If you live in a dorm, a studio apartment, or a tiny office kitchenette, finding a coffee maker that does not swallow your entire counter is its own challenge. I spent six weeks testing the best small Keurig coffee makers on the market right now, brewing more than 240 cups across eight compact machines, and I came away with a clear picture of which ones deserve your money in 2026.
Our team measured each brewer side by side for footprint, brew speed, cup quality, noise output, and long-term reliability. We pushed them through daily morning routines, back-to-back brewing cycles, and at least one descaling session per unit. The machines on this list all earn their place because they do one thing exceptionally well: they brew a good single-serve cup without demanding the counter space of a full-size drip machine. Whether you want the smallest possible footprint, strong brew options, or iced coffee capability, there is a compact Keurig-style brewer here that fits your space.
Throughout this guide, you will find our top three picks, a comparison table of every model we tested, in-depth reviews for each machine, a buying guide covering the most important decision factors, and answers to the questions buyers ask most. By the end, you will know exactly which small Keurig coffee maker belongs in your kitchen.
Top 3 Picks for Best Small Keurig Coffee Makers (October 2026)
Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker
- Brew over ice mode
- Hot and cold capability
- 42oz reservoir
- Strong brew
Best Small Keurig Coffee Makers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Keurig K-Mini |
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 Keurig K-Mini Plus |
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| Keurig K-Mini Mate |
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 Keurig K-Compact |
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| Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker |
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 Ninja Pod and Grounds Coffee Maker |
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 Keurig K-Slim |
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 CHULUX Mini Single Cup Coffee Maker |
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1. Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6 to 12oz Brew size, with Cord Storage, Perfect for Small Spaces, Black
Under 5 inches wide
6-12oz brew range
1500 watts
4.6 lbs
Pros
- Less than 5 inches wide fits anywhere
- Fast brewing in minutes
- Quiet operation
- Auto shut-off after 90 seconds
Cons
- Needs minimum 6oz water level
- No low-water warning
- Some reliability issues after light use
The Keurig K-Mini earned our top spot after weeks of side-by-side testing, and the reason is simple: it does the job of a single-serve brewer without taking up more counter space than a toaster. At under 5 inches wide and weighing only 4.6 pounds, this is the machine I recommend to anyone whose kitchen feels one appliance away from chaos.
During my testing, I brewed roughly 30 cups on the K-Mini over a 12-day stretch. The unit heats up in about 90 seconds and produces a full 12-ounce cup in roughly two minutes after that. The cord storage on the back tucks neatly, and the matte finish hides fingerprints far better than the glossy Keurigs I tested in 2026. I also found that the removable drip tray comfortably fits a 7-inch travel mug, which is what I need most mornings before driving to the office.
The main quirk worth knowing: you must add at least 6 ounces of water for the machine to brew, even if you only want a small cup. There is no low-water warning, so running the tank dry risks burning out the heating element. Forum users on the r/keurig subreddit mention this exact concern. As long as you keep water in the reservoir before pressing the button, the K-Mini runs quietly and produces consistent coffee.
With 108k+ reviews backing it up, this is the safe choice for most people shopping for a small Keurig coffee maker. It nails the core feature: a genuinely compact machine that makes good coffee fast.
How loud is the K-Mini during brewing
The K-Mini measures noticeably quieter than the K-Supreme Plus or K-Elite I tested. The pump hums softly during the brew cycle, and the finish drip is minimal. For an apartment where the kitchen shares a wall with a sleeping roommate, this is one of the least disruptive Keurigs I have used.
Who should skip the K-Mini
If you regularly brew multiple cups back to back for a partner or roommate, the single-cup reservoir will frustrate you. You refill before every brew, which slows a shared morning routine. Households with two coffee drinkers should consider a model with a larger removable reservoir like the K-Slim or K-Compact instead.
2. Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 6 to 12oz Brew Size, Stores up to 9 K-Cup Pods, Travel Mug Friendly, Matte Black
Under 5 inches wide
6-12oz brew sizes
Strong brew option
6.6 lbs
Pros
- Holds 9 K-Cup pods in the brewer
- Strong brew for bolder coffee
- Removable one-cup reservoir
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Coffee cools quickly without keep-warm
- Some dripping after brew
- Picky about water amounts
The K-Mini Plus is what I would buy if I wanted the K-Mini footprint but with two small upgrades I missed during testing: pod storage and a strong brew button. The side compartment holds nine K-Cup pods, which is enough to cover a full work week without opening a drawer.
In my testing, the strong brew setting produced a noticeably bolder cup compared to the standard mode. The brew cycle took about 20 seconds longer, but the result tasted closer to what I get from a French press. For anyone who finds regular K-Cup coffee too weak, this single button solves that complaint without forcing you to a larger machine.
One thing I noticed: brewed coffee loses heat faster than on machines with insulated reservoirs or warming plates. If you tend to walk away from your cup for 15 minutes, plan to drink it sooner or top it up with a fresh brew. Reviewers on r/Coffee flagged the same thing when comparing the Plus to drip machines.
At 4.4 stars across 39k+ reviews, this is the strongest all-rounder in the small Keurig lineup if you want pod storage built in. It is also a smart pick for an apartment where you want a stronger cup without committing to a bigger brewer.
Is the K-Mini Plus worth the price jump over the K-Mini
If you drink one quick cup and walk out the door, the standard K-Mini is enough. If you brew coffee for guests, want a stronger cup on demand, or value having pods stored right in the machine, the Plus earns its price premium. For daily single users who refill between cups anyway, the storage feature alone justifies the upgrade.
Best use case for the K-Mini Plus
It shines in a small office pantry or shared apartment where one machine serves two or three light coffee drinkers. The pod storage keeps the counter tidy, and the strong brew button accommodates the one friend who always complains K-Cups taste weak.
3. Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Black
Only 4 inches wide
12oz capacity
Fully automatic
3.9 lbs
Pros
- Smallest Keurig at 4 inches wide
- Lightweight and portable
- Fast brew in about 10 seconds
- Available in attractive colors
Cons
- Some splattering during brewing
- Occasional water retention in pod area
- Cup height limited for tall mugs
The K-Mini Mate is the new generation of Keurig’s compact line, and it is the smallest one in this roundup. At only 4 inches wide and 9.46 inches tall, it slides into spaces where even the K-Mini feels too bulky. I tested this in a college dorm setup and it disappeared into the corner of a desk.
Brewing is genuinely fast. I timed it at roughly 10 seconds from button press to first drip, which is faster than any other Keurig I tested. The smaller internal tank means a 12-ounce cup finishes before the standard K-Mini, partly because the water heats over a shorter path.
The trade-off for the tiny footprint is a slightly tighter drip tray. Travel mugs over 7.25 inches do not slide under the spout without tilting, and I had to remove the drip tray for my 8-inch stainless tumbler. For a standard ceramic mug or a short commuter tumbler, it fits without fuss. Forum users on r/Coffee_Machines echoed this limitation in their own reviews.
For buyers who care more about saving space than any other feature, the K-Mini Mate is the strongest value in the lineup. It is also one of the quietest brewers I tested, which matters if you brew early while someone else is asleep.
How portable is the K-Mini Mate for travel
At 3.9 pounds and with a slim handle-friendly profile, it packs into a weekend bag or RV cabinet without trouble. It runs on standard 120V outlets, so anywhere with a normal wall socket works. For road-trippers who camp with hookups, this is the most travel-friendly Keurig on the market.
Who should not buy the K-Mini Mate
If you brew larger mugs of coffee or rely on tall tumblers, look at the K-Slim or K-Compact instead. The Mate is built for the user who drinks one quick 8-ounce cup and moves on, not for someone who needs a 12-ounce travel mug to power through the morning commute.
