What Is The Best Nespresso Machine for Latte and Cappuccino?

Posted on by SuperDee

We all have our favorite way to enjoy our cup of coffee. Some like a traditional cup of drip coffee, others prefer a strong and aromatic shot of espresso. But if you’re one of the people who like a creamy and luxurious cup of creamy latte or foamy cappuccino and want to make it with a press of a button at the comfort of your home, this post is for you.

Nespresso machines are a popular choice for a single-serve espresso machine, no doubt about this. But there’s also so many options and models to choose from. Picking the right Nespresso machine always goes down to what you want to prepare with it. Of course, all Nespresso machines can prepare several recipes of coffee, but some models do a better job than others.

What Do You Need in a Nespresso Machine for Latte or Cappuccino:

Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato and other specialty coffee drinks are all made of two main ingredients: espresso and milk.

All Nespresso machines can make Espresso, but for you to complete the recipe, you’ll need a milk frother.

You have several options here:

  • You can use a handheld milk frother, where you’ll have to first heat the milk then whisk it manually.
  • You can buy your Nespresso machine bundled with an Aeroccino, Nespresso’s electric milk frother which heats and froths the milk automatically.
  • Or, you can buy a Nespresso machine with a built-in milk frother. This is the best and fastest way to make your latte and cappuccino with a single press of a button.

Best Nespresso Machines with Built-in Milk Frothers:

Nespresso Lattissima Pro:

Lattissima Pro is a Nespresso machine by DeLonghi. It uses Nespresso’s OriginalLine capsule system and DeLonghi’s patented automatic Cappuccino system.

This machine’s built-in milk frother allows you to adjust the foam level to your liking. When you pick a drink using the touchscreen, it will automatically heat up, foam and dispense the milk into your cup. The coffee spout will then dispense the espresso shot and add it to the milk.

The milk frother is also detachable. This is great because you can simply remove any left-over milk and store it in the fridge for later use. It’s also dishwasher safe.

Other features of Lattissima Pro:

  • 44 oz water reservoir.
  • Use capsule container: 15 capsules.
  • Adjustable cup tray allows you to fit small or tall cups.
  • Backlight indicator.
  • Easy to use touchscreen and LCD display for customizing your drinks.
  • Compatible with all Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Lattissima Pro, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Lattissima One:

The Lattissima One, also powered by Nespresso’s capsule system and DeLonghi’s Cappuccino system, is Lattissima Pro’s younger sibling.

Just like the Lattissima Pro, the Lattissima One does it all with a push of a button. It automatically heats and froths and pours it to your cup. But here’s how it’s different than the Lattissima Pro:

  • It has a small milk frother that holds just enough for a single cup. The milk jug is clearly marked with two lines, one for cappuccino and the other for latte.
  • There’s no touchscreen display, but simple buttons: espresso, lungo and milk froth.
  • It has a 33.8 oz water reservoir capacity.

If you prefer a smaller and simpler Nespresso system, then the Lattissima One is the machine to go for. Just keep in mind that it’s not as adjustable as the Lattissima Pro, you can’t adjust the milk foam, but you can reprogram the coffee volume just like any other Nespresso machine.

Click here to learn more about the Nespresso Lattissima One, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville:

This beauty that was designed by Breville, takes your Nespresso experience to a whole new level. It does not have a built-in milk frother, but it has something much much better.

The Creatista Plus was designed to give you the closest thing to a professional espresso machine but without all the work. It doesn’t have a milk frother, but it has a milk steamer. Yes, just like the steamer your cafe has in their machine, and it works automatically. it creates professionally steamed textured milk that you can use to make latte art (that one you’ll have to do the work for!).

On the machine, there’s a colored display that allows you to customize already programmed recipes like: cappuccino, latte, flat white and more. You can also create your own recipe and save them under any name you want.

You also have the option to choose from 8 milk textures and 11 temperatures.

  • Other features include:
  • 60 oz water reservoir.
  • Adjustable cup tray to hold small or tall cups.
  • Full stainless steel housing.
  • Includes a milk frothing jug.
  • Compatible with all Nespresso OriginalLine and Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Click here to learn more about Creatista Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Further Reading:

Difference Between Nespresso Lattissima Pro vs. Creatista Plus.

Best Nespresso Capsules for Latte and Cappuccino:

Now that you now which Nespresso machines work best for making Latte and Cappuccino, here are some recommendations for the best Nespresso capsules.

As you know, Nespresso capsules come in different intensities and varieties. And some of these complement milk better than others. So here are some variety packs to consider:

This variety pack includes 50 capsules of Nespresso’s most intense coffee blends. It includes: 10 Ristretto, 10 Arpeggio, 10 Roma, 10 Indriya from India, 10 Fortissio Lungo.

If you prefer a strong taste to your coffee that cannot be overpowered by the taste of milk, this is the variety pack to try.

If you like your coffee flavored, then definitely give these capsules a try. This variety pack includes 30 capsules total, 10 of each flavor: 10 Vanilio, 10 Ciocattino, 10 Caramelito. They are medium roast and have an intensity level of 6. It’s important to note that these capsules do not include artificial flavors, the pods contain pure coffee ground. The flavors are subtle and the milk help brings them more to life. So don’t expect a sugary drink when using these, but a rather pleasant and sweet aftertaste and lovely aroma.

This is another intense coffee capsule bundle, but from a brand other than Nespresso. Gourmesso is a fair trade brand that creates Nespresso compatible capsules. This bundle is available in a count of 60, 80 or 100 capsules. it includes: Etiopia Blend Forte – Intensity 10 ✪ Ristretto Blend Forte – Intensity 10 ✪ Messico Blend Forte – Intensity 9 ✪ Tarrazu Forte – Intensity 8.

Also by Gourmesso, a bundle of naturally flavored coffee capsules that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar. They all have medium 5 intensity, and includes these flavors: caramel, chocolate, coconut, hazelnut and vanilla. Each box contains 10 capsules.

Portable Espresso Makers – Which Is Best To Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

For a lot of people who are always on the move, quality coffee is a common companion. And if you’re that type of person, a portable espresso maker is a must-have.

A portable espresso maker is a machine for brewing coffee through pushing high-pressure water close to boiling point through a ground coffee puck to produce thick, concentrated shot of espresso. You don’t need electricity for such a device, few have rechargeable batteries, which makes it a great accessory to take on the go.

A portable espresso maker is a useful device to have to make espresso in a car, while camping or traveling, or even if you want to make espresso at home without using a machine.

Which Handheld Portable Espresso Maker Is Best To Buy?

Here are the top-rated picks for a handheld espresso maker:

Staresso Espresso Maker:

The Staresso brand has successfully made a compact portable espresso maker that you can take with you wherever you go.

This device can reach a stable pressure of 20 bars for extraction, providing you with a shot of espresso with a perfect crema on top.

The Staresso machine also features a portable design and large capacity. It measures 8.2 inches in length with a weight of 1.1 pounds. However, it can hold more than 80ml water, and the optimum weight of the ground coffee reaches up to 10g. Furthermore, its sleek design and ergonomic construction deliver a reassuringly solid feel.

And if you’re a fan of espresso based drinks like cappuccino or caffe latte, the Staresso doubles as a milk frother too.

It is compatible with ground coffee as well as Nespresso and Nespresso-compatible capsules (OriginalLine capsules).

Click here to learn more about Staresso Espresso Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

WACACO Nanopresso Handheld Espresso Maker

The Nanopresso delivers excellent power and is built on a new and improved pumping system. It has maximum stable pressure of 18 bars, which is enough to create an aromatic and balanced shot of espresso.

This appliance can work with ground coffee or Nespresso pods. You only need to add boiling to the tank before making the coffee and pump manually. With the new design of Nanopresso, you will need 15 percent less force when pumping your espresso shot.

The tank of the Nanopresso can hold 80ml of water. It has a lining and receives protection from the detachable cup. Both of these parts have a heat sink pattern for absorbing and protecting your hands from heat. It has an ergonomic design, and its short length makes it perfect for travel. This device is light, and the material its made of gives a solid feel. It has a length of 6.14 inches and weighs 336g.

Click here to learn more about Nanopresso, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Litchi Portable Espresso Maker

This compact, handheld espresso maker from Litchi comes at a more affordable price than the previous two devices. But on the other hand, it has less features.

You can brew the ground coffee with the hot water at a steady pressure of 8 bar and make your shot of top-notch quality espresso. It measures only 7.6 inches in length and weighs about 1.11 pounds.

The Litchi portable espresso maker is compatible with ground coffee only, unlike the Nanopresso and Staresso, which work with both ground coffee and Nespresso capsules. Also, the materials on this one is a bit more flimsy, but for the price, it’s exactly what is expected. I would recommend this one only if you’re on a tight budget.

Click here to learn more about the Litchi Portable Espresso Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

A portable espresso maker is a must-have accessory for anyone who needs a fresh cup of hot coffee anywhere. Regardless of the place, whether you’re traveling, camping or even in an office or a dorm room. A portable handheld espresso maker is the perfect choice for someone who needs to make their espresso shot without a traditional espresso machine.

Is There a Portable Espresso Maker That Heats Water?

If at this point you’re wondering, what if I don’t have access to boiling water? Is there a portable espresso maker that can boil the water on the go, too?

As of the time I write this post, there are a few options, one of them is an electric portable espresso maker from a brand called Cisno.

It comes with a rechargeable battery pack which allows it to power up and heat water on the go. It can provide boiling water up to 194F/90C degrees and brew coffee at 149F/65C degrees. The water tank capacity is 50ml and it works at 15-bar pressure.

It’s all great so far, but here’s what I didn’t like about this product:

  • It works with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules only. You can’t use coffee ground and apparently, not even Nespresso-compatible capsules from other brands. This limits your options of coffee brands you can enjoy to Nespresso only.
  • It takes over 10 minutes to get the water to boiling temperature. That’s a long wait.
  • It’s heavier and larger in size than other handheld models (1.9 lbs and 9.8” tall). But it’s still portable size for traveling.
  • The battery takes up to 2.5 hours to fully charge and will only provide 3 runs of boiled water/coffee extraction. If you’re not going to use the boiler, it will provide a lot more runs.
  • Price wise, it’s quite expensive in comparison to other handheld espresso makers. For less, you can buy an actual Nespresso machine.

You can click here to learn more about Cisno Electric Portable espresso maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Pixie vs. CitiZ vs Essenza Mini, Which Should You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

Pixie is one of the earlier models by Nespresso. Back when there was still no VertuoLine, the Pixie was one of Nespresso’s few machines. And although there are now so many machines and two type of brewers (OriginalLine and VertuoLine), the Pixie is still one of Nespresso’s top selling espresso machines. In this post, you’ll find what makes the Pixie special and how it compares to other models and if you should buy it.

Features of Nespresso Pixie:

  • Powerful 19-bar pressure pump
  • Quick 25 seconds startup time
  • Two programmable cup sizes: Espresso and Lungo.
  • Available either as a standalone machine or bundled with an Aeroccino so you can make milk based drinks at ease.
  • Backlight indicators: red backlight indicates water reservoir needs to be refiled. Otherwise, it will be blue.
  • Folding drip tray allows you to fit taller cups.
  • 24 oz water reservoir capacity.
  • Compact and sleek design.
  • Metal side panels gives it a more upscale look and makes it more sturdy.
  • Available in three color variations.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Pixie, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Pixie by Nespresso, DeLonghi or Breville, Is There a Difference?

When buying your Pixie (or other Nespresso models), you’ll most likely find them available under three different brand names: Nespresso, Breville or DeLonghi. Is there any actual difference between them? Should you pick one brand over the other?

Actually, no, there is no difference in how the machines operate. They’re all the same Nespresso machine. Nespresso has partnered with these two companies to help them with the manufacturing and distribution of their popular machines. If there’s one difference between those, it will be in the aesthetic of the machines (very slight change in design) and in available colors. But overall, whichever brand name you choose, you’ll get the same Nespresso machine and the same after sale support from Nespresso.

What Kind Of Capsules Is Pixie Compatible With?

Pixie is an OriginalLine espresso machine, so it’s compatible with OriginalLine capsules either from Nespresso or from third party companies (and there’s so many to choose from!). This is one of the pros of going for an OriginalLine machine, you will not be restricted to Nespresso’s capsules only, but you’ll have the option to try capsules from so many different brands.

