- Fast (brew a cup in 40 seconds)
- Large water reservoir
- Quick initial setup
- Programmable on/off feature
- Accurate, consistent brew
- Regular or Extra-strength feature
- Large countertop footprint
- Programmable features somewhat unintuitive
- K-cups increase waste over gold-cone filters
- No K-cup custom blend option
The Gist From Our Review Team:
The Keurig B50 Single Cup Home Brewing System is perfect for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the speed and convenience of single cup brewing at home. The programmable LCD interface enables coffee-drinkers-on-the-go to quickly program on-and-off times and prepare a gourmet cup of coffee in less than one minute.
Multiple cups can be brewed quickly and easily by simply replacing the Keurig B50's proprietary "K-cup" after each brew. Water in the unit's reservoir is maintained at an optimum temperature, so that the system is always ready to brew. Each subsequent cup takes less than 40 seconds, from start to finish. The dishwasher-safe reservoir is also large, holding 48 ounces of water, or, approximately, 6 cups of coffee. The LCD interface conveniently signals the user when the reservoir is empty and in need of replenishing.
Especially appealing is the Keurig B50's serving size option for regular and extra-strength brews. Each K-cup is designed for a standard 7.25-ounce cup, but, if you are like me and prefer a stronger brew, the Keurig B50 also has a 5.25-ounce option. New to the B50 is a convenient removable drip tray that is dishwasher-safe. Also of note, the unit now accommodates taller travel mugs--perfect for busy coffee drinkers who commute.
The Keurig B50's sealed K-cups offer enthusiasts a quick, consistent brew every time without the mess of standard paper filters. K-cups also retain freshness for several months, according to Keurig. For those with different brew-strength and cup-size preferences, the B50 also ships with K-cups in two sizes. Ideally, Keurig would provide advanced users the ability to order custom K-cup blends. With more than 70 varieties of coffees and teas in its inventory, though, most users will be able to find a flavor that is right for their individual tastes.
Expect a sturdy, well-constructed unit, powered by a standard electrical outlet. The large water reservoir and drip tray withstood several cycles in the dishwasher without incident. Additionally, the system's k-cup technology prevents coffee pot breakage and residue buildup in the unit reservoir. One small drawback: the B50's countertop footprint is slightly larger than other home-brewing systems in its class.
Overall, the Keurig B50 Single Cup Home Brewing System is an excellent choice for gourmet coffee drinkers who want speed and convenience without sacrificing quality construction and consistent taste.