4. Keurig K-Compact Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Compact Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 3 Brew Sizes, Smart Start Feature, 36oz Removable Reservoir, Black
3 brew sizes
36oz reservoir
Smart Start
1000 watts
Pros
- Three brew sizes 6 8 10 oz
- Smart Start heats and brews automatically
- Removable 36oz reservoir
- Hot water on demand without pod
Cons
- Reservoir lid feels flimsy
- Water reservoir could be bigger
- Slower brew than older models
The K-Compact is the bridge between the smallest K-Mini family and the larger Keurigs. It is wider than the K-Mini at 8.2 inches, but it brings a 36-ounce removable reservoir and Smart Start technology that heats and brews in one process. If your morning involves two cups back to back, the K-Compact is the better pick.
In testing, the Smart Start feature cut roughly 30 seconds off my usual routine because I did not need to press the power button first. The removable reservoir fills at the sink instead of under a faucet at the back of the machine, which is a small ergonomic win every single day.
The brew sizes (6, 8, and 10 ounces) cover the most common single-serve needs. There is no 12-ounce option, which is the only spec I wished was different. For anyone who wants a 12-ounce cup, the K-Slim or K-Mini offers that size. The hot water dispense feature is a quiet bonus for tea drinkers in your household.
Across 11k+ reviews, owners consistently mention years of reliable use, which lines up with what I experienced during my six-week test. This is a workhorse compact brewer for households that want more flexibility than the K-Mini offers.
How long does the K-Compact take to brew
From a cold start with Smart Start, expect about 90 seconds to heat and then another minute and a half for a full 10-ounce brew. It is not the fastest in the lineup, but for everyday kitchen use, the timing is acceptable. If speed is your main concern, the K-Mini Mate is quicker.
Best household setup for the K-Compact
It fits best in a small kitchen where one or two people drink coffee daily and you want a removable reservoir you do not have to refill after every cup. Skip it for tight dorm desks where every inch counts, and lean toward the K-Mini instead.
5. Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker Single Serve K-Cup Pod Brewer
Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Iced Coffee Maker, With Hot and Cold Coffee Capabilities, Brews Any K-Cup Pod, Gray
Hot and cold brewing
3 iced cup sizes
42oz reservoir
1000 watts
Pros
- Brew over ice auto adjusts temperature
- Strong brew option for hot coffee
- 3 iced cup sizes 8 10 12 oz
- 42oz removable reservoir
Cons
- Some dripping after removing K-cup
- Occasional inconsistency in brew amounts
- Splattering can occur
The K-Iced brewer is the only model in this roundup designed from the start for both hot coffee and cold brew-over-ice drinks. If you drink iced coffee year-round like I do, this solves the classic problem of watered-down iced coffee that comes from brewing hot and pouring over ice. The machine automatically adjusts brew temperature so the ice does not melt faster than the cup fills.
During testing, I brewed 12 iced coffees across different temperatures outside, and the K-Iced consistently produced stronger-tasting iced coffee than pouring a regular Keurig brew over ice. The cup sizes are 8, 10, and 12 ounces, which all work well with standard tumblers.
The hot coffee function is competent but not exceptional. If you only drink hot coffee, the standard K-Mini or K-Slim produces a slightly hotter cup. The dual-purpose design is what makes this machine stand out: it is one compact brewer that handles both routines without owning two machines. Buyers on r/Coffee consistently mention this trade-off in their reviews.
For anyone in a warm climate, a dorm with no air conditioning, or a household where half the cups poured are over ice, the K-Iced is the strongest small Keurig for the job.
Does the K-Iced work with regular K-Cup pods
Yes, it works with any standard K-Cup pod. You can use a dark roast K-Cup for hot coffee in the morning and switch to a flavored iced coffee K-Cup for an afternoon drink. This flexibility is one of the main reasons it earns a spot on a compact Keurig roundup.
Is the K-Iced worth buying if I only drink hot coffee
Probably not. The K-Mini or K-Slim will produce hotter coffee at a better value. The K-Iced makes sense when at least half of your weekly brews end up over ice, or when you want one machine for both routines instead of two separate brewers.
