Keurig Elite B40 & Special Edition B60 Impressions

Thanks to the folks at Green Mountain, we received the new Keurig Elite B40 and Special Edition B60 to review. We've been furiously running mountains of K-Cups through the B40 and B60 to judge which new Keurig we like the best. We've also been running K-Cups through all of the Keurigs - B40, B50, and B60 to ensure they all make a consistent cup of coffee.

Here's how we did the testing:

We are currently doing some consulting work for the Fall at a local video game company so we took the Keurig Elite B40 there to get impressions and use the Keurig in a new setting
We replaced the B50 in our kitchen with the B60 and have made this our daily brewer besides the coffee's we've been testing on other machines
We used the B50 to compare the coffee flavors using Sumatra Extra Dark and Hazelnut Creme K-Cups prior to splitting up the triplets for comparison.

B40-Sm The Keurig B40 at Work

As we stated earlier, the Keurig Elite B40 is essentially the Keurig B50 without the digital clock and auto off features (you can read our review of the Keurig B50 here.) The B40 features a only an 7.25 oz Brew, a removable reservoir tank, and auto turn off after 2 hours which you can set on or off.

At first we really missed the clock the B50 and B60 have, but then at work that began to fade. For a single purpose - make me a great cup of coffee machine the B40 at $99.95 couldn't be better. The office coffee is terrible and the Keurig B40 was a welcome addition to the fast paced work environment. It fits travel mugs with ease, and though it doesn't make the other mug sizes - I really didn't miss it in this setting.

The coffee it produces is the of the same quality as the B50 and B60. We couldn't tell a bit of difference. Unlike the B60 where you can adjust the temperature, the B40 seems to come out at 192 F and brew a great cup of coffee.

The B60 in the Single Serve Coffee Test Kitchen

The Special Edition B60 features a 5.25oz, 7.25oz, and 9.25 oz setting for different cup sizes. It also features a programmable clock, blue back lighting and has the ability to adjust the temperature down 5 degrees from 192 F. (Thanks to Scott G for this info). The Keurig Special Edition B60 is priced at $199.95.

What you initially notice is how striking the BLUE LED lights are on the clock face and the water tank. When you take off the water tank the lights flash under the reservoir (nice touch). When the reservoir is in place you have your reservoir tank lit from below. This is the most pimped out coffee maker we've ever owned. It's pretty amazing and simple what a few lights can do.

The handle on the K-Cup jaws also is tricked out with chrome. We like the look but aren't big fan of the finger prints. Overall the blue lights and the chrome are the only big visual changes but it's really quite a difference.

The only big difference in the LED features is the ability to adjust the brew temperature. We did adjust it down and up and it works. However, we are big fans of piping hot coffee and then reset it to 192 F.

The other big difference is the Travel mug 9.25 oz setting size. We have really enjoyed this setting using the Extra Bold K-Cups from Green Mountain. We don't recommend this setting for regular K-Cups (the Rainforest and Hazelnut creme do hold up) and it's really nice to put a travel mug under the Keurig and then not to have to brew 2 K-Cups to get a full mug. We thought the travel mug setting was going to go to waste but we do use it everyday.

Quality of Brewed Coffees in the Keurig B40, B50, and B60

There really isn't any difference at the 7.25 oz setting in any of the Keurigs. This is the only oz setting common to all three machines. In the 5.25 oz setting on the B50 and B60 we couldn't tell any difference either. So it looks like if you're into a price point and features of the various models - you'll need to make your decision based on that.

Wrapping Up

We think all three of the Keurigs have their own pluses and minuses.

Unique Features of each Keurig:

The Keurig B40 at $99.95 is great if you like an 7.25 oz cup of coffee and don't want any of the auto-on features or to be able to adjust the brew temperature.

The Keurig B50 if you want to be able to have your Keurig turn on automatically and want to brew a smaller sized cup at 5.25 oz. Priced at $149.95.

The Keurig B60 if you want the travel mug brew setting and to adjust the brew temperature. Priced at $199.95.

Common to all three Keurigs:

All three make the same great cup of coffee.
All three have the same sized water reservoir
All three will fit travel mugs
All three will take any K-Cup you throw in them
All three will use the K-Cup reuseable coffee filter

We think depending on price and features all three Keurigs are a good buy. We really like the Keurig B60 because of the blue lights and travel mug settings the most. But we think you'll be happy with the B50 if you want the auto on features and two cup sizes.

