If you have ever “joked” that you need coffee to survive the day, then you have come to the right place in our Keurig K-Elite Review. I love coffee, especially having coffee all throughout my day. With my old coffee maker, I would find myself tossing out cold, old coffee just so I could make a fresh pot. Purchasing my first single-serve coffee maker was a complete game-changer because I could make fresh-brewed coffee whenever I wanted. After years of loyal use, it was finally time to look into an upgrade for my original, which is how I came across the Keurig K-Elite.
In this Keurig K-Elite Review, we will cover some of the features, answer a few frequently asked questions, and compare to a few other Keurig models. Hopefully, this will help you to decide if you also need one as well.
Keurig K-Elite Review
If you have ever “joked” that you need coffee to survive the day, then you have come to the right place in our Keurig K-Elite Review. I love coffee, especially having coffee all throughout my day. With my old coffee maker, I would find myself tossing out cold, old coffee just so I could make a fresh pot. Purchasing my first single-serve coffee maker was a complete game-changer because I could make fresh-brewed coffee whenever I wanted. After years of loyal use, it was finally time to look into an upgrade for my original, which is how I came across the Keurig K-Elite.
In this Keurig K-Elite Review, we will cover some of the features, answer a few frequently asked questions, and compare to a few other Keurig models. Hopefully, this will help you to decide if you also need one as well.
Things to Know About the Keurig K-Elite
What’s in the Box
- K-Elite in either Brushed Silver, Brushed Slate, or Brushed Gold
- 75 oz Water Reservoir
- Removable Drip Tray
- Charcoal Water Filter
- Water Filter Handle
- Bonus: 6-pack of K-Cup Pods variety pack
Specs
- Cord Length: 28 inches
- Reservoir Size: 75 ounces
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.1” High x 9.9” Wide x 12.7” Deep
Features of the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Programmable and Customizable
One of the best things about the Keurig K-Elite coffee maker is the personalization that its programmable features provide. It offers a host of options that you can customize to ensure a perfect cup of coffee every time.
If you want to have freshly brewed coffee at a specific time, you can set the exact time that it turns on.
It allows you to easily adjust the water temperature as well, which is especially convenient if you want your teas, coffees, or anything at a specific temperature. The brew temperature can be adjusted between 187° and 192° F.
If you live at a higher altitude >5,000 feet, its High Altitude Setting ensures that your morning coffee always tastes great and your Keurig machine always works properly. It also offers specific coffee settings (outside of the cup sizes), like a Strong Brew or the Iced Coffee option.
Large Water Reservoir
Mention it’s replacing the K-475. How large is the reservoir, and what does that mean for me in my daily coffee drinking.
The K-Elite features a 75 oz water reservoir, which allows a lot of flexibility in your day-to-day use without the need to constantly fill up. I enjoy having multiple cups of coffee in the morning, and this water reservoir can last me a few days without refilling. In theory, if you only drink one small cup of coffee a day, then the water reservoir could easily last you over a week or longer.
This model is also compatible with Keurig’s charcoal water filter, which not only prolongs the use of the coffee machine in between maintenance but also enhances the overall flavor of your coffee and teas. Clean, filtered water can help ensure you always have a great-tasting cup of coffee. Keurig includes the first water filter in the box, but you will need to purchase a replacement every two months.
This Keurig model is considered a replacement for the K-475, which offered many of the same features, including a 75 oz water reservoir. Unlike the K-Elite, the K-475 offered the option to brew 22, 26, or 30 oz with K Carafe pods in its carafe. However, Keurig has decided to move away from this feature in the single-serve coffee makers. If this is an important feature to you, then you might consider one of Keurig’s combined single-service and carafe-style coffee makers, like this K-Duo model.
Keurig K Elite cup sizes
The Keurig K-Elite coffee maker can accommodate multiple cup sizes depending on your needs or preferences. It has 5 different cup size options that you can easily choose from four, six, eight, ten, or twelve ounces.
Control Panel
The control panel on this Keurig model is fairly simple to use with its clock, “Add Water” indicator, “Descale” indicator, and eleven accessible, backlit buttons. You can easily customize your entire brewing process with a touch of a button:
It has a power button but also allows you to set up automatic on and off settings. Its temperature control allows you to set the brew temperature anywhere from 187° and 192° F. It features 5 cup icon buttons, so you can easily select your desired size for how much coffee that you want.
