KEURIG K-SELECT REVIEW: THE RIGHT POD COFFEE MAKER FOR YOU?

The Keurig K-Select is a basic brewer for coffee fans who value convenience and simplicity.

The Keurig K-Select is a relatively recent addition to the Keurig line-up, and you can tell at a glance that it builds on the incredibly popular K-Classic. It has limited features and a low price tag to match, making it worth consideration for anyone looking for a low-maintenance cup of coffee in the morning.

In this brutally honest review of the Keurig K-Select, I’ll walk you through my experience with this machine – the pros and the cons. As a specialty coffee lover, I’ve never been particularly impressed with Keurig coffee quality, but that doesn’t mean this model lacks any redeeming features.

The Full Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker Review

The K-Select is the Keurig machine for the coffee fan who values simplicity above all. Plug it in, and you’re just a few button presses and a couple of minutes away from a hot-and-ready coffee every morning. I won’t claim it’s the most delicious cup of coffee I’ve ever tasted, but I can’t argue against the effort-to-coffee ratio.

What Are The Key Features Of The Keurig K-Select?

The Keurig K-Select Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is at the lower end of Keurig’s current line-up, with few features and a relatively affordable price tag to match. You won’t find the more advanced technologies of the higher-end models here.

This entry-level Keurig offers little in the way of customizability. You can choose between four cup sizes – 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces – and you the option of a Strong cup of coffee. That’s it.

Once it’s ready to go, it starts brewing automatically as you go about your morning. This feature is handy in theory, but in reality, I found it only took about two minutes to heat up after I turned it on anyway, so it’s not a huge time saver.

There is also an optional auto-off function that turns the machine off after 2 hours of inactivity. This is another feature that makes more sense in theory than execution. It’s great for peace of mind if you’re someone who regularly forgets to turn things off before heading to the office. But why is it two hours? It’s not like there’s a hot plate keeping your coffee warm. It would make more sense to turn off after 10 minutes, given that they’re claiming it’s for “energy efficiency.”

What is the difference between Keurig K-Select and K-Classic?

The K-Select is essentially an upgraded version of the K-Classic. They look similar, though the Select packs its additional functionality into a slightly more compact frame. The Classic has only three drink sizes (6, 8, and 10 ounces) and lacks the Strong Brew option. Its water reservoir is a bit smaller at just 48 ounces.

Using The Keurig K-Select

I certainly can’t fault this machine for its ease of use. Keurig coffee makers were designed for convenience, and they have mastered it. With simple button controls, brewing coffee with the K-Select is as easy as:

1. Turn the machine on.
2. Open the lid and insert a K-Cup. Close the lid.
3. Optionally, choose “Strong.”
4. Press the button corresponding to the drink size you want.

The K-Select will finish heating and brew automatically. I clocked the entire process, from pressing the On button to taking my first sip at around 3 and a half minutes, with some variation depending on drink size and strength.

If you forget to turn it off, it will do that automatically as well – though, like I said, it will wait for 2 hours.

Can you use ground coffee in Keurig K-Select?

Yes, you can use ground coffee in the Keurig K Select coffee maker. It is compatible with the refillable My K-Cup Filter (sold separately), and if you can handle the slightly longer prep time, I highly recommend this option!

It allows you to use a larger coffee dose – one of my major complaints about K-Cup coffee – and freshly ground beans. Even if you don’t have a coffee grinder, buying pre-ground coffee from a roaster will be much fresher than most K-Cups. Plus, it is substantially better for the environment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the Select is very straightforward. I emptied and rinsed the removable drip tray once a day, giving it a more thorough cleaning on a weekly basis. The 52-ounce water tank is removable for easy refilling, and there’s even a warning light on the top of the machine to warn when it’s getting low.

I found it best to remove the used pod as soon as it cools rather than letting it sit until the next day’s brew. That minimizes coffee grounds clogging the piercing needle.

Descaling needs to be performed regularly to avoid the build-up of mineral deposits, which will affect the machine’s performance and longevity as well as the taste of your coffee. The exact frequency depends on your water quality, but you don’t need to worry about it. An indicator light lets you know when it’s time to descale, and the process only takes a few minutes.

