bit-tech Shopping: Keurig Elite Gourmet B-40 Coffee Maker

• 1-4 Cup Feature
• Automatic Shutoff
• Removable Water Reservoir

Rating: 2

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Looks cool. Great marketing.

Weaknesses: Does not work.

Summary: I bought this for my wife. When we turned it on, all LED lights flash. I have confirmed on the web that I am not the only person to have this problem. I have also confirmed through a web search that this is a fatal error for this product. Look at their website before you buy. You will note that you cannot do a search and find "troubleshoot". Tells you the product is about markething rather than support. Can't tell you how the coffee is, it never made one cup.

Rating: 2

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: coffee quality and consistent brew

Weaknesses: noise

Summary: Coffee is great but the brewer noise is terrible. The noise is from the pump refilling the internal chamber for water heating. The brewer is new so scaling is not an issue. I placed the brewer on a special acoustic foam pad. I?m an engineer and I took sound level readings. This is what I found in my kitchen:67 dB, Dishwasher while in wash mode72 dB, microwave warming dinner85 dB, coffee brewerThe coffee brewer is the loudest appliance in the kitchen! OSHA sets 90dB as the sound level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss. I?m using the OSHA number just to illustrate how ridiculously load the brewer is.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Ease of use, convenience, speed, options, low maintenance, variety

Weaknesses: none

Summary: I bought this as a housewarming gift for someone who has the B-50 (I have a B-50 too). This is for the summer house. She couldn't be happier. The coffee is piping hot and the cups are plentiful even at the smaller setting. The machine has a small enough footprint that doesn't horde counter space. K-cups are available locally and online.At first I thought a Keurig was a luxury and the coffee was just ok since I'm more of a Starbucks than DD coffee taste. Since I found the GM Double Black Diamond I'm thrilled. I take that down to their summer house when I visit.I use my Keurig almost daily since I can grab a cup on the fly and not waste coffee in a brewed pot if I'm short on time.Thanks Keurig.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Easy to use-great selection of coffees

Weaknesses: expensive

Summary: This machine is perfect for those who want a quick cup of coffee. It brews a great cup of coffee and I like the idea of having a variety of K-cups on hand. Each day I can experience a different flavor. I like too that I can brew tea or hot chocolate with this machine.