The machine then recommends different drink types (more on that in a second.) When spent, the pucks are collected in a waste bin and can be popped into your home compost or simply tossed in the garbage. While they’re currently shipping in foil-based packaging, they’ll eventually be wrapped in paper-based packaging, which will be curbside recyclable. This plastic-free coffee delivery system is a first for Keurig and really appeals to me. I’ve tested machines like the Bruvi BV-01, which has biodegradable pods, and technically Nespresso pods are recyclable, but most municipalities require that you send them to Nespresso for recycling via the mail, which is not exactly convenient. Keurig has a bad reputation for its K-Cups being wasteful; these little AltaRounds are the opposite.
The resulting brews I’ve tried have been fantastic. The Alta uses up to 10 bars of pressure to brew actual espresso, rather than using the concentrated coffee some pod machines label as “espresso.” Plain old coffee has a layer of crema and a rich oiliness that offers a full-bodied taste and viscosity that I wouldn’t typically associate with pod coffee makers. I’m not usually a flavored-coffee person, but even the caramel blend is delicious, with a sweet scent and a cozy taste that isn’t overdone. My friends who have gotten an under-oath sneak peek couldn’t believe their eyes or taste buds, either. My initial skepticism was quickly overshadowed by sheer excitement.
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Be Your Own Barista
The Alta brewer has a nifty touchscreen interface that will suggest different drinks based on which AltaRound you’re using. You can favorite these drinks for quick access, but navigating the menu is pretty easy, even if it’s first thing in the morning and you’re groggy. There are options for every coffee drinker. Want a flat white, a latte, or a cappuccino? How about a cortado or Americano? All of these and more are possible, with options to customize size, temperature, and strength. The Alta features a built-in steam wand, complete with a dedicated vessel and a magnetic whisk. When you select a drink that requires milk froth, the machine will walk you through the process step by step. It’ll tell you how much milk to add—there are measurements inside the vessel—and it can make intelligent adjustments based on whether you’re using dairy, oat, almond, or soy. You can make tweaks for a wetter or drier foam, and it can also create cold foam or cold froth.
The milk toppers are all rich, silky, and exquisite additions to my standard coffee drinks. You can tell the difference between drinks as well. Lattes are creamy and smooth, while cortados have a light and airy whip on top. This wand can be used manually if you’d prefer ultimate control. Once the milk is ready, the wand purges itself into a separate drip tray. Simply wipe it down and rinse out the cup; the magnetic storage keeps it in place on the machine. I love that this is a built-in feature and that it’s so easy to use. I just need to pick up some flavored syrups so I can make more intricate beverages when the mood hits. I’d also like to improve my latte art, which feels a bit like cheating when I don’t have to manually steam my own milk. The entire process is seamless: The coffee brews, the milk froths, you mix the components, and you have a perfect drink in hand.