Keurig K Elite Reviews: Our Expert Review of the Upgraded K-45 Model

keurig k elite reviews

Suppose you want to save time while brewing your coffee with the best keurig coffee maker. We believe the Keurig K Elite might suit your morning coffee routine. We’ve compiled all the essential information you need, such as its design, features, and ease of use, and crafted this Keurig K Elite review to help you decide if this coffee maker is right for you. 

This single-serve coffee maker allows you to brew coffee in less time at the temperatures you desire. Although other Keurig K Elite reviews might highlight other perspectives, we hope ours can give you the best impression of this machine. 

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Keurig Elite Overview

4.8 ⭐ out of 5

Specifications:

  • Width: 12.7 inches
  • Depth: 9.99 inches
  • Height: 13.1 inches (16.5 inches with its bale open)
  • Weight: 6.6 pounds
  • Water tank capacity: 75 ounces

Before delving into every aspect of this Keurig machine, here’s what you can expect if you decide on purchasing this machine. You might favor some aspects over another, so keep this in mind before making your purchase.

✅ It lets you brew coffee in less than a minute.

✅ It alerts you when it's time to descale the coffee maker to encourage efficient maintenance.

✅ Customizable temperatures and cup sizes for your ideal brew.

✅ It incorporates simple button controls for your convenience.

✅ It has adjustable power-saving features when turning your machine on or off.

🚫 It won’t work when the water tank is less than half full.

🚫 Compatible My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter sold separately. 

🚫 You can't use coffee pods in this machine; it's only compatible with K cup pods.

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Keurig K Elite Review

keurig k elite

We believe this is the best contender for a single-serve coffee maker for your home. As we review the core aspects of the K Elite, you should be able to narrow down what works and doesn't work for you. After all, you deserve the best quality when brewing your first cup of coffee in the morning.

Design/Build Quality 4/5 ⭐

The Keurig K Elite measures 13.1 x 9.9 x 12.7 inches, making it suitable for most countertops. Although its build might be bulkier than other Keurig machines, we believe this model can fit under any cupboard space in most kitchens, even when you leave its K cup pod bale open.

This coffee machine weighs less than eight pounds, allowing you to transport it easily. It’s also heavy enough to prevent wobbling on any surface. Its design might be ideal if you want to give your kitchen a modern touch. 

Although crafted in plastic, the K Elite has a polished look that complements your kitchen. The Keurig K Elite comes in three color options: brushed gold, brushed silver, or brushed slate. Depending on your preferences, you can pick one that matches your other appliances. It’s also easy to clean with a simple wipe-down for accidental spills on the removable drip tray.

A removable drip tray can also create extra space for your cup when placing it under the coffee dispenser. The Keurig's design accommodates travel mugs measuring up to 7.2 inches tall, allowing you to fill your container without letting your hot coffee splash everywhere.

Its top incorporates a compartment designed for storing your K cups before making your cup of coffee. This spot also incorporates several buttons that let you operate the Keurig K Elite. We think this spot is most convenient for coffee enthusiasts since it’s easy to spot. 

Performance 4.5/5 ⭐

When deciding on whether this Keurig model is suitable for you, the quality of your brew tends to be an essential component. We can assure you that this coffee machine has what it takes to create a perfect cup of coffee.

The Keurig K Elite can brew up to eight cups of coffee before refilling its 75-ounce water reservoir. You can choose between five cup sizes: four ounces, six ounces, eight ounces, ten ounces, or 12 ounces. Regardless of what size you prefer, this machine can brew it in less than a minute. 

Its maximum water temperature reaches 192 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your preferences, you can lower its brew temperature to at least 187 degrees. This model ensures that no matter what water temperature you set, it always results in perfect brew. It can also create hot water on demand if you're in the mood for instant soup or hot oatmeal.

As with any Keurig model, you can brew your favorite cup of coffee by inserting K cups into its top compartment and pressing the cup size you desire. To create a bold taste to your liking, you can press its strong brew button to create a flavorful cup for you.

Its central reservoir has a built-in water filter that ensures the best flavor for your drinks. It also has indicators that alert you whenever you need to refill your water and descale your device to enhance its performance.

Ease of Use 4.5/5 ⭐

Before deciding on what type of coffee machine you want to purchase, you might want to consider whether or not the machine is too complicated to operate. Thankfully, the Keurig K Elite is one of the easiest coffee machines to use.

This model is compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, which allows you to brew ground coffee if you want a full-flavored cup of coffee. If not, you can place your favorite K cup into the top and create a single cup of coffee.

Although some Keurig machines have touch screens, this Keurig model's buttons simplify your routine. Insert your K cup, press one of the cup size buttons, and wait for your mug to fill. It accepts K cups for any beverage, including hot coffee and hot chocolate.

Features 4.5/5 ⭐

There are several features we think might suit your coffee routine if you have a busy lifestyle. Many of these features allow you to create your coffee faster and encourage customization whenever you use your Keurig Elite. 

Auto On and Off Features

The Keurig K Elite coffee maker incorporates automatic power settings to simplify your coffee-making experience. You can set what time your machine automatically powers on before brewing your cup, allowing you to save time while setting your brew temperature. It also automatically shuts down after staying idle for two hours to preserve energy.

Drink Customization Buttons

This Keurig machine has several buttons that allow you to enhance your coffee's taste, including the Strong Brew button and the Iced Coffee setting button. When you press this button, you can give your coffee an extra kick by making it a strong brew. This feature might be ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with their morning brews. 