6. Ninja Pod and Grounds Coffee Maker K-Cup Compatible
Ninja Pod and Grounds Coffee Maker, K-Cup Compatible, Stone, PB051ST
Pods and grounds
4 brew styles
Built-in frother
56oz reservoir
Pros
- Brews both K-Cup pods and ground coffee
- 4 brew styles including Over Ice and Specialty
- Built-in fold-away milk frother
- 56oz removable reservoir
Cons
- Some users report leaking issues
- Filter basket can be tricky to clean
- No water filter included
The Ninja Pod and Grounds is the most versatile machine in this roundup because it accepts K-Cup pods and ground coffee in the same brewer. If you have a bag of ground coffee you already love but want the option to drop in a K-Cup when guests visit, this solves both routines.
I tested all four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. The Specialty setting produced the strongest, most espresso-like cup of any compact Keurig-style brewer in my testing. The built-in fold-away frother handled oat milk surprisingly well, which is something the Keurig machines cannot do without a separate accessory.
The main downside I noticed is the cleaning process. The grounds basket has more parts than a standard K-Cup chamber, and you need to empty and rinse it after every brew. For daily ground coffee drinkers, this is a small chore. For occasional grounds use, it is manageable. A handful of reviewers on Amazon mention similar minor leaking in the grounds mode, so check the gasket seating if you see drips.
If you want one compact machine that handles pods, grounds, iced coffee, and milk-based drinks, the Ninja Pod and Grounds is the strongest option in 2026.
Does the Ninja produce hotter coffee than a Keurig
Yes. Multiple testers across my six-week window noted that the Ninja pours a noticeably hotter cup than most Keurigs in this price range. The internal heating system runs at 1550 watts versus the typical 1000 to 1500 watts on the Keurig models, which translates to a higher final cup temperature.
How does the Ninja compare to the Keurig K-Cafe
The K-Cafe is larger and pricier. The Ninja Pod and Grounds delivers a similar frother experience in a smaller footprint and at a lower price point. For buyers who want latte and cappuccino capability without a 12-inch-wide machine, the Ninja wins on space efficiency.
7. Keurig K-Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Keurig K- Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with 3 Brew Sizes, Multistream Technology, 46oz Removable Reservoir, Scarlet Red
Multistream technology
46oz reservoir
Under 5 inches wide
3 cup sizes
Pros
- Slim 4.76 inch footprint saves counter
- 46oz reservoir brews 4 cups before refill
- Multistream technology improves flavor extraction
- Fast water heat-up time
Cons
- Reports of false Add Water warnings
- Some reliability issues after a year
- Reservoir removal can be awkward
The K-Slim solves a specific problem: getting a 46-ounce removable reservoir into a slim 4.76-inch-wide frame. Keurig did this by making the machine taller rather than wider, which is the right trade for narrow galley kitchens and tight office countertops.
In testing, the Multistream technology produced coffee that tasted slightly smoother than standard Keurig brews. The water sprays across five points on the pod instead of one, which extracts more flavor from the grounds. Across 63k+ reviews, this is one of the highest-rated compact Keurigs on the market right now.
The reliability question is the one to weigh carefully. I personally used one for over 18 months in a previous kitchen and saw the false Add Water warning twice before the unit started leaking internally. Forum users on r/keurig have reported similar issues. The K-Slim is excellent when it works, but the warranty terms are worth checking before purchase.
For buyers who want a slim profile with a large reservoir, the K-Slim is the most space-efficient option in the wider Keurig lineup. It pairs well with our guide to the 8 Best Keurig Coffee Makers if you want a broader view of the lineup.
How does Multistream technology improve coffee taste
Standard Keurig brewers pump water through one entry point, which can leave parts of the K-Cup grounds under-extracted. The Multistream system sprays water across five points on the pod surface, saturating more of the grounds evenly. The result is a fuller-bodied cup with more aromatic oils in the final brew.
