Keurig K-Cafe Review

Keurig K-Cafe review examines an affordable, easy to use cappuccino and latte coffee maker that delivers a rich espresso-like experience.

Keurig K-Cafe Review
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Keurig K-Cafe Review

The only Keurig machine with an in-built milk frother, the Keurig K-Cafe makes it simple to enjoy milky coffee drinks at home… within minutes.

(Updated on 2nd March, 2023)

TABLE OF CONTENTS – What’s In This Coffee Machine Review?

Keurig K-Cafe Review : An Overview

Features At A Glance:

  • milk frother to make latte and cappuccino
  • strong brew option
  • shot button to pull a quick espresso
  • easy and convenient to clean
  • ‘Smart start’ technology

Pros:

  • brews coffee fast, in less than 2 minutes
  • inbuilt milk frother is easy to use
  • large capacity removable water tank
  • brew strength can be adjusted
  • large and sturdy build
  • easy to maintain and clean after use
  • attractive design
  • Smart version can be controlled via app

 

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Cons:

  • brew temperature is not very hot
  • no dedicated hot water option
  • coffee pods cannot be reused

Technical Specs

Brand: Keurig
Model: Keurig K-Cafe
Category: Pour over coffee maker

Reservoir Capacity: 60 oz
Water tank removable: Yes
Brew size: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz
Milk frother: included
Auto-off: yes

Weight: 12.9 lbs
Dimensions:
Depth – 12.1 in
Width – 11 in
Height – 17.2 in

Keurig K-Cafe Review

Taste Test

Cappuccino - When to drink one

Even if the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker doesn’t mimic the taste of a perfect espresso, it comes quite close. Especially with the ‘strong brew‘ function activated, you’ll enjoy a rich, intense serving.

This is the only Keurig model with a built-in milk frother with 3 hot settings and 1 for cold foam. You can make lattes, cappuccinos and cold coffee at home.

The brewing is fast and you’ll enjoy your beverage in under 2 minutes. The flavor is good and most users are thrilled at the quality of their coffee drinks.

Keurig K-Cafe Review

Performance

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker delivers the same excellent coffee making performance as any Keurig machine.

It’s main console delivers 6, 8, 10 or 12 ounce single-cup servings. You have the option of adjusting brew strength.

With the ‘strong‘ button pressed, you’ll get a more robust brew for just a slightly longer waiting time. The machine uses less water and increases contact time for better extraction of flavor.

You also can select to brew an espresso-like shot, or get steamed milk.

When turned on, the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker heats up in 28 seconds. The coffee is brewed and ready to drink in less than a minute.

One minor drawback is that you cannot adjust brew temperature, and some users feel the heating isn’t optimal.

Multi-stream technology improves interaction by spraying hot water through 5 holes during the brewing process. This saturates the grounds and enhances the flavor of your coffee.

With the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker you have options to make a latte or cappuccino. This starts with a 2 oz shot of espresso, to which you can add milk foam from the frother.

The frother is located on the right side of the machine and comes with a stainless steel pitcher with lid. It can hold 4 oz of milk.

Keurig K-Cafe Review
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Keurig K-Cafe Review

Keurig K-Cafe Smart Review

Design

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker has an appealing and modern design. The body is mostly plastic and the machine is compact to save space while offering multiple functions.

The water reservoir is situated behind the milk frother, reducing the footprint and adding to aesthetic appeal. It has a capacity of 60 oz and you can easily remove and refill it conveniently. The handle makes it easy to carry it over to a sink for topping up.

Controls to adjust brew size and strength are located in the middle console. The buttons are large and clearly labelled. You can select between 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounce servings.

There is a ‘Shot’ button to pull espresso shots to make a latte or cappuccino.

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker Review

Special Features

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker is a versatile machine to make coffee, espresso shots, and froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

Milk Frother:

The Keurig K-Cafe is the only Keurig coffee maker to have an inbuilt milk frother. It offers 3 frothing modes – latte, cappuccino and cold froth.

You can use regular milk, or other options like almond, coconut or oat milk. Pour in enough milk upto the marked line and select the right frothing mode. Then just insert a K-cup and brew.

