The Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged BES900XL, breville, espresso machine Leave a comment

Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

I’ve reviewed other Breville espresso makers (yes, they have quite a few), and they’re always a pleasure to use. But the BES920XL holds a special place in my heart. This model isn’t always easy to get a hold of and it’s a bit on the expensive side, but it brews up a cup of espresso that rivals what you’d get in an Italian café. There’s a lot to love about this machine, and I can’t wait to share the details of my review with you.

Commercial-Quality Espresso Machine

First, let me just say that this machine is commercial-quality, or as close as you’ll get with a home machine. It’s built with stainless steel, so it’s highly durable. All parts are made from either steel or BPA-free plastic.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine.

All the Features You Could Ever Need

The BES920XL features dual stainless steel boilers with two 15-bar Italian pumps. This allows for steaming and espresso brewing simultaneously. The dedicated steam boiler is 32 ounces, while the dedicated espresso boiler is 10 ounces.

On top of this, you get a ton of programmable features, like:

Shot volume
Shot temperature
Pre-infusion duration
Power
Auto start time
Audio volume
Shot volume

The BES920XL uses precise electronic temperature control to ensure your espresso is always brewed at the optimal temperature.

The backlit LCD display also shows you the shot clock (how long the brew will take), regular clock or the shot temperature. The 84 ounce water tank is removable, too, for added convenience. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree swivel steam wand for brewing coffeehouse drinks.

The OPV (over-pressure valve) ensures that your grounds are never over-extracted because of excess pressure. And the BES920XL gives you instant hot water, so you can preheat cups or brew Americanos.

At first glance, you’ll think the BES920XL is a complicated “space machine” (at least that’s what I called it), but it’s really easy to use. And after a few rounds, you’ll be brewing espresso like a professional barista.

Smart “Clean Me” Feature

One of the things that I really love about this model, and other Breville espresso makers, is that it lets you know when it’s time to clean the machine. It also comes with cleaning tools and a cleaning disc for added convenience.

The exterior of the BES920XL is stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel.

Will Give You Years of Espresso Brewing

Breville is known for their high quality home appliances, and the BES920XL is well-engineered. I have no doubt that this machine will give you years of use if you take proper care of it.

The Right Price

I’m going to be honest – this machine isn’t cheap. Right now, you’re looking at spending well over $1,000 for the BES920XL. But if you’re a true fan of espresso, you know that a high quality brewer is worth every penny and can’t compare to low-range (or even mid-range) machines.

Why I Love This Machine

Dual boilers and pumps, so you can brew and steam at the same time.
OPV limits the extraction pressure, so you get a smooth shot of espresso every time.
LCD display makes it easy to brew.
With a ton of features, you can brew your espresso to your own liking.
Swivel steam wand lets you make cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse drinks.

The One & Only Con

Price

Aside from the price, there’s nothing I’d change about this machine. It has everything you could possibly want in an espresso machine. And, in all honesty, that makes it well worth the price. I can’t recommend the Breville BES920XL more. If you love espresso, you’ll love this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine.

The Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine Reviewed!

April 4, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Espresso Machines Tagged 800ESXL, breville, espresso machine Leave a comment

Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)

In case you hadn’t heard, Breville makes some fantastic espresso machines, and the 800ESXL is no exception. When I took this model for a test drive, I was surprised by the quality of the espresso it produced – and how easy it was to brew. This 15-bar, triple-priming, die-cast machine was on par with some of the higher end models I’ve tested. Let’s take a closer look at what the 800ESXL has to offer.

Solid Espresso Machine with Stainless Steel Housing

If you plan on brewing espresso daily, you need to invest in a high quality machine. And the 800ESXL is a great choice. With a stainless steel housing, this machine is durable and easy to clean.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine.

Convenient Features

Now, here’s what’s most important – the machine’s features. And this model has plenty to offer, including:

ThermoBlock heating system
15-bar, triple prime Italian pump
Selector dial that lets you choose between espresso, steam or hot water
Swivel steam wand with a frother
Removable, 72 ounce water tank
4.5” cup clearance

Plus, the 800ESXL comes with a tamping tool, filters, frothing pitcher (stainless steel) and a cleaning tool.

