By Sohaib Shams
NBC Selected tested the new Keurig Alta single-serve coffee and espresso maker for three weeks to evaluate whether the $499.99 machine can replace daily coffee shop visits. The Alta brews both coffee and espresso using plastic-free AltaRounds — compressed coffee rounds with a plant-based coating — while retaining compatibility with existing K-Cup pods. It features a built-in milk frother, touchscreen controls, and Wi-Fi connectivity for recipe updates.
Design and footprint
The machine measures 11 inches wide and 19 inches deep with its water tank attached, extending farther back on the counter than competitors such as the Lavazza Tablì (15 inches with tank) and the Caraway coffee maker (11.5 inches). The matte Sandstone finish received praise for its sleek appearance. A two-level waste bin separates used rounds from liquid drainage, and testers observed no mold growth after several days, unlike some other plastic-free pod systems.
Performance and noise
Espresso drinks tasted similar to standard Keurig coffee with only a slight flavor improvement. The built-in frother peaked at 75 decibels during operation, compared to 70 decibels for an office Keurig model. The touchscreen offers drink customization and both hot and cold foam options.
Cost analysis
Using Keurig's announced pricing — $9.99 for an eight-count box of Single Shot rounds and $10.99 for Double Shot rounds — a three-shot iced latte costs approximately $3.25 in ingredients, or $2.87 with a subscription discount. Including the machine price and the four-box starter supply, the break-even point against a $9.53 coffee shop latte occurs after 73 home-made drinks (about two and a half months at one per day). After one year of daily use, the average cost per latte including hardware, coffee, and milk falls to roughly $4.50.
Alternatives
The Lavazza Tablì Espresso Machine, priced at $129.99, brews espresso from compressed tabs without capsules but requires a separate frother and has a shallower counter depth. The Caraway 10-Cup Coffee Maker, launched at $495, offers a plastic-free brew path with glass and stainless steel components for drip coffee only, using significantly less counter depth.
Key details
AltaRounds are BPI-certified for home and commercial composting, though their foil-based freshness wrappers are not; Keurig plans to transition to a recyclable paper-based wrapper in 2027. The machine accepts regular K-Cup pods, but AltaRounds are exclusive to the Alta brewer. The launch offer includes four boxes of rounds.
