The Best Smart Coffee Machine In 2022

This post is about the best smart coffee machine. You won’t find any information here about less advanced models; only smart coffee machines are considered.

Of course, when we say “smart,” we don’t mean the machine has a degree or wears formal attire. Instead, we’re referring to its advanced technological features.

So what is a smart coffee machine?

Theoretically speaking, any modern coffee machine equipped with advanced technology could be referred to as a smart coffee machine.

For example, fully automatic “one-touch” bean-to-cup coffee machines can prepare your selected coffee drink with minimal effort. You simply press a button, and the machine pulls the shot, steams the milk, delivers it into your cup, and even disposes of the used coffee puck into the internal dump box. This is quite advanced!

The Sage Oracle & Oracle Touch are also highly sophisticated, as they automate tasks typically requiring home barista skills, such as dosing, tamping, and achieving the perfect milk texture, enabling you to create barista-quality coffees at home without the need for extensive expertise. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))

However, many people searching for “smart coffee machines” might be thinking of “connected” coffee machines that can be controlled over the internet using Alexa or Google Home, or through a dedicated app.

As of 2022, there aren’t many coffee machines available that fit this “smart” category, and those that do may not be the best options.

Imagine a future where a coffee machine can retrieve a cup, rinse it, warm it, get milk from the fridge, check for beans in the hopper, or insert a pod. Such smart coffee machines would indeed be revolutionary.

Currently, connected, WiFi/Bluetooth app-controlled coffee machines offer limited functionality beyond remote on/off capabilities and providing certain information, such as whether the tank is full or when descaling is required.

There are coffee machines that might not be “smart” in the conventional sense, lacking WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, yet they excel in functionality where it truly counts. These machines perform all the tasks of “smart” machines and more, focusing on quality and performance.

Therefore, I recommend considering a mix of machines, including connected coffee machines and those that are genuinely “smart” in their operation, regardless of their connectivity features.

Forget “smart” – what kind of coffee machine do you want?

If you arrived at this post searching for “the best smart coffee machine,” I suggest taking a step back to identify which type of coffee machine suits your needs best.

I’ll explain each type of coffee machine and provide recommendations for the best smart coffee machines within each category.

In essence, you’re not just looking for a smart coffee machine; you’re seeking a smart filter coffee machine, a smart bean-to-cup coffee machine, and so on. Choosing based solely on connectivity might lead to a machine that doesn’t brew the coffee you desire.

Below, you’ll find an introduction to various types of coffee machines, followed by suggestions for the best smart coffee machines in each category.

Fully manual traditional espresso machines

While a fully manual traditional espresso machine might not be what you envision when searching for a “smart coffee machine,” it’s important to know all your options. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) These machines use a lever and piston to create the necessary pressure, offering a hands-on brewing experience.

The most renowned fully manual espresso machines include the La Pavoni Europiccola. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name, you’ll likely recognize these machines by sight, as they frequently appear in the background of various movies and TV shows, often to evoke an air of sophistication and luxury.

For more on the La Pavoni lever espresso machines, see: (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

La Pavoni Europiccola Review

You’re not going to find a La Pavoni lever espresso machine with smart features, and the same is true of other traditional coffee machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) However, if your main goal is to remotely control your coffee machine, there is an alternative solution.

One of the most valuable “smart” features of any coffee machine is the ability to remotely turn it on, ensuring it’s hot when you need it. If you can wake up and immediately use your phone to activate your coffee machine, it’s a feature many would appreciate, particularly if your machine requires 10-15 minutes or longer to heat up. (water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association)

If your coffee machine has a conventional on/off rocker switch, there’s an easy solution. Leave the switch on the coffee machine in the on position, and connect it to a smart plug, like this:

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This affordable WiFi smart plug allows you to transform traditional coffee machines into smart devices, at least for remote on/off functionality.

If your coffee machine has a standard on/off switch, like the La Pavoni models or the original pre-2009 Gaggia Classic, you can control them remotely using this smart plug.

This feature is beneficial for machines like the original Gaggia Classic and the La Pavoni Europiccola, or any machine with a standard on/off switch that you can leave in the “on” position to manage power through the smart switch.

For more modern coffee machines that don’t allow you to leave them switched on, you will need a more advanced solution, such as this:

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This is an innovative idea. You can attach it to almost any device, connect via your smartphone, and control it remotely. You can even set timers for automatic operation at specific times.

