Have you ever wanted a coffee maker that is both compact but also has a large enough water reservoir to get through many cups at a time? The Keurig K-Express Essentials is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of! As the latest machine in Keurig’s range of coffee makers, the model is super compact without compromising on storage features. Everything you need to know about this newborn masterpiece can be found right here in our Keurig K-Express Essentials Review.
Starting from the ground up, you’ll come to understand everything included in the Keurig K-Express. From the product’s specs to its key features, we will be covering the basics all the way through to the nitty-gritty, like how to use your Keurig K Express and how to clean it too.
We will wrap everything up neatly with a FAQ segment and a final analysis. For the “TL;DR” people, you’ll love this part. After you are done with this article, you will feel the confidence of a Keurig connoisseur who can pick out your perfect coffee machine.
What’s in the Box
- Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black
- 42 oz Removable Water Reservoir
- 8, 10, and 12 oz Cup Sizes
- Strong Brew Feature
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Specs
- Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 5.1 x 12.6-inches
- Item Weight: 4.1 lbs
- Color: Black
- Reservoir Size: 42 oz
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited
Features of the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker
Design
The latest in Keurig coffee makers, the Keurig K Express Essentials takes the best of both worlds, sporting a slim design and a large water tank similar to the Keurig K-Slim. It also has a compact build and strong brew option like the K-Mini Plus. At just 12.8 x 5.1 x 12.6-inches in surface area and a measly 4.1 pounds of weight, it’s super easy to carry this machine around and fit it in tight spots on your kitchen counter.
Taste
Despite its small size, the Keurig K-Express does not compromise on taste, and you will still have access to the entire selection of K-Cup choices. Choose from delicious Starbucks, McCafe, Dunkin Donuts, and more. Keurig’s K-Cup options span across all of your favorite brands of coffee, extracting that coffee goodness with Keurig’s range of compatible brewers.
Water Reservoir and Tray
Again, the K-Express does not compromise on anything just because it’s compact and lightweight. In this instance, its 42-ounce reservoir is made possible without making it too bulky like other Keurig machines. However, unlike the K-Mini series, which requires you to add water for every brew you make, it is an otherwise compact and light machine.
The K-Express also comes with a drip tray to keep your kitchen top nice and clean as it catches the excess drips from your dispenser that miss your cup. This tray is also removable, meaning you can detach it to clean separately via dishwasher or other. The great thing about this is you can brew a taller cup of coffee by making extra room for a travel mug or equivalent.
Ease of Use
Brewing up a delicious cup of coffee is a breeze with the K-Express. I mean, it’s called an express for a reason. All you really need to do is ensure the water reservoir is sufficiently full and position your cup under the dispenser using the drip tray as preferred. The rest is easy and is just a matter of choosing your preferred K-Cup, brew size, and brew-strength and letting the machine fill up that delicious cup of coffee.
Brewing Features
When it comes to the brew, the K-Express provides more than just a single brew button. Additionally, you can select the ‘strong’ brew button to make a bolder, more intense cup of coffee. The brewer achieves this by prolonging the contact between the water and coffee grounds in the K-Cup, allowing the liquid to absorb more of the coffee’s richness before being dispensed into your cup.
Cup sizes
Keurig’s K-Express gives you the power to choose between 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz cup size options, giving you access to a variety of preferences to suit many different needs. The best part is that the coffee’s strength is not compromised with each size, as the ratio of water to coffee remains the same no matter what cup size you choose.
How do you use Keurig K Express?
Using your Keurig K-Express is as easy as any other Keurig machine and mostly comes down to the mere press of a button. Below is a basic step by step guide to using your K-Express coffee machine (for a detailed guide, refer to the user manual):
- First, fill up the water reservoir to your desired level.
- Next, select your K-Cup of choice and insert it into the compartment.
- Prepare your cup just underneath the dispenser and on the drip tray as preferred.
- Select your preferred cup size and brew strength.
- Let the machine do the rest! Once dispensing is finished, enjoy your cup of coffee!
Cleaning & Maintenance
How to Clean Keurig K-Express
Cleaning your Keurig machine is no different from cleaning a K-Mini or a K-Slim. It simply comes down to wiping down the product’s exterior and then engaging in the descaling process for a thorough interior clean. Use a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe down the brew maker from top to bottom and apply soap or detergent as preferred. The lightweight nature of the item makes it easy to turn around and lift to clean tough corners and unseen dusty areas.
How to Descale a Keurig K-Express
Descaling your Keurig can be done using the scaling solution provided by Keurig or white vinegar as a solution.
- Empty the K-Cup compartment and reservoir.
- Use the Keurig descaling solution inside the machine to clear out any buildup as per the instructions on the bottle.
- Turn on the machine and put a coffee cup underneath your Keurig.
- Run the Keurig through so that all the descaling solution goes through and the “Add water” light comes on.
- Empty the scaling solution from your cup.
- Leave the scaling solution in the tank for 30 minutes to an hour to soak in the internal tank and work its magic.
- Rinse out the water reservoir once all the scaling solution is run through and refill with fresh water.
- Run a full water reservoir to flush out the solution and rinse out the machine properly.
Related: Keurig Descale Light Stays On: 2 Easy Fixes
Pros and Cons of Keurig K-Express
Pros
- Design is compact, slim, and aesthetic, making it a gorgeous addition to any kitchen counter and saving on counter space.
