Momma Told Me: "The King" Waffle Sandwich And I Explore The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewer

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"The King" Waffle Sandwich And I Explore The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewer

**I received a K550 Keurig 2.0 Brewer directly from the company in hopes I would share my honest opinions here on the blog. All statements and images below are copyright Momma Told Me 2014.
The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System: Brew up to 6 cups in the Carafe, Digital touch screen operation, change the size and strength of single cups, save favorite brew profiles, and change ambient lighting.
Momma Told Me: New technology, new headaches!

Of course there was a coffee maker in our house growing up; compared to a modern single-cup brewer it was an antique, and I'm pretty sure Momma laughed out loud the first time I asked if her 'coffee machine' could make me hot chocolate. My parents also indulged primarily in the topic of kitchen appliances, which I've touched on before, and I'm quite sure the 4 buttons on our little KitchenAid coffee maker were in them-self overwhelming as functions. Let's just say Momma fed her caffeine addiction outside the house at coffee shops and grocery store 'complimentary' displays. So, when I tell you I've inherited my mother's fascination with coffee, and my parents obsession with appliances, I literally mean I have owned 4 Keurig brewers. (And yet that cherry red Keurig, that would match my kitchen appliances, still eludes me.)
The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System: Brew up to 6 cups in the Carafe, Digital touch screen operation, change the size and strength of single cups, save favorite brew profiles, and change ambient lighting.A new Keurig 2.0 'Carafe' K-Cup can brew up to 6 cups of your favorite beverage at a time!
I could be all 'Rah! Rah!' and tell you the newest in the Single Cup Brewing Revolution; the Keurig 2.0 K550 is astoundingly intuitive and a must have convenience for anyone who drinks fluids (yes, let's be that broad.) But, as a modern consumer I also realize not everyone is going to drop $200 on an appliance most associate with brewing coffee when one CAN get by with a $20 coffee maker and ground coffee. And making the leap from a standard Keurig system to the 2.0 range will offer a range of perks and changes that you should understand when deciding whether this model is right for you. First, you must know that Keurigs are much more than 'coffee machines,' but 'brewing systems' that offer a range of hot and cold beverages brewed by the cup, or now with a 2.0 compatible carafe (up to 5 cups at a time.)
The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System: Brew up to 6 cups in the Carafe, Digital touch screen operation, change the size and strength of single cups, save favorite brew profiles, and change ambient lighting.
Unfortunately I don't think the company quite considered that their main consumer of this new 2.0 machine would be existing owners and brand consumers. If you are reading this right now there is a high probability that you either own a Keurig or have used one on several occasions at the office or a friend's home. The K550 2.0 brewer, and other 2.0 range models, offer an enhanced intelligence of properly brewed cups and varied 'strength' selections. In order for this technology to be integrated the brand had to put in place a readable system for the machine to identify the type and size of K-Cup. They did this in a way that the 2.0 and all previous brewers could brew standard single K-Cup size cups.

The unfortunate snafu, is that this 'redesigning' and modern innovation in 2.0 systems means that the system is unable to 'communicate' or 'read' K-Cups that were previously produced without the communicative colored outer rim. While the brand has been working for months prior to launch to get 'old' K-Cup packages off shelves so the transition would be smooth I had to toss out 146 K-Cups that were no longer compatible with my new 2.0 brewer- some of which had best by 2014 dates and were bought as recently as August. If you purchase incompatible K-Cups (with the old labeling) you will receive and 'Oops' message when attempting to brew, and are advised to contact customer service asap. Read more about the important labeling and K-Cup identification on my Facebook discussion.
The Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System: Brew up to 6 cups in the Carafe, Digital touch screen operation, change the size and strength of single cups, save favorite brew profiles, and change ambient lighting.
Part of the appeal in upgrading to a new Keurig 2.0 system is the digital intelligence built into the functions which promises several exciting options as the development team progresses. I also look forward to learning more about brewer 'skins' which will help personalize the look of your 2.0 brewer externally. For now, the colorful touch screen navigation is playful an offers customizable colored wallpapers. Among the new features and frills for the K550 brewer are 'profiles' which let you pre-save strength and brewing preferences, a (multi-color) exterior tank lighting feature for night ambiance, and enhanced strength and portion control.
A cup of coffee and "The King" Peanut Butter, Banana, Bacon Waffle Sandwich= Heaven!
A cup of coffee and "The King" Peanut Butter, Banana, Bacon Waffle Sandwich= Heaven!
Of course, most notable is the Keurig 2.0's ability to not only brew in various single serve sizes (4, 6, and 8oz) but a compatible carafe (pot) that brews up to 6 cups of coffee at once, thanks to the new Carafe K-Cup Packs. In order to brew 'carafes' you must have the compatible Keurig branded carafe, at this time, which triggers a 'docking' sensor and informs the machine of it's presence. Carafes are most functional when paired with Carafe K-Cups, which are larger in appearance (and currently pose a storage conundrum for me) and available in a limited number of varieties an brands at this time. While we, personally, don't entertain often in our small condo, the carafe has found a home on the top shelf of our fridge over the past week, as we brew a pot of iced coffee once a day. I hope to see the Snapple and Tea range expand into Carafe K-Cups very soon- as having a 'pitcher' around would be great!
There's a lot we haven't covered; and I've cooked up a devilishly sweet Hallow's Eve themed coffee infused treat to share- so keep your eyes peeled for a follow up post soon! In the men time, let me break down some of the biggest questions an concerns with the new Keurig 2.0 system as I enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Donut House coffee and 'The King' waffle sandwich (Pinterest Image at bottom):

