Alex has never been professionally involved into the world of coffee, however he knows much more than any average barista. Being an avid coffee lover, Alex is constantly searching for new tips, tools, and techniques to make his morning cup of java even more perfect.
Mary has been dealing with coffee almost all her life long: in her teenage years, she worked as a barista in a number of well-known coffeehouses, later developing her knowledge and skills while studying at the university as well. Several years after graduation, she managed to open her own small coffee bar.
Last updated: March 24, 2021
Coffee Statistics is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Coffee Statistics is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Caffeine is what sustains us so why not invest in the best smart coffee maker that can make your life both easier and more delicious? By being able to determine exactly how your cup of java is brewed, you can spend less time at the coffee shop and more time at home. And with the number of smart coffee makers on the market, finding one that works for you has never been easier.
We’ve scoured the smart coffee maker marketplace to find the six best models. Out of all of these designs, our Editor’s Choice is the KRUPS KM785D50 Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker. It has a nifty built-in grinder and plenty of brewing options to allow you to create exactly what you want in a cup of coffee.
With all six smart coffee makers that we found, we have provided in-depth reviews so you know exactly what you’re getting. We’ve also included a buying guide so you can understand what features to look for. We know how important it is to stay awake and the best way to do so is with a smart coffee maker that meets all your needs.
"This programmable 10-cup coffee maker sports an easy-to-use LCS display to control everything in the brewing process – from the grinder to coffee strength and intensity options."
"This smart coffee maker features handy controls that allow you to choose the brewing capacity, coffee strength, and even the precise temp of the warming plate."
"This single-serve coffee maker is fast and smart at brewing your favorite coffee – it uses K-Cup pods, allows you to choose the mug volume, and serves iced coffee as well."
"The real treasure for all coffee afficionados out there, this coffee maker boasts a smart design with six brewing modes and great customization capacity."
"This coffee maker is versatility itself – it allows you to choose between your ground coffee or pods, and can make either one cup of coffee or a full carafe."
More features: 5-setting conical burr grinder; LCD display with intuitive controls; different coffee strength and intensity options; keep warm feature; pause and serve feature
Two devices in one. Who could ask for anymore? Our Editor’s Choice for best smart coffee maker with grinder goes to this fabulous product from Krups. Not only does it brew delicious coffee but it will grind your beans for you, too. Whole beans are preferred to pre-ground as they retain more flavor. But having to remember to grind your beans ahead of time can become quite annoying. With the KRUPS KM785D50 Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker simple fill the bean canister and the machine will do the rest of the work.
There are five settings to choose from with the grinder. There are then further settings to select from when you want to brew your coffee. Whether you want a mild cup of coffee, medium, or strong, you are in control.
Other great features of the KRUPS KM785D50 Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker include being able to select just how many cups of coffee you want to make, the ability to pause mid-brew to grab a cup of coffee, and a carafe that ensures there will be no drips while pouring. This is truly a smart appliance.
You can select all these options form an easy to use LCD screen. Simply program the coffee maker, even the night before if you wish, and sit down and relax. With so many options, though, it may take a bit of time before you find the sweet spot of what you’re after. But with a little bit of patience, this smart coffee maker will be well worth its price.
What do we love it for?
LCD screen is easy to use
Includes a built-in grinder
Multiple settings to choose from
What were we disappointed with?
Some trial and error is needed for perfect cup of coffee
We only have one planet so doesn’t it make sense to do everything we can to protect it? The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE201 comes with a reusable filter so you can drastically cut down on your coffee product waste.
The filter is easy to clean and will last the lifespan of this coffee maker. It’s also one less thing to worry about as you’ll never forget coffee filters at the supermarket again.
This programmable coffee maker is all about choice. You can choose to make a large, 12-cup batch of coffee or a smaller, 1-cup batch. What’s great is the smart technology will ensure your coffee isn’t diluted just because you’re making a smaller batch. Each cup, no matter what you decide, will be delicious.
If you’ve got a large pot on the go but can’t wait for your caffeine fix, simply grab a cup. The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE201 has a pause feature so there will be no drips or spills.
Previous customers have all raved about this smart coffee maker. It has a lot of unique settings, including the option to choose from regular or rich strength coffee. The warming plate will even keep your coffee warm for an impressive four hours. The only consistent complaint is that it does take a bit longer than you would expect to brew an entire pot. But because you can grab a cup mid-brew, this isn’t too big of an issue.
More features: 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz. single serve coffee; 75 oz. removable water reservoir; accommodates 7.2-inch travel mugs; 2 brew strength options; iced coffee option
There are those that feast on coffee and then there are those who prefer just one, artfully done cup. If you’re in the latter camp then the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker was made for you.