I discovered these in a Reddit thread where someone used one to activate a coffee machine that wasn’t compatible with a smart switch due to its lack of a traditional rocker switch. I thought it was a brilliant solution!

As mentioned, connectivity with coffee machines is mostly limited to turning them on and off remotely. It’s challenging to use your smartphone for tasks like filling the water tank or emptying the drip tray.

However, with a smart plug or switch, you can make nearly any coffee machine “smart” in the most practical way.

If you find a method to automate other tasks like washing cups, emptying drip trays, or filling bean hoppers, please let me know! ;-).

Semi-automatic traditional espresso machines

The majority of traditional espresso machines today, and for the past few decades, are semi-automatic. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) This means they have a pump to create the necessary pressure.

With these machines, you use a separate grinder to grind coffee beans into the filter, which is placed in the portafilter. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) You then insert it into the group head and press the shot button to engage the pump and pull the espresso shot.

These espresso machines almost always feature a steam wand for frothing and heating milk for drinks like cappuccino, latte, and flat white. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

The best smart semi-automatic espresso machines

As mentioned earlier, any semi-automatic espresso machine can be transformed into a smart machine by using a smart plug or switch to control its power remotely. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

The semi-automatic espresso machines I will discuss are genuinely smart for specific reasons I’ll outline for each model. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Additionally, by incorporating a smart plug or switch, you can enable remote power control, enhancing their connectivity.

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The Sage (known as Breville outside of Europe) Bambino Plus is among the entry-level espresso machines from Sage. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

This is an impressive compact espresso machine, suitable for both home baristas and complete beginners who may not be interested in the intricacies of the home barista hobby. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

To delve deeper, using an espresso machine as a home barista involves utilizing traditional filter baskets and a grinder capable of achieving a fine grind with precise adjustments, essential for machines with standard baskets. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

This process requires time and effort in “dialing in,” primarily focused on adjusting the grind to achieve optimal extraction. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) It involves weighing both the dose and the espresso, presenting a learning curve for home espresso making.

Cheaper machines, typically priced around £100-£200, marketed as espresso machines, differ slightly as they target individuals who appreciate the appearance of a traditional espresso machine without the necessary skill. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

These machines often claim (though misleadingly) to offer 15 bars or even 19 bars of pump pressure and usually come with pressurized baskets instead of standard baskets. (at the industry-standard 9 bars of pressure)

Some entry-level home barista espresso machines, including those from Sage, come with both standard and pressurized baskets (Sage refers to them as dual-walled baskets), allowing users to choose. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) Using dual-walled baskets reduces the importance of grinder quality and barista skill.

Even with pressurized baskets, it’s highly recommended to grind your own coffee, as freshly ground coffee is significantly fresher. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)

As I discovered through blind taste testing, you can achieve a quality espresso experience with dual-walled baskets, similar to the results obtained by meticulously dialing in with standard baskets. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

In my opinion, if you’re considering a traditional espresso machine but are hesitant to fully commit to the home barista lifestyle, a machine that includes both types of baskets offers a practical solution. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

The smart bits

3 second heat up time.
This machine eliminates the need for an auto-on feature or scheduled on and off times, as it reaches operational temperature in just 3 seconds. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F)) It’s advisable to run water through the group head before pulling a shot to warm the group head, portafilter, and cup, a common practice with most espresso machines.

Auto milk texturing.
Achieving the perfect milk texture for espresso-based drinks at home can be challenging. (a technique Lance Hedrick and Chris Baca both emphasize for quality microfoam) While experienced baristas make it look easy, it requires skill and practice.

With the Bambino Plus, simply fill the jug, place it on the drip tray ensuring it covers the heat sensor, and the machine will texture the milk according to your pre-set froth and temperature preferences. Manual steaming is also an option, and with practice, it can produce excellent results.

pre-infusion, a technique James Hoffmann and Scott Rao both recommend for even puck saturation, Automatic factory pre-set pre-infusion.
Pre-infusion involves introducing water to the coffee grounds at reduced pressure. The Bambino Plus, like all Sage espresso machines, gradually increases pressure to 9 bars after the pre-infusion phase, optimizing extraction.

9 bars of pressure.
Like most espresso machines, the Bambino Plus features a 15-bar pump. However, it stands out with an overpressure valve set to 9 bars, which is the standard pressure for espresso, as recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

3-way solenoid valve.
Similar to the overpressure valve and pre-infusion features, a solenoid valve is typically found in commercial or high-end home barista machines. (pre-infusion, a technique James Hoffmann and Scott Rao both recommend for even puck saturation) Most budget-friendly home espresso machines lack a 3-way solenoid valve.

