Keurig K-Café Barista Bar Single Serve Coffee Maker and Frother
- Type: Drip Coffee Machine
- Brand: Keurig
- Rating:
- Dimensions: 12.8"D x 5.1"W x 12.6"H
- Capacity: 7.5 cups
- Features: Water Filter
$99
Buy on Amazon
Keurig K-Café Review: A Convenient, All-in-One Coffee Maker for Lattes, Cappuccinos, and More
If you're searching for an easy way to enjoy café-style drinks at home—without mastering a complicated espresso machine or spending a fortune on equipment—the Keurig K-Café might be exactly what you need. This all-in-one single-serve coffee maker goes beyond the basics by offering lattes, cappuccinos, and even espresso-style shots—all with the convenience of the K-Cup pod system you already know and love.
While it’s not a true espresso machine in the technical sense, the K-Café delivers a strong, concentrated 2-ounce “coffee shot” that gets impressively close to that bold espresso flavor. Add in the built-in milk frother and intuitive controls, and you’ve got a home coffee setup that blends convenience, variety, and quality—without a steep learning curve.
Brewing Versatility: Lattes, Cappuccinos, and More
What sets the K-Café apart from standard Keurig models is its ability to go beyond drip-style coffee. With just a press of a button, it can brew a concentrated coffee shot that forms the perfect base for specialty drinks. Use the “Shot” setting for a bold, espresso-style base, then froth your milk and you’ve got a homemade latte or cappuccino in minutes.
The milk frother works with a wide range of milk types—including skim, whole, almond, oat, and soy—and can froth both hot and cold milk, giving you options for iced lattes or warm, cozy drinks. The frother is automatic and easy to clean, making it a standout feature for users who want the feel of a coffee shop at home without buying extra gear.
If you’re not in the mood for a specialty drink, no worries. The K-Café also offers standard 6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce coffee cup sizes, just like other Keurig machines.
Ease of Use: One-Touch Simplicity
One of Keurig’s biggest strengths is making coffee-making simple, and the K-Café continues that tradition. The machine’s button-based interface is straightforward and beginner-friendly. There’s no need to grind beans, tamp grounds, or learn how to steam milk. Just pop in a pod, choose your settings, and press “brew.”
It’s a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a variety of coffee drinks without investing time into learning complex brewing techniques. Whether you're a beginner or just prefer convenience, the K-Café delivers consistent results with minimal effort.
Large Water Tank and Thoughtful Design
The 60-ounce water reservoir is one of the most practical features on the K-Café. It reduces the need for frequent refills, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers or for anyone who makes several drinks per day. The reservoir is also removable, which makes cleaning and refilling simple.
Design-wise, the K-Café has a clean, modern look and feels more refined than older Keurig models. While it does take up more counter space than smaller machines, the extra room is put to good use: you’re getting a full-sized coffee maker and a milk frother in one unit. Unlike some previous Keurig models, this one doesn't feel overly plasticky, which gives it a more premium feel.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
The Keurig K-Café typically retails around $99, placing it in the mid-to-high range for single-serve machines. While that might seem steep compared to basic coffee makers, it’s important to consider what you're getting. You’re not just buying a pod machine—you’re getting a versatile brewing system with the ability to create lattes, cappuccinos, and strong coffee drinks, all from one device.
Yes, you’ll need to keep a supply of K-Cups on hand, which adds to the long-term cost. However, the trade-off is that you won’t need to buy espresso beans, grinders, or a separate milk frother. For many users, the savings in time, effort, and cleanup more than make up for the investment.
Also worth noting: this machine frequently appears in sales and bundle deals, especially around holidays and major shopping events like Black Friday. So if the full retail price gives you pause, keep an eye out for discounts.
Key Features at a Glance
- Compatible with all K-Cup pods
- “Shot” brew setting for espresso-style drinks
- Built-in milk frother (hot & cold)
- Brews 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz cups
- Large 60 oz removable water reservoir
- Accommodates travel mugs
- Auto-off energy-saving feature
- Simple, intuitive button controls
- Works with dairy and plant-based milk
Who Is the Keurig K-Café Best For?
- Busy professionals who want café-style drinks at home without extra effort
- Families with multiple coffee preferences
- Beginners who want to skip the complexity of espresso machines
- Anyone who values speed, convenience, and variety in their coffee routine
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Upgrade for Home Coffee Lovers
The Keurig K-Café is more than just a pod machine—it’s a genuine coffee station for your home. With the ability to brew strong coffee shots, froth milk, and make a wide variety of drinks, it’s a fantastic solution for anyone who wants café-quality beverages without leaving the house. While it’s not a replacement for a traditional espresso machine, it gets surprisingly close for a fraction of the effort.
If you're ready to elevate your morning routine and enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, and more—without any complicated setup—the Keurig K-Café is absolutely worth considering.
Keurig K-Café Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Keurig K-Café make real espresso?
A: Not technically. The K-Café brews a 2-ounce concentrated "coffee shot" using regular K-Cup pods. While it's not true espresso (which requires high pressure), the result is bold and strong—great for lattes and cappuccinos.
Q: Can I use any K-Cup pods with the K-Café?
A: Yes! The K-Café is compatible with all standard Keurig K-Cup pods, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. For best results with specialty drinks, use dark roasts or espresso-style pods.
Q: Does the K-Café come with a milk frother?
A: Yes, it has a built-in milk frother that works with both dairy and plant-based milks (like almond, oat, soy, etc.). It can froth both hot and cold milk for iced or hot drinks.
Q: Can it make iced lattes or cappuccinos?
A: Absolutely! Just brew a coffee shot over ice and use the cold froth setting to prepare your milk. Combine, stir, and enjoy a refreshing iced latte at home.
Q: Is it hard to clean?
A: No—cleaning is easy. The milk frother is dishwasher-safe (top rack), and the water reservoir is removable for quick rinsing. Just remember to occasionally descale the machine to prevent buildup.
Q: How big is the water tank?
A: The K-Café has a 60-ounce water reservoir, which is larger than most standard Keurig models. That means fewer refills, especially useful for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
Q: Does it support travel mugs?
A: Yes, the K-Café can accommodate travel mugs up to 7.2 inches tall (with the drip tray removed), making it ideal for on-the-go mornings.
Q: How long does it take to make a drink?
A: From pod to cup, a regular coffee takes under a minute. A latte or cappuccino (with frothing) takes about 2–3 minutes total.
Q: Is the Keurig K-Café worth the price?
A: If you want café-style drinks at home without complex equipment or barista skills, then yes. You're getting a coffee maker, milk frother, and versatility in one easy-to-use device.
Q: Can I find it on sale?
A: Often, yes. The K-Café is regularly discounted during major sales like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and holiday promos. Keep an eye out for deals and bundle offers.