If you prefer a bolder-tasting coffee, you can press the Strong Brew Setting to increase the strength. Or, if you prefer drinking iced coffees, you can press the iced coffee button and skip the coffee shop run.
Plus, the hot water button can simplify your entire kitchen by practically eliminating your need for a kettle or hot shot, etc. It provides hot water on demand for brewing your tea bags or making instant oatmeal, or anything you might need hot water for.
Quiet Brew Technology
Coffee makers can often be quite noisy while heating up and brewing. With its Quiet Brew Technology, this model minimizes extra noise while in use. If the water is already heated, you can make multiple brews in a row almost silently.
Removable Drip Tray
Keurig’s drip tray prevents any liquid from dripping onto your kitchen counter. It is high-capacity and can hold up to a cup of coffee/liquid, which is extremely convenient for those days you accidentally forget to place your cup before brewing. It is also removable, allowing you to fit your travel mugs up to 7.2-inches tall.
Keurig K-Elite Reusable Filter
The K-Elite is compatible with the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter. With this coffee filter, you can brew your own freshly ground coffee instead of the K-Cup Pods.
Instant Hot Water
The K-Elite’s hot water on-demand feature is extremely convenient, especially if you ever find yourself in need of hot water. With the press of a button, it gives you hot water for your hot cocoa or instant noodles or whatever.
Colors Available
The Elite is available in three sleek and stylish colors: Brushed Gold, Brushed Silver, and Brushed Slate. Its classic design and any of these colors will easily match any kitchen.
Warranty and Support
Keurig offers a Limited-Time One Year Warranty against manufacturing defects on all of their Keurig models. If anything ever arises, you should contact Keurig Customer Service for support. They also offer Product Support directly on Keurig’s website whether you need how-to instructions or help to troubleshoot any issues.
Benefits of the Keurig K-Elite
Beautiful Look
No more bulk, standard-looking coffee machines on your kitchen counter. Or having to hide it away whenever the company comes over. Its stylish classic design looks elegant in any kitchen.
Easy to Use
Even with all the customizable features, the Elite is fairly simple to use: insert a K-Cup, select your preferred size, and hit the brew button for your cup of coffee. No more hassling with unclear instructions just to use.
Coffee on Demand
One of my favorite things about the Elite is how quickly it can brew your beverage of choice, even iced beverages. With the touch of a button, you can brew your favorite coffee, hot chocolate, or tea K-cup in less than a minute. Not to mention, you can enjoy a cup or two whenever you want without waiting for a full pot to brew.
Iced Coffee
With its ice coffee function, making iced coffee at home does not have to feel like a chore—no more tedious cold brew instructions or the watered-down taste of coffee and melted ice. The iced coffee button brews a small concentrated amount of hot coffee that you can pour over ice without losing any of the flavors.
Perfectly Brewed Cup Every time
All Keurig models are consistent in brewing great-tasting coffee in every single brew. With drip coffee makers, there was always the chance that a slight change might ruin the entire brew. Did you add too much water? Or not enough coffee? With the Elite, this is no longer a concern. You can pop in a K-cup and press a button for consistent, perfectly brewed coffee every time.
Use Your Own Blend
You can even continue brewing your favorite coffee beans. The K-Elite model is compatible with Keurig’s universal pod, so you do not have to stick to just their K-cups. Although with so many amazing flavors and options, you might find a new favorite!
Custom Brewing Features
This model is fully programmable and allows you to completely customize your brewing experience. It gives you options to customize the strength, size, and temperature of your brew. If you live above 5,000 feet elevation, you can turn on the high altitude setting to ensure it brews great-tasting coffee every time. You can even set what time you want it to turn on or how quickly you want it to turn off.
Cleaning
Like the rest of your appliances, regularly cleaning your Keurig brewer will keep it running smoothly. All of the K-Elite’s pieces can easily be cleaned with a bit of soap and a damp cloth.
Note, if you have any issues with no water or a slow dispense, you can reference our How to Clean a Keurig Needle post.
Maintenance and Descaling
Keurig recommends that you descale your Keurig every three to six months. This descaling process removes any built-up calcium deposits in your Keurig machine, ensuring that it continues to work properly and that your brew tastes right. With the Elite model, it automatically alerts you when it is time for maintenance, so you do not accidentally forget or put it off too long.
Although Keurig does provide instructions, if you want more personal how-to instructions, you can read our here’s how to descale a Keurig when the Keurig descale light stays on, and we will walk you through the entire process.
