Keurig Alta first look: A K-Cup-compatible brewer for AltaRounds

Keurig’s Alta Coffee and Espresso Maker brews both AltaRounds, its compressed coffee pucks, and K-Cups. The company announced plans to phase out K-Cups in favor of AltaRounds, but the transition is gradual, and some drinks may not yet be available in the new format.

The machine is available directly from Keurig for $499.99, including four packs of AltaRounds. It measures 10.84 x 11.7 x 19 inches (27.5 x 29.7 x 48.6 cm) and has a touchscreen. Connecting it to Wi-Fi is optional.

Each AltaRound has a plant-based coating and a QR code on both sides. A camera in the brewer reads the code and displays suggested recipes for that coffee. The machine can make espresso and longer coffee drinks, with adjustable volume and temperature. Its “over ice” setting brews a more concentrated hot espresso shot; AltaRounds cannot be brewed cold.

The Alta has a steam wand and presets for dairy milk and plant-based alternatives. It can also make cold milk froth without steam. In an initial test, TechRadar’s reviewer found the AltaRounds more intense than Lavazza’s Tabli Tabs, while noting that only a few brews had been tested. Used pucks drop into a bin inside the machine, where water can drain through a basket.

TechRadar’s Cat Ellis says testing will continue over the coming weeks with AltaRounds and K-Cups, followed by a full review.