Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker review

Comprehensive Review of the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker: A Dependable Pod Brewer Delivering Bold Coffee Despite Minor Bulkiness

 

For those whose morning motivation stems more from the inviting aroma of coffee than melodious wake-up calls, the choice of the ultimate coffee maker invariably tends towards Keurig. Renowned for their user-friendly design, Keurig machines, however, come with certain compromises. While they excel in simplicity, they’ve historically fallen short in terms of customization, especially with K-Cups, and have been limited in their ability to deliver a range of coffee quantities. Nevertheless, the paradigm shifts with the emergence of the innovative Keurig K-Elite coffee maker.

Design and Notable Features

A crowning feature of the K-Elite is its substantial 75-ounce water reservoir, allowing a generous capacity of up to eight cups of coffee before necessitating a refill. This departure from previous Keurig models does introduce a degree of increased bulkiness, calling for more expansive counter space. The machine offers a selection of brew sizes spanning from four to twelve ounces, each corresponding to an easily identifiable icon on the interface. While these icons lack precise measurement labels, they do indicate four, six, eight, ten, and twelve ounces. The Auto On function ensures the Keurig is primed for action at a predetermined time, ensuring prompt brewing with a mere one-minute brew time. Additionally, you can set the machine to shut down automatically after the last cup of caffeine for the day, optimizing energy conservation.

 

Key Attributes and Enhanced Functionality

The K-Elite distinguishes itself through a range of standout features. The inclusion of a Strong Brew button intensifies the coffee’s flavor profile, surpassing the standard cup brewed without engaging this option. Another highlight is the Iced Setting, designed for crafting coffee over ice without diluting the taste, a common pitfall when using hot coffee on frozen cubes. While it might not replace specialized cold brews, this feature presents a pleasantly bold and chilly alternative. Activation of this function is achieved with a single button press. For those with discerning palates, the brew temperature can be finely tuned, offering customization between 187 and 192 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Added Convenience: Hot Water Dispensing

A notable non-coffee related feature is the hot water on demand function, strategically placed adjacent to the strong button. This eradicates the need for a separate kettle, enabling swift access to hot water for tea or oatmeal, even quicker than the machine’s already swift brewing process.

 

Final Evaluation

In summary, for those seeking an intuitive and user-friendly coffee machine, Keurig continues to be a reliable go-to option. Priced at $170 and available in Brushed Silver or Brushed Slate finishes, the K-Elite model delivers a variety of brew sizes, a generously sized water reservoir, robust and iced coffee settings, as well as the convenience of auto on/off functionality. The notable addition of the hot water dispensing feature bolsters its versatility.

 

Advantages:

A spectrum of brew sizes

Ample water reservoir capacity

Enhanced strong and iced coffee capabilities

Automated on/off functionality

Hot water on demand

 

Disadvantages:

Environmental considerations related to pod usage

Slight bulkiness

Potential variance in K-Cup coffee flavor compared to freshly ground beans