With the ability to brew just one or two cups of coffee, all you need is a K-Cup pod and you are good to go. What’s amazing is that there a dozen of K-Cup pods to choose from. Whether you want just a plain cup of coffee, or if you want some flavor, you can find whatever you need in this best single-cup smart coffee maker. There are often variety packs on sale, as well, so you can sample to your heart’s content.
Included in the purchase of this Keurig coffee maker is a coffee filter and a six pack of K-Cup pods to get you started.
While you may think that brewing one cup at a time can be a bit cumbersome, this smart coffee maker is made for easy access. The water reservoir actually holds enough water for eight cups, allowing you to fill it up just once a week. The water reservoir is also removable to make it that much easier to fill it.
Keeping your coffee maker clean is essential. Unfortunately, most people just forget when to partake in this onerous task. Thankfully, the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker has an automatic alert for when you need to descale your coffee maker.
Other smart features of the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker include minimal noise and a removable drip tray.
Calling all coffee aficionados. The Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker is for you. While this automatic coffee maker does come at a steep price, its features more than make up for it. With six brewing modes and a pump that has three flow rates, you can really customize your perfect cup of coffee.
Other customizable elements include deciding the bloom time of your beans and the temperature you want your coffee to brew at.
What really stands out with the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker is the coffee carafe. While most coffee makers have their coffee drip into a glass carafe, this impressive unit is made out of stainless steel. It is built to keep your coffee hot for hours, allowing you to savor the taste on your own schedule.
Your purchase of the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker comes with two filters. You can use either a flat bottom or cone filter, depending on what type of coffee you want.
If all this is becoming too complicated, take advantage of the Gold Cup present mode. Once you select this option your smart coffee maker will automatically decide what is the optimal water temperature and brew time are to make you a decadent cup of java. You’ll quickly find out that this appliance is worth spending a bit of extra money.
More features: single-serve brewer compatible with single cup pods; Cuisinart’s HomeBarista™ Reusable Filter Cup; Brew Pause™ feature; Removable drip tray for travel mugs
When it comes to home appliances, a warranty can give you great peace of mind. The Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center has an impressive three-year warranty which allows you to really try out your machine and not worry about any complications at the beginning.
This 12-cup capacity coffee maker has a lot of great features. You can use both your own ground coffee or even single serve coffee pods. This is the best of both worlds. While you can brew a maximum of 12 cups, you can also choose to brew just one cup. Versatility is always a bonus.
Included in the easy to use control power are plenty of options. You can program your coffee 24 hours in advance. This allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee and the knowledge that the day will be exactly how you want it to be. Other settings include a bold coffee feature so those who want a bit of extra strength in their java can select exactly what they need.
Components of this Cuisinart coffee maker include a removable water reservoir for easy access and a removable drip tray so you can fill larger vessels such as travel mugs.
The Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center does lose marks for its ease of use. The water carafe, while removable, is still somewhat hard to fill, due to its small entrance. Furthermore, there have been some instance of coffee grinds ending up in your cup of coffee.
When you see the word smart in the name of an appliance, the word expensive can automatically come to mind. Thankfully the Atomi Smart Wi Fi Coffee Maker is an affordable option that still gives you plenty of smart features.
With a capacity of 12 cups, this smart coffee maker will help you sustain your caffeine needs. You can pre-program your settings the night before and wake to hot coffee in the morning, which is sure to make the day a lot better.
One of the best features of the Atomi Smart Wi Fi Coffee Maker is that it actually pairs with your smart phone through an app. Simply download the app and you can set your coffee settings with just a few taps. This is a great feature if you’re lying in bed at night and want to get ready for the next day without leaving the comfort of your warm blankets. It’s also convenient if you really need a pick me up after work and want a cup waiting for you.
For those that want even more smart features, the Atomi Smart Wi Fi Coffee Maker actually has a voice control option.
The biggest downfall with the Atomi Smart Wi Fi Coffee Maker is its technology. You need Wi Fi to access all of its features and there is a small button on the machine itself that ties into your home’s Wi Fi. There have been multiple reports of accidentally pressing the Wi Fi button, thereby disabling its smart features. This is definitely not a deal breaker, but certainly something to be cautious about.
What do we love it for?
Pairs with your smartphone via app
Has voice controls
Multiple settings to choose from
What were we disappointed with?
Wi Fi button can be accidentally turned off
Things to Consider
Ready for the best smart coffee maker? If you still have questions or are unsure about what all the jargon means, we can help. There are a lot of features to consider and even more combinations of these features. With a bit of research, though, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a smart coffee maker that meets all your needs.