All controls are easily accessed on the front panel of the machine. The dial lets you choose between brewing espresso and using the steamer or hot water functions. It’s so easy to use, and it brews a rich cup of espresso.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

I’m not a big fan of coffee makers that are difficult to clean (who is?), and the 800ESXL was surprisingly easy to clean. The exterior of the machine is made of stainless steel, so it wipes clean with a sponge or towel. And Breville gives you a cleaning tool, so you can keep your machine looking like new.

Highly Durable

Espresso machines can be fickle. Even some high-end machines have a reputation for puttering out after a few months. But the 800ESXL is built to last. Plus, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty. So if your machine does happen to break, Breville will either repair it or send you a new one.

Affordable

Many coffee lovers shy away from buying an at-home espressos machine. Why?

They’re afraid the espresso won’t live up to their expectations.
They’re expensive.

But Breville breaks that trend with the 800ESXL. This is a high quality, affordable espresso machine that you can get your hands on for a great price!

Pros

15-bar Italian pump and ThermoBlock heating for the perfect cup of espresso.
Swivel steam wand, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos.
Removable 75 ounce water tank for easy filling and cleaning.
Stainless steel housing for the utmost in durability.

Cons

No automatic shut-off

The 800ESXL does not offer an automatic shut-off feature. This isn’t a deal breaker, but more of an inconvenience. If you forget to shut off the machine, it will continue heating your water all day.

The 800ESXL is easy to use and lets you brew the perfect cup of espresso – or your favorite coffeehouse drink – right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for an affordable espresso machine that’s built to last, the Breville 800ESXL is a smart choice.

Click here to get the price of the Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine.

Another Favorite Single-Serve Coffee Maker By Mr. Coffee!

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, mr. coffee, single-serve Leave a comment

Mr. Coffee Single-Serve (click to enlarge)

Mr. Coffee’s affordability combined with the great taste of Keurig Brewed coffee. The BVMC-KG6-001 offers the best of both worlds to coffee drinkers. Not only is this model packed with features, it can make coffee, tea and cocoa too.

Mr. Coffee Quality

Black and silver, this model is made of durable hard plastic and offers top-of-the-line features. The brewing technology is one of the best in the world thanks to the addition of Keurig-based technology with this single-cup coffee machine.

Feature-Rich Design

Using Keurig K-Cup Packs, you’ll quickly realize that you have a lot brewing options from coffee and tea to delicious cocoa. When it comes to features, this model includes:

40-ounce water reservoir
3 brew-size options: 6-, 8- and 10-ounces
Removable drip tray

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

The reservoir gently comes out and can hold up to 40-ounces of water. This means less refilling and an easier time making coffee in the morning. After putting the K-Cup in place, all that’s left to do is choose your brew size, and you’ll have delicious coffee within just 60 seconds.

Fast and efficient, this model can fit cups of all sizes from a small 8-ounce cup to a travel mug.

There is a drip tray to catch any coffee that might drip out after you remove your mug, and the tray is easily removed for easy cleanup.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Cleanup is a breeze. Remove the reservoir to dump out any old water and clean it in the sink. If the drip tray gets dirty, remove it and wipe it down with a sponge or clean it under the sink. I personally never put my coffee maker parts in the dishwasher, so I wouldn’t recommend it with this model.

Aside from using K-Cups, there’s virtually no maintenance involved.

Built to Last

With any coffee makers, you’ll risk the chance of the pump burning out early on. Mr. Coffee includes a one-year warranty, but you shouldn’t have to worry. I have a lot of friends that use this model regularly, and there have been no complaints so far.

Budget-Friendly

This is a little more expensive for a single-serve coffee maker due to the Keurig technology used. This model is very affordable and for Keurig taste and Mr. Coffee quality, it’s a smart investment.