If you prefer drinking iced coffee, you can adjust your device's settings to convert your hot brew into an iced one. After filling your cup with ice, press the Iced button and wait for the K Elite to select your brew's ideal size and strength. These features might be ideal if you want to enjoy iced coffee without worrying about watering it down.

High Altitude Settings

Suppose you want to enjoy your coffee at higher elevation levels. However, altitude tends to alter the taste of your coffee. Thankfully, the Keurig K Elite has high-altitude settings that allow you to brew your coffee at altitudes over 5,000 feet.

Temperature Control

Hot water is essential for any beverage you want to brew, especially if you have a large 75-ounce water reservoir that comes with your unit. Although it might be challenging to find a coffee maker with ideal temperature control, the Keurig K Elite can perform this task. 

Its brew temperature control buttons allow you to adjust the machine's water temperature between 187 and 192 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature might be ideal for people who want to preserve their drink’s heat. 

The hot water button also provides instant hot water access that's suitable for all brews. This button is an ideal time-saver for people interested in brewing tea or hot chocolate uninterrupted. We recommend using the highest settings for a full taste, but you’re free to experiment with any combination.

Smart Start Feature

People might have one issue while brewing coffee: the length it takes for the unit to warm up before using it. The Keurig K Elite has a Smart Star feature that lets users start their brewing process after turning on the device. This process makes it ideal when you need a quick boost before leaving home.

Another feature that complements this startup feature is the K Elite's Quiet Brew Technology. You might find this feature helpful when brewing coffee early in the morning because you don't have to worry about disrupting your housemates' sleep as the device heats your water.

Value for Money 4/5 ⭐

We consider the Keurig K Elite an affordable coffee maker for homes seeking a unit costing less than $200. Although some coffee maker manufacturers have less expensive options on the market, the features that the Keurig K Elite has makes it worth its value.

This model has a one-year limited warranty in case you experience any malfunctions after you purchase one. With consistent maintenance and usage, this model can last at least five years before getting it replaced. 

The variety of drinks you can make with this device is another reason we consider it worth its price. With hundreds of flavors to choose from, you can select your favorite daily brew or try something new. 

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Do Not Choose the Keurig K Elite If...

keurig k elite review

Although we recommend the Keurig K Elite for any kitchen space, we understand if it might not be the ideal option for you. We’ve compiled a few reasons you might want to reconsider getting this model.

You want to enjoy drinking larger cups of coffee.

The maximum amount of coffee this Keurig model makes per serving is 12 ounces. You might want to consider other coffee makers if you prefer drinking more amounts of coffee.

One alternative coffee maker that’s capable of brewing up to 14 ounces is the Hamilton 49974 FlexBrew.

You want to control how you brew your coffee.

As an instant coffee maker, the Keurig K Elite doesn’t give you much creative freedom to make ground coffee. One K cup can only make one cup. Although you can purchase the reusable coffee filter for your grounds, you might prefer using the Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker for brewing a multiple-serving carafe.

You prefer coffee makers that don’t take up much space. 

Although it has several programmable features, we understand that not everybody has the space for this model. One smaller alternative we suggest is the Keurig K-Mini Single due to its shorter width and overall price. Although it lacks several of the K Elite’s features, it can make as much coffee after refilling it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Keurig K Elite worth it?

The short answer to this question is yes. This single-serve coffee maker has a one-year limited warranty, and its sturdy build should be able to withstand years of use, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen counter or office space.

What is the difference between the Keurig K Elite and K Elite C?

The main differences between these two devices are the number of K cup pods included and whether or not the device comes with a reusable coffee filter. The Keurig K Elite comes with six K cups, while the K Elite C comes with 15. The K Elite C comes with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, while the Keurig K Elite doesn’t. 

Is Keurig Elite being discontinued?

As of the writing of this Keurig K Elite review, this model doesn't qualify as discontinued. Previous Keurig machines, such as the Keurig K300, Keurig K450, and the 2.0 series, are discontinued. The Keurig K Elite is an updated version of the discontinued K-475.

Which is the best Keurig to buy?

We consider the Keurig K Elite coffee maker to be the best Keurig model due to its excellent adjustable settings and swift coffee preparation time. Other runner-ups include the K Supreme-Plus, K Duo-Plus, K Select, and K-Classic Coffee.

Can I use other kinds of coffee pods with my Keurig K Elite coffee maker?

Unfortunately, the Keurig K Elite can only accept K cups in its main compartment. The style of its chamber can’t fit other coffee pods. However, coffee makers that accept traditional coffee pods can accept K cups.

One k cup pod typically contains between 75 to 140 milligrams of caffeine in a single cup of 8-ounce coffee.

Final Verdict

keurig elite

The Keurig K Elite Single-Serve Coffee Maker is ideal for anyone seeking a simple device to use and accommodate any coffee craving. With a press of a button, you can create your favorite brew. Creating the ideal Keurig coffee takes time to perfect, and this device allows you to experiment with how you prepare your favorite morning delicacies.

Although its enhanced features make it pricey on some budgets, we believe it’s worth the investment. Instead of waiting for minerals to build up and alter your brew's strength, you can invest in a coffee maker that alerts you when to descale your unit.

Some users might experience hot water issues when operating this coffee maker, but as long as you keep its water reservoir full and keep your coffee mug under it, you don’t have to worry about making a mess. Hopefully, this review can help you decide if this coffee maker is a suitable addition to your kitchen.

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Author Profile Picture

Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.