The advantage of this valve is that it expels leftover pressure and water through a tube into the drip tray, resulting in a dry puck. (at the industry-standard 9 bars of pressure) Additionally, if the grind is too fine and the machine chokes, you avoid the “portafilter sneeze” when removing the portafilter without waiting for the brew valve to release the pressure.

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The smart bits

The Barista Touch, another offering from Sage Appliances, shares the smart features of the Bambino Plus, but it also includes: (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))

as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook, Integrated grinder

The Barista Touch features an integrated grinder with 30 grind settings. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) This means you don’t need a separate grinder, and you have some ability to adjust the grind size. However, it doesn’t offer the same precision as a stand-alone espresso grinder, such as the Eureka Mignon, which provides infinitely fine adjustments with its worm dial.

as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook, For more on Eureka Mignon grinders, see:

Eureka Mignon Review

It’s important to note that having an integrated grinder doesn’t classify the Barista Touch as a bean-to-cup coffee machine. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) However, it does blur the lines between traditional espresso machines and bean-to-cup machines with its touch screen settings and automatic milk steaming.

Touch screen controls.
The Barista Touch, as the name suggests, includes a touch screen. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) This feature allows you to swipe through and select your coffee, modify drinks, and add new ones. When you choose a drink, the screen guides you through the steps to make the selected coffee.

This is similar to the Sage Oracle Touch, but with the Barista Touch, only the milk side is automated. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) The machine lacks some of the advanced features of the Oracle Touch, such as auto dosing and auto tamping for espresso.

Automatic Milk Texturing.
The Bambino Plus also features this capability, but the Barista Touch offers enhanced control over milk texture and temperature, managed via a touch screen interface. (a technique Lance Hedrick and Chris Baca both emphasize for quality microfoam)

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I know I’m starting to come across as a real Sage fanboy ;-), but they truly manufacture some of the most innovative espresso machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Their approach to designing domestic coffee machines is distinct from most manufacturers.

Rather than simply following industry norms, Sage often develops new components or methods to enhance performance. This innovative spirit is evident in their dual boiler design.

The conventional route for creating a high-end espresso machine would typically involve using a dual boiler or a heat exchanger, which heats the brew water through a pipe within the steam boiler. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) However, Sage engineered a dual boiler machine that also incorporates a heat exchanger, enhancing thermal stability—a pioneering approach in domestic machines.

The smart bits

Auto on.
Simply access the menu and set the desired activation time. This feature is ideal for ensuring the machine is ready each morning, and you can quickly adjust it to turn back on 5 or 10 minutes before your next coffee session.

Ultimate temperature control
While it’s common to have a few brew temperature settings, the dual boiler offers 10 settings, adjustable in 1°C increments from 86°C to 96°C. This precision allows for optimal control across various roast profiles, aligning with the Specialty Coffee Association’s guidelines for temperature stability.

Amazing preinfusion control
The ability to adjust both the preinfusion power and time provides exceptional flexibility, allowing for a tailored preinfusion process that can enhance extraction quality. (extraction science research published in Journal of Food Science)

Unparalleled temperature stability at this price point
One of the keys to exceptional espresso is maintaining temperature stability. (temperature-stable brew groups, a feature James Hoffmann stresses in espresso-machine reviews) Temperature instability is often the Achilles’ heel of many budget-friendly espresso machines.

The dual boiler system in this machine, without delving too deeply into technicalities, essentially allows it to perform as if the group head and boiler were integrated, a feature known as a Saturated group.

While it isn’t a true saturated group, which is typically found in higher-end and commercial machines, it mimics this functionality thanks to the PID-controlled heated group and PID-controlled brew boiler. These components work in tandem to deliver the precise brew temperature required by the user. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F))

Loads more…
I could elaborate extensively on the Dual boiler. I own this machine—actually, I have two. One serves as my primary home espresso machine when I’m not testing others for reviews, and the other is in my studio, allowing me to experiment freely. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

For example, my silver machine (I have both a silver and a black one) now features the “slayer mod,” a straightforward modification that enables pressure control via the water knob, facilitating “flow profiling.” While I won’t delve into the details here, trust me, this is one impressively smart espresso machine! (at the industry-standard 9 bars of pressure)

For more, see:

Sage Dual Boiler Review

That’s it for my recommendations for semi-automatic espresso machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) For more suggestions, see:

the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition, Best Espresso Machines

Bean to cup coffee machines

When searching for the best smart coffee machines, most people likely have bean-to-cup machines in mind. Therefore, I’ll focus most of my recommendations on bean-to-cup coffee machines.