At Green Mountain

Read More in: Keurig & K-Cups | Keurig Reviews

Assorted Flavored K Cups from Green Mountain Coffee - Apr 23, 2008
Keurig B130 Coming to Crowne Hotels with Timothy's World Coffee - Apr 15, 2008
Keurig B40 Single Cup Brewer - The $99 Single Serve Coffee Brewer - Apr 07, 2008

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Posted by Jay Brewer at October 25, 2005 8:16 AM

Jay, nice job on the comparison! Do you think Keurig might change the cup size on the B50 to 8oz. and 10oz. instead of 6oz. and 8oz.? The 10oz. seems so much more useful than the 6oz. I wonder if there is something existing B50 owners can do to upsize their existing models 2oz. per serving setting. With all the extra bolds coming out, it seems that would be a great value proposition for the B50.
Posted by: MichFan at October 25, 2005 8:53 AM

Hi Jay- I'm purchasing a pod based system for my office. we have less than 10 people in the office. I'm between the Simple Human and the Keurig (probably B50). Mostly care about a high quality very hot cup of coffee of an adequate size (I pretty much ruled out the Tassimo for this reason). Any thoght on which would be a better fit? -Robert
Posted by: Robert at January 2, 2006 6:26 PM

After our first taste of a Keurig coffee at a friend's house during a dinner party this fall, my husband and I were both hooked (we're the 3rd couple these friends have sold on the Keurig - each after only 1 cup). I purchased our Special Edition as a family Holiday gift and we are all extremely pleased with the range of coffee and tea flavors and marvel at the extreme ease of use. Now for the question: any rumours that Keurig will be coming out with Hot Chocolate or milk K-cups to rival the T-discs offered by the Tassimo? With 5 people living in the house - ranging in age from 54 to 13 - variety is always a plus. Thanks for all the news and info; I'll look forward to good tidings on the cocoa front!
Posted by: Jodie Ellison at January 6, 2006 9:41 AM

I got this directly from Keurig Dear Reginald, Thank you for your inquiry. Keurig’s new “My K-Cup”, a reusable K-Cup that can be filled with the coffee grounds of your choice, is compatible with the Elite B40, Ultra B50, and Special Edition. You can find this new product at www.keurig.com under the “accessories” section. The entire assembly will cost $14.95, and a set of 2 filters costs $9.95. Each filter is good for over 500 brew cycles. We are temporarily out of stock on the My K-Cup, but will receive more in the beginning of next week. Currently, the only brewer that comes with a My K-Cup included is the Special Edition B60 purchased from Williams-Sonoma. Brewers purchased through www.Keurig.com or other retail outlets do not include this accessory. The My K-Cup will not be available in retail stores until February 2006. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Jennifer Zimmerman Keurig Customer Service At Home Division (866) 901-BREW (2739)
Posted by: Reggie at January 14, 2006 12:39 AM

I finally ordered the B60 today from Amazon $199.95-$25 and free shipping and no tax!! Will Ordered on friday and Should arrive Monday in time for the wife's birthday. Thanks for the insightful reviews Reggie
Posted by: Reggie at January 21, 2006 1:42 AM

My father requested one of these machines for the holidays and I settled on the b60 version because of the flexibility of cup size (incl travel mug) and the teperature setting option. I cannot wait for him to open it!!! Thanks for a great review mama kelly
Posted by: mama kelly at November 25, 2006 3:07 PM

First I bought the "Home Cafe" single serving pod brewer...YUK! Then I tried the Senseo single serving pod brewer. This was a bit better, but not good and enough and way too expensive for everyday drinking. Then I bought my Keurig B60. I'm crazy about this thing! The machine is very well built. The coffee it brews tastes great. I've found all three sizes keep the flavor of the coffee and do not create a bitter taste. I've tried all the sample K-cups (except teas) that came with my system and all taste like gourmet coffees. The flavored coffees taste real and natural not like an office coffee machine. When you drink this coffee you feel like you are getting your moneys worth. The coffee is like fine restaurants and coffee houses. I am not just saying that either. My new B60 makes the pod brewers taste like cheap "just add hot water" instant coffee. My wife says the hot chocolate tastes wonderful, but wishes they were in K-cups instead of powder bags. I bought the My K-cup reusable filter but haven't used it yet. I recommend this brewer to anyone who loves coffee or anyone who likes a cup of joe without the cleanup hastle.
Posted by: Lee at December 26, 2006 1:19 AM

I just bought the B40. I originally wanted the B60 but the B40 was available at Target and I realized I didn't really need the programmable clock, different cup settings, or temperature adjustments - I just wanted a quick and easy cup of coffee that tastes good (although I have to admit the LED does look cool). I totally love mine. I have to force myself not to drink too much coffee, but the Keurig just makes it too easy!
Posted by: Amy at January 8, 2007 12:43 PM

just bought the B60 on Amazon for $122.88. It's listed at $147.88 - free super saver shipping - coupon code CLEAROUT (-$25)= $122.88...which is a great deal with the B60!
Posted by: Jessica at January 22, 2007 3:18 PM

I'm ready to make the leap to a single cup brewer from my Bunn Drip machine. I've narrowed it down to the Bunn My Cafe', the Grindmaster GPOD or one of the Keurig's. Is there a difference in taste quality between the good quality pod vs. K-cups? Or for that matter, from my regular drip machine?
Posted by: Cathy at January 15, 2008 6:20 PM

I have the Keurig B60, which I absolutely adore. I also have a closet full of K cups in just about every blend available. Today, as I was refilling the water resevoir, I thought to myself "this certainly looks like polycarbonate." I couldn't find the recyle number on it, but I am curious to know if it is #7, the one that is now thought to leach bispenol A into the water?
Posted by: Eileen at April 28, 2008 4:44 PM