Nespresso Pixie Comparisons:

Here’s a look at how the Pixie compares to Nespresso machines that are similar:

Image
FeaturePOWERFUL: Nespresso Pixie espresso maker has a 19 bar high-pressure pump that allows for a barista-style result, unlocking the delicate flavor of each coffee capsule.
EFFICIENT AND ENERGY SAVING ESPRESSO MAKER: System heats-up to ideal temperature in just 25 seconds and automatically turns off after 9 minutes, consuming less energy.
EASE OF USE: The Pixie is a programmable espresso maker with two one-touch buttons to create your favorite coffee and espresso recipes into the desired size; Espresso (2.7 oz), or Lungo (5 oz). Pour over ice to create your favorite iced coffee drinks.
SMART ESPRESSO MAKER: The red blacklights light up to let you know when the 24 oz. water tank needs to be refilled. The folding drip tray accommodates larger single serve cups and recipes such as lattes or cappuccinos. The Pixie is also easy to clean, the spent capsules are neatly ejected into an internal receptacle.
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a Nespresso Original welcome kit with a range of 14 capsules with unique aroma profiles.
Compact and easy to use
High-tech: 19-bar high-pressure pump and fast heat-up system (in only a few seconds). easy insertion, automatic piercing and brewing of Coffee capsules
Handy interface: 2 programmable Coffee selections with automatic flow-stop for Espresso and Lunge preparations
Energy-saving: eco mode for low Energy consumption after 3 minutes and an automatic energy-saving function switches machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity, consuming less Energy
Easy cleaning: removable water tank for quick and simple cleaning
HIGH PERFORMANCE: The 19 bar pump system offers barista-style single-serve Coffee or Espresso every time, perfectly extracting the delicate flavor of each Nespresso Original Coffee capsule
SPEED AND ENERGY SAVING: The fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving function switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity and can be extended from 9 to 30 minutes. Cable storage
VERSATILITY: Adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1.35 oz.) and Lungo (5 oz.) buttons making CitiZ a great Coffee maker for all your single-serve Coffee needs. Pour over ice to create your favorite iced Coffee drinks. Removable Nespresso capsule container, drip tray and water tank (34 oz.) for quick and simple cleaning
DESIGN: CitiZ's look continues to please both Nespresso Coffee and Espresso drinkers and design lovers, adding a touch of elegance to Coffee rituals.
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profiles
BUNDLE: The Aeroccino 3 milk frother is included to create the perfect finish to your single-serve Coffee beverages such as Cappuccino or Latte. Folding drip tray for a taller glass
TitleNespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine by Breville, TitanNespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville, Piano BlackNespresso CitiZ & Milk Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Black
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Nespresso Pixie vs. CitiZ, What’s The Difference?

CitiZ is another great machine from Nespresso’s earlier models. It’s a great machine and it is similar to Pixie in these features:

  • Both have 19 bar pressure pumps.
  • Both are OriginalLine machines
  • Both offer two cup sizes (that can be reprogrammed)

The differences are:

Design wise, the Pixie is smaller and lighter in weight. Dimensions of the Pixie are 4.4″ x 9.3″ x 12.8″ and dimensions of the CitiZ are 5.1″ x 10.9″ x 14.6”. This should make a difference to someone who is tight on countertop space or needs to fit their machine in a personal office or a dorm.

Water Reservoir: as the Pixie is smaller in size, then it makes sense that it has a smaller water reservoir than the Citiz. Pixie’s reservoir is 24 oz and CitiZ has a 34 oz capacity.

Materials: this is where the Pixie shines, it has the best exterior of all Nespresso machines. Although it is not fully metal, the sides make a big part of the machine and they’re fully metal. On the other hand, the CitiZ has plastic housing.

Backlight Indicator: while this isn’t a major deal breaker, it is still a nice part of the machine’s design. Only Pixie has backlight indication for water reservoir and capsule drawer. The CitiZ does not have this feature.

Color Variation: If you like your machine’s design with nice color, the CitiZ is available in few colors like white, silver black or red. Pixie’s aluminum side panels can be updated to other colors as Nespresso does sell those panels individually as an accessory (called Pixie Clips), so if you ever get bored of the machine’s design, you have the option of updating it.

Which One Should You Buy?

I guess when picking between the Pixie and CitiZ, especially as standalone machines, it’s really hard to pick between the two. If you care about design, Pixie has the upper hand. But there’s also a price difference between the two, so budget is another thing to keep in mind.

If you’re planning to buy an Aeroccino with your machine, then I would absolutely recommend going for the CitiZ with built-in Aeroccino. Although it takes up some space, it makes a better choice as the Aeroccino is built into the base of the machine, which means you’ll only need one electric outlet instead of two to power the separate devices (when bought as a bundle).

Click here to learn more about Nespresso CitiZ, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Pixie vs. Essenza Mini, What’s The Difference?

As of the time I write this, the Essenza Mini is the most compact Nespresso machine available. It’s only 3.3” wide, making it easy to fit almost anywhere you want to use it. It’s my machine of choice for the office and I simply love how small it is.

Like the Pixie and CitiZ, Essenza Mini is an OriginalLine machine too. So they’re all compatible with the same line of capsules, either from Nespresso or from Nespresso-compatible brands.

Other similar features:

  • Two programmable cup sizes: Espresso and Lungo.
  • Removable drip tray.
  • Removable water reservoir.

Differences:

  • Of course, there’s a huge difference in design between the Pixie and Essenza Mini. The Pixie has a more upscale and more durable design while the Essenza Mini has fully plastic housing and is probably not as durable as the Pixie.
  • And with the Essenza Mini being that small, we can’t expect it to have a large reservoir. It has the smallest reservoir with only 20 oz capacity. Yet, it’s not that different from Pixie’s 24 oz capacity.
  • When it comes to the fancy light indication features of the Pixie, the Essenza Mini is yet another model that doesn’t have that.
  • The Used capsule drawer on the Essenza Mini is rather small and can hold up to 5 capsules only, so it will require more clean up than the Pixie which can hold up to 11 capsules before needing to discard them.

Which One To Buy?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini was introduced to the market as the smallest and most affordable choice out of all OriginalLine models. It’s perfect for someone who has limited space or want the Nespresso experience but doesn’t care much about the design. The Essenza Mini still looks good, and it’s available in two different aesthetics, one by Breville and another by DeLonghi. But in comparison to the Pixie, it’s a bit flimsy.

If design in a priority to you, the Pixie is the way to go. It’s still compact in comparison to other Nespresso OriginalLine machines, yet it has the best build of them all.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Essenza Mini, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Has Nespresso Pixie Been Discontinued?

As mentioned before, the Pixie is one of Nespresso’s earliest models. This makes people wonder if Nespresso has discontinued the model. The answer is no, the Pixie has not been discontinued (As of May 2019). It’s still pretty much on demand and Nespresso is still selling them.

