Keurig Models Compared In 2023

Mornings can be the most stressful part of your day. However, the last thing you have time for is coffee taking longer than expected. As a result, Keurig has become one of the most popular coffee makers and home staples. With that being said, there are many models to select from. You need one that suits your lifestyle and price point. So, if you plan to buy a Keurig coffee maker soon, here are the top options you need to check out!

Keurig Coffee Makers For Beginners

Looking at a Keurig from the outside reminds me of a drip coffee maker and similar features in brewing methods. However, Keurig has more electronic controls, quicker brewing times, and produces less mess with coffee grounds.

With many advantages of a Keurig for the owner, you don’t have to be concerned about measuring coffee or water. It’s as simple as putting in a K-cup, choosing the cup size and strength you prefer, and brewing. Perhaps the biggest takeaway of Keurig coffee makers is their easy maneuverability, and the primary function of all Keurig models is the same.

How To Unpackage A Keurig Coffee Maker

The Keurig is a great way to enjoy coffee, tea, and cocoa at home. When first purchased, a Keurig brewing system can seem intimidating. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of features. However, this guide will help you take the guesswork out of setting up your Keurig so you can start enjoying your favorite beverages!

1. Set up your Keurig on the counter – When setting up your Keurig, find a space for it on your counter. The placement of your brewer is all about personal preference. Some people have it right in the kitchen; others prefer a spot that’s more out of the way and less noticeable. Ultimately, there is no correct answer – find a place that works best for you!

2. Take the water reservoir off and clean it – ensure it’s clean before brewing coffee, tea, or cocoa; your water reservoir must be free of debris and other particles. If the water reservoir is removable, take it off and clean it with a damp cloth or sponge. Check all areas where water can build up and remove any built-up residue you find.

3. Prime the charcoal filter before use – once cleaned, prime the water filter and fill it with cold water. You’ll want to pour at least 2 cups of cold water and wait five minutes before starting. Furthermore, massage the filter gently, releasing any loose charcoal. This filter is located on the back of the machine and should be right in front of you when opening it. This step will ensure that you get fresh-tasting coffee every time.

At this point, if your Keurig has a built-in water filter (as opposed to one that requires a separate pitcher), then you will be prompted by an indicator light about whether or not to use purified or distilled water in the unit’s reservoir. If you have hard water, opt for distilled; if not, choose from filtered, or non-filtered/softened tap water.

4. Fill the reservoir to its max fill line – fill it to its max fill line, turn it on and let it heat up. Once the machine starts brewing, add your favorite K-Cups or ground coffee. Make sure you don’t use more than 20 oz at a time – that’s how much an 8-ounce cup of coffee would be in specific brewer types.

5. Run a brew without a K-Cup in the tray to clean out the machine – the next step, run the machine without a K-Cup in the tray. Choose the largest cup size; this cleans out the machine. Next, lift and close the pod initiating the brew cycle. Once completed, dispose of the water by pouring it out.

6. You’re now ready to start brewing – first, make sure you have a K-Cup pod to brew coffee. Next, lift and place the top of the K-Cup or K-Carafe under the hot water spout, press down to seal the pod, and start brewing. Check the user’s manual; some models begin brewing as soon as the handle is lowered, while others have a start button.

Your Keurig is ready to brew your favorite coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot beverage. So when you’re prepared to sit down and enjoy a steaming mug of whatever your heart desires, all you have to do is open the cabinet and choose from a variety of flavors and types of K-Cups

Tips On Brewing Hot Cocoa with a Keurig – If you want to brew hot cocoa with your Keurig, you have to fill the water reservoir with filtered water and put the correct number of scoops of hot cocoa in a K-Cup. Remember – hot cocoa mix has to be placed in a K-Cup and not brew directly from the machine. Once both ingredients are loaded into the device, close the lid and press “Brew.” The heat will need about 3 minutes to warm up before it starts brewing. You’ll know it’s ready for use when “Ready” flashes on the screen. When your hot cocoa is finished brewing, add two tablespoons of milk per serving and stir until mixed thoroughly. It’s now ready to enjoy!

Keurig Coffee Maker Settings

• Brew Size – All Keurig models are available with touchscreen or individual cup sizes, usually located near the brew button, ranging up to 12oz. On specific models, they’re available on a touchscreen interface.

• Strength Of Brew – If the strong setting is available on your Keurig, it will be located on the control panel. However, pushing the “Strong” button will increase the time it takes to brew the coffee and brew a bolder cup.

• Brew Temperature – This is another option for brew strength; however, not all Keurig models include this feature. Most temperature control brewers use a touchpad display for this setting. (Temperature is set at 193 degrees Fahrenheit standard)

Keurig K-Supreme Plus

With a stainless steel body and overall capacity of 78 ounces, the Keurig k-supreme plus has many impressive features that only simplify your coffee-making endeavors. As with all other coffee makers from the brand, this one comes with a specific Brew ID that will automatically identify your cup pod and adjust the brew requirements accordingly.

Powered by the Multi-stream technology that ensures all your coffee grounds are evenly saturated, you get the perfect flavor and smell.

