Keurig is Discontinuing Its Keurig Kold Machine
Posted on June 7, 2016
Keurig recently announced a machine that makes cold beverages called the Keurig Kold. The machine used a thermal transfer system to rapidly cool beverages. The machine was able to make carbonated beverages without the need for a CO2 canister using something it calls Karbonator beads.
Keurig targeted the soda pop drinking crowd with the device.The device enabled consumers will be able to make beverages like a Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper using pods in a similar way to how you use a pod to make a hot coffee in the Keurig. The device chills beverages to around 39 degrees in about 90 seconds. The Kold device can also make seltzers, sports hydration drinks, flavored waters, soda fountain beverages and iced tea. Some of the brands Keurig partnered with for the Kold device include Coca-Cola, Dr. Peeper, Canada Dry, Seraphine, Flyte, Waterful, Red Barn, Flynn's Soda Shop and Tierney.
A story in Wired made the argument that the Kold machine would not be as much of a time-saver as the original Keurig. It isn't very hard to open up a can of Coke but using a coffee pod to make a single cup of coffee does save time.
Keurig is now pulling the plug on its cold beverage device called Keurig Kold after introducing the device last year.
The L.A. Times reports that Keurig is also laying off over 100 workers at its discontinues Kold. The Times says Keurig is also offering full refunds for the device.At $369.99, Kold had a much higher price tag that the Keurig coffee machines. There were also arguments that it did not save consumers as much time as a Keurig because it is easier to make cold beverages than hot ones. Keurig had hoped the device would be popular at cocktail mixers.
A BusinessInsider story gave several reasons for the product's failure including the price and loudness.
This CNET review knocked the product for the price and said it "could taste better." Take a look: