In this Keurig K-Express review you’ll discover delightful features of one of the fastest (and least expensive) Keurig coffee makers.
Basic but compact, it delivers value with
- fast brewing,
- 8 to 12 oz brew sizes,
- adjustable strength settings, and
- provision for a 7″ tall travel mug.
(Updated on 6th January 2023)
Keurig K-Express Review
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Compact and tiny footprint, fits in small spaces
- Affordable price, most inexpensive Keurig model
- Fast and efficient, coffee ready in just a minute
- Elegant, sleek design fits most decors
- Large water reservoir brews multiple cups
- Removable water tank makes refilling easy
- Choice of brew size from 8, 10 or 12 oz
- Adjustable ‘Strong Brew’ strength setting
- Can use K-cup pods or ground coffee
- Easy to operate and clean
- Drip tray can be removed to fit 7″ travel mug
- Auto-off function conserves energy
- Low maintenance, descaling once in 250 brews
- Alerts notify you when it’s time to descale
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- No temperature setting
- No milk frother for specialty drinks
Keurig K-Express Review
3 Quick Questions – If You’re In A Hurry
If you don’t have time for a detailed Keurig K-Express review, then here are 3 vital questions.
They’ll help you quickly decide if the Keurig K-Express coffee maker is right for you.
1. Is there anything wrong with the Keurig K-Express coffee maker?
No, as almost any Keurig K-Express review will affirm, this is a really good single-serve coffee machine.
A strong advantage is that it is compact and includes some nifty features like brewing stronger coffee, and offering multiple brew sizes.
If you’re worried that it has some deadly flaws that might force you to regret buying the Keurig K-Express, be assured that there aren’t any.
This is a perfectly decent coffee machine for the home and office.
2. Are there other alternatives to the Keurig K-Express coffee maker?
There are a few other models that you might consider as alternatives to the Keurig K-Express coffee maker.
The Keurig K-Classic is a popular favorite that can also brew 3 cup sizes in less than a minute. Its no-frills design and 48 oz water tank give it an edge over other models.
But it is not as compact as the Keurig K-Express machine.
Another choice is the Keurig K-Cafe which offers a wider range of brew sizes from 4 to 12 oz. and also can make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also more convenient, with auto-ejection of used coffee pods.
However, it is more robust coffee machine and also costs much more.
For a single-serve coffee maker with adjustable strength settings that is also compact and inexpensive, there are few better options than the Keurig K-Express coffee machine.
3. Where can you buy the Keurig K-Express coffee maker?
There are two broad choices – in a retail outlet, or online.
Stores and supermarkets like Walmart, Target and Best Buy often stock these popular best Keurig coffee maker models.
You may even find them offered at juicy deals and discounts on seasonal sales.
Online e-commerce portals like Amazon.com are a convenient way to order the Keurig K-Express coffee maker
It’s quick and convenient. You can have your purchase delivered to your doorstep – at no extra cost.
You won’t face the vexing problem of your model being out of stock either.
And what’s more, these e-commerce websites almost always offer coupon deals and bonus add-ons.
You’ll often get more value for your money.
Keurig K-Express Review
An Overview
Among the most affordable of Keurig’s product line, almost every Keurig K-Express review highlights its
- compactness (less than 5″ in width),
- adjustable strength setting, and
- a choice between a brew size of 8, 10 or 12 oz.
The Keurig K-Express is a close contender to the K-Mini for small kitchens with limited counter space.
Key Features
The Keurig K-Express is a relatively recent model and has innovative features that enhance your coffee drinking experience.