Pros and Cons of Keurig Elite
Pros of the Keurig K-Elite System
- Brews K-cups in under a minute
- Iced Coffee Option
- The water reservoir is removable for easy filling
- Temperature control allows you to adjust the water temperature
- Can brew your coffee grounds with the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter
- Includes a charcoal water filter
Cons of the Keurig K-Elite System
- Some users reported a slight plastic taste from the K-Cup
- The water reservoir is covered in the front, which makes it difficult to see how full it is
How does Keurig K-Elite Compare to other Keurigs?
Keurig K-Elite vs. Supreme
Both the K-Elite and K-Supreme Plus are single-serve coffee makers with similar features and pricing; however, the Supreme boasts many innovative features that previous Keurig models do not have. For example, the Supreme model uses MultiStream Technology to extract more flavor and aroma for each brew. It also offers more customization options for your perfect cup, like more strength of brew options and brew temperatures. It also gives you the option to save the brewing settings and preferences for 3 users, making it even easier to brew your perfect coffee. To learn more, see our Keurig K-Supreme Plus Review.
Keurig K-Elite vs. 2.0
Keurig’s 2.0 models have a 2” monochrome touchscreen and offer an option to brew carafes of 22 to 30 ounces. Although these models are being phased out by Keurig, there are still quite a few options available online. K-Elite does not have the option to brew carafes, but it is slightly lower in price and offers more programmable and customizable options for the user. To learn more, see our Keurig K-250 Review.
Keurig K-Elite vs Duo
Keurig’s K-Duo is the perfect brewer for any occasion because it is both a carafe and a single-serve coffee maker. Although it does not offer all of the same customizable features that the Elite offers, it does provide the flexibility of a single brew or a large carafe. If you have ever found yourself pulling out your old coffee machine when hosting, then this might be a great combined option for you. To learn more about this model, see our Keurig K-Duo Review.
Keurig K-Elite vs Cuisinart ss10
Cuisinart ss10 is a K-cup compatible brewer, while the Elite is specifically a Keurig model. It offers many of the same features and is similarly priced as the K-Elite, although it cannot make iced coffee. It also comes with a universal coffee pod, which the Elite does not have. To learn more, see our Cuisinart ss10 Review.
Is a single-serve coffee maker worth it?
Yes, I have had one for years and cannot imagine switching back to anything else. I drink quite a few cups of coffee throughout the day, not all in one sitting. With a single-serve coffee maker, I can make a fresh cup whenever I want without worrying about heating cold coffee or cleaning out a carafe that is full of old coffee. Their newest is the K-Express, check out our Keurig K-Express Review here.
How does the K-Cup Pod work?
Keurig’s K-Cups are disposable coffee pods with exactly one serving inside. When you insert one into your Keurig, hollow needles puncture it at the top and bottom, then it pumps hot water through the pod. Hot chocolate or tea pods work the same way. Your tea/coffee/beverage of choice dispenses through the bottom of the pod into your cup.
Learn more about it by reading how to use a Keurig coffee machine.
Other Keurig options
Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker
K-Select is a mid-range model with many customizable features, including Strong Brew and High Altitude settings. Its construction of fingerprint-resistant materials is a high-selling point as well because you won’t have to constantly wipe it down. If you would like to learn more, see our Keurig K-Select Review.
Keurig K-Supreme Plus Coffee Maker
K-Supreme offers quite a few personalization features that many of the previous models did not, like having the option to save brewing preferences for up to 3 users. Plus, it is the first Keurig machine to use MultiStream Technology to ensure that more flavor and aroma are extracted in every brew. To learn more, see our Keurig K-Supreme Plus Coffee Maker Review.
Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker
Keurig’s K-Duo is a versatile brewer that can brew either a single cup or a carafe with multiple servings. It offers the flexibility for use on an individual level or large gatherings without compromising on the Keurig features you have grown to love. You can learn more in our Keurig K-Duo Review.
Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Slim is one of their space-saving models. It is only 5-inches wide and can fit almost anywhere. Although its water reservoir is significantly smaller than the Elite, it can still make multiple cups before needing to be refilled. Read more in our Keurig K-Slim Review.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
Similar to the K-Slim, the K-Mini Plus is a little coffee maker. However, the K-Mini does not have a water reservoir and needs to be filled for each serving, which is perfect for anyone only having one cup a day or traveling with no extra space. It also comes with convenient pod storage that perfectly fits in the brewer and can hold up to 9 K-Cups. To learn more about this mini single-serve coffee maker, see our Keurig K-Mini Plus Review.
