built to last. They are made with the highest quality materials that stand up to daily wear and tear, like glass carafes, stainless steel heating plates, and removable water reservoirs.
- They’re future proof: This is not a fashionable trend that will fade within the next few years. Technology is an ever-present way of life, and the technology behind smart coffee makers will only get better. So, if you buy one now, you won’t have to replace it for a long time.
Why a Smart Coffee Maker May Not Be For You
- They’re expensive: The best smart coffee makers are not cheap. They usually cost $100 or more, while a standard coffee maker is available for under $50. You may also check out the best kettles for pour-over coffee or the best stovetop percolator. They’re simpler devices that don’t cost as much and enable more customization.
- They’re complicated: If you don’t know how to use technology, these appliances may not be the best choice for you. It’s helpful to understand how to use apps on your phone before downloading the app for your best smart coffee maker.
- They require wifi: To use all the features of a smart coffee maker, you need wifi. If you don’t have wifi in your home, you’ll be limited in your ability to program it.
How Long Will a Smart Coffee Maker Last?
The lifespan of a smart coffee maker varies depending on the brand and the quality of the product. Generally, they last around five to seven years. However, if you take care of your machine and keep it in good condition, it may last up to 10 years. But if your smart coffee maker does falter, it’s likely due to the electronic components rather than anything mechanical.
As technology improves, you may also find that even though your coffee maker is still working, you want to replace it because better versions have more smart features. On the other hand, if you don’t need a smart device, have a look at our review of the Bella 14755 with a brew strength selector.
How to Choose a Smart Coffee Maker
Not all smart coffee makers are created equal. So, how do you choose the right one for you? You should keep in mind your needs, your budget, and the features you want. But, don’t forget the accessories, you’ll also need a great coffee creamer dispenser.
Best Smart Coffee Maker Key Factors
1. What kind of smart coffee maker do I need?
There are two types of smart coffee makers: manual drip, which you can control manually or with an app, and automatic drip, which you control with a pre-programmed schedule or via your smartphone.
There are different types of smart coffee makers for different kinds of people. For example, a college student may want a smart coffee maker with a timer that they can control with their phone to brew coffee before they head to their morning classes. A working mom may want an automatic drip coffee maker with a pause and serve function so she can pour herself a cup of coffee while her kids are eating breakfast.
2. How much should I spend?
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get an effective smart coffee maker that fits your needs. However, if you want to enjoy all the bells and whistles, such as a touchscreen interface, pre-programmed settings, smartphone compatibility, and more, you’ll need to spend closer to $100.
3. What features should I look for?
There are numerous features to consider when purchasing a smart coffee maker. They include:
- Brew size
- Programmable settings for making coffee or hot water
- Easy pour carafe/pot with lid and spout
- Clock with a timer so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee
- Wifi compatibility so you can program your schedule from anywhere on your phone or computer
- Brew pause and serve so you can pour yourself a cup while the coffee is still brewing
- Auto shut-off so you don’t have to worry about your coffee pot burning on after you’ve left the house