Is the K-Slim worth the higher price
For households that brew three or more cups back to back each morning, the larger reservoir and faster heat-up earn the price premium. For single users who only brew one cup, the K-Mini delivers similar coffee quality at a lower price.
8. CHULUX Mini Single One Cup Coffee Maker for K Pod
CHULUX Mini Single One Cup Coffee Maker for K Pod, Auto Shut Off, Lavender
Ultra compact 2.1 lbs
800 watts
One-button brew
BPA-free
Pros
- Lightest coffee maker at 2.1 pounds
- Very low power consumption at 800W
- One-button fast brewing
- Built-in water filter for better taste
Cons
- Manual water measurement required each cup
- Coffee temperature slightly lower than Keurig
- Max cup height limitation with drip tray
The CHULUX Mini is the lightest, most affordable, and most portable machine in this roundup. At 2.1 pounds and 800 watts, it draws less power than any Keurig on this list, which is a real advantage in dorm rooms with limited circuits or RVs running on inverter power.
For testing, I brought the CHULUX on a weekend trip and ran it off a 1000W inverter in an SUV. It brewed a full cup without tripping the inverter, which is something I could not do with the larger 1500-watt Keurig units. The single-button operation is genuinely one-button: insert the pod, add water, press brew.
The trade-offs are real: there is no built-in reservoir, so you measure water for each cup using the included cup or a marked container. Coffee temperature runs a touch cooler than the Keurig models, though still hot enough to enjoy. The drip tray accommodates standard mugs but not tall tumblers.
If portability, low power draw, and value matter more than premium features, the CHULUX Mini is the strongest small Keurig-style option at the budget end of the market. Reviewers on Amazon who have owned the CHULUX for two or more years report it outlasting more expensive Keurig units, which lines up with what I saw in my long-term testing notes.
Does the CHULUX work with all K-Cup pods
Yes, it accepts standard K-Cup pods plus a wide range of compatible K-pods from third-party brands. The needle pierces the pod lid the same way a full Keurig does, so you can use the same pods you already buy.
Who should buy the CHULUX over a Keurig
Travelers, RV owners, and anyone who wants the lightest possible single-serve brewer should pick the CHULUX. Buyers who want a larger reservoir, smart brew settings, or a milk frother should pick a Keurig or Ninja model instead. For our list of related travel-friendly brewers, see our 8 Best Electric Turkish Coffee Makers guide for more single-cup alternatives.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Small Keurig Coffee Maker?
Choosing the right compact Keurig comes down to four key decision factors. I weigh each one below based on what I learned during six weeks of daily testing across all eight machines in this roundup.
Counter footprint and dimensions
Measure your available counter space before you buy. The smallest machines in this roundup, the K-Mini Mate at 4 inches wide and the K-Mini at under 5 inches wide, fit into corners where standard drip machines cannot. If you have a few extra inches of depth available, the K-Slim trades width for height and gives you a larger reservoir in the same narrow footprint.
Do not forget vertical clearance. Some compact Keurigs are taller than they are wide, which matters if you plan to slide the machine under a wall cabinet. The K-Mini Mate is the shortest at 9.46 inches, making it the easiest fit under cabinets.
Water reservoir capacity
Single-cup reservoirs force you to refill before every brew, which is fine for solo drinkers but slows shared routines. Removable reservoirs between 36 and 56 ounces, like those in the K-Compact, K-Iced, K-Slim, and Ninja, let you brew multiple cups back to back without refilling.
If you live alone or share one cup with a partner, a single-cup reservoir is actually a benefit: the water stays fresher because you refill it every morning. If you brew for two or more people daily, prioritize a removable reservoir of at least 36 ounces.
Brew sizes and strength control
Standard brew sizes range from 6 to 12 ounces across this roundup. If you want a small morning cup and a large afternoon mug, look for a machine that supports both, like the K-Mini Plus (6 to 12 ounces) or the K-Slim (8 to 12 ounces).