Pros

Uses Keurig technology
Easy to clean
3 great cup sizes

Cons

Small reservoir

The one complaint seen among users is that everyone wants a larger reservoir. This is a single-serve model, and you never want to let your water sit for too long between brew cycles. Aside from this, this model is highly recommended.

Mr. Coffee offers a very affordable option for K-Cup lovers with this single-serve coffee maker. It brews a cup of coffee in less than a minute, it has the Keurig taste coffee drinkers love, and it’s made by one of the best-known brands in the coffee industry – Mr. Coffee. If you’re in the market for a coffee maker, definitely see what the BVMC-KG6-001 has to offer.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

The Best: SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Favorite, French Presses Tagged best, french press, glass, sterlingpro 1 Comment

SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup (click to enlarge)

Elegant and able to brew 8, 4-ounce cups of coffee, this SterlingPro glass french press is an extremely affordable coffee and espresso maker that is easy to clean and easy to use. This is a no-frills model, so you won’t be buying a coffee maker with a timer or fancy settings. But, sometimes, simplicity brews the perfect cup of French press coffee.

Build Quality

Borosilicate glass is used for the carafe. A stainless steel base and enclosure keep the carafe in place. If you’re worried about plastic affecting your coffee’s taste, the only plastic piece is the top lip.

Design & Features

There aren’t many features, per say, aside from the fact that this model: Brews 8 cups of 4 ounce coffee and Uses a double screen system.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!

Being a manual coffee maker, there are no electrical parts or fancy timers. This means that there is less opportunity for this model to break, and it’s super easy to use.

The carafe uses a heat-resistant, borosilicate glass that ensures a pure coffee taste. The double screen system is a fan favorite because it traps in any excess coffee grinds. If you hate finding coffee grinds at the end of your cup of coffee, you won’t experience this with the SterlingPro.

Maintenance & Cleaning

What’s the best thing about a manual coffee maker? It’s never hard to clean. Simply wait until the carafe is cool and clean it out with water and a sponge. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure that no soap enters the carafe to ensure the best flavor.

If soap is needed, thoroughly rinse and then run a full cycle, or two, with just water and no coffee. This will remove any “off” taste that you may experience.

As far as maintenance is concerned, you’ll only need to replace the metal screens. There are two extras provided. According to the manufacturer, with the two extra screens provided, you should be able to use this French press for years before needing to buy a replacement screen.

Durability & Longevity

Manual coffee machines will last for years. Simple cleaning and replacing the filter screens will allow you to use this model for years – maybe decades – if you never drop the carafe.

I do want to note that the carafe is delicate, so don’t put it in the dishwasher or bang it with a spin – it can crack.

Price

Do you want a French press that’s affordable? Check this model out!

Pros

Sturdy design
Large brewing capacity
Double screen filtration

Cons

Delicate carafe

The carafe can be a bit delicate, so you want to make sure that you don’t place it in the dishwasher or attempt to add sugar to the carafe and mix coffee in it. Some users have complained that the carafe has cracked due to a spoon hitting the inside too hard. However, this happens with a lot of French press models that are made from glass.

If you like French press coffee, you will like the pure – non-plastic – taste that the SterlingPro produces. This model is extremely affordable as well!

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Glass 8-Cup French Press. See why over 5,000 people have given such a high rating!

A Must Buy: SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Coffee Press Review

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, French Presses Tagged french press, stainless steel, sterlingpro 2 Comments

SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press (click to enlarge)

The SterlingPro offers one liter of pure French press coffee. This is the perfect coffee maker for camping due to its extreme durability, but it can also be used in the home or office. Featuring 18/10 stainless steel, this model will look good in any kitchen and is an Amazon Bestseller.

High-Quality

Made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, this is one of the highest-quality French Presses on the market in terms of design.

No-Frills

This is a no-frills model, but really, all French Presses are simple in design. With that said, there are some pretty sweet features that make this model a little better than the competition:

All stainless steel
1 liter brewing capacity (34 ounces)
Double wall construction
Double screen filter

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press.

