Keurig launches $500 Alta machine that brews compressed, compostable coffee pucks

Left · 2Keurig has launched the Alta, a single-serve machine that uses compressed coffee pucks called AltaRounds in place of plastic-and-aluminum K-Cup pods. 1 2 Left · 2AltaRounds are made of fine coffee grounds wrapped in a plant-based coating derived from seaweed, and are described as compostable. The Verge says they are 100 percent compostable. 1 2 Left · 1The Verge reports that preorders are open at $499.99, with shipping expected to start on October 21. The machine is sold only as a bundle with glassware and AltaRounds. 1

Left · 2The two outlets differ on the bundle's details. The Verge lists three color options and six boxes of AltaRounds. Wired lists four colors, four boxes of AltaRounds and Flur glasses, and says the preorder has already sold out. 1 2 Left · 2The machine makes regular coffee and espresso. After the machine punctures the puck, it forces hot water through at high pressure, which Wired puts at 10 bars. A built-in frother makes milk foam. 1 2 Left · 2Each AltaRound carries a QR code that the machine scans to set brewing conditions. Users pick drinks on a touchscreen. The Verge adds that the machine is Wi-Fi connected, so new recipes can be added as more varieties are released. 1 2

Left · 2The outlets also give different launch lineups. The Verge says six caffeinated varieties will be available, covering light roast, medium roast and flavored options. Wired says AltaRounds launch as single espresso, double espresso and regular coffee, and that a pack of eight will cost $10 to $11. 1 2 Left · 1Phil Drapeau, Keurig's senior vice president of Future Coffee Systems, told a New York City presentation that customers wanted espresso-style drinks and that the K-Cup system could not deliver them: "We wouldn't be able to do any of that with K-Cup." 2 Left · 1Wired's reviewer calls the first-generation machine sleek but enormous. They say it is easy to use but not instant, and that it has a built-in K-Cup brewer so users can still brew K-Cups. They say the coffee is flavorful with crema, though another journalist did not find it special. 2

Left · 2On packaging, The Verge says that, according to CNET, the pucks currently come in plastic wrappers and Keurig is working toward paper wrappers. Wired says foil wrappers and cardboard are still used. 1 2 Left · 1Wired raises open questions. The price means the K-Cup, which launched in 1998, will not disappear soon. Keurig previously drew criticism for trying printer-toner-style DRM, and for now only Keurig and Peet's flavors work in the Alta. Wired asks whether other makers will be allowed in later, and says a full review will follow. 2