The Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker (model 49350R) has some handy features like voice-activated brewing and changing the brew strength with Alexa.
But there are also a few common issues you might want to consider before buying it, based on our research and feedback from others who've used it. Here's a quick rundown of the key points:
Connectivity Requirements and Issues
This coffee maker works only on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. If your Wi-Fi is set to 5 GHz, you might run into some connectivity problems.
According to our data, this can be a real annoyance, especially if switching between networks is tricky for you. A stable connection is crucial to make full use of the Alexa features.
'Ready to Brew' Button
Another thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to manually press the 'Ready to Brew' button on the machine for Alexa control to work. It's designed as a safety feature, but it can be a bit of a hassle.
Without pressing this button, you can't start brewing with voice commands or the app. Some people feel like this takes away from the 'smart' aspect of the coffee maker since it still needs manual input.
Integration with Alexa
The Alexa integration is generally well-received, especially by those who already use Alexa a lot. You can start brewing, change the brew strength, and turn off the machine using voice commands.
Despite the limitations, these features are handy for making your morning routine smoother.
Additional Concerns
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Overflows: Some people have mentioned that the coffee maker occasionally overflows, causing spills. Making sure the carafe is properly placed and not overfilled can help prevent this issue.
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Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning is important to keep it running well and ensure good tasting coffee. Some users find the cleaning process a bit of a pain, especially since not all parts are dishwasher safe.
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Brew Quality: While many are happy with the coffee it makes, some coffee enthusiasts feel it doesn't quite match up to high-end machines in terms of precision and consistency.
Conclusion
So, while the Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker can bring some modern conveniences to your mornings, there are a few trade-offs.
The 2.4 GHz network requirement and the need to press the 'Ready to Brew' button are two key drawbacks.
But if you're already using Alexa and want to add coffee brewing to your smart home line-up, this machine offers a pretty convenient, though not perfect, solution.