The double wall construction is something I want to talk more about. This design allows you to touch the exterior of the pot and not get burned in the process.

Moving to the exterior, the entire model, inside and out, is made from stainless steel. This allows for good heat conductivity as well as peace of mind in knowing that your French Press will never rust.

Coffee grounds are passed through a double screen system. What does this mean? The grounds will be stopped by two screens, so no grounds ever end up in your coffee.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Sometimes, the screens will need to be replaced. There is no set interval for this, but a lot of people have used one screen for over a year without an issue. The cost of these screens is about $15 for two, but the manufacturer includes 2 extra screens for free, which is a major bonus.

Being stainless steel, you can simply wipe and rinse all of the pieces clean.

Extreme Durability

If you’re used to a glass carafe, stainless steel will be your new best friend. One of the major selling points behind stainless steel is that it is very durable. You will be able to enjoy this French Press for years under normal use.

Affordable Price

SterlingPro offers this model at an entry-price.

Pros

All stainless steel
Double walled design
Double screen system
Dishwasher safe

Cons

Small capacity

Many users have stated that they thought this French Press would be bigger in size. The manufacturer does state that this is a 1 liter model. If you’re bad at conversions, this is roughly 34-ounces, or 4, 8-ounce cups of coffee. For a single coffee drinker or a couple, this is a great choice.

I’m a big fan of this model not only for the taste, but because I know that stainless steel can last a lifetime. Being stainless steel means that this model is very durable and that there’s never a plastic taste that many coffee makers produce. You’ll also never have to worry about rusting, which is a major benefit. You’ll also find that stainless steel is very easy to clean.

You really can’t ask for anything more at this price range. This is a sturdy, high-quality French Press that has been backed by 250+ reviews.

Click here to get the price of the SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press.

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged 10-cup, coffee maker, Technivorm-Moccamaster Leave a comment

Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Technivorm-Moccamaster is a name many of you are probably unfamiliar with. Handmade in the Netherlands, Technivorm-Moccamaster coffee makers may not be as well-known as other brands, like Keurig and Mr. Coffee, but the brand produces great quality machines that can brew a mean pot of coffee. I had the chance to give the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT 10-cup brewer a test drive recently while staying with a friend. I’ll share my experiences in my review.

Premium-Quality Construction

Just one look at the KBT and you can tell it’s extremely well-made. The exterior is primarily made of stainless steel with black plastic accents – which are all BPA-free, by the way.

Click here to find the price on the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker.

This machine is SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Center) and SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) approved, so you know it’s made with top quality materials and brews a great pot of coffee.

Great Features and Sleek Design

Unlike other coffee makers, the KBT uses a copper heating element that heats the water to a consistent 196-205 degrees F. A special pulse action ensures the perfect bloom during extraction. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the heating element shuts off automatically.

There aren’t a whole lot of features or buttons with this machine. A simple on-off switch, water reservoir, carafe and filter basket are really all you need to enjoy a great cup of coffee. The water tank has markings, so you can easily measure your water.

The KBT has a minimalistic, compact design, which was a pleasant surprise. It won’t take up a whole lot of counter space, which makes it a great option for small kitchens and apartments. And it can brew a full 10-cup carafe or 1/2 carafe in just 4-6 minutes.

Clean-Up is a Breeze

Forget spending 10-15 minutes cleaning stubborn filter baskets and water reservoirs. The KBT is very easy to clean. The steel exterior wipes clean with a sponge or damp towel. To descale, just run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and water every month or so. Thanks to its minimalistic design, maintaining the KBT is a breeze.

Long-Lasting

If you’re looking to invest in a coffee maker that will give you years of use, the KBT is a great choice. It’s backed by a 5-year warranty and is built with high quality parts, including a stainless steel exterior and copper heating element. And because it has a simplistic design, there are very few parts you need to worry about breaking.

Superb Value at a Mid-Range Price

The Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT is a mid-range coffee maker with high-end quality. You’d have trouble finding another coffee maker in this price range that produces a better pot of coffee.