Keurig K250 Coffee Maker
Keurig’s 2.0 models feature customizable brew options, 22 – 30 oz carafe brews, and comes in fun, bright colors. With the carafe, the K250 gives you the flexibility to brew coffee for more than one person at a time. Learn more in our Keurig K250 Review.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
Although the K-Classic does not offer as many features as the Elite and other models, it is the classic design and offers the features that many users have come to expect from a Keurig. For example, it only brews three k-cup sizes, but these are the most popular k-cup pod sizes. It features simple button controls making it very easy to use: cup size, power off, and brew. If you would like to learn more, you can read our Keurig K-Classic Review.
Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker
If you have ever considered adding a Keurig to the office, then you should consider the K155 Office Pro Commercial. It is beautifully designed and boasts features like a 90-ounce water reservoir, LCD touchscreen, etc. It can also be easily drained and stored, which is not an option in non-commercial models. Plus, it can handle brewing more than one cup of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, etc. in a row. Learn more in our Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker Review.
Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee
Although it is similarly priced and offers many of the same features, the most notable difference of the K-Cafe is its ability to craft espresso drinks at home. It includes a built-in milk frother, which allows you to make cappuccinos, lattes, etc. You can learn more about this model in our Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition Review.
Keurig K-Elite FAQ
Is Keurig Elite worth the money?
Yes, it is definitely worth the money, whether you are upgrading an older model or purchasing your first one. It offers a host of customization options for your brewing process to ensure a personalized cup each time.
What is the difference between the Keurig Elite and the Keurig Elite C?
The only difference between the two is that the Elite C comes with more coffee pods and the My K-Cup reusable coffee filter. Both of the brewers’ features and designs are the same.
Related: How to Use a Reusable K Cup: Step by Step Instructions with Images
What does the Keurig K Elite do?
The K-Elite can brew your favorite coffee, tea, or iced coffee with one button press. It gives you the functionality to completely customize your perfect cup, from the brew size, strength, temperature, and more.
Is the Keurig K Elite worth it?
Yes, it is worth it. Its design and features ensure the perfect beverage customization for all its users.
Does K-Elite use K-Cups?
Yes, it does use K-cups. It is also compatible with My K-Cup universal pod.
What is the difference between Keurig Classic and Elite?
Keurig Classic does not offer as many features as the Elite model. If you would like to learn more about what the K-Classic offers, you can read our Keurig K-Classic Review.
Is Keurig K Elite a classic or plus?
The K-Elite is part of Keurig’s classic series of coffee makers.
Where can I buy Keurig Pods?
K-Cups can be purchased anywhere. They are available in grocery stores, department stores, and online at Amazon.
Is Keurig K-Elite discontinued?
No, it is not discontinued.
How do I adjust the temperature on my Keurig Elite?
If you press the settings button on your control panel, it will give you the option to adjust the brew temperature. It can be adjusted anywhere between 187° and 192° F.
Does Keurig K Elite make espresso?
No, it cannot. You can purchase espresso K-cups to use in your K-Elite brewer though.
What’s the Best Keurig Coffee Maker?
We’ve reviewed all of the current Keurig coffee makers, so we know a thing or two about Keurig. Here are all the different models reviewed for your reading pleasure, plus the best Keurig coffee maker.
Overall Review of the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Some of the best things about a single-serve coffee maker are the flexibility and convenience that it offers you; the Keurig K-Elite is no exception. Not to mention, the programmable and customizable features that it includes, allowing you to create your perfect cup every time.
Running late for work? Brew a cup of coffee in under a minute. Or better yet, set it up beforehand to automatically brew your first cup of coffee at a specified time. Do you like to come back later for another cup of coffee? Set the auto-off time to your preferred time, so the water is still hot and ready to brew.
Prefer iced beverages? Make iced tea or iced coffee at the touch of a button. Personally, whenever summer hits and the heat starts rising, I cannot resist drinking iced coffee practically all day long. So I love that the Elite can brew iced coffee because now I can brew at home rather than rushing off to the closest coffee shop.
Do you like a stronger brew? Or live at a higher altitude? K-Elite includes settings for both situations, as well as many more.
Keurig’s K-Elite model is designed to give more control to the user. Although, it still has the option of just simply brewing and going, if you prefer a more simple process. With over 29,000 reviews, the K-Elite currently has a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon; read the reviews here. If you were undecided about a single-serve coffee maker, hopefully, this review has helped to show you that the K-Elite is worth it.