Where Is Nespresso Pixie Made?

Pixie is the only Nespresso machine to be made in Switzerland, home of the Nespresso brand.

What Is the Best Keurig Machine To Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

It’s no surprise that people love their Keurig coffee makers! And we shouldn’t just call them ‘coffee makers’, Keurig machines do a lot more than just coffee. In fact, you can do coffee, tea, iced coffee, hot chocolate, other hot beverages like hot apple cider and more. But with so many Keurigs available on the market, as well as machines from other brands that can brew K-Cups, which one do you buy?

Answering the questions “What is the best….” has always been a tricky one. ‘Best’ is very subjective thing and means different things to different people. So what I’ll try to do here is to recommend a Keurig based on a specific feature that might appeal to you over other things. Overall, you’ll get the same quality of coffee out of any Keurig model, so you’ll have to pick what feature appeals to you the most that would make a particular model the best to you personally.

Things To Consider Before Buying Your Keurig Machine:

There are few a things to keep in mind when it comes to Keurig machines that will make choosing your best machine an easier task:

How Will You Use Your Machine?

Are you buying a machine for a single person to use or a small/large family? Or, how many cups will you be brewing per day? This will determine if you need a small or a larger machine with large capacity water reservoir. Also, are you going to use it at home or in an office? A home-use Keurig shouldn’t be used at an office where it will be used more often. There are commercial-ready Keurig machines for office use.

Advanced Functions:

Will you need advanced features like temperature or coffee strength control? Are you okay with button controls or would you prefer a touch screen?

Size:

Keurig machines can be a little bulky and do take up some space on your kitchen countertop. If you’re tight on space, make sure to go for a small or compact model.

The Best Keurig Machine – Keuirg K-Select:

The Keurig K-Select, which is the upgraded version of the K-Classic (also known as K55) meets all points for a classic machine that is perfectly sized with enough features to meet most people’s needs.

It has:

  • 52 oz water reservoir
  • 4 cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12oz
  • Strong Brew function for a stronger cup of coffee.
  • Brews all K-Cup pods, including refillable filters.
  • Simple button controls.
  • Accommodates cups up to 7.4″ tall.
  • Available in 6 colors.

The K-Select doesn’t have any fancy features. It does the job of brewing a cup of coffee in under a minute just right. It has a nicely sized reservoir which allows you to brew multiple cups before the need to refill it. The Strong Brew button, which steeps your coffee longer before brewing for a bolder cup of coffee, is great alternative for Strength control feature which is available on a more expensive models.

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Select and how it compares to Keurig K-Classic.

The Best Small Keurig Machine – Keurig K-Mini Plus:

If you’re looking for something small in size, look no further than the Keurig K-Mini Plus. This model, which is a big step up from its preceder the K-Mini, has been completely redesigned to be slimmer and look more modern. The K-Mini Plus has the following features:

  • It’s less than 5″ wide.
  • 4 cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Removable water tank.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods, including refillable filters.
  • Available in 4 colors.

So, what will you be giving up on in exchange of this really slim design?

No water reservoir – the machine has to be refilled for each use.

No controls buttons – the machine only has two controls on it, the brew button and Strong Brew button. How do you select your size? The machine brews whatever water amount you add to it, so fill the water tank to the size you want to brew (the water tank is clearly marked with each size capacity).

The water reservoir, or lack of, only becomes a problem when you need to use your machine frequently throughout the day. I don’t recommend this model for a large household, or for multiple brews per day (say, over 5 times per day).

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Mini Plus and how it’s different from the K-Mini.

The Best Keurig Machine with Programmable Options – Keurig K-Elite:

The K-Elite model is quite an upgrade from the K-Select and the K-Mini Plus. This is the model where you get it all: the advanced features, the controls, additional sizes, and more…

  • Large 75 oz water reservoir.
  • 5 cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Iced Coffee option.
  • Hot water on demand for making instant meals or tea.
  • Programmable auto on/off with digital clock.
  • High altitude settings.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods including refillable cups.
  • Available in 3 colors.

Using the K-Elite model, you’re getting a way larger water reservoir, an additional cup size, iced brew option, hot water on demand and programmable auto on/off option. The only con of this model is that it’s vastly larger, too. So you have to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate it.

What Is ICED brew option?

You could be wondering about the Iced option, and if you can do the same using other Keurig models?

The ICED option still brews your beverage hot (coffee or tea), however, the difference is, it takes into consideration the fact that your drink will get mixed in with ice soon enough. So in order not to get a diluted drink, when using this option, the machine will adjust the size and strength of the pod you are brewing to get you the best results.

Can you do the same using other Keurig machines, even if it doesn’t have ICED brew option? You can still brew a hot brew over ice, but you won’t get the best results as the ice might melt as soon as the hot coffee hits it. This is why the ICED option is helpful, it decreases the temperature and steeps the brew longer to make it taste better even if the ice melts into it.

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Elite and how it compares to K-Select and K575.

The Best Keurig Machine To Brew Single Cup and Carafe – The Keurig 2.0 K575:

If you want more than just a single cup out of your Keurig coffee maker, then the K575 is what you’re looking for. The Keurig 2.0 line is the only kind (as of time of writing) to brew both single serve cups and carafe size. It also offers a lot of programs and customization for anyone that needs it.

  • It features a large 80 oz water reservoir.
  • Large colored touchscreen display for easy control and customization.
  • Brews multiple cup sizes and K-Cup pods
  • Cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz
  • Mug sizes: 14 and 16 oz
  • Carafe sizes: 22, 26 and 20 oz.
  • K-Cup pods are used to brew cup sizes, K-Mug pods for mug sizes and K-Carafe pods for carafe sizes.
  • Compatible with branded K-Cup pods only. Refillable pods available.
  • Strength and temperature control. You can choose from 5 temperature settings.
  • Hot Water on demand.

The best thing about the K575 is the variety of sizes that it can brew. On the other hand, the limited selection available for K-Carafe and K-Mug pods are concerning. There are some refillable filters available for K-Carafes, but many are still not compatible with the K575 model.

Another con about this model is that the carafe is not included with your purchase. Unfortunately, you have to use their carafe, which is available either as a regular or thermal carafe, or the carafe brewing option will not be displayed on the machine.

Overall, even though this machine performs well, it’s still very limited. If you want to mainly brew carafe sizes, I would recommend a drip machine instead. And for single-cup brewing, any of the models mentioned above would make a better choice.

Click here to read our review and comparisons of the Keurig K575.


