If you’re constantly on the go and you’re looking for an espresso maker that can offer outstanding efficiency and convenience, your best bet would be the Nespresso Prodigio Coffee Maker by Magimix.
If you value having a variety of options with which to create your ideal cup of coffee, the robust customization features of the Krups Nespresso Expert Coffee Machine will be right up your alley.
If you would like to take your tech-enabled coffee making experience to the next level, the Alexa-friendly Smarter Coffee Machine can give you the ability to enjoy a voice activated brewing experience.
When you consider the unique strengths of each of these machines, you will quickly realise that you can’t lose no matter which one you choose.
What is a Smart Coffee Maker?
Although most of us thrill to the idea of having a nice hot cup of joe first thing in the morning, we are not always fond of actually getting up and preparing it. Fortunately, the “Internet of Things” has granted us the privilege of being able to activate our coffee maker from our phone before we even get out of bed!
This miracle of modern science can be performed by way of a handy little machine known as a smart coffee maker. By pairing your smartphone with this ultra-convenient contraption via a Bluetooth or Wifi connection, you can instruct your coffee maker to begin brewing right away, or you can set a timer to crank up the machine for whatever time you see fit.
For example, you could refill your beans, grounds or capsule before bedtime, and then program your coffee maker to brew you a cup of joe first thing in the morning. That way, you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without having to wrestle with all of the just-woke-up grogginess.
With the convenience and ease of use of a smart coffee maker, you’ll be able to automate your coffee brewing experience with only a few taps of the screen.
Key things to consider when buying a Smart Coffee Maker
Ease of use
This doesn’t just refer to the actual operation of the coffee maker itself, but also to how easy (or difficult) it is to control the machine using your smartphone. The smartphone app for the coffee maker should have an intuitive interface, with easy-to-understand navigational aids and straightforward commands.
It should also be easy to connect your smartphone to your coffee maker via Bluetooth or WiFi. The last thing you would want is to spend more time figuring out the coffee maker app than you would if you were to just do everything manually.
After all, the whole purpose of having a smart coffee maker is to reduce the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare your cup of java. Long story short, a user-friendly smartphone app is a must.
Brewing time
Some coffee machines take more time to brew than others. This is something you will have to pay attention to when determining the settings for your timer.
Cup size and number of cups
Your ideal coffee maker should provide you with a good choice of cup sizes. For example, the Nespresso Prodigio offers three different sizes (Lungo, Espresso and Ristretto) to suit your needs.
You should also choose a coffee maker that offers a sufficient number of cups per brew based on your personal preferences. You could choose a single-serve option such a capsule machine, or go for a drip machine that offers more cups per brew such as the Smarter Coffee smart machine.
Beans, capsules or grounds
You have to determine what type of approach you want to take to your coffee making. Quite obviously the capsule machine will be the fastest option, but it’s hard to argue with the amazing flavour that the bean-to-cup brewing process affords.
Size and weight
You don’t want your worktop to be cluttered with huge, clunky appliances, so size and weight will definitely be an important consideration. If plan to store your coffee maker away when it’s not in use, try to pick one that is compact and easy to move around.
The best Smart Coffee Makers reviews
1. Nespresso Prodigio Coffee Maker by Magimix
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Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity for “remote control” coffee brewing
- App provides a robust selection of brewing settings and options
- Heats up in just 25 seconds
- Offers 3 cup sizes (Lungo, Ristretto and Espresso)
- Intuitive controls and seamless app integration
- Capsule stock management and reordering through Nespresso app
- Energy efficient
- Automatic capsule ejection
- Mobile app is available for both iOS and Android
Cons
- You still have to manually load the capsules and fill the water tank, so it’s not a “fully automated” coffee maker
- Some smartphones are not compatible with the app
- Does not include a milk frother
- The machine is a little noisy when in operation
Overview
With its clever, compact design and elegant aesthetic, the Nespresso Prodigio smart coffee maker by Magimix has garnered a reputation for cranking out divine espressos with remarkable consistency.
It features built-in Bluetooth technology that enables you to brew an espresso with just the a few taps of your connected smartphone or tablet. With the help of the Nespresso app, you can keep track of your capsule supply, and you can order capsules through the app’s interface as well.
From the time you turn this machine on (whether manually or remotely through your smartphone), it only takes 25 seconds to heat up, and then it’s ready to go.
What it does best
Efficiency is the name of the game with this machine. You can programme your Nespresso Prodigio to begin brewing at the time that you designate, and you can use the app to select between three different cup sizes (Ristretto, Espresso or Lungo).
The machine will automatically shut off nine minutes after its last use to conserve power. In addition, it will also send important maintenance alerts via the Nespresso app to let you know when your water supply is getting low, or when the machine might need descaling.
Flaws but not deal-breakers
There have been some complaints that some smartphones are not compatible with the app, but for the most part, if you’re running iOS or Android on your mobile device, you should be fine. In addition, the machine does create quite a bit of noise when it’s brewing, but that’s far from a deal-breaker.
What other customers think
As far as the types of reviews it’s gotten online, I dug around quite a bit but couldn’t find anything that would qualify as a “red flag” about this machine. It does what it says it’s going to do and does a darn good job at it. E
en with the addition of the smartphone integration, the machine hasn’t lost any of its operational efficiency. If anything, with the addition of smart technology, the Nespresso Prodigio is now that much more of a solid, all-around performer.
Should you buy it?
Yes. I would definitely recommend this machine to any discerning espresso enthusiast. All in all, the machine is a great bit of kit, and it makes a remarkably good-tasting espresso.