Pros

Simplistic, compact design
Easy to use and clean
5-year warranty
Precise heating to the optimal brewing temperature
SCAA, SCAE and ECBC approved

Cons

A few users had a problem with the reservoir leaking.

When I tested the KBT, I never had an issue with the reservoir leaking. The reviewers who did probably didn’t use the machine properly.

The Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT brews coffee at just the right temperature every time. With a minimalistic design and affordable mid-range price, I can’t recommend the KBT enough.

Click here to find the price on the Technivorm-Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker.

Most Affordable: The Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 12-cup, BVMC-SJX33GT, coffee maker, mr. coffee Leave a comment

Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Mr. Coffee is known for quality at an affordable price. With the SJX33GT, you’ll get one of the best low-end models on the market that comes with an automatic cleaning cycle, 12-cup brewing capacity and programmable timer, so you wake up to the smell of coffee every morning.

Great Quality

Named one of the best products of 2011, 2012 and 2013, this model is built with quality in mind. The carafe is thermal to keep heat inside, water is filtered through the accompanying water filter, and the exterior features a black and silver plastic design.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker.

Feature-rich Design

For such a great price – more on that later – this model is packed with features that make brewing the perfect pot of coffee effortless. These top-of-the-line features include:

12-cup brewing capacity
Glass carafe
Special cleaning cycle
2-hour auto shutoff
2-hour coffee heating
Water filter basket
Pause and serve
Strong and regular brew options
Set delay option for future brewing

Ever wonder why your coffee can taste so different from one coffee machine to the next? Oftentimes, it has a lot to do with the water. Using a carbon-based water filter, this model removes 97% of chlorine, so you’re left with delicious coffee.

You’re able to set your brew strength, program future coffee making and even stop this model mid-brew to pour yourself a cup of coffee and resume the brewing process after.

Easy Cleanup

Don’t want to spend too much time cleaning up? Neither do I. Mr. Coffee has a removable filter basket, a self-cleaning cycle and a glass carafe that’s easy to clean – just rinse it under the sink. As for the exterior, a simple cleaning with a sponge or damp towel is all that’s needed to get the job done.

Aside from the self-cleaning, the only maintenance involved will be replacing the water filter.

Durability & Longevity

The longevity of this model is superb. I have a friend that’s used this model every day for 2 years, and it’s still going strong. As long as you don’t drop the carafe, there’s no reason that this model won’t last just as long for you.

There’s also a manufacturer warranty, so if it breaks within the first year, you’ll get a free replacement.

Price

You’d be hard-pressed to find a model with this level of craftsmanship and durability for cheaper than the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT. This model is very affordable and is packed with all of the features that I deem a “necessity.”

Pros

Programmable for hot coffee when you wake up.
Time tested to last for years.
Self-cleaning cycle for easy cleaning.
Strong and regular brew settings.

Cons

Initial plastic taste.

Many users have stated that there is an initial plastic taste when first brewing with this model. A great way to fix this is to wipe the inside of the carafe with alcohol then thoroughly cleaning the inside. Now, run the cleaning cycle and brew a few cups of coffee. At this point, you should taste nothing but delicious, pure coffee.

If you’re on the market for an affordable coffee maker that is built to last, I recommend giving the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT a try.

Click here to get the price of the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT Coffee Maker.

The Melitta Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged 10-cup, coffee maker, Melitta Leave a comment

Melitta Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

Melitta is a lesser-known brand, but they offer a stunning coffee maker that looks like a high-end model – without the high end price. This model is very popular with 2,800 reviews and comes with either a 10-cup thermal carafe model or a 12-cup glass carafe model.

I will be reviewing the 10-cup thermal model, but they’re virtually the same, minus the cup quantity.

Build Quality

Made with stainless steel, the build quality of the Melitta is exceptional. It looks stunning and won’t break or crack like some hard plastic models can.