- Compact and fits nicely into even small offices and kitchens
- Brew size of 8, 10 and 12 ounces
- 42 oz water reservoir
- Removable water tank makes refilling easy
- Auto-off function saves energy
- Simple button controls for brew size
- Stronger coffee at the push of a button
- Very fast brew time, coffee ready in 1 minute
- High altitude setting included
- No temperature controls
- Cannot make iced coffee
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.9″ x 12.6″ x 4.7″
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Color: Black
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Reservoir size: 42 oz
- Warranty: 1 year, limited
What’s In The Box
- Keurig K-Express coffee maker (Black)
- Removable water reservoir (42 oz)
- Instruction manual
- Documentation and warranty
Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker Review
Design and Appearance
If all you want is a basic coffee machine to brew delicious coffee quickly and without any fuss, then look no further than the Keurig K-Express.
Keurig is a well-known brand and manufactures an entire line of coffee makers of uniformly high quality and great performance.
Sporting a sleek and compact design, the Keurig K-Express coffee maker is ideal for small kitchens and offices where countertop space is a constraint.
The design has similarities with other compact models like the Keurig K-Slim and Keurig K-Mini coffee makers.
So which one of these options should you pick?
For a first-time coffee machine shopper, the Keurig K-Express coffee maker is a good choice.
It is very affordable. Being made of BPA-free plastic, the machine is sturdy and durable.
Its design is attractive and contemporary, though it comes only in one color option – black.
The finish is classy, and your coffee maker will fit nicely into any decor or setting.
From a design perspective, there’s much to appreciate.
The smallish drip tray can be removed to allow even a tall 7.4″ thermal travel cup to be comfortably accommodated under the spout.
Along the right edge is a row of buttons. Each is numbered with the brew size.
So at the press of one, you can adjust the brew to be 8, 10 or 12 oz.
An indicator reminds you whenever it is time for descaling the coffee machine. This is recommended once in 3 to 6 months, or after 250 brews, whichever is earlier.
Brew Size
You can pick from brewing an 8, 10 or 12 oz drink each time. Some other models like the older Keurig K-Express Essentials don’t offer a 12 oz choice, making this a better pick if you like larger drinks.
Water Reservoir
A removable 42 oz water reservoir makes it convenient to brew multiple cups before a refill.
Also, being able to remove the tank means you can refill or clean it more conveniently by carrying it over to the sink.
Keurig K-Express Review
Ease of Operation
Being a minimalist coffee machine, the Keurig K-Express is extremely easy to use.
With only few options to select, the learning curve is nonexistent.
Even a beginner will quickly be able to operate this machine like an expert!
There’s a step by step instruction manual in case you get stuck.
But all that’s required is to
- make sure there’s water in the reservoir
- pop in a Keurig K-cup pod,
- choose a button with the appropriate brew size, and
- push another button to start brewing.
Then sit back and wait for a minute – and your coffee is ready!
No wonder it’s called the Keurig K-Express.
For a stronger drink, choose the ‘Strong Brew‘ button first before selecting the brew size.
All of this is appealing when you’re in a rush and just want your hot cup of coffee… fast.
Keurig K-Express Review
Performance
In its essential operation, the Keurig K-Express coffee maker is no different from any other model.
A needle penetrates the lid of any K-cup coffee pods you insert into the chamber.
The pod fills with hot water, which seeps through the grounds to extract its flavor.
Hot Coffee – In A Minute!
Within a few seconds, you’ll notice coffee begin to trickle out of the spout into your cup. In less than a minute, your drink will be ready.
That’s really fast, and appeals to users who are in a hurry and have little time to waste.
The Keurig K-Express coffee machine brews coffee at 195 F.
This is optimal for extraction, and delivers a deliciously piping hot brew. The heating element is powerful enough to brew another cup right away.
However if you keep doing it too often, water temperature will drop. Simply waiting a few minutes before reuse will restore brewing temperature – and coffee quality.
Speaking of which, the Keurig K-Express consistently brews delicious coffee that’s hot and strong.
Like it stronger? No problem!
For coffee lovers who crave the occasional stronger shot of brew, there’s a ‘Strong Brew‘ selector on the Keurig K-Express. At the push of a button, you can select this option.