What a smart coffee maker can do for you?
A smart coffee maker can make your life a lot easier. Instead of having only one option when it comes to coffee, you can brew the perfect cup of java right at home. So many people take their coffee addiction to a coffee store which can quickly add up. If you have the right tool at home you can save a lot of money and enjoy a cup in the comfort of your own home.
Things to consider before choosing the best smart coffee maker
Below are important features to consider that will help you find the best smart coffee maker for your needs.
Capacity
There’s very little satisfaction in brewing just one cup of coffee. After all, chances are great you’ll need another cup and if there are multiple coffee drinkers in the house, capacity is all the more important. The majority of the coffee makers on our list have a 12-cup capacity. This is the maximum so if you just want to brew a few cups, there is also the option for that. The only exception on our list is the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker. This coffee maker uses pods for a one cup capacity. However, the pods brew very quickly so you can make multiple cups for multiple people in a short amount of time.
Brewing options
The more brewing options you have, the more likely you are to be able to make a cup of coffee that is perfect. The Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker has an amazing six different brewing options to select from. Other coffee makers allow you to choose the strength of your coffee and the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker even has the option of making iced coffee.
Smart features
It’s a bit easier to get out of bed when you can smell the aroma of freshly brewing coffee. Instead of stumbling in the dark, waiting to warm up and perk up, smart features of a coffee maker can include pre-setting the time you want your coffee at. Other smart features include picking how many cups of coffee you want brewed and even picking the temperature of your coffee. Further amazing smart features include how strong your coffee will be (usually with two settings) and even the option of an iced coffee feature.
Filters
Gone are the days of those flimsy white coffee filters. Now there are a multitude of options to choose from. Smart coffee makers on our list, such as the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE201, the Atomi Smart WiFi Coffee Maker, and the KRUPS KM785D50 Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker, actually all have reusable coffee filters. They are easy to clean and much better for the environment.
How it retains heat of the coffee
Not many people like lukewarm coffee, especially to start. Traditional glass carafes can quickly lose heat. More modern coffee makers, such as the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker has a stainless-steel carafe to better hold in your coffee’s heat so you can enjoy hot coffee for a lot longer.
Dimensions
Chances are your smart coffee maker will live on your kitchen counter. Its best to measure the area you plan on placing your device. Then, use these measurements when deciding which will work for you.
Be sure to include height measurements if your coffee maker will be placed under a cabinet.
Warranty
Warranties are great. You can forget about having them but if the situation arises, they sure are handy. The warranties for our products are all over the place. Some, like the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE201, have a standard one-year warranty. Others, like the Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center, have an impressive three-year warranty. Furthermore, you might see a deal like the Atomi Smart WiFi Coffee Maker which has a 30-day money back guarantee. You can try out this coffee maker for 30 days to make sure it’s exactly what you want.
As more and more people join the environmentally-conscious movement, finding small ways to help the environment is quickly becoming a priority. While replaceable coffee filters are convenient and easy to use, reusable ones are now bursting on the scene. These filters do need to be cleaned after each use, but as you should also clean your coffee pot after each use, it can quickly become routine.
While some people might think a coffee pot just needs a quick rinse, over time this is definitely not enough. Get in the habit of washing your smart coffee maker after every use and you’ll never have to worry about taste or discoloration. Start by removing any remaining coffee and coffee grounds. Give everything a good rinse. You can use warm soapy water to clean the coffee pot. For the water tank, you will want to use water and vinegar to prevent any hard water deposits forming. Give everything a good, final rinse, and let all the components air dry so they are ready for your next caffeine fix.
Our Verdict
Ready to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Our Editor’s Choice, the KRUPS Grind and Brew Coffee Maker, can certainly help with that. Simply place your whole beans in the grinder section, select your options, and let this machine do all the work.
If you want good coffee and a planet for the future, you might want to consider the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE201. It has all the features you would expect in a smart coffee maker with the added benefit of a reusable filter. Your taste buds and the environment will thank you.
Finally, if you love coffee but just need one perfect cup of it, the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker is the best smart coffee maker you can find. There are multiple K-Cup pods to choose from so that every cup of coffee is full of flavor.
It’s a bit easier to get out of bed when you can smell the aroma of freshly brewing coffee. Instead of stumbling in the dark, waiting to warm up and perk up, smart features of a coffee maker can include pre-setting the time you want your coffee at. Other smart features include picking how many cups of coffee you want brewed and even picking the temperature of your coffee. Further amazing smart features include how strong your coffee will be (usually with two settings) and even the option of an iced coffee feature.