- Compatible with all your favorite American and global brands of K-Cups.
- Brew options cater for 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz cup size options.
- The water tank holds up to 42 ounces of water and can brew up to 4 cups before a refill is required.
- A removable drip tray creates extra height to accommodate travel mugs up to 7-inches tall.
- Facilitates the use of a reusable K-Cup.
- Maintenance alerts notify you when the water reservoir needs refilling and when the machine needs cleaning or descaling.
- One-year limited warranty by Keurig.
Cons
- No auto-off function included.
- No Aeroccino milk frother included.
Who is Keurig K-Express made for?
The Keurig K-Express is a great coffee brewer available at a low price, most suitable for fans of the K-Slim series who want the compactness and portability of a K-Mini. Of course, you’ll want to ensure that you do like K-Cup brewed coffee before purchasing. Once you’re on board with Keurig, you won’t brew alternatives like Nespresso pods or your own coffee beans.
Keurig K Express vs K Compact
The most notable difference between the K-Express and the K-Compact coffee makers is the difference in cup sizes offered. The Compact brings smaller cup sizes of 6, 8, or 10 oz brew options, a notch down from the Express.
Additionally, the Compact comes with an auto shut-off function that executes shortly after the last brew to help you save energy, which gives it a slight edge over the Express. However, the Express wins in lightness and compactness and has a strong brew button not available with the Compact. Learn more in our Keurig K-Compact review.
Keurig K Express vs K Slim
As mentioned throughout the article, the K-Express takes the slim nature of the K-Slim and combines it with the K-Mini, making for a compact and lightweight model that does not compromise on the tank. Other than the product dimensions, the Express and K-Slim are very similar in their overall functionality, though the K-Slim does not have a strong brew option like the Express.
There is also a slight difference in the reservoir size, with the K-Slim having a small edge, though it is nothing of significance (we’re talking a couple of ounces). Also, keep in mind that the Express is only sold at Walmart stores, so it is not as widely available as the K-Slim.
Learn more in our Keurig K-Slim review.
Keurig K Express vs K Mini
The main difference between the K-Express and K-Mini lies with the issue of the size of the tank. The K-Mini requires you to add water with every use, whereas the K-Express differentiates itself from such brewers by incorporating a 42 oz tank while being just as light and compact for the most part.
Another notable difference is the Express uses preset brew sizes. At the same time, the Mini allows you to customize the size from anything between 6 and 12 ounces. This gives you more flexibility for your brewing experience. Also, keep in mind that the Express is only sold at Walmart stores, so it is not as widely available as K-Mini brewers in this regard.
Learn more in our Keurig K-Mini review.
Keurig K-Express FAQ
Does the Keurig K Express come with a water filter?
Yes, most Keurig machines come with a water filter in the reservoir that keeps your water nice and pure before the water heats ready to brew. As such, you can fill up your reservoir with regular tap water, and the Express will cleanse it for you before making your coffee.
Does the K Express need a water filter?
You do not need to purchase a water filter because the K-Express has a built-in water filter in the reservoir that takes care of this for you.
Does K Express Essentials have a water filter?
Yes, the K-Express Essentials comes with a water filter built into the reservoir that automatically filters your water before brewing your coffee.
Can you use any pods in a Keurig?
No, Keurig brewers are only compatible with K-Cups, so coffee pods or Nespresso capsules will not work with your Keurig K-Express. On the plus side, Keurig’s are compatible with reusable K-Cups, so you can provide your own freshly ground coffee and brew it your way.
Related: How to Use a Reusable K Cup
Should you buy the Keurig K Express?
As the latest model of the Keurig series, it is most definitely worth buying or at least considering purchasing the Keurig K-Express for several reasons. Firstly, its ability to give you the best of the K-Mini and the K-Slim in a single solution will solve many people’s dilemma of choosing between those two products.
Furthermore, not many Keurig’s provide a strong brew option, which is definitely something to consider. I would recommend purchasing this product online via Amazon if you are interested. You are restricted to purchasing from Walmart for offline purchases as it is only available in those locations.
Overall Review of the Keurig K-Express Essentials Coffee Maker
All in all, the K-Express coffee maker is a great choice for those unable to afford something like the K-Supreme, but are happy to settle for something with just a little less functionality. Incorporating the best features of the K-Slim and the K-Mini coffee brewers, the K-Express provides you with portability and convenience without sacrificing taste. While its reservoir may not be as large as the K-Supreme, it is certainly several steps above the K-Mini. It also trumps the Supreme and Slim in terms of compactness.
As a relatively new item on the market, you won’t find many in-depth Keurig K-Express reviews on the web. Hopefully, you could take away a lot of information and insights from this article. As mentioned previously, find your nearest Walmart if you are an offline shopper. Otherwise, use our links provided to Amazon’s online store to get your hands on this wonderful coffee-making beast today!
Is the Keurig Express Worth it?
Rated 4.6-stars on Amazon reviews from over 60 global customers, this product is going strong so early in its release, and you may expect these scores to improve as it matures on the market. Praised by real customers for its blending power, value for money, and ease of use, there is an abundance of reasons to get your hands on the K-Express.
It’s a solid choice from brewing delicious coffee of several sizes and strengths to being seamless in its operation and ease of cleaning. It’s also compact and lightweight, so you certainly won’t be suffering from FOMO with this little beast. But, hey, don’t take my word for it either! See what these happy customers are saying using the link to Amazon’s review section below!