The thermal carafe is also a major bonus because it features a double wall design that keeps coffee warm even hours after brewing.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Design & Features

Full-bodied flavor and an intoxicating aroma is what this coffee maker is known for. You can even program it at night and have it automatically brew coffee for you when you wake up. It’s very convenient and offers:

10-cup brewing capacity
Thermal carafe with thumb activated pouring
Vacuum-sealed design for the utmost in freshness
Regular, bold and robust coffee settings
Cone-shaped filter for optimal coffee extraction
Programmable timer
Pause and serve feature

Offering the ability to brew 10-cups of coffee, this model makes enough coffee for the whole family. If you’re in a rush, there is a pause and serve feature that allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee and resume the brewing process right after. If you’re always on the go, this is a great feature to have.

The carafe allows for thumb-activated pouring. When you make your coffee, simply choose regular, bold or robust flavors. If you like a full-bodied taste, this model uses a cone design to optimize the coffee ground extraction process.

You can even make iced coffee with this model.

Maintenance & Cleaning

There isn’t an automatic cleaning cycle on this model, so you’ll need to clean this model by hand. Just grab a sponge or a damp rag, and wipe down the exterior. The carafe can be cleaned in the sink.

Durability & Longevity

Made from stainless steel, this model is extremely durable. Longevity is not an issue with many owners still using this model after 3+ years of ownership. As long as you change the coffee filters and perform regular cleanings, you’ll be able to run this model for years.

Price

The Melitta looks like a high-end model and produces a full-bodied cup of coffee that’s filled with delicious flavor. This is a great model for any coffee drinker.

Pros

Stainless steel
Exceptional exterior design
Affordable
Programmable
Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for 1 hour; warm for 3 hours

Cons

No automatic cleaning
Difficult to read the water gauge

Automatic cleaning would have been a nice added bonus, but it’s not a necessity with this model –especially for the price. Adding water and reading the gauge is a little difficult, especially when making less than 10 cups of coffee at a time, but you’ll quickly get used to it.

Melitta is a highly recommended coffee maker that offers durable stainless steel, programmable brewing and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm for hours.

Click here to get the price of the Melitta Coffee Maker.

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker: The Keurig K130 Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers, Favorite Tagged coffee maker, k130, keurig 2 Comments

Keurig K130 Single-Serve (click to enlarge)

Keurig is one of the most recognizable brands in the coffee industry, and their single-serve brewers are some of the best around. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the K130 Brewing System. It’s one of the most affordable in the Keurig line-up, but it’s every bit as good as the other machines I’ve tested. It’s simple, but it does the job well. Let’s take a closer look at this model in my review.

Commercial-Grade Brewer

Did you know that the K130 is the same machine used in hotel and motel rooms all over the country? A coffee machine has to be reliable and well-built if it’s going to be used in the hospitality industry.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

Simple, Smart Design

Like all other Keurig machines, the K130 uses the K-Cup system. I personally love K-Cups because they’re so convenient. I never have to spend extra time grinding beans or measuring. All I have to do is just pop in the K-Cup and start brewing. And with this model, you also have the option of buying a reusable K-Cup holder, so you can use your own coffee if you want.

Aside from coffee, you can also brew tea, hot cocoa and even iced beverages in this machine. The versatility of the K130 is one feature I really like, and something that most Keurig single-serve machines offer.

The internal reservoir holds just enough water for a single 8oz. serving. But that’s all the water you’ll need as this brewer makes just one cup at a time. And pictorial instructions are included on the side of the machine to ensure you use it properly. A mug sensor and automatic shutoff feature are also included.

The K130 doesn’t come with a ton of features. It’s a simple design that works well, and it brews a great cup of coffee. At the end of the day, that’s really all that matters.

Minimal Clean-Up

Because the K130 is a simple machine, clean-up is easy. The exterior wipes clean with a sponge or rag. The reservoir isn’t removable, but it comes clean with a simple vinegar/water brewing cycle.

Maintenance is easy. Just be sure to keep the machine clean and follow the usage directions properly.

Highly Durable

Keurig designed the K130 for commercial use, so it’s built to withstand extensive use and abuse. I’m confident that if you take care of this machine, it will last for quite a few years.

