CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
There's a new Keurig on the block. The Keurig K-Cafe Smart, a new kitchen appliance that promises to make delicious coffeehouse drinks, is out now. And I was able to get my hands on one to test. Here's what you need to know about the newest coffee maker you can buy.
Top product in this article
Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus, $160 (regularly $230)
I was born in Germany, where afternoon coffee time is a ritual. During Kaffeezeit, adults drink coffee, kids drink an assortment of beverages, and everyone eats cake. It's a daily habit my German parents brought with them when our family moved to the United States during my childhood.
I hopped onto the coffee bandwagon myself in college, where I fueled my two-a-day habit with a Keurig. I paired the Keurig with a milk frother from Amazon that I still use today. Even following a kitchen fire, I relied on my partially melted Keurig to keep me caffeinated, one K-Cup at a time. (I've since replaced that Keurig with a classic Cuisinart coffee maker and regular runs to Starbucks.)
When I heard that Keurig was coming out with the K-Cafe Smart, a new brewer that does more than just brew coffee, I was intrigued. And luckily, as a CBS Essentials shopping expert, I was able to get my hands on one to test out.
The new Keurig K-Cafe Smart ($250) promises to help you create more than 70 coffeehouse drinks at home using coffee pods. This new model looks like a standard Keurig, but has an attached milk frother and way more buttons than the brewer I used during my college days.
The Keurig K-Cafe Smart connects to the Keurig app. You can schedule a brew in advance, brew remotely and more. The coffeemaker's BrewID tech, meanwhile, selects the ideal settings for whatever K-Cup you choose to use.
Or, you can skip the app. The brewer has five temperature and six strength settings -- the most customization Keurig has ever offered in a coffeemaker. And the milk frother has three temperature settings. The lowest is ideal for making iced drinks, while the highest promises to froth oat and almond milks.
This Keurig can create a highly-concentrated shot of coffee to mimic the profile of espresso. (There are espresso K-Cups available for purchase that you can use for the "shot" function, too.) The "shot" function is ideal for creating lattes, macchiatos and more espresso-driven drinks. There's an iced coffee button, too, which brews at a lower temperature and flow rate.
The brewer did in fact create a strong shot from the dark roast coffee K-Cups I have. I mixed the coffee shot with frothed milk, one pump of pistachio Torani syrup and a drizzle of Ghirardelli chocolate syrup on top. I was not a fan of the Dark Magic dark roast I tried from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, but that's more a matter of personal taste.
My favorite cafe drink was the English breakfast tea latte I made. (Yes, Keurig machines make tea, too!)
Personally, while I enjoyed using and reviewing the Keurig K-Cafe Smart, I'm likely to keep using my existing Cuisinart coffee maker and milk frother. I would, however, recommend it to someone who needs a new coffeemaker. You can do so much more than just brew coffee with it, plus K-Cups are incredibly convenient to use.
K-Cups tend to run cheaper than Nespresso pods, so you'll likely save money in the long run by picking the Keurig K-Cafe SMART over a Nespresso machine. You can get K-Cups on sale at your local supermarket, or you can sign up for Keurig's consumption-based subscription program. (You'll save 25% on every order.)
The Keurig K-Cafe Smart is a really good choice for someone who loves regular coffee, iced coffee and easy-to-make cafe drinks. That said, if you're looking for a machine solely to create the best coffeehouse drinks, you might want to consider a dedicated espresso machine such as a Nespresso instead. (CBS Essentials also recommends the 4.4-star-rated Instant Pot dual pod plus, which makes coffee from K-Cups and Nespresso pods.)
Want to look into more options? These other coffee makers are on sale now.
Can't decide between Keurig and Nespresso? Instant Pot makes a dual coffee- and espresso-maker, the top-rated Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus.
This kitchen gadget is compatible with K-Cup pods, Nespresso capsules and ground coffee when used with the included reusable pod. It lets you brew up to 12 ounces of coffee and up to 6 ounces of espresso at a time.
The Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus is $70 off at Amazon right now.
Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus, $160 (regularly $230)
The Keurig K-Elite coffee maker makes a single cup of coffee at a time but features a 75-ounce water reservoir so you can make cups of coffee for everyone in your family. The device features a strong brew button, an iced coffee setting and hot water on demand perfect for making tea and hot chocolate this fall.
Keurig K-Elite coffee maker, $159 (regularly $189)
This Nestle coffee device adapts its pressure, temperature and brewing time to make you the perfect cup of coffee and espresso. The on-sale Nespresso Vertuo Plus includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
Make espresso with a single touch. This slim Nespresso machine is perfect for smaller space. It features a high pressure pump and perfect heat control. This purchas includes a welcome set with 16 Nespresso capsules containing individual aromas.
Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, $175 (regularly $219)
This mini coffee device is a great option for small spaces. The 5-inch-wide Keurig coffee makers lets you brew up to 12-ounces of coffee, hot chocolate, tea and more. It offers an energy efficient feature that automatically turns the coffee maker off 90 seconds after you've brewed your cup.
Keurig K-Mini coffee maker, $80 (regularly $100)
Make a cup of coffee for yourself or make a whole bunch of coffee for the house. This K-Duo coffee maker lets you brew both. The carafe can brew up to 12 cups of coffee. Want to wake up to the smell of coffee? You can even program the Keurig K-Duo coffee maker to automatically brew a carafe up to 24 hours in advance.
Keurig K-Duo coffee maker, $159 (reduced from $190)
If you're shopping for an espresso maker, the 4.3-star-rated De'Longhi Espresso Machine makes shots of espresso with 15 bars of pressure and includes a manual milk frother.
"I love this so much," wrote an Amazon customer who purchased the espresso machine. "It's so easy to use and makes coffee so quickly. It was affordable compared to most espresso makers and the quality is amazing."
Make coffee with the press of a button. This simple Keurig K-Select coffee maker doesn't include a bunch of fancy bells and whistles but it's a classic. And it's on sale.
Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker, $100 (regularly $140)
For the coffee-fan who is looking to transition to a more involved coffee-making process, the French press is an easy, hands-on way to get more familiar with your morning brew.
Bodum Chambord French press coffee maker, $29 (reduced from $69)
This all-in-one espresso machine with an integrated grinder can take your coffee from beans to espresso in under one minute. The machine features dose control grinding, optimal water pressure, faster heat up time and precise espresso extraction.
Breville Barista Touch espresso machine, $1,089 (reduced from $1,200)
First published on September 12, 2022 / 11:10 AM
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is showing no sign of fighting an action taken against her by a state ethics board over her actions surrounding her daughter's application for a real estate appraiser's license.
Host Major Garrett is joined by Stephen Law, president of the super PAC aligned with McConnell, who has the job of figuring out where spending that millions will help Republicans win.
Republican Gov. Jim Justice has signed into law a ban on almost all abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
Beleaguered retailer announced more than 50 locations that will be shuttered, from Arizona to Washington state.
Jeremy David Hanson admitted to threatening various organizations, politicians and individuals.
Beleaguered retailer announced more than 50 locations that will be shuttered, from Arizona to Washington state.
"This is a far-reaching energy policy decision to protect our country," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
Some of the biggest changes in at least a decade are in store as the IRS adjusts brackets and contributions for inflation.
"Our city is in crisis," CEO Chris Kempczinski says, noting rising crime makes it hard to recruit executives.
The market swoon adds to weekly losses sparked by a hotter-than-expected inflation report.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is showing no sign of fighting an action taken against her by a state ethics board over her actions surrounding her daughter's application for a real estate appraiser's license.
Host Major Garrett is joined by Stephen Law, president of the super PAC aligned with McConnell, who has the job of figuring out where spending that millions will help Republicans win.
Republican Gov. Jim Justice has signed into law a ban on almost all abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
"This is a far-reaching energy policy decision to protect our country," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
A document purporting to be from the U.S. government and claiming the Treasury Department had information related to the search at Donald Trump's Florida estate was a fabrication.
With flu season approaching, Dr. David Agus also urged people to get their flu shots.
Republican Gov. Jim Justice has signed into law a ban on almost all abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
In an animal study, federal scientists found that combining Paxlovid and the antiviral Lagevrio could be safe and more effective.
The director of the World Health Organization says the end of the COVID-19 pandemic "is in sight." Dr. David Agus discusses what the future may look like for boosters, infections and deaths.
With some cancers, the recommended drugs have known toxic risks to the fetus, and time is not on the patient's side.
Mexican authorities have arrested a retired general and three other members of the army for their alleged connection to the disappearance of 43 students in southern Mexico in 2014.
Queen Elizabeth's reign was not without controversy around the world.
The police have said Mahsa Amini suffered a heart attack.
"Never in the history of the Duesseldorf customs office has a trail of slime led us to smuggled goods," a spokesman said.
"This is a far-reaching energy policy decision to protect our country," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
Singer Marcus Mumford of the band Mumford & Sons joins Anthony Mason to discuss the childhood trauma at the heart of his newly released solo album "(self-titled)."
Comedian Molly Kearney, known for their role in the series "A League of Their Own," is among four new people joining season 48.
Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has resolved a yearslong criminal case stemming from a pair of brawls at New York City strip clubs, pleading guilty Thursday in a deal that requires her to perform 15 days of community service.
"The last thing I would ever want to do is upset you," Kimmel told Brunson while apologizing for a joke that distracted from the actor's first Emmy win.
Cannon announced the birth of his daughter, Onyx Ice Cole Cannon, with photographer LaNisha Cole in an instagram post on Thursday.
There was no indication that Uber's fleet of vehicles or its operation was in any way affected.
Crypto enthusiasts say a shift in how ethereum — the second-most popular blockchain — works will revolutionize digital currencies.
ZDNet Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner explains best practices for setup and success of smart home security systems.
After a test period in select U.S. cities, Uber is going nationwide with its new Comfort Electric feature. Passengers will now be able to specifically request an electric vehicle in 14 additional American cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Houston. Ben Tracy has more.
President Biden has promised to make recharging more reliable, beginning with the construction of chargers along 53,000 miles of national highways.
A new report by the World Meteorological Organization says there's a 48% chance that global temperatures will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming over the next five years. Data shows a 93% chance that the Earth will experience record heat over that same time period. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins CBS News to discuss.
The rover is collecting samples rich in the raw materials of life, but laboratory analysis on Earth will be needed to draw conclusions.
Starting on Thursday, Uber's Comfort Electric option is being offered in an additional 15 U.S. cities.
The harmful chemicals that have damaged Earth's shield against radiation are on the decline, according to new research.
In this report originally broadcast on "CBS Sunday Morning" February 20, 2000, New York's Hayden Planetarium reopened with an awe-inspiring design, of a giant sphere within a glass cube. Correspondent Martha Teichner talked with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson; American Museum of Natural History president Ellen Futter; and architect James Stewart Polshek, who designed the spectacular Rose Center for Earth and Space. (Polshek died on Sept. 9, 2022, at the age of 92.)
Mexican authorities have arrested a retired general and three other members of the army for their alleged connection to the disappearance of 43 students in southern Mexico in 2014.
Jeremy David Hanson admitted to threatening various organizations, politicians and individuals.
A document purporting to be from the U.S. government and claiming the Treasury Department had information related to the search at Donald Trump's Florida estate was a fabrication.
Police had reopened the cold case multiple times since the killing and received a tip in December that Tudor Chirila Jr. could be a suspect.
A CBS News review of U.S. Justice Department court filings shows a growing number of Jan. 6 defendants have been arrested again — for subsequent crimes involving guns, drugs and domestic abuse.
The rover is collecting samples rich in the raw materials of life, but laboratory analysis on Earth will be needed to draw conclusions.
Was it a shooting star, space debris or maybe even a satellite? Here's what researchers think about the massive fireball that shot across the U.K. sky.
Scientists found that a 4.5 billion-year-old collision between an asteroid and dwarf planet is the likely source of the rare gem.
The failure marked a setback for Jeff Bezos' rocket company, but provided a real-world demonstration of its safety systems.
The Space Force Eastern Range is evaluating a waiver request from NASA to enable a third launch attempt by the end of the month.
An inside look into the case of Lauren Kanarek who was shot by her horse trainer, the former Olympian Michael Barisone.
Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush – how do the presidents of our era compare with those who came before?
Check out the looks that made fashionistas take note.
Royal subjects and international figures alike paid tribute to the royal, who reigned for over 70 years.
A-list celebrities have paid multi-billion-dollar divorce settlements and tens of millions of dollars in legal bills
Prosecutors have requested a judge overturn the conviction of Adnan Syed more than two decades after he was found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend. Rabia Chaudry, an attorney and family advocate for Syed, joined CBS News to discuss his case and what comes next.
California Attorney General Robert Bonta joins CBS News to discuss his decision to sue Amazon over allegations of violating the state’s antitrust laws. He tells Tanya Rivero and Meg Oliver why he believes the world’s largest retailer is stifling its competitors while driving up the price of online goods.
The world is honoring tennis great Roger Federer, who announced his retirement from the sport after decades of excellence that includes 20 Grand Slam titles: "To the game of tennis, I love you."
To compensate for higher costs of living, more Americans are resorting to "buy now, pay later" plans, and regulations have not kept up with the new digital offerings. Finance reporter Ken Sweet from The Associated Press joins CBS News to discuss the risks for consumers.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken credit for flying dozens of migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Nikki McCann Ramirez, a news and politics reporter for Rolling Stone magazine, joined Meg Oliver and Tanya Rivero to discuss her new article that explores whether the controversial tactic could be a violation of federal law.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.