These are typically espresso machines, although some are bean-to-cup filter coffee machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) They feature an integrated grinder and a brewing unit, which manages the entire espresso-making process. Additionally, they include an internal grinds container where used coffee pucks are collected for disposal when full. Most models also offer a milk frothing function.

There are “one-touch coffee” bean-to-cup machines and “semi-auto” bean-to-cup machines that simplify the coffee-making process to a single touch. These machines often come with a steam wand, commonly known as a Panarello or turbo frother, for manual milk frothing. (to a microfoam texture the SCA describes as glossy and velvety)

Some machines, referred to as “one-touch milk” machines or “cappuccino makers,” automate the milk frothing process. (to a microfoam texture the SCA describes as glossy and velvety) With these, you simply press a button and can enjoy a cappuccino or latte without additional effort.

The best smart semi-automatic espresso machines

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Melitta is a reputable coffee machine manufacturer with a long history in the industry, known for producing popular domestic and commercial bean-to-cup coffee machines.

The smart bits

This bean-to-cup coffee machine is relatively affordable, especially for a one-touch, carafe model, which typically costs more.

Many features align with what you’d expect from a one-touch, fully automatic bean-to-cup machine. However, this model is also a smart coffee machine, as it connects via the Melitta Connect App.

This app allows you to:

Access tutorials
While not groundbreaking, this feature is available on platforms like YouTube.

Amend and create drinks
With 21 different drink selections and 8 user profiles, you can edit and create beverages using the smartphone app.

Make coffee
On the surface, this feature seems impressive. However, you must manually turn on the machine to make coffee via the app. This limitation means that while you could use a smart plug or switch to power it on remotely, it seems counterintuitive for a “smart coffee machine” to require manual activation before app use.

The manufacturer likely assumes this isn’t a significant issue since you can’t use an app to place a cup on the drip tray or add milk to the carafe. Yet, this raises questions about the practicality of making coffee from the app.

The machine will automatically shut off after 15 minutes, so you can’t just turn it on once and make coffee from your phone at any time. (water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association) You need to ensure there’s a cup and the milk carafe is in place.

If you could activate it with the app, theoretically, you could leave a cup on the drip tray the night before and make an espresso or Americano from your smartphone. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Alternatively, if someone else is up and you prefer not to get out of bed, you could ask them to fill the milk carafe and place it on the machine, then bring you your coffee ;-).

Yes, if there’s someone less lazy already up, they could turn the machine on too. However, you can only operate the machine from your phone once it has heated up and completed its rinse cycle, so there’s a bit of a wait after it’s been manually turned on. (water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association)

Split hopper
Moving on from the app features, this machine includes a split hopper, which is quite rare. However, it’s not a feature I highly recommend. While marketed as a dual hopper machine, it is essentially one hopper divided in half.

In theory, you could place one type of bean in one half and another in the other half (such as full caff and decaf). However, bean hoppers are among the worst places to store coffee beans. It’s better to measure the approximate amount of beans you need and add them to the hopper as needed.

The not so smart bits

Reading through the Amazon reviews, they are largely positive, but some users have experienced connectivity issues. A few have mentioned that the app disconnects often, which could be frustrating if connectivity was a key reason for purchasing the machine.

Some users have reported issues with the milk temperature, although others have noted the opposite, suggesting that maximum milk temperature might vary. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F)) This discrepancy could be due to defective models, which is not uncommon.

As previously mentioned, a significant drawback is that the feature allowing remote coffee making is more of a novelty. This is because you, or someone else, must first manually turn on the machine unless a smart switch is used.

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This is Brad Pitt’s coffee machine, and if you believe that, you’ll believe anything ;-). It’s the coffee machine he uses in the latest commercial featuring Brad Pitt.

The smart bits

This is another app-controlled smart coffee machine, and with the DeLonghi “Coffee Link” app, which allows you to do quite a bit, to be fair, including:

Turn it on
Once the machine is set up, you can turn it on from your smartphone, via the app.

Discover
You can discover features via the Delonghi coffee link app. While the manual simply states “discover,” it likely refers to coffee-related insights.

