My #1 piece of advice to anyone, both newbie and experienced user alike, is to always research before you leave the house or hit the “Buy” button online when it comes to smart home tech. When I first started, I did the same as you. I must have had (at one point) at least 10 different brands of switches, hubs, bulbs, and outlets. It was CRAZY. Also, like you, I had to have cloud accounts for nearly everything.
After doing this for a few years, I’ve settled into my comfort zone, so to speak. I know what to buy and where to buy it from based on knowing the ST platform. I now know what will work (both with a built-in DTH and a custom one) and where I’ll run into issues with a product. I rarely buy anything that’s WiFi only because I know it’s going to end up being either a cloud-to-cloud integration OR require a 3rd party handler to get it to fit into my system. I just pretty much avoid those at all costs (Yeelight, I’m looking at you).
Your advice is right on point.
Oh, and that connected Keurig? Yeah, it’s a thing and it’s been done: Cuisinart SS-700 Keurig Coffee Maker - Made Smart
You’re welcome lol 