Does Keurig K-Select need a filter?

The K-Select is sold with a charcoal Keurig water filter that fits in the reservoir, and while it isn’t technically necessary, it’s definitely worth installing (1).

Filtered water ensures the internal plumbing stays cleaner for longer and definitely yields better-tasting coffee. Feel free to leave it out if you already have something like a Brita filter on your tap water.

How Does The Coffee Taste?

Let’s be honest, Keurig K-cup coffee is mediocre. You’re brewing for convenience, not quality. I found that most coffee I tested was weak, watery, and under-extracted. There are several reasons for this, some of which I attribute to the machine design and others to the coffee pods.

So the 10 and 12 oz sizes, in particular, always taste weak – even with the Strong setting engaged. Additionally, K-Cups aren’t airtight, so the grounds inside are usually stale and lacking flavor.

These problems can be mitigated by buying made-to-order K-Cups from specialty roasters, but a better solution is to use a refillable pod and freshly ground coffee beans.

Design Flaws And Solutions

Then, there are the problems with the Keurig system itself. First, the water temperature is too low. I measured it at 185 F, a full 10 degrees below the minimum suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association (2). Second, the contact time is too short. Piercing the pod with one needle and brewing for less than a minute virtually guarantees the grounds won’t be fully saturated, leading to under-extraction.

These machine flaws aren’t solvable except by purchasing a higher-end Keurig model, but you can set yourself up for success. The Strong Coffee option, which works by increasing brew time, is your friend. And I recommend opting for darker roasts and espresso roasts, which are easier to extract quickly.

Design, Aesthetics, and Build Quality

The K Select has the classic look of the original Keurig models, which is distinct from the sleeker, more modern design of the newer options. It’s nicely symmetrical and relatively unassuming, measuring 12.5” tall by 9.2” wide by 11” deep. Note that the height extends to 17” with the lid open, so you may need to slide it out from under the upper cupboards to insert a pod.

It’s available in a few color options, which seem to vary with location and the seasons. So check around if you’re after something particular. You’ll always be able to find standard matte black, and you might also come across a brushed silver, vintage red, white, or navy.

The removable water reservoir holds 52 ounces, enough for four to eight drinks. The drip tray holds a full 12 ounces, so you won’t make a mess even if you hit the 12-ounce brew button accidentally. It can be removed to allow extra height under the coffee spout, fitting a travel mug up to 7.4”.

The build quality of this coffee machine is decent. Despite being entirely plastic, it feels relatively durable and well-engineered. It’s evident that Keurig has manufactured millions of these and has the process pretty well streamlined (3). It comes with a one-year warranty, but I’d anticipate more like three to five years of use.

Don’t Buy The Keurig K-Select If…

• You don’t want to use K-Cups: You can always equip the K-Select with a reusable pod filter, but if you want to steer clear of the Keurig brand, there are plenty of great single-serve coffee makers designed for use with ground coffee. Check out the Cuisinart SS-10 for a basic model or the Ninja CM401 Specialty for a great coffee maker with more features.

• You want a more compact machine: The new Keurig K-Slim single cup brewer is an upgraded version of the long-popular K-Mini, and it packs a lot of great functionality into a tiny package. Measuring just under 5” wide, it offers three drink sizes, a removable water reservoir, and Multistream technology for improved extraction.

• You want more brewing options: If you like the option to customize your coffee beyond simply choosing a different brand of K-Cup, look to the Keurig K-Supreme Plus for a more versatile coffee brewing system. The Supreme Plus lets you choose between three coffee strengths, three brew temperatures, and five drink sizes. It also features Multistream technology and an Over Ice setting for iced coffee.

The Verdict

Priced at the lower end of the current Keurig selection, the K-Select single serve coffee maker is good value for money despite offering limited features and programmability. It delivers on the Keurig promise of convenience, with an intuitive user-friendly interface and handy cleaning features. 

While the drip coffee it brews certainly isn’t specialty quality, it can be significantly improved through the use of a refillable pod. I’d recommend this machine if you’re looking for a basic brewer to simplify your mornings and get you out the door with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

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