Thanks to the best coffee makers, you wouldn’t have to go out and buy yourself a coffee because you can make one at home. Convenience doesn’t end there because some coffee makers, like most devices today, have become smarter. This allows you to control it with just a few taps, making it a great time saver.
What is a Smart Coffee Maker?
A smart coffee maker is a device that you can control through your smartphone with an app. It offers a lot of features that vary on the model you’d get. Some models have scheduling features that are helpful if you have no one to do the brewing for you. With this, you can have your coffee as soon as your alarm goes off or after you gargle. You can also pre-program it to brew the exact type and amount of coffee needed for your drink.
Best Coffee Makers You Can Control With Your Smartphone
Since not all coffee makers can allow you to control it from your bed, it is easier to narrow down your options. To save your time from finding the best coffee maker that functions with just a few taps, here are some models you can consider.
Why Should You Buy a Smart Coffee Maker?
Some people may think that there is nothing more to smart coffee makers than the smart control it offers. What they don’t know is there are more reasons why getting one isn’t only a smart choice but also an excellent one. This smart coffee maker is different from other models, though. It doesn’t communicate through a conventional app as it doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. What you can do to control it is through the Bonaverde’s Coffee Concierge Facebook Messenger bot. If you’re wondering how to connect it to the internet, it has a 3G cellular radio and SIM card that you can use to communicate with it. This pricey model has a touch-sensitive button with a light that changes color to indicate its status. Apart from that, there is no other manual control available within the device itself. There is also no available display to show other functions like the timer and tasting temperature. As a coffee maker with this price tag, there are limited customization options for the users to enjoy. Although this is true, you can still have an excellent cup of coffee with its other impressive features. You don’t have to touch the machine to get things done as it links wirelessly to a smartphone through the Saeco Avanti app. With the app, you can customize and save the aroma strength, temperature, and length of every drink. It also allows you to save personal coffee settings of up to six user profiles so everyone can have their drink their way. There is also a step-by-step guide available from the app on how you can maintain your coffee machine. If you’re not in the mood to get up from your bed, you can start brewing your coffee through the EzPro app. The app also lets you receive warning messages if there is not enough water in the coffee maker to brew your favorite drink. It also monitors your coffee supply and will send you notifications when your coffee is about to run out. This coffee maker is not compatible with any virtual assistant, but its price makes the BrewGenie a good one to consider. This coffee maker also gives you a variety of choices since it can prepare 21 programmable specialties. It also allows you to brew your coffee while dispensing milk using its two built-in heating systems and pumps perfect for lattes. You can also make drinks with a single touch of a button, thanks to its One-Touch functions. The touch functions are hard to miss because the Z8 has a 4.3” high-resolution display for the user interface. With this, you can program and name your favorite specialties and make them accessible with a touch of your fingertips. If you want to make your coffee while not rushing out of bed, you can control the Jura Z8 using your phone or tablet. The Smart Connect that comes with it allows you to use it with the JURA Operating Experience app so you don’t have to touch the coffee maker. This coffee maker can heat as fast as 15 seconds so you don’t have to wait for a long time to prepare your drink. It doesn’t sacrifice the quality, though, since it delivers barista-grade quality in a short time. This device also helps you save electricity by automatically shutting down if not used for nine minutes. It also has a button with a light that functions as an indicator when it’s time to prepare your coffee. The Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo has smart features that you can enjoy using Bluetooth connectivity. While the Nespresso mobile app is available, you can only use it to order capsules and schedule the device’s maintenance. There is more to this innovative, fully automatic coffee machine than the impressive look it offers. It gives you complete control and customization on your drink so you can have your coffee however you like it. Using a mobile app, you can choose a certain drink while having the option to adjust the amount of coffee, milk, and milk foam. You can also pick whatever size you want for your drink to have enough coffee to enjoy. With the help of the app, you can also get notifications whenever your drink is ready, making it more convenient. If you don’t feel like moving a finger, you can brew your coffee with the sound of your voice by asking Siri. Cleaning the TopBrewer is also not a problem because you only need a push of a button to clean and sanitize it. You should note, however, that this only uses the Illy Iper Espresso and Iper Coffee capsules. Compared to the one-stage brewing system of most machines, the Illy Y5 has a two-step brewing process. This, in turn, delivers richer and more aromatic drink results, which anyone would prefer. Whether you brew the Iper Espresso or the Iper Coffee, you will get an excellent cup. You can also control this coffee maker using the WeMo app that you can download on your smartphone. With the app, you can brew your coffee without going near the coffee machine. You can also do more, such as setting up a schedule to brew at any time for different days. If in case you scheduled it to brew but forgot to put some water, you will receive a reminder a night before the schedule. If this is not smart and convenient, then what is? This coffee maker has a dual bean container with separate grind controls, allowing you to switch beans easier. With this, you can enjoy one type of bean at a time and try the other later without compromising the quality. The best part is you can control this using any smart device through the Home Connect app. You can add a variety of coffee specialties or prepare to brew multiple beverages with a few taps on your phone. When it comes to cleaning, the Siemens EQ.9 Plus Connect S700 won’t give you a hard time. Thanks to its automatic steam cleaning system, you won’t worry about any milk residue developing in your machine. If you find the sound from most coffee makers bothering, this model offers a superSilent feature that reduces noise. This coffee maker also lets you brew your drinks on a schedule so you don’t have to include doing it in your daily routine. While some models allow you to only set daily schedules, the Atomi Smart Coffee Maker also provides a weekly schedule. You can choose a brewing mode between regular and strong so you can have your coffee the way you like it. Specifying the mode you want to use is also possible when you set a schedule. Thanks to the Melitta Connect app, you can maximize all these features using only your smartphone. You can connect with this smart coffee maker via Bluetooth. Although it is more convenient, dispensing drinks using the app takes more time than using manual controls. This may be true, but the app still makes other smart features such as programming easier. There are also tutorials available from the app to help you with device maintenance, so it remains an excellent choice. Using this coffee maker with the app, you can brew your perfect coffee without getting up from your bed. It also gives you control over the strength of your coffee so you can have it regular or strong depending on your desire. You can also set a schedule to prepare your drink at a specific time so you don’t have to do it every single day. There is also an in-app replenishment feature that allows you to order coffee and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Another feature that makes this coffee maker unique is its integrated precision scale. This allows you to know the exact ratio between coffee and water so you can get the most from your coffee beans. You can track all data through the dedicated GINA app so you won’t have any problem. There is also a guide on the app to show you how to brew your perfect coffee that you may find helpful.