Best Moka Pot: Which Stovetop Espresso Maker Should You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

You know what goes with a perfect morning? Yes, That’s right! A strong cup of really good coffee.

Now, as much as we love the flavor and just the overall experience of a cup of coffee brewed automatically using a machine, sometimes you just want to enjoy the manual labor of making your own cup. So, how do you make a strong cup of coffee without the use of an electric machine? One thing to use is a moka pot.

If you haven’t heard of Moka pots, you may have heard of stove top espresso makers. While the two terms do refer to the same device, Moka pots don’t really produce espresso. They just brew concentrated, strong coffee which is very close to espresso.

Moka pot brewing may require a little getting used to before you start brewing perfect cups and that is probably why they have built a bad reputation over time. However, there are some myths to be busted. Let’s start with…

What Really is a Moka pot?

Moka pots originated in Italy in the early 1900s with Luigi De Ponti patenting his new invention which was for Alfonso Bialetti. It is a device that is used to brew commercial-like espresso right at home. It became popular all over Italy pretty quickly and then spread beyond the borders.

How does it work?

Well, it’s not rocket science but it does have some ingenuity behind it.

it basically has three compartments: the top compartment to collect the brew, the filter basket right below it and the water chamber at the bottom. The metal body on these things are made to withstand high heat and consequent corrosion or rusting. The coffee basket or the filter basket is filled with a precisely fine ground coffee. The water in the base is then heated making the steam rise through the grounds and then reach the top compartment. What makes this so close to espresso other than this extreme coffee to water ratio, is that the water boiling in a mostly sealed compartment creates pressure. Sure, the pressure isn’t what is used in commercial espresso machines which is about 9 bar, but it is more than what you can produce with bare hands. The best Moka pots usually have a pressure of about 1-2 bar.

What this pressurized brewing does is, almost doubles the parts of coffee to that of water. While a normal cup of coffee is brewed at about 1:16 ratio of coffee to water, a Moka pot can bump it up to a 1:7. It produces a coffee strong enough to be very versatile. It can be used for many espresso based drinks like the Americano if diluted with more water or cappuccinos and lattes.

But this element of pressurized brewing is mainly what has caused the confusion around the items. As mentioned before, Moka pots don’t produce real espresso, it’s just concentrated coffee. But if you enjoy similar flavor at a much more affordable price, isn’t that what really matters?

Pros vs Cons of Moka Pots:

Although Moka pots have a pretty straightforward brewing technique, it does require some practice to brew a perfect cup. This learning curve throws some people off. But really, it’s not that hard!

The obvious pros include a simple mechanism, easy maintenance, durable, pocket friendly, easy to use, etc. The con being the learning curve. Being a bit careless might make a very bitter and unenjoyable brew.

You might also want to ask yourself if this is what you want before investing your time and money in this. Because, again, it does NOT produce real espresso. So if espresso is exactly what you want you should look for real espresso machines.

How To Choose The Right Moka Pot?

Although the Moka pot itself and its types are important considerations while buying, we will come to that later. Another very important consideration is the coffee you are using. This is not news that coffee is best at its freshest. Even the best beans start losing flavor after a week or two. And ground coffee even faster. So, to get the best out of your stove top espresso maker, you should always use freshly ground coffee.

Now the device itself…

#1 Aluminum or stainless steel

Both these metals are widely used for the body of stove top espresso makers as they are both very durable and can handle heat. However, aluminum is undoubtedly much susceptible to corrosion or oxidation. The aluminum ones will cost a lot lesser but will not be dishwasher safe and you will have to pat it completely and absolutely dry after washing to avoid oxidation. However, even with corrosive tendencies, it will last you one or two decades.

Stainless steel on the other hand are way more durable and will probably last a lifetime, not prone to corrosion, can be washed in a dishwasher. But they will also cost more. Even though stainless steel is dishwasher safe, it is not recommended, to extend the life of your Moka pot. So, while aluminum can cost a whole lot less and still last many years, stainless steel is really durable and much more easy to maintain.

#2 Cup size

It is very important to keep in mind that the filter basket has to be always full to the rim to brew properly. You can not use a bigger pot to make smaller amounts of coffee. So, the size you decide to buy should be really thought out. Common Moka pot sizes are 1 cup, 3 cup, 6 cup, 9/10 cup and 12cup. But you must remember that these cup measurements are not standard cups, they are the same as espresso shots.The 1 or 2 cup ones may be good enough for a single person’s use depending on their preference but a 6 cup pot is usually recommended for two servings so it is perfect for couples or just for sharing with a friend. The larger sizes may come in handy if you are serving a big family, or guests. So, before buying think about how may people one brew will be serving because having to repeat the process over and over can be really frustrating, but
having a bigger than necessary size will result in a lot of grounds an brew being wasted.

#3 Compatibility

Do make sure to check if the model you are buying is compatible with your stove top. most Moka pots that will work for a gas stove may not work for an induction or electric stove as well. Choose one that will best suit your available facilities.

How To Use Your Stove Top Espresso Maker?

Using fresh ground coffee will always help enhance the flavor of your brew. The water used is also important, if the water tastes bad to you, the brew probably will too. Along with the right coffee and right water, keep a damp towel ready and cold.

The coffee needs to be finely ground but not fine enough to be clogging the pot somehow. Once you have the perfect ground, fill the filter basket with but don’t pack it. Make sure there is no ground is stuck between the joints, it may cause problems with the pressure forming inside. There is always a valve in the water chamber to release excess pressure if need be. You need to fill the water up to right below the valve. If the valve is submerged it will not work properly when need. Using boiling water for the bottom chamber rather than normal water is also good as it will avoid the risk of over extracting the coffee when the water is getting heated. Now you have to perform the fairly simple assembly. After putting it on the stove top, it will require about 5-10 mins to complete brewing. At first you might need some trial and errors to find the right temperature and brewing time. Once the brewing is done, wrap it in the cold damp towel to prevent over brewing due to internal heat.

And that’s it! Enjoy your coffee.

Best Moka Pots To Buy:

If you still need some help deciding, here are the best stove top espresso makers that we could find!

The Original Bialetti Moka Express:

This classic item possesses over 80 years of design and elegance. The special 8 sided design helps distribute the heat evenly producing a rich flavored coffee and enhance its aroma. This stove top espresso maker with an aluminum body has a patented safety valve and is very easy to disassemble and clean.

Bialetti Venus Espresso Coffee Maker

This is a more contemporary design by the same legendary company. It is a stainless steel alternative to the previous option and produces a much smoother brew. It also has a heat resistant handle for easier use.

