“Smart” is a term that can be used to describe so many modern devices. Even in the age where we have had iPhones and smart devices in our pockets for over a decade, not many people would have predicted just how quickly other items would take on smart functionality.

Now, items like fridges, and even your coffee machine can be “smart” and take on new functionality and control, linking to your phone and to your WiFi network.

To some people, this can feel a little bit like a gimmick. Who really needs a smart coffee machine? Is it something that can provide any sort of use to people or is it like the functions on a car that are purely there to show off? (Seriously, do you need your Tesla to be able to dance?)

Photo: coffeefriend.co.uk

What is a smart coffee machine?

People have a different description of what a smart coffee machine actually is, but generally it is considered to be a coffee maker that can link to your internet network and to an app, possibly via Bluetooth, allowing you to control your coffee machine.

The first thing that springs to mind for a lot of people? The fact that we can lay in bed in the morning and get our coffee made for us! So many of us can’t really function until we’ve had our morning coffee, having it waiting for us when we go downstairs is definitely appealing. If only there was a way to transport it up to your bed.

A smart coffee machine is also one that can link to the other networks in your home, and in the age of voice control, there are many options that allow you to ask your home assistant to get the coffee brewing. For a second you can feel like a real Tony Stark.

Examples of smart coffee machines and brands

Keurig is one of the brands that is leading the way when it comes to smart coffee machines, and their features include the ability to save user profiles and preferences, and also the option to tweak aspects of the brewing with voice control. Yes, you can make your coffee stronger by asking your Alexa to do the work for you.

The Melitta Connect app is another example allowing you to control certain Melitta coffee machines. You can save different programs and settings, and even change the recipes and preferences on the machine. Melitta’s app also comes with some other functionality included, as it teaches you how to follow through the maintenance modes and keep your machine in the best possible condition.

Some apps allow you to update your coffee machine and ensure you have the latest technology running.

Are smart coffee machines expensive?

As you might expect, there is an extra cost attached to getting a smart coffee machine, but it isn’t necessarily over the top.

Smart coffee machines can even be purchased for under $100 in some scenarios. These tend to have pretty basic functionality, but even the option for app control might be enough for you.

If you’re a true coffee aficionado then you will probably already know that coffee can be an expensive hobby. Add some smart functionality into the mix and you will probably find that there is an extra cost on top.

Photo: coffeefriend.co.uk

Benefits of smart coffee machines

There are some benefits to smart coffee machines, of course, and this is why they have become so popular.

In some scenarios, they may even help people with disabilities to prepare coffee. If you are partially sighted or blind, for instance, preparing coffee might be difficult, but with voice assistant controls you might be able to brew a cup without too much help. It’s not perfect, but it is worth considering that this might be helpful for people with these needs.

For most people, smart coffee machines are about the fact that they are cool, and fun, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Coffee machines may allow you to:

Generally, it is a way to experiment with coffee as well as adding that extra bit of convenience.

Is it worth it? Well, this is a difficult question to answer, as it is down to each individual to decide. Some people will find that they are happy to pay a little more for this functionality, and that the benefits justify the purchase. For others, they might not even use the smart features or find that they really don’t need to have a coffee maker they can control with their voice or from their phone. The choice comes down to each individual.