To make iced coffee drinks, fill a pitcher with milk and select the ‘cold froth’ button. If you start with cold skim milk, you’ll get a rich foam.

Ensure that the lid is on before frothing.

 

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Programmable:

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker offers limited programmable functions.

You cannot control the brew temperature, or set a timer to turn on automatically. There is an auto-off function, which switches the coffee maker off 2 hours after the last brew.

K Cups:

All standard Keurig K-cups are compatible with the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker.

In addition to the espresso-style cups, you can also use dark roasted K-cups for better tasting milky coffee drinks. These ensure a bold, strong espresso shot.

Iced Coffee Drinks:

You can brew cold coffee drinks using the Keurig K-Cafe Smart coffee maker. Press the ‘Shot’ button and use cold froth options to make a delicious tasty caramel macchiato or iced vanilla latte.

Warranty:

The manufacturer offers a 1 year warranty against flaws and faults that interfere with home use.

Keurig K-Cafe Review

Ease of Use

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker is easy to use, just like any other Keurig single serve coffee machine.

All you have to do is insert a K-cup into the chamber, select the brew size, and press a button to start.

Even when you want to select a ‘Shot‘ or ‘Strong‘ brew, the option requires just the tap of another button.

After 3 minutes for the water to heat up, brewing begins. It’s even simpler to froth milk using the frother. Fill the pitcher with milk and pick either the latte or cappuccino button.

One limitation is that the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker doesn’t make real espresso as there is no pressure jet forcing hot water into the pods. However, in taste the shots are almost as good.

A ‘Smart start’ function lets you pre-select the cup size even before the machine is ready. Brewing will begin once the water is hot.

Keurig K-Cafe Smart Review

Clean Up & Maintenance

It’s convenient and easy to maintain the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker.

Regularly wipe down the external surfaces with a damp cloth.

Once in a while, you should descale the machine (ideally every 3 months). A maintenance reminder will let you know when it’s time to do this.

Rinse out the frother with water after each use. You can even pop it into a dishwasher, along with the drip tray and water reservoir.

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Machine Review

Price

A Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker isn’t the least expensive model. However, since it comes with an inbuilt milk frother, you won’t have to pay additionally for one.

This is handy if you enjoy milky coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

One more point to keep in mind is that the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker can only use branded K-cup pods. This cost must be factored into the overall expense you’ll incur by buying this model.

You can save a bit by buying a reusable K-cup pod that’s compatible with the Keurig K-Cafe.

Keurig K-Cafe Review

Our Verdict

The Keurig K Cafe Smart is an ideal choice for effortlessly making delicious hot and cold coffee drinks at home. It’s easy to use, has a variety of options, and comes with a milk frother included.

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You could quickly and easily enjoy a latte or cappuccino within a couple of minutes from the comfort of your home.

Although it only uses regular K-cups and cannot make real espresso, the flavor and richness of coffee brewed on a Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker is excellent. However, don’t look forward to crema or velvety froth.

The large reservoir with 60 oz capacity is convenient as you won’t have to refill it too often. Maintenance is easy and all parts are dishwasher friendly.

While the price may deter a few buyers, when you consider all that you’ll get from a Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker, it’s reasonably good value for money.

Keurig K-Cafe Review
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Keurig K-Cafe Review

Keurig K-Cafe Review

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the K-Café and the K-Café Special Edition different?

The latter has a nickel finish, metal handle and a metal drip tray. In all other respects, both models are identical.

Does Keurig K-Café have a warranty?

Yes, you’ll get a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Is there a milk frother included?

Yes, the Keurig K-Cafe is the only Keurig coffee maker with a milk frother included in your purchase. This means you can make milky coffee drinks at home.

Does it work with other coffee pods?

The Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker is compatible with all K-cup coffee pods but not other manufacturer capsules or pods.

Can you make iced coffee drinks using the K-Cafe?

Yes, the Keurig K-Cafe Smart coffee maker can make iced coffee drinks like a caramel macchiato and iced vanilla latte.

Keurig K-Cafe Review
Buy now from Amazon.com
Keurig K-Cafe Review