Cuisinox Roma Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker

This option from a different manufacturer is a very versatile one. It has adjustable filter basket sizes and an induction base. It is also compatible with most cooking surfaces. Also, the sleek and fancy design is very eye-catching.

Wrapping the Towel…

The Moka pot or the stove top espresso maker is a real easy way for anyone with a caffeine affinity to have good quality coffee right at home. After a few practice runs, you will never fail to produce rich, strong and flavorful coffee, whether it is to treat yourself or to share a warm cup with a close one.

Which Nespresso Machine Is the Smallest?

Posted on by SuperDee

Nespresso machines are usually the first choice for someone who wants a convenient single serve espresso machine that wouldn’t take a lot of space, either in a kitchen, a dorm room or an office. These machines are mess-free and can be used anywhere!

Although most of Nespresso’s machines are compact in size, they still vary in size and dimensions. So in this post, I will highlight the smallest machine in size, from the Original line or Vertuo Line.

Nespresso Original vs. Vertuo, What’s the Difference?

Nespresso Original is, as the name suggests, the original line of Nespresso machines and capsules. Machines in this line use the original Nespresso capsules and it can only make Espresso and espresso based drinks like Lungo, cappuccino or latte (when combined with a milk frother). Using an Original line machine, you can also use third-party refillable pods that you can fill with your own coffee ground. Machines in this line include: Pixie, CitiZ, Nespresso Creatista and Lattissima Pro.

Vertuo line is the newer line from Nespresso. What’s different here is that a Vertuo machine has completely redesigned capsules and it can make coffee as well as espresso. You’ll find a variety of capsules for from Nespresso for making espresso and coffee, but unlike the Original line, there are no refillable pods available for Vertuo machines.

Which Nespresso Original Line Machine is the Smallest?

The Essenza Mini is the smallest single serve espresso machine by Nespresso. It has been designed to be compact to fit anywhere, without compromising on taste.

Dimensions of the machine are (WxHxD): 3.3 x 12.9 x 8 Inches and it only weighs 5 lbs. This makes it the perfect size to use in any room. Other features:

  • 19-bar high pressure pump for a great espresso extraction.
  • Two programmable cup sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5oz)
  • 20 oz removable water reservoir.
  • Used capsule drawer holds up to 6 capsules.
  • Heat up time: 25 seconds.

The Essenza Mini is available in two designs, one is manufactured by DeLonghi and another by Breville. There’s no difference in the actual machine and how it works, the difference is only aesthetic.

Which Nespresso Vertuo line Machine is The Smallest?

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is the smallest in the Vertuo line. Although it doesn’t compare to the compactness of a machine like the Essenza Mini, but if you want a Nespresso machine that makes both coffee and espresso drinks, then this would be your choice.

What makes the VertuoPlus unique is its repositionable water reservoir which makes it adaptable to any space. The reservoir can be positioned at the back of the machine or to either side. Dimensions are (WxHxD): 16.2 x 12.8 x 5.6 and it weighs 24 lbs.

Other features of the VertuoPlus:

  • One-touch brewing with automatic capsule recognition. The machine will read the barcode of the inserted capsule and automatically recognize if it’s an espresso or coffee capsule, and will adjust accordingly.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 40 oz.
  • Use capsule capacity: 10 capsules.
  • Brew sizes: espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), lungo (5 oz), coffee (7.7 oz) or Alto – large coffee (14 oz).
  • Heat up time: 25 seconds.

Like the Essenza Mini, the VertuoPlus is also available from either DeLonghi or Breville as its manufacturer. The machines by either manufacturer will only differ in colors and slight design differences.

Video Reviews:

Review and Comparisons of Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Cappuccino Maker

Posted on by SuperDee

Making your favorite coffee drinks at home has never been easier thanks to single serve coffee makers such as Nespresso, Keurig or Ninja Coffee Bar. Another brand that has an easy to use, one-touch coffee maker is Mr. Coffee. Their One-Touch CoffeeHouse espresso, cappuccino and latte maker works just as its name suggests, with one touch of a button. No experience required. Also, no continuous pod expenses as this machine uses coffee ground.

What Are The Features of Mr. Coffee One Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Maker?

  • 19-bar Italian pump pressure for full flavorful extraction of coffee.
  • Easy one-touch controls. Select from two pre-set sizes for each drink: espresso, cappuccino or latte. You can also create your own custom settings.
  • Make a single or double shot at the same time.
  • Automatic built-in frother heats and froths milk. Froth level can be adjusted.
  • Milk container is removable so any leftover milk can be stored in the fridge.
  • Adjustable cup tray allows you to fit short or tall cups. It can also hold one to two cups for espresso extraction.
  • Milk tank capacity: 650ml. Enough for 6 cappuccinos or 3 lattes.
  • The machine includes a portafilter with two baskets (single or double), a coffee scoop and a tamper.

Click here to learn more about Mr Coffee One Touch CoffeeHouse, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse vs. Cafe Barista, Are They The Same?

Mr. Coffee has another cappuccino and latte maker named Cafe Barista. How is Cafe Barista different than CoffeeHouse model and which one should you choose?

Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse is the upgraded version of Cafe Barista. It’s designed with a few improvements that make your overall experience better:

  • Capacity: Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse has a capacity to make 6 Cappuccinos or 3 Lattes before refilling water or milk. Cafe Barista can make 4 Cappuccinos and 2 Lattes. The larger capacity of CoffeeHouse can be useful for a larger family, office use or when entertaining guests.
  • Drip Tray Capacity: The drip tray of CoffeeHouse can hold two cups at a time instead of just one like the Cafe Barista. This means when brewing two shots for two cups, you can position them both at the same time. However, when using the frother, the milk will be dispensed one cup at a time.
  • Pump Pressure: CoffeeHouse has a more powerful 19 bar pressure while the Cafe Barista has 15 bars pressure.
  • Thermo Couples: This is the part that is responsible for heating in the machine. The CoffeeHouse has 3 thermo couples while the Cafe Barista has 2. More Thermo Couples means more stable temperature for coffee and milk heating.

Click here to learn more about Mr Coffee Cafe Barista, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Which One Do You Choose? Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse or Mr Coffee Cafe Barista?