Convenience
As the major reason for getting a smart coffee maker or any smart device, convenience is a requirement. Of course, you would want to have something with smart features to help make your job easier. In most cases, they almost do everything for you from start to finish by only using your voice or a few taps on your smartphone. You wouldn’t have to go straight to the kitchen as soon as you wake up because you can brew your coffee from your bed. Some models also offer scheduling features that can brew your coffee before you even open your eyes.
Eco-Friendly
Making your coffee at home helps not only save your pocket but also the environment. It will prevent you from using disposable coffee cups with plastic lids and straws, which contribute to waste reduction. You will also lessen the carbon footprint by staying at home and not traveling to the coffee shops near you. Some smart coffee makers also come with a reusable and permanent filter, which is also eco-friendly. You may find these things as simple, but it’s what the future generation will thank you for.
Sleek Design
This might not convince you, but most coffee lovers eyeing to buy a coffee maker would consider the device’s design. This matters to people who love organizing things and would love to make everything look appealing. Most smart coffee makers can fit anywhere while still making a statement. Although it’s true that you should focus on the features a device offers, the design can also create an impression.
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Coffee Maker?
There are a lot of things to consider that could affect your experience with a smart coffee maker. Regardless of whether you’re a professional or a simple caffeine-lover, you should seek what fits your needs. You should also know whether what you’re going to choose is worth buying or not. You can refer to the following considerations to find out what to look for in a coffee maker.
Size
When talking about size, we don’t mean the size of the coffee maker. We’re specifically talking about the carafe size. Some large-capacity brewers can make five, 10, and 12 cups while some can only serve a single cup at a time. There are also models that can offer multiple cup sizes which are perfect for work or even at home. If you’re living in an apartment with no one to share coffee with, you can get the ones that use a capsule to brew a perfect cup. Depending on the number of people that would use the machine, you can pick which you think would suffice.
Temperature Control
If you value the flavor of your drink, this is a consideration that you must not miss. There is a certain range of heat that provides an excellent result for your coffee. The coffee makers that can heat from 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit generally deliver the perfect flavor. Some may also come with a warming plate to maintain the coffee’s temperature for an extended time.
Carbon Block Filter
The water that you pour into the coffee maker can also affect the quality of the coffee you brew. Fortunately, there are coffee makers that have carbon block filters, allowing you to have cleaner water. It also prevents the mineral-rich water to calcify inside the machine, which saves it from future malfunction.
Compatibility
Ease of Use and Installation
Depending on the smart coffee maker, the installation process may vary, but most of the time it’s only simple. Some models would only require you to plug it in and connect to your Wi-Fi. These are also easy to use since most of those that can connect to the internet has a smartphone app that you can use. With this, you can maximize the features that your smart coffee maker has to offer.
Grinder Inclusion
Most of the smart coffee makers only include a brewer within the machine. Some brands, however, launch models that come with a grinder, allowing you to process your coffee beans well. It is also important to know whether a device comes with a grinder to buy the right kind of coffee.
Subscription
Some coffee machine brands offer a subscription to give you the supply of coffee. This allows you to customize your plan however you want it. You can also cancel your subscription anytime if you no longer feel like it’s for you. Some may also allow you to earn credits while under the subscription so it’s a win-win. Although this is a good thing to spare you from worrying about your coffee, there are also alternative offers you can avail of. Some smart coffee makers can connect with apps that you can use to reorder beans and grounds.
Price
You can sometimes tell a device’s worth through its tag price, but this is not always the case. Some models may offer significant features while having an affordable price. It sometimes depends on how established the coffee maker’s brand is, since it also includes credibility. Depending on what you need, you have to make sure that what you’re getting is worth its price.
Is Having a Smart Coffee Maker Worth It?
The decision of whether or not having a smart coffee maker is worth it depends on you. Some may think that having a smart coffee maker is lazy, while some would think it’s convenient. Imagine brewing a coffee without having to force yourself out of bed in the morning, only moving a finger or using your voice. That may seem a little lazy, but it still helps get the job done. It doesn’t matter what other people think because it’s your money that you’re going to spend, not theirs. You may opt to use the non-connected coffee makers, which are less expensive but sometimes offer fewer features. You would also need to press some buttons on the machine to make your drink and wait for it to finish. If this is something you would want to skip doing, consider getting a smart coffee maker. With it, you can enjoy every bit of every exceptional feature available because after all, it’s what you’d pay for.
