Is a smart coffee machine worth it?

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

To some people, this can feel a little bit like a gimmick. Who needs an intelligent coffee machine? Is it something that can provide any 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?)

What is an intelligent coffee machine?

People have different descriptions of what an intelligent coffee machine is. Still, it is generally considered a coffee maker that can link to your internet network and an app, possibly via Bluetooth, allowing you to control your coffee machine.

What is the first thing that springs to mind for many people? We can lay in bed in the morning and make our coffee! So many of us can’t function until our morning coffee; having it waiting for us when we go downstairs is appealing. If only there were a way to transport it up to your bed.

An innovative coffee machine can also link to the other networks in your home, and in the age of voice control, many options 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 innovative coffee machines and brands

Keurig is one of the leading brands for intelligent coffee machines, and their features include the ability to save user profiles and preferences and the option to tweak aspects of the brewing process with voice control. You can strengthen your coffee by asking your Alexa to do the work for you.

The Melitta Connect app is another example that allows you to control specific Melitta coffee machines. You can save different programs and settings and even change the recipes and preferences on the machine. Melitta’s app also includes some other functionality, as it teaches you how to follow through with 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 intelligent coffee machines expensive?

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

In some scenarios, intelligent coffee machines can even be purchased for under $100. 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 lover, then you probably already know that coffee can be an expensive hobby. Add some smart functionality into the mix, and you will probably find an extra cost.

Benefits of intelligent coffee machines

There are some benefits to intelligent coffee machines, which 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 can 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, intelligent coffee machines are about being excellent and fun; there’s nothing wrong with that.

Coffee machines may allow you to:

• Access a lot of new recipes and ways to prepare your coffee drinks.
• Save user profiles and preferences via an app.
• Start your coffee brewing from the comfort of your bed.
• Set up timers for coffee brewing.

Generally, it is a way to experiment with coffee and add that extra bit of convenience.

Is it worth it? 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 more for this functionality and that the benefits justify the purchase. Others might not even use the innovative features or discover they don’t need a coffee maker they can control with their voice or phone. The choice comes down to each individual.