Image
Feature19-Bar Italian pump delivers ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors
Easy 1-button interface takes the guesswork out of controlling the espresso maker
Select single or double shots of espresso with a simple one-button press
Thermocouple heating system evenly heats the water for piping-hot drinks
Automatic milk frother whips any milk into a light, creamy froth
Removable milk reservoir is easy to fill, clean and store leftover milk in the fridge
Cup tray adjusts to conveniently fit tall and short mugs
Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino and latte maker
15-bar pump system brews rich-tasting espresso coffee
Trouble-free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork
One-touch control panel for drink selections; Creates single and double servings
Easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs; Programmed cleaning cycle
Cord length: 26 Inches & Watts: 1040
TitleMr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino MachineMr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Red
ReviewsRead ReviewsRead Reviews
LinkMore InfoMore Info

  • The feature between the two models that can make the biggest difference is capacity. Think of how many people going to use the machine or how many people you’ll be serving at a time. The CoffeeHouse model has the larger capacity so it will make a better choice for users who are serving many people.
  • The Thermo Couples on the CoffeeHouse will also provide more stable temperature and probably hotter drinks faster. So if that’s important to you, the CoffeeHouse model is your pick.
  • Other feature differences are somewhat small and shouldn’t effect your experience much.

Watch How The Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Works:

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System Review – Should You Buy It?

Posted on by SuperDee

When looking for a pod-free single-serve coffee maker, a lot of people consider the Ninja Coffee Bar to be their best bet. It’s a coffee maker that not only does single-serve without pods, but also many serving sizes up to a full 10-cup pot. It’s a great option for someone who needs a variety of serving sizes and no commitment to any type of pods. But I’m not here to discuss the Ninja coffee bar, but another member of the Ninja family; The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System. This system not only offers a variety of pod-free serving sizes, but also expands the variety of drinks you can make to coffee and tea, hot or cold!

Features of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System:

  • Brew types: Coffee and Tea using ground coffee, tea bags or loose tea. No pods required.
  • Brew sizes: single serve, XL cup, travel cup, Multi-serve, half pot and full pot.
  • Brew styles: classic, rich, over ice, cold brew or specialty.
  • Smart basket recognition: system includes two labeled baskets for coffee or tea. The system automatically recognized the inserted basket and displays the menu accordingly.
  • Tea brew Selection: Herbal, Black, Oolong, White and Green.
  • Upon tea selection, the system automatically adjusts the water temperature and steep time for the best results per tea type.
  • Built-in milk frother for creating specialty coffee drinks like cappuccino or lattes.
  • Comes with a 50 oz carafe. You can choose from glass or thermal options.

Click here to learn more about the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Watch How The Brewer Works:

What Is The Cold Brew Option in the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System?

In the Hot and Cold Brew system, there’s two type of cold drink options: Over ice and Cold brew. Over Ice is just what its name indicates, you brew your coffee or tea hot over ice to make your iced drink. But how does the Cold Brew option work?

Cold Brew is the process of making coffee using cold water instead of hot, and letting it steep for over 8 hours. The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system doesn’t do that, but it does something similar to the process. When selecting the Cold Brew option, your coffee or tea will brew at a lower temperature of 110F. The steeping time is from 10 to 15 minutes. Brewing coffee or tea at lower temperature usually results in a smoother non-bitter flavor. The brew is also stronger, so as the ice melts, it does not get diluted but the water only adds to the flavor and coldness of the drink.

Serving Sizes of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System:

Like mentioned above, one of the great features of Ninja’s brewing systems is the variety of serving sizes. Here’s the sizes you’ll be able to brew (volumes vary slightly from one brew type to another, these volumes are for Classic brew type):

  • Cup: 9.5 oz
  • XL Cup: 11.5 oz
  • Travel Mug: 14 oz
  • XL Multi-serve: 18 oz

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System vs. Ninja Coffee Bar, Which Do You Pick?

In the beginning of this post, I mentioned that the Ninja Coffee Bar is a popular choice for a machine that does it all serving sizes, including single-serve, without the use of pods.

Between the Ninja Coffee Bar and Hot and Cold Brewed System, which do you choose?

  • As a coffee maker, there’s no difference between the two brewers. Both can make the same serving sizes and same brew types (Except for Cold Brew).
  • The biggest difference here is that the Ninja Coffee Bar is a coffee maker only. The Hot and Cold Brewed system is a coffee and tea maker.
  • With the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system you can select from 5 coffee types (strength) and 5 tea types. The Ninja Coffee Bar has 5 coffee selections only.

So your choice is rather easy here. Do you need a coffee maker or a brewer that can does both coffee and tea drinks? Also, would Cold Brew be appealing to you as a drink option? Since it’s only available in the Hot and Cold Brewed System.

You can learn more about the Ninja Coffee Bar here.

Keurig K Mini Plus vs. K15 vs. K-Select, Which Is Best?

Posted on by SuperDee

For the longest time, we’ve known the K15 to be Keurig’s smallest brewer. It’s been favored by people who have small spaces, students and as a coffee for a one-person use. But we’re glad that a new version of the K15 has been released and the upgrade is getting a lot of rave reviews.

Keurig K Mini PLUS:

At first sight, you can totally see just how nicely the design of the new K-Mini Plus has improved over the K15 model. It’s thinner, taking up even less space. It’s sleeker with a matte finish and nice metal accents. But that’s not all there is to it, so let’s have a look at its improved features:

  • Less than 5″ width. Fits perfectly anywhere.
  • Choose from four cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Brew any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable pods.
  • Strong Brew option allows you to make a stronger brew.
  • Removable water reservoir.
  • The one-cup reservoir needs to be refilled for each brew.
  • Pod storage holds up to 9 K-Cups and fits into the brewer. Great for when using the brewer on the go.
  • Available in black or red.

Click here to learn more about K-Mini Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What K-Cup Pods Are Compatible with K-Mini Plus?

The K-Mini Plus is one of those versatile K-Cup brewers that won’t limit you to branded pods. You can use any type of K-Cup pod, either branded or generic. You can also use a refillable filter pod to use your own coffee ground. You can also brew other beverages like hot chocolate, tea and any other beverage available as a K-Cup pod.

Keurig K Mini Plus vs K15, What’s The Difference?

This is the K15. As you can see, there’s quite a difference in design. It’s been truly modernized and slimmed in width to fit any countertop even better. Although the K Mini Plus is slimmer in width, it’s taller in height.

Other difference is that the K Mini Plus now has an additional cup size, it brews up to 12 oz while the K15 brews up to 10 oz. And thanks to the Strong Brew option, you can brew an even stronger and bolder tasting cup that the K15.