A Price That’s Hard To Beat

Would you believe me if I told you the K130 is very affordable? Most machines in the brand’s lineup cost $100+. You can get your hands on the K130 for less than the cost of most entry-level coffee makers. And you still get the same Keurig quality.

Pros

Easy to use and clean
Brews just one cup at a time
Auto shutoff saves energy
Uses K-Cups for convenient, easy brewing

Cons

No programmable features
Only brews one cup at a time

It sounds silly, seeing as the K130 is a single-serve coffee maker, but I would have liked to have the option of brewing more than one cup of coffee at a time. Other Keurig machines (like the K45) give you this option, but the K130 doesn’t. However, the brew time is so quick, it really isn’t a major concern.

The Keurig K130 is a great brewer for single coffee drinkers. It’s quick, efficient and brews up a quick cup of great-tasting coffee. I highly recommend this machine.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K130 Single-Serve Coffee Maker.

The Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker Reviewed

March 27, 2015 by Kate Posted in Brown's Coffee Reviews, Coffee Makers Tagged coffee maker, k45, keurig, single-serve Leave a comment

Keurig K45 Single-Serve Coffee Maker (click to enlarge)

A while back, I took the Keurig K45 Elite Brewing System for a test drive while staying at a neighbor’s house. I’ve always loved the simplicity of Keurig machines and the K-Cup system, and the K45 offers that flexibility that I’ve been craving in single-serve brewers. I’ll explain more in my review.

Keurig-Quality Construction

First, let’s talk about the quality of the K45’s construction. If you have any experience with Keurig machines, you already know how well-built they are. I’ve known people who have had their machines for several years and it still brews great coffee. The K45 is no exception.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.

Sophisticated Design and Convenient Features

Now, let’s get back to that flexibility I was talking about earlier. Unlike other single-serve brewers, the K45 Elite gives you the option of brewing 6oz., 8oz. or 10oz. cups of coffee. This means you don’t have to run two brewing cycles just to fill your travel mug for work in the morning.

Another great feature is the large 48oz. water reservoir. If you’re brewing a large cup of coffee or more than one person is making a cup, you don’t have to make several trips to the sink to refill the water tank. And the K45 even comes with a water filter kit, so you can enjoy fresh, pure coffee every time.

With the K45, you can customize your coffee with just a few clicks of a button.

The K45 is always ready to brew, and will make you a cup of whatever you want – coffee, tea, hot cocoa or even iced tea – in less than a minute.

And if you forget to turn off the machine, it will shut off automatically after a given period of time.

Easy to Clean

The Keurig K45 is really easy to clean. A damp sponge or towel can be used to wipe down the exterior of the machine. And to keep the machine clean, there’s a special descale program that will remove build-up and hard water residue.

Most parts, including the water tank and drip tray, are removable and easily washed by hand with soap and water.

Built to Last

Backed by the Keurig name, the K45 Elite Brewing system is built to last. I’ve tested quite a few coffee makers, and you can tell by the weight and build of this machine that it will give you plenty of use. Some coffee makers feel “flimsy”. This one doesn’t by any means.

Won’t Break the Bank

Some Keurig machines can be expensive, but the K45 is very reasonably priced. Considering this machine gives you the flexibility to brew bigger cups of coffee, it’s worth the cost.

Why I Recommend the K45

Multiple cup sizes (6oz – 10oz.).
Large, 48oz. water reservoir, so you can brew multiple cups before having to refill.
Automatic shutoff feature.
Water filter cartridge included.
Comes with 12 K-Cups to get you started.
Brews in just one minute.

Minor Drawbacks

Not programmable

The K45 doesn’t offer any programmable features, so you won’t be able to wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But it takes just one minute to make a cup of coffee, so this really isn’t much of an issue.

The Keurig K45 is a sleek single-serve coffee maker that gives you the flexibility you crave. With multiple cup sizes and a large reservoir, this is a coffee maker the whole family can use.

Click here to get the price of the Keurig K45 Elite Coffee Maker.