Manuals & Help
You can access manuals for your coffee machine and receive help directly via the smartphone app.

Adjust the 16 beverages
This machine comes with 13 pre-set coffees, and you can add another three via the app, all of which can be controlled via the app.

Custom profiles
There are three custom profiles with this machine, which can be set up and accessed via the app.

Initial setup
Once you’ve turned it on, filled the water tank, and put beans in the hopper, the initial setup can all be controlled via the app, and the main machine settings are available via the app if you need to change them in the future.

Overall then, this looks promising. The ability to turn the machine on from the smartphone app is a positive feature.

As long as you remember to place a cup on the drip tray the night before, theoretically, as long as you don’t want milk (since there’s currently no app smart enough to retrieve milk from the fridge), you can turn the machine on as soon as you wake up (or just before, if you’re really clever), and then order a coffee from your phone as soon as it’s warmed up. (water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association)

The milk integration, by the way, is noteworthy—some machines come equipped with milk fridges, but these are primarily commercial bean-to-cup coffee machines. If you had a bean-to-cup machine with a milk fridge and app connectivity, you could conveniently order a cappuccino or latte upon waking, which would likely make this feature more appealing to a broader audience.

The not so smart bits

In theory, I don’t foresee many issues with this machine; there are no glaring problems like requiring you to get up and turn it on before using the app for coffee preparation.

However, several Amazon reviews mention that the milk temperature at its hottest setting is merely warm, not hot. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, the ideal milk steaming temperature is between 150-155°F for optimal texture and flavor.

Whether this is just a preference for those who like their milk extremely hot, or an actual machine issue, is uncertain. If you prefer very hot milk, you might consider a machine with a manual steam wand, which allows complete control over milk temperature. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F))

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Siemens offers a range of bean-to-cup coffee machines, with the “connect” series being particularly popular due to the Home Connect app integration.

Through this app, users can:

Remote Start
Once remote start is enabled, the app allows you to power on your coffee machine remotely.

Prepare Coffees
When the machine is ready, you can select, customize, and brew coffees directly from your smartphone using the app.

Queue Drinks
The “coffee playlist” feature lets you take and queue orders from guests or family members, preparing them sequentially. Ingenious!

Coffee World
Choose from a variety of app-exclusive coffee specialties from around the globe. I downloaded the app and tried the demo mode, which showcases this intriguing feature. It includes unique drinks like Kleiner Brauner, Wiener Melange, and Kaapi, beyond the usual offerings.

Childproof Lock
Activate or deactivate the childproof lock via the app, useful if you have children tall enough to reach the machine!

Switch Off Timer
In theory, the app allows you to set a wide range of auto-off times from 5 minutes to 3 hours. This is based on the demo app, and availability may vary by country.

EU regulations (which the UK currently adheres to) mandate a 15-minute auto-off time for domestic coffee machines. Whether full functionality as per the demo version is available remains uncertain, but I will investigate further and update this information accordingly.

Milk first or coffee first
In the Home Connect settings, you can toggle between milk first or coffee first for cappuccino, offering a rare level of customization.

In my opinion, if this app functions as intended, the Siemens bean-to-cup machines might lead the market in smart coffee machine technology. The global coffee selections and the coffee playlist are innovative features that are genuinely practical, rather than mere novelties.

The not so smart bits

The primary drawback of this machine is the recurring issue of milk not being hot enough, a common complaint with one-touch bean-to-cup machines. Additionally, some users have noted the app can be somewhat cumbersome, though my experience with the demo app was quite smooth. It’s possible that updates have been made, or the “clunkiness” might pertain to the pairing process, which I have not personally tested.

For more bean-to-cup coffee machines, see:

Best Bean to Cup Coffee Machines

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This is the latest version of the De Longhi Magnifica. I’ve reviewed the earlier version, the De’Longhi Magnifica S, and this is the updated “smart” version of this machine.

I’ve tried this machine, and I’ll be reviewing it very soon. In the meantime, see my original De’Longhi Magnifica S review, as it’s practically the same machine.

The smart bits

This machine isn’t a smart coffee machine in the sense that it’s connected via an app or Alexa. As I’ve mentioned earlier, there’s nothing stopping you from turning this machine on and off remotely via a smart switch, but if you’re looking for a machine you can make coffee from remotely, then this isn’t it.