What happens then is that the coffee machine uses less water than usual, and slows down the brewing time by around 10 to 20 seconds. This delivers a more concentrated extract, giving you a stronger and tastier drink.
The ‘Strong Brew’ button is positioned right beneath the brew size choices. If you’d like to activate it, press this button first before selecting your brew size.
Keurig K-Express Review
Other Features
An auto-off function switches the coffee machine off if it is idle for 5 minutes from the last brew. This helps conserve energy and is convenient because you won’t have to worry about remembering to power down the device.
With a My K-cup universal coffee filter, you will be able to use the Keurig K-Express with your preferred flavors of coffee grounds, as well as with K-cup pods.
A drawback that may inconvenience some users is the lack of a temperature regulation setting.
Also, the Keurig K-Express cannot be used to make iced coffee or any specialty drinks like cappuccino or lattes which require a milk frother.
Keurig K-Express Review
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Keurig K-Express is quite easy to clean and requires very little maintenance.
After each use, wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth prevents accumulation of dirt and grime.
The removable drip tray and water tank can be rinsed in running water under the sink every day.
To remove accumulated mineral deposits, the coffee maker will require descaling once in 3 to 6 months.
The procedure to do this is simple, and you can find details (and an instructive video) on the manufacturer’s website.
Keurig K-Express Buying Guide
Who Should Buy The Keurig K-Express?
- It’s a great coffee maker for users who want compactness and portability.
- If you’re in need of a basic coffee machine to brew tasty coffee quickly, this is a good choice.
- If you like the flexibility of using either K-cup pods or your own ground coffee brand, the Keurig K-Express is ideal.
But if you want customization, specialty drinks, or other bells and whistles in your coffee machine, give this one a miss.
Pick one of the other premium coffee maker models like the
Keurig K-Express Review
Price
For the regular retail price of the Keurig K-Express coffee maker, you’ll get great value for money.
With a strength setting by way of a ‘Strong Brew’ button and a large reservoir that can brew multiple cups before refilling, this is a convenient and easy-to-use coffee machine.
It is also very compact, and comparable to the Keurig K-Mini in its footprint on a countertop.
For a single-serve coffee machine with some customization, the Keurig K-Express is the most affordable coffee maker today.
Keurig K-Express Review
Our Verdict
As this Keurig K-Express coffee maker review has shown, this is a great choice if you’re looking for a single-serve coffee maker that is quick and easy to operate.
You’ll get rich, strong, tasty coffee without any fuss – and at an affordable price.
There’s an option to use either Keurig K-cup coffee pods or ground coffee of your choice.
The machine can even be used to brew hot tea or cocoa.
However you may not find many advanced features or customization options with the Keurig K-Express.
For those you’ll need a premium coffee machine which also costs proportionately more.
Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Keurig K-Express have a water filter?
Yes, the reservoir has a filter to keep dust and impurities out of the water.
Can you use any coffee pods?
While you’re limited to using Keurig K-pods, the Keurig K-Express is compatible with reusable K-cups into which you can add fresh ground coffee of your choice.
Is the water reservoir large?
Yes, the Keurig K-Express has a 42 oz water tank.
This means you won’t have to refill it for each brew. It can make up to 5 drinks of 8 oz before you’ll have to fill it up again.
Does the Keurig K-Express come with a warranty?
Yes, there’s a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer against defects and flaws.
Is there a milk frother included?
No, and you cannot use the Keurig K-Express to make specialty drinks, cappucinos or lattes.
Is there a strength setting?
Yes, a ‘Strong Brew‘ button allows you to brew stronger coffee with the Keurig K-Express coffee machine.
Does the Keurig K-Express turn off automatically?
Yes, and this helps conserve energy.
It is convenient in case you forget to switch off the machine. After it is idle for 5 minutes, the auto-off function kicks in.
Can the Keurig K-Express be programmed to brew at a certain time?
No, there are no programmable functions. This is a no-frills basic coffee machine.