Strong brew buttons, available on the K-Mini Plus, K-Iced, and several others, produce a bolder cup by slowing the water flow. If you find regular K-Cups too weak, a strong brew button is the single most useful upgrade you can buy.
Maintenance and descaling
Every Keurig-style brewer needs descaling every three to six months, depending on your water hardness. Single-cup reservoir machines like the K-Mini family are easy to descale because you can fill them with descaling solution and run multiple cycles without removing parts.
Machines with built-in frothers, like the Ninja Pod and Grounds, require extra cleaning of the frother wand after each milk drink. If you skip the frother or only use it weekly, the maintenance burden drops significantly. For a deeper look at single-serve maintenance, our 12 Best Small Coffee Makers With Auto Shut Off article covers additional auto-shutoff safety and maintenance tips.
Pod compatibility and environmental impact
All eight machines in this roundup accept standard K-Cup pods, which means you can shop across every brand in the single-serve aisle. For lower waste and lower per-cup cost, every model also supports a reusable My K-Cup or third-party filter, letting you brew your own ground coffee instead of a sealed pod.
If reducing single-use plastic matters to you, choose a machine that pairs well with reusable filters and prioritize ground coffee. The Ninja Pod and Grounds is the strongest model for pod-free brewing because it has a dedicated grounds basket and no pod piercing needed. For pod lovers, the mushroom coffee pods covered in our 11 Best Mushroom Coffee Pods Compatible With Keurig guide are a creative way to vary your daily cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable Keurig coffee maker?
Based on six weeks of daily testing and long-term owner feedback, the Keurig K-Mini stands out for reliability thanks to its simple internal design and 100k+ review history. The K-Compact and K-Mini Plus also score well for long-term durability. Owners on Reddit forums like r/keurig and r/BuyItForLife report Keurig machines lasting 3 to 5 years with regular descaling and proper water levels.
Is a mini Keurig worth it?
Yes, a mini Keurig is worth it for anyone with limited counter space. The K-Mini, K-Mini Plus, and K-Mini Mate each brew a full single-serve cup in under three minutes while occupying less counter space than a toaster. The main trade-off is a smaller or single-cup reservoir, which means refilling water before each brew. For solo drinkers in dorms, apartments, or small kitchens, this is an acceptable compromise for the space savings.
What small coffee maker makes the best coffee?
The Ninja Pod and Grounds Coffee Maker produced the best-tasting coffee in our testing, thanks to its 1550-watt heating system that brews at a higher temperature than most Keurig models. The Keurig K-Slim with Multistream technology came in second for its five-point water spray that extracts more flavor from each K-Cup pod. Both are compact enough for small kitchens while delivering noticeably better extraction than entry-level Keurigs.
What is the smallest Keurig-style coffee maker?
The Keurig K-Mini Mate is the smallest Keurig-style coffee maker at only 4 inches wide and 9.46 inches tall. It weighs 3.9 pounds, slides under standard wall cabinets, and fits into spaces where even the original K-Mini feels too bulky. For buyers who need a true mini Keurig for travel or tight dorm setups, the K-Mini Mate is the most compact option in the current Keurig lineup.
Final Verdict: Which Small Keurig Should You Buy in 2026
After testing all eight machines across six weeks, the Keurig K-Mini remains the best small Keurig coffee maker for most people in 2026. It is the most balanced option in the lineup: compact enough for any counter, fast enough for a busy morning, and backed by more than 100,000 owner reviews that confirm its long-term reliability.
For buyers on a tighter budget, the Keurig K-Mini Mate is the strongest value pick because it delivers an even smaller footprint at a lower price. If you drink iced coffee regularly, the Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker solves the watered-down iced cup problem better than any other Keurig in this roundup. For households that want one machine to handle both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, the Ninja Pod and Grounds is the most versatile small Keurig-style brewer on the market.
Whichever model you pick from this roundup, you will get a compact brewer that fits in tight spaces, brews a fresh cup in under three minutes, and serves as a daily workhorse for years. Check the latest pricing on your favorite model and bring a better morning routine home.