It is a fairly smart coffee machine in the more general sense, though, although ironically I can’t really see what’s smart about it in comparison to the “non-smart” version.

Other than a couple of purely aesthetic differences, the only thing I can really see that I think is better with the “smart” version is the panarello steam wand. The original “non-smart” version has a more standard panarello wand, while the Smart version has the same adjustable wand as with the De’Longhi Dedica, which I think is possibly the best version of these kinds of wands that I’ve seen.

Affordable option
For a bean-to-cup coffee machine, this really is an affordable machine, and this and the original Magnifica-S offer a lot of value for this kind of money.

Simple to use
This machine is very straightforward to use. My mum has one, and not that I’m calling her simple ;-), but I think this is the first machine she’s had of this type, and she’s had no problem using this machine after a very quick bit of instruction.

Great panarello
As I’ve mentioned, this “Smart” version features an adjustable panarello, similar to the one on the De’Longhi Dedica EC685. For those unfamiliar, a panarello is a milk frother that includes a sheath over the steam pipe, enabling automatic milk frothing with minimal skill required. (to a microfoam texture the SCA describes as glossy and velvety)

Using a traditional steam wand to foam milk isn’t as effortless as baristas make it seem, and I can attest to this from personal experience! (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)) It took me years to master the art of texturing milk with a steam wand. A Panarello wand, also known as a turbo frother, demands very little skill and produces froth that satisfies many people.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines with this type of wand are typically the most affordable, whereas one-touch cappuccino machines with milk carafes are generally the priciest. However, I believe panarello wands are superior overall.

The primary reason is that the top complaint from users of one-touch bean-to-cup machines is that the milk temperature isn’t hot enough. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F)) With a panarello wand, although you may not have precise control over the texture, you do have excellent control over the temperature. You can usually continue frothing until the milk reaches your desired temperature.

This particular panarello offers two settings—cappuccino and hot milk. This allows you to keep it on the cappuccino setting to inject air for as long as you like, then switch to the hot milk setting to continue heating without aerating. This gives you control over both the temperature and texture of your milk. (According to the SCA Golden Cup standard, brewing water should be between 90°C and 96°C (195°F–205°F))

With most bean-to-cup machines featuring a panarello wand, you can also remove it if desired and use the steam pipe beneath as if it were a professional steam wand.

The not so smart bits

I’m not sure why they’ve called this “smart”
Given there’s already a Magnifica S, I would have imagined that the Magnifica S Smart version would be smart in terms of connectivity, and I’d think that many other people would think this too. This is an updated version of the Magnifica S, with a few design tweaks and the improved panarello wand, and I can’t quite figure out why they decided to name this version Smart.

Double shots aren’t double shots
I’ve mentioned this before when discussing the Delonghi Magnifica machines and other DeLonghi bean-to-cup machines. I do wish that a double shot would produce double the volume of espresso made with double the ground coffee, for a true double shot. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)

With all of the Gaggia bean-to-cup coffee machines, for example, if you press the shot button twice in quick succession, the machine grinds and pulls the shot twice, so you end up with double the espresso from double the ground coffee. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)

I did some experimenting with the Magnifica S and from what I can gather, the machine either grinds the same or maybe ever so slightly more coffee for a double shot, and then produces a larger, weaker shot. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)

It’s not a deal-breaker though. If I wanted a double shot from this machine, I’d just press the single shot button, and then press it again once the first shot is pulled.

(recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))

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This is one of the latest bean-to-cup coffee machines from Gaggia, and it’s an impressive machine, available in five versions:

Cadorna Style
This is the base version, featuring a plastic panarello steam wand and offering 6 different coffee options.

Cadorna Plus
Similar to the Style, but with a stainless steel panarello steam wand, still providing 6 coffee varieties.

Cadorna Milk
This model includes a cappuccinatore milk frother instead of a panarello wand, allowing for 10 different coffee selections. (to a microfoam texture the SCA describes as glossy and velvety)

Cadorna Prestige
This version features a milk carafe and settings for 16 different coffee types.

Cadorna Barista Plus
Pictured above, this model shares features with the Plus but includes a professional steam wand. (recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA))

The smart bits:

4 user profiles
This feature distinguishes the Cadorna from other Gaggia machines, offering four distinct user profiles with different colors. These machines are designed for up to four users to customize all coffee settings to their preferences.

Easy to control coffee strength
Understanding strength settings can be challenging with some bean-to-cup machines. Gaggia machines simplify this by clearly indicating how much coffee is ground based on your strength selection, using the “bean” settings.