*You said the new Carafe K-Cups are larger, how does the machine brew both the smaller and larger K-Cups? The new 2.0 systems have a spring loaded K-Cup compartment that expands to accept the larger Carafe K-Cups during use. No buttons are necessarily to switch to this function, simply insert the Carafe K-Cup in and the system will recognize it!

*Are all of my old K-Cups compatible with the new 2.0 system? I suggest you read up a little on how to identify compatible K-Cups prior to buying a new system, and use any old K-Cups first. While the brand has worked hard to ensure all K-Cups on shelves are compatible, stock issues and individual chains may not have removed old inventory. A newer 'best by' date does not guarantee your K-Cups have the compatible 'rim.' Look for the "For Use In All Keurig K-Cup Brewers' stamp on boxes, and 'Keurig Brewed' band on K-Cup rims. For more information see my discussion here.

*The 2.0 brews Carafes, does that mean it is larger than my current/old Keurig? My first Keurig was a 'mini' the most compact and not compatible with tumblers, and my most recent was the K75. We have our K550 in the same space as our old unit, it is only an inch or so wider, and about the same depth. The tank on the K550 is larger, but comes forward to wrap around the unit more. Check measurements of your model before buying, but I do not anticipate the size will be an inconvenience if you currently own a brew outside of the compact Mini or Elite systems.

What Daughter Says: As with any new technology there will be some bugs to work through in the first few productions; if you're on the fence, wait- However, I think it's well worth the money.

A cup of coffee and "The King" Peanut Butter, Banana, Bacon Waffle Sandwich= Heaven!

26 comments:

  1. I love The Elvis sandwich, one of my favorites! I also really love Keurigs, I'm dying to have one after using my sister's!

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  2. I do love my new 2.0. I'm loving the selection of coffees they have & was thrilled to find some that are Fair Trade!

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  3. We have 2 Keurigs at work but I haven't tried them yet. I'd like to have one at home because we have a lot of guests who are coffee fanatics!

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  4. Wow! The new 2.0 Keurig looks very nice! I can't believe I haven't gotten a Keurig yet, but it is definitely on my "wish list" for the holidays. Does it come with awesome waffles? :)

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  5. I do not have nor have ever tried a Keurig. If I'm going to be completely honest - I've never even seen one in person.

    I think I'm the last person on Earth in this position. I would like one for hot chocolate purposes.

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  6. I love my kueurig! We got one as a wedding present last year and it's been amazing. This definitely has me interested in the new machine! I might have to try and talk hubby into checking it out!

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  7. We have a Kuerig and my husband is always wanting more more more. Darn now I have to go back and re-read...will I still be able to buy the cups that fit our current machine? Maybe I'll just sneak and get him the 2.0!

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  8. I like Keurig for a quick cup of tea. The 2.0 looks like a great one!

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  9. What wouldn't I do right now for a cup of good coffee and a delicious waffle sandwich. The question is - is it too fancy for me?

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  10. I just had my first waffle sandwich this past summer and I kicked myself for not having one sooner!!

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  11. Oh my husband would flip for one of these!

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  12. I love waffle sandwiches - especially from Bruxie! That Keurig looks amazing as well!

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  13. Can I have that sandwich!? Man it looks amazing. My mouth is drooling here!

    My sister is going to so want one of these Keurigs.

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  14. The 2.0 is at the top of my wishlist this year, I want one so bad!!!

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  15. Love a good K cup to start my day. And I have to say the breakfeast sandwhich looks pretty good.

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  16. My daughter and I have Keurig minis. I love that this lets you brew a full carafe though.

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  17. I don't see myself upgrading. I do love my Keurig but not enough to upgrade. The only feature that stands out for me is being able to brew 6 cups at a time but it is cheaper for me to use the coffee maker when I have company.

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  18. We have looked at this Keurig a few times. My husband says we don't have the money for it but I really think it would be a great buy.

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  19. i puffy heart the 2.0. it's a fab machine. i cant wait until they come out with reusable k cups for it!

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  20. Peanut butter, bacon, waffle, and coffee. Sounds great to me!

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  21. What a great way to start the day! A waffle sandwich and a great cup of coffee. Perfect!

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  22. A waffle sandwich?! I've never heard of such a thing. Yum!

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  23. I am drooling over this sandwich! The combination sounds amazing! YUM!

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  24. I have never tried a waffle sandwich but it really looks like something I need to try. The recipe you posted sounds so good!

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  25. That sandwich looks mighty delicious. I am also a big time Keurig fan and can't wait to have this new one.

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  26. This looks like a great machine. I love coffee and am the only real coffee drinker in the house so I often think of getting one!

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