Pros
ConsThe details
If you want to make a barista-worthy latte or cappuccino, then you shouldn’t settle for a regular coffee maker. Shake things up by investing in a top-rated coffee machine with milk frother. In that regard, you can’t go wrong with the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition.
This appliance checks all the boxes for what you’d want in a coffee-espresso combo machine. From iced lattes to regular coffee, this unit can brew them all. Here is a more in-depth look at this coffee maker.
Coffee taste
As you might have guessed from the title, the milk frother is this coffee maker’s key highlight. It’s designed to work with different kinds of milk, and this includes the dairy-free varieties.
Better yet, it’s capable of frothing either hot or cold (yes, that means you can make iced lattes too!). Another thing we like are the calibrations on the stainless steel frothing jug. It has specific lines for “latte” and “capp”, which makes it easy to prepare lattes and cappuccinos.
This coffee maker can also make a rich espresso-style shot of about 2 ounces, which would make the perfect base for a frothy drink. Nonetheless, it’s good to note that it can’t make a true espresso.
Keurig is particularly famous for its frothy drinks. But it can make a rich cup of regular coffee as well. You can brew the usual drip coffee. Or, you can go for a richer, bolder coffee taste by selecting the “strong brew”.
Ease of use
The ease of use is another area where the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition really has an edge.
For starters, it’s super easy to clean. The drip tray, milk frother and K-cup holder are all detachable and safe to wash in a dishwasher. Then, there’s a descaling reminder that notifies you when the unit needs to be descaled.
Even though it doesn’t have a Hot Water Dispenser or Quiet Brew Technology, it has several features in place of these. For instance, it boasts a Smart Start feature that lets you kickstart the brewing process even if the appliance hasn’t warmed up yet.
You will also love the auto shutoff feature that automatically switches off the brewer if it stays dormant for a period of two hours. You have the freedom to deactivate this mechanism, though we highly recommend that you keep it around.
Features
One aspect that you’ll want to keep in mind is that Keurig K-Cafe can only brew one beverage at a time.
It’s designed to work exclusively with K-cup pods, meaning you’ll have to buy these on a regular basis. These K-Cup pods are available in most grocery shops, so this shouldn’t be too big of a deal.
On a more positive note, the coffee machine gives you an array of brew sizes to pick from. The four sizes available are 6, 8, 10 and 12-ounce cups.
Another feature you’re sure to love is the 60-ounce water reservoir. While it’s not as big as that of the K-Elite, it’s still a very generous offering, enabling you to brew 6 cups without refilling.
Value
If you’re looking for a budget coffee machine, the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition is not the right fit for you. Its price hovers around the $200 mark, making it one of the most expensive models on the market.
But if you’re willing to spend a chunk of money on a high-end coffee machine, you won’t be disappointed with your investment. In fact, you’ll be getting a pretty good value considering you’ll be able to make beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Final verdict
The Keurig K-Cafe is best suited for homeowners looking for a coffee maker with a milk frother. Thanks to this feature, you’ll be able to brew a variety of drinks and not just regular coffee.
Moreover, the frothing feature is customizable, and lets you brew cold or hot beverages. A couple of other features you’ll love about this appliance are the Smart Start, auto-off and generous 60-ounce water reservoir.
