It'd be one thing if the "smart" features were there but only supplemented the basic functionality. It's another entirely for those basic features to require an internet connection.
Out of curiosity, did the product description indicate the internet connection was required? I'm soon to be replacing some appliances and want to know what to look out for (besides all mentions of "wifi" or "smart").
did the product description indicate the internet connection was required?
That's an important question.
That said, we were recently appliance shopping and none of them said that it was required, but a couple of the negative reviews mentioned it.
We ended up choosing one of the very few that didn't list wifi or an app as a feature. Hopefully there isn't a stealth modem hidden in there somewhere. I guess we'll find out next week when it's delivered...
A coffee maker, I'd just return. But a dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, etc would be a huge hassle I'd want to avoid. I think my best bet, like you said, is to just look for one that has absolutely no mention of w-fi or "smart".