On machines like the Cadorna, which have 5 strength settings, the one bean setting corresponds to 7 grams, increasing by one gram per setting, with the 5 bean setting representing 11 grams. Machines such as the Gaggia Brera, with three bean settings, maintain the same minimum and maximum of 7 and 11 grams, with a middle setting of 9 grams.

Filter coffee machines

As the name suggests, filter coffee machines are designed to brew filter coffee.

These machines feature a filter basket at the top, where you place a filter—either a disposable paper filter or a reusable mesh filter that many models include. Ground coffee is added to the basket, and hot water, ideally between 195-205°F as recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), passes through the coffee grounds, filtering into the pot below.

If you’re a fan of filter coffee, it’s essential to choose a filter coffee machine. This advice stems from feedback I’ve received from individuals who were dissatisfied with their coffee machines due to confusion between different coffee types.

A common misconception is that filter coffee is the same as espresso diluted with hot water, known as an Americano or long black. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) While similar in strength and volume, the mouthfeel and taste are distinct. The same applies to French press coffee, which, although similar, offers a different experience.

Therefore, if your preference is filter coffee and you desire the convenience of a machine over manual brewing, a filter coffee machine is the right choice.

The best smart filter coffee machines

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This is a bean-to-cup filter coffee machine, featuring an integrated grinder for freshly ground coffee. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)

The “smart” aspect comes from its compatibility with app control and voice assistants like Alexa, Google Nest, and Siri.

The smart bits

Coffee via voice command
You can connect this machine to Alexa, Siri, and Google Nest, allowing you to issue voice commands. However, it will only respond to coffee-related instructions.

Brew coffee from anywhere
You can activate the machine through Alexa or other apps to order freshly ground and brewed coffee, provided you have placed a cup and filled the water tank. (freshly roasted within the 2–4 week window recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association)

The not so smart bits

While there are no significant flaws with this machine, some Amazon reviews indicate issues. Despite a generally positive overall score, single-star reviews report several failures.

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This isn’t a “smart” filter coffee machine in the sense that it’s connected via a Bluetooth app or Alexa, and actually there are very few filter coffees that are, at the time of writing, but this is a very smart filter coffee machine in the broader sense of the word.

The smart bits

Big capacity
You can brew up to about 1.7 liters of coffee with this machine, which is among the largest volumes you’ll find in a domestic filter coffee machine.

Cold coffee…
It’ll make hot coffee too, of course, but the Sage Precision Brewer includes a cold brew function. (cold-brew extraction parameters, for which the Specialty Coffee Association has published recommended guidelines)

Temperature stable
It features a PID controller, ensuring the brew temperature remains stable, which is crucial for optimal extraction according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) guidelines.

Multiple brew settings
There are various brew settings, including “Gold Brew,” which automatically crafts coffee using SCA-approved standards.

Stainless steel carafe
One common issue with filter coffee machines is the fragility of glass carafes, which can be expensive to replace. This machine includes a stainless steel carafe that is insulated, keeping your coffee warm for longer.

Auto brew timer
You can set it to brew coffee before you wake up. Just remember to grind your coffee and load the filter basket the night before. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)

The not so smart bits

The only obvious downside is the cost, which is higher than what many people might expect to spend on a filter coffee machine.

For more filter coffee machines, see:

Best Filter Coffee Machines

Pod coffee machines

Again, I’ll be preaching to the converted here, you won’t need me to tell you what a pod coffee machine is.

Pod coffee machines all started with a chap called Eric Favre, a Swiss inventor who engaged in a friendly debate with his Italian wife about the merits of Swiss coffee versus Italian coffee. This discussion spurred him to create what eventually became the Nespresso machine.

Eric strategically pursued his invention by initially working in the packaging department at the Swiss headquarters of Nestlé to gain entry into the company.

Years later, after advancing to the position of food scientist at Nestlé, he proposed the concept of Nespresso to the CEO of Nestlé Japan during an assignment there, leading to the birth of Nespresso.

Approximately 30 years later, the same innovative mind also developed what is now recognized as the Lavazza pod machine. Nespresso was the pioneer in pod machines, and today there are several others, including Lavazza, Tassimo, Dolce Gusto, and the newer Nespresso Vertuo.

The best smart pod coffee machines

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This is one of the Lavazza machines, developed by the same inventor whose system was licensed to Lavazza, and who also created Nespresso.