So to recap, the K Mini Plus has:

  • an additional cup size, a total of four cup sizes, 6 to 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Less than 5″ wide.

Should You Upgrade Your Old Keurig K-Mini?

If you already own a Keurig K15, is it worth it to upgrade to the newer version, K-Mini Plus? The answer to this would truly depend on what you really need. If the additional 12 oz size and Strong Brew option will make a difference to you, then it’s totally worth the upgrade for sure. Otherwise, if your K15 is still working and you don’t need anything additional out of it, an upgrade shouldn’t be necessary.

Watch How It Works:

Keurig K-Mini Plus vs. K-Select, What’s The Difference?

K-Select is another upgraded release from Keurig replacing the K55 (now called K-Classic). The K-Select is what we can call the blown up version of the K Mini Plus, it’s bigger in size, and more suitable to a family use:

  • It has a water reservoir of 52 oz capacity, so no need for refilling at every brew.
  • It has the same four serving sizes as the K Mini Plus: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew Option.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup Pods.
  • Includes a water filter handle and one water filter cartridge.

With the K-Select, you’re getting nearly the same features as the K-Mini Plus, but in a larger form. The water reservoir allows you to brew up to 5 cups before refilling, the water filter ensures a better tasting coffee and less need for descaling.

If the brewer is going to be used by a family, or if you brew lots of cups throughout the day, the K-Select is probably better suited for you for its large reservoir.

Click here to learn more about K-Select, read the customer reviews and buy it.

 

Keurig K-Elite vs. K-Select – Which Do You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

I talked about the Keurig K-Select model in a previous post and mentioned that it was a direct competitor to the Keurig K55 (K-Classic). The K-Elite is another model was released around the same time as the K-Select. The shiny and sleek design catches your eye right away, but that’s not all there is to it. The K-Elite is a step up from both K-Select and K-Classic, just keep on reading to find out how they’re different…

Features of Keurig K-Elite K-Cup Brewer:

  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods: branded, non-branded and refillable pods.
  • Brews five cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option for increasing the strength of your coffee brew.
  • Iced Setting: brew over ice without losing the full flavor of your coffee.
  • Programmable settings: auto on/off, clock, temperature control and high altitude settings.
  • How Water on Demand: hot water always ready for instant meals or soups.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 75 oz.
  • Easy to use control buttons with small display for programming/displaying clock.
  • Premium brushed finish with metal accents gives the machine a more modern look.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Elite, read the customer reviews and buy it.

K-Elite K vs. K-Elite C, Is There a Difference?

You might find the K-Elite available under two names, K-Elite K or K-Elite C. There is no actual difference in the machine itself, but what’s bundled with it:

  • The K-Elite K includes a pack of 6 K-Cup pods, a water filter hand and a water filter cartridge.
  • K-Elite C includes: 15 K-Cup pods, My K-Cup refillable filter, water filter handle and one water filter cartridge.

Video Review of the K-Elite:

Keurig K-Elite Pod Compatibility:

K-Elite model, like the K-Select and K-Classic, allows you to brew any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable pods. However, it’s not compatible with pods made for Keurig 2.0 that are labeled K-Mug or K-Carafe, since those are bigger and designed differently.

How Is K-Elite Different Than Other Keurig Brewers?

K-Elite vs. Keurig K575:

  • K575 is a Keurig 2.0 brewer, so it’s in a different category than the K-Elite.
  • Keurig 2.0 machines are designed to brew single cups, mugs and carafe sizes.
  • They use branded K-Cup pods as well as refillable pods.
  • Available pods for Keurig K575: K-Cup, K-Mug and K-Carafe.
  • Serving sizes vary from 6 oz to 16 oz for a cup/mug, and 30 oz for a carafe.
  • K575 uses a colored touchscreen for controls. You can use the screen to adjust size, strength and temperature of your drink.
  • K575 has a large 80 oz water reservoir.

Which do you choose?

  • The Keurig K575 is for anyone who wants to brew a single cup or a full carafe. The fact that it can only brew branded K-Cups can limit your options, but you can still use My K-Cup refillable filter (also available from other brands).
  • If you don’t need to brew a full carafe, the K-Elite should be enough. It has many of K575’s best features (strong brew, temperature control, hot water on demand), yet, it still only brews single-serve cups. And the best part is that it’s compatible with all available K-Cup pods.

Click here to read our full guide and comparisons of Keurig K575

K-Elite vs. K-Select:

The K-Select, like the K-Elite, has some really good features, but it lacks the ‘next-level’ features that the K-Elite packs:

  • For serving sizes: K-Elite has five cup sizes (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz) while K-Select has four (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz).
  • Both models have Strong Brew option for increasing the strength of your drink.
  • Temperature control is only available in K-Elite, and it allows you to brew between 187-192 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Iced setting is only available in K-Elite, too. You can still brew over ice using all Keurig brewers, of course. But the idea behind the Iced setting is that is brews a more concentrated drink so when the ice starts melting, your drink does not taste watered down.
  • Programmability is a feature of K-Elite that the K-Select does not have. Using the clock on the K-Elite, you can set it to go on or off at a certain time. The K-Select has auto off option only, which is an energy saving feature.
  • The water reservoir on the K-Elite is 75 oz and 52 oz on the K-Select.

Which do you choose?

If temperature control and auto on are important to you, then it’ll make sense to go for the K-Elite. If you’re not fussy about the exact temperature of your coffee and don’t need the extra programmability, the K-Select is a great option.

Click here to read the full guide on the Keurig K-Select.

K-Elite vs. K55:

K55 (K-Classic) is quite comparable to the K-Select. So, what you read in the previous comparison applies here. The K-Classic still lacks some of the K-Select features though:

  • It only has three serving sizes: 6, 8 and 10 oz.
  • It does not have the Strong Brew option.

The K-Elite is quite a step-up from both the K-Select and K-Elite. But when you choose between them, it always comes down to what you need in a brewer.

Click here to read the full guide on Keurig K55.

K-Elite vs. Ninja Coffee Bar System:

The Ninja Coffee Bar is an entirely different system than Keurig K-Elite (than all Keurig machines, really). Ninja’s Coffee Bar is available as a single serve or a carafe system, but what sets it apart is that it’s more like a traditional coffee maker, in the sense that it only uses coffee ground to make coffee (no pods, whatsoever). Also, it only makes coffee, unlike a Keurig, which can make a lot of other drinks, too.

If the Ninja Coffee Bar is of interest to you, then you can read our full guide on it here.