For someone looking to get their first Keurig coffee maker, this is a good model to start with. It doesn't have as many features as the Keurig B60 Platinum but that also means it’s a little less complicated while still providing that almost-instant brewing ability.
And "almost-instant" really does mean just that. The Keurig B40 is a single-serve style of machine that heats up water very quickly and brews coffee in under 2 minutes. A little added pressure to the water system is what makes it unique. That means you just have to make 1 cup at a time exactly when you want it.
Keurig coffee makers require that you use K-Cups, or small plastic discs filled with coffee grounds. You can get these in a lot of varieties so you shouldn't feel too restricted. Not only coffee, but also in many kinds of tea and hot chocolate too. When you buy a Keurig B40 Brewer, there is usually a 12-pack of coffee pods included so you don't have to rush out and buy more just to try out your machine.
The Keurig B40 single serve coffee maker will hold 48oz of water in the reservoir, which will last through several cups of coffee (depending on how much water you use for each cup). You can either brew to an 8oz cup or a 10oz cup. If you are brewing your coffee into a tall travel mug, you can take out the little drip tray for a bit more extra room. You can take the water reservoir off the machine for easier filling, too.
Exclusive video: Keurig B40 Elite Review
When you are switching between 8 and 10oz for your cup of coffee, you have to remember that there is the same amount of coffee grounds in the pod either way. That means the 10oz cup will not be as strong as the 8oz one.
The controls are simple to use. There is an on/off switch, and buttons to choose your cup volume. Lights will let you know what stage the machine is at (heating, etc) and there are also indicators to let you know when the reservoir is low, and when you need to use the cleaning cycle to de-scale the inside.
The exact measurements for the Keurig Elite brewer are 13" high x 9.8" wide x 13.3" deep. That should fit on most counters but you may want to measure your space first. There are no color options for the Elite. It only comes in black with muted gray accents.
Compared to a standard drip coffee maker, the Keurig is a little louder but then it’s only brewing for a couple of minutes so it generally isn't a huge problem.
