The "smart" recognition can take up to 30 seconds to register. So if you just want to pop in a K cup and brew, you have to wait for it to recognize. It will also not recognize off-brand K cups- like Kroeger, etc. Also note that the brewer is about 3/4th inch taller when open that it notes on the website. So if you have it in a pantry, take this into account to see if it will open all of the way. The frother is OK. I thought I would use it much more than I actually did. Its unnecessary for me.