2. Nespresso Expert Coffee Machine by Krups
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Pros
- Bluetooth Smart technology allows remote-control coffee brewing capability
- You can connect multiple devices to your machine
- 19 bars of pump pressure
- Fast heat-up time (only 25 seconds)
- One-touch programmable buttons for ease of use
- Magnetic cup stand and drip tray
- 1.1 litre water tank
- Machine detects water tank levels and will alert you when it’s low on water
- Medium, hot and extra hot temperature settings
- Four different cup sizes
- Companion app is feature-rich and easy to navigate
Cons
- Capsules can sometimes get stuck in the drawer
- Requires frequent descaling
Overview
The Nespresso Expert smart coffee maker by Krups is equipped with Bluetooth Smart technology, making it possible to manage your coffee making with any mobile device that runs on iOS or Android.
The companion app provides all the functionality needed to personalise your coffee exactly how you want it, all at the tap of a screen. Using the app, you can replenish your Nespresso capsule supply, manage your coffee recipes and schedule your brewing times remotely.
The cutting-edge design of the Nespresso Expert features a flat-to-the-wall shape that looks great on any worktop. There is a stylish LED display that provides alerts any time your water supply is low, your capsules need refilling or the machine needs descaling.
This machine can brew four different cup sizes (Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, and Nespresso Americano), so you can choose the coffee experience that best suits your preference.
For those who are very discerning about coffee temperature, you’re going to love the Nespresso Expert; it has three temperature settings (medium, hot and extra hot) that you can control both directly on the machine, and via the mobile app. The machine also features a magnetic drip tray that can accommodate a variety of cup and glass sizes.
What it does best
Customisation is the main strength of this machine. It is as versatile as it is elegant, with four coffee cup sizes and three different temperature settings that enable you to have your coffee exactly as you like it.
Another detail that I didn’t want to leave out was the machine’s beautiful design. It features an elegant flat-to-the-wall shape with a brushed aluminum finish that is reminiscent of professional barista equipment.
Flaws but not deal-breakers
This machine tends to require more frequent descaling than other coffee makers in its class, but it’s not a terrible nuisance by any means. In addition, you have to be careful because the capsules can sometimes get stuck in the drawer. Nothing major by any means, but I did want to make mention of them.
What other customers think
Many online reviewers mentioned the ease and speed at which the Nespresso Expert can brew coffee, as well as the convenience and intuitive qualities of the companion app.
Should you buy it?
Yes. When you consider the “total package”, this machine makes a brilliant addition to any java lover’s kitchen.
3. Smarter Coffee (2nd Generation) Coffee Maker
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Pros
- Attractive, easy-to-read LCD display
- BlinkUp technology makes connecting to your device a piece of cake
- Coffee reordering directly from the companion app
- Bean-to-cup or filter coffee options
- Customizable Wake Up mode brews coffee automatically in the morning
- Comes with three different colour panels (cream, red and black) to help you match the machine to your kitchen decor
- Warming plate keeps coffee hot for up to 40 minutes after brewing
- Elegant brushed aluminum design
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Cons
- Not many advanced controls apart from the app
- Glass carafe is more prone to burning coffee if there are less than 4 cups left
Overview
This machine is part of the Smarter brand family of products, and when it comes to technology, the Smarter Coffee machine definitely lives up to its name.
With its built-in WiFi capability, you can connect to your iKettle (as it is called) and send brewing instructions with nothing more than a few taps of the screen on your iOS or Android powered mobile device.
Using its fast and secure BlinkUp technology, you can quickly pair up with multiple devices, so you can have plenty of flexibility in terms of when and how you can control the functions of the machine.
The Smarter App also allows you to set alarms via the machine’s Wake Up mode, so that you can have a nice, fresh pot of coffee waiting for you when you first get out of bed.
And if you happen to sleep in a little longer on a given morning, don’t worry–the machine’s warming plate will keep your coffee nice and hot for up to 40 minutes after brewing.
One of the coolest things about the Smarter Coffee iKettle is that you can connect it with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enabling you to effortlessly control your machine with nothing more than a couple of words. In addition, you can extend the functionality of the Smarter Coffee machine using IFTTT (If This, Then That) applets.
What it does best
Flexibility of functionality is the primary strength of this machine. What really makes the Smarter Coffee stand out from the crowd is that it’s a connected coffee maker that allows both bean-to-cup and filter functionality, giving you more latitude to customise your coffee based on your personal taste.
Using the companion app, you can set the desired grind coarseness and strength of your coffee, plus regulate the number of cups you want to make. And let’s not forget the integration with smart home devices (e.g., Amazon Alexa and Google Home). This machine gives you plenty of latitude to make coffee however you want to make it.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The app has an array of controls that are not available directly on the machine, and this is not always practical. In addition, it can be easy to burn your coffee due to the somewhat thin glass carafe, especially if you have less than four cups in the pot.
What other customers think
The majority of the online reviews I read for the Smarter Coffee were positive, but there were a couple of people who had gripes with the compatibility of the app with their devices. This is a highly subjective area, because who know what kind of smartphone they were working with, whether they had updated the software on their phone to the latest version, etc.
Whether you choose to go the bean-to-cup route or you would rather prefer ground coffee, it’s just plain cool to be able to set an alarm with the app and then wake up to the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee. This is not to mention the ultimate “master of your own domain” feeling of connecting the machine to Alexa and simply issuing a voice command to begin the brewing process.
Should you buy it?
Yes. I think that the Smarter Coffee iKettle is a fantastic machine that offers outstanding convenience, and it makes delicious coffee to boot. If you choose to buy this coffee maker, you will not be disappointed.