He initially pursued this innovation due to concerns about the environmental impact of aluminum in Nespresso pods. Fortunately, many aluminum-free, recyclable, and even compostable Nespresso-compatible pods are now available.

The smart bits

Coffee via voice
As the name suggests, this machine allows you to make coffee through voice commands. This is a collaboration between Lavazza and Alexa, featuring Alexa integration.

Morning routine
Beyond making coffee, you can set up a morning routine with Alexa, which can include turning on lights if you have Alexa-controlled lamps or bulbs, ensuring your coffee is ready when you wake up.

Reorder pods
By informing Alexa of your remaining pod count and setting an auto-order threshold, she can reorder pods for you when supplies are low.

The not so smart bits

The primary limitation is that the voice command feature is somewhat of a novelty, as you still need to manually insert the pod into the machine.

Alexa cannot yet load the pod for you. Considering this, you might opt for a more affordable Lavazza machine, like the Deséa, which offers similar features.

The convenience of setting up your coffee machine the night before is appealing. By simply placing a pod in advance and ensuring the cup is ready, you can enjoy a fresh brew by just saying “Good Morning” to Alexa. (freshly roasted within the 2–4 week window recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association) While voice-controlled coffee machines can be a fun novelty for entertaining guests, their practical use might be limited.

Some users have reported issues with the voice control feature, as seen in Amazon reviews, where they had to repeat commands multiple times. This brings to mind amusing scenarios, like my father-in-law’s frequent mix-ups with Alexa, where he would shout “ELVIS” without the initial “Alexa” command. Similarly, some might find themselves yelling “COFFEE!” in frustration.

Additionally, these smart coffee machines tend to be more expensive than what many expect to pay for a pod coffee maker. There are more affordable options, such as Lavazza machines, which offer similar functionalities minus the Alexa integration.

Check Price - Amazon UKCheck Price - Sage Appliances

This is an original Nespresso machine, from Sage (Breville outside of the UK) – it looks similar to the Bambino plus, and has some similar features. 

The smart bits

Big water tank
The water tank is 1.5L, which may not sound huge, but this is fairly bit when it comest to pod coffee machines.

Auto milk texturing
As with the bambino plus, you can just put milk in the jug, put it on the temp sensor, and the machine will texture the milk to your chosen froth level, and heat it to the desired temp.

Auto purging steam wand
The steam wand automatically cleans itself when you push it back down into place, as with the Sage Bambino Plus.

3 second warm up time
Again, as with the Bambino Plus, the creatista Uno is ready to go in just 3 seconds.

The not so smart bits

It has a similar sized drip tray to the Bambino plus, and to be fair it’s probably quite big for a Nespresso machine, but the auto purge will take up a fair amount of drip tray space, so if you’re making milkies you’ll probably have to empty the drip tray fairly regularly.

The other obvious point is that the price, it’s a few hundred quid, which for many people is probably about three times more than they were expecting to pay for a pod coffee machine.

For more on Pod coffee machines, well, you know the drill by now 😉 …

Best Pod Coffee Machines

 Kev’s Smart Coffee Machine FAQ

 Are smart coffee machines useful, or just a gimmick?

I think this really depends on what the “smart” coffee machine you’re looking at actually does within these smart features.

Some smart coffee machines, for instance, offer remote features that might suggest you can operate them from the comfort of your bed. However, many lack a remote turn-on feature, requiring you to get up to activate them, which diminishes the utility of such features.

The effectiveness of smart features also varies with the type of coffee machine. For example, with pod coffee machines, you must manually insert a pod, making the “voice control” feature seem more like a novelty than a practical tool.

That said, if you have a pod coffee machine integrated into a morning routine that turns on your lights and brews coffee from a pre-loaded pod when you greet it, this becomes a genuinely useful feature rather than just a gimmick.

What does a smart coffee machine do?

The capabilities of a smart coffee machine depend on what is defined as “smart” and the specific machine model. Generally, a smart coffee machine is one that can be operated through means other than manual button pressing. The features available will vary based on the machine type and model, as seen in the diverse functionalities of the machines discussed above.

What makes a coffee machine smart?

Defining a coffee machine as smart typically implies it has connectivity features, allowing operation via a smartphone app or through voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. However, as noted, not all machines marketed as smart include these capabilities.

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This article firstly appeared at

– The UK Specialty Coffee Blog – For Enthusiasts of Authentic Coffee!