Pros

• It is powered by Multi-stream technology for stronger and more flavorful coffee.
• It lets you customize your brew strength and temperature.
• Comes with a slick stainless-steel body.
• Capacity of 78 ounces

Cons

• Some users weren’t impressed by the WiFi connectivity.

Keurig C K-Elite

This is an excellent coffee machine for home brewing. First, C K-Elite can brew up to eight cups of coffee, and you can brew any cup size ranging from 4 to 12oz on this device. Next, the brew button is mighty, with an added Iced and hot water setting that further improves your coffee’s taste and flavor profile.

Pros

• You can easily brew 4 to 12 cups of coffee in minutes.
• Backed by a powerful brew button
• It comes with an iced and hot water setting that helps retain the flavor profile.
• Affordable compared to other Keurig models.

Cons

• Not compatible with GFCI breakers

Keurig K Elite Single Serve

The excellent single-serve coffee maker brews multiple cup sizes with a unique and potent brew. Furthermore, resulting in your desired strength within minutes. The device features a decent 2.2-liter water reservoir that ensures minimal refills, and the button controls are simple and easy to work with.

Pros

• Simple button controls.
• 2.2 water reservoir makes for fewer refills.
• Whips up coffee in multiple cup sizes.
• The Iced setting and the Strong brew settings power it.

Cons

• Slightly on the heavier side.

Keurig K-Duo

Keurig K-Duo is a single-serve coffee maker with a 12-cup glass carafe that acquires both ground coffee and a K-Cup. You can brew any size from 6 to 12 cups. The 60-ounce reservoir is perfect for convenient brewing without constant refilling. The removable reservoir keeps things simple and makes mornings even more manageable. This model comes with a heating plate to keep your coffee hot. It is also compatible with the Keurig gold mesh filter.

Pros

• Strong brew
• Program coffee maker 24 hours in advance
• Excellent at making beverages

Cons

• Can be a bit noisy
• The brew is slightly slower than other models.
• Customers have reported the carafe drips when pouring

Keurig K-Select

Look no further than this single-serve coffee brewer, with a capacity of 5 cups (52 ounces). By opening and closing the brewer handle, you can access hot water on demand. The control buttons are clearly labeled and easy for a beginner to use. In addition, you can select the “strong brew” setting for a strong cup of coffee. Features quiet brew technology for reducing noise.

Pros

• Ideal for a family
• Comes in beautiful colors: Oasis and Sandstone
• Doesn’t take up a lot of counter space

Cons

• Slow to warm up
• Water reservoir is smaller than other models
• Customers said the plastic on the exterior felt less sturdy.

Keurig K-Mini Plus

Overall a smaller brewer than other Keurig models, this mini-series is travel-friendly and ideal for single brews. In addition, it has an auto-off feature to save energy by shutting down 90 seconds after brewing. Suitable for apartments and kitchens with limited counter space. The K-Mini Plus has more advanced features than the K-Mini, with a removable water reservoir, chrome drip tray, a strong brew option, and extra pod storage.

Pros

• Color options: Cardinal Red, White, Studio Gray, Black, and Evening Teal
• Slim design less than 5 inches wide
• Can be used for travel and small spaces

Cons

• Some technical issues were reported with this model
• Does not come with a travel mug
• Customers were disappointed the unit wasn’t bigger

Keurig K-Slim

With the new single-serve coffee machine, you can enjoy convenience and good taste in a small space. The K-Slim single maker is only 5″ wide and fits nicely on the counter, making it a great option when space and convenience are crucial. Furthermore, this brewer’s slim and stylish layout combines the performance and comfort that Keurig is recognized for. So morning coffee or lunchtime pick me-up’s will always be ready in minutes and countertop space with thank you!

Pros

• Fits on limited countertop space
• Three ranges of cup sizes
• Various cup water reservoir

Cons

• The detachable drip tray is inconvenient.
• The reservoir is u-shaped and challenging to navigate both when filling and emptying.
• No auto shut-off

Keurig K-Express

Manual operated brewing machine ranging from 8 – 12oz cup sizes, and the best feature is the removable drip tray accommodating travel mugs up to 7.4″ tall. Furthermore, the slim body takes up limited counter space allowing it to fit almost anywhere. This Keurig resembles a drip coffee porter from the outside. It features integrated electrical controls that are quicker and simpler than other models.

Pros

• Multiple-cup water reservoir
• Brewed fast & fresh
• Easy to refill

Cons

• It doesn’t have the capability as other Keurig models

Keurig K50 Coffee Maker

The Keurig K50 coffee maker is one of the older and more established coffee machines made by Keurig. Overall a great coffee maker is a reliable and excellent choice for any coffee lover, with a removable drip tray for travel mugs and an auto shut-off feature handy in coffee machine maintenance.

Pros

• Controls with indicator lights make it easy to understand
• Brewing time under 1 minute
• Multi-brew reservoir that caters to various cup sizes
• Includes auto shut-off program

Cons

• The coffee maker takes up a large amount of counter space.

Keurig K-Duo Plus

K-Duo Plus can brew coffee using the reusable mesh drip filter or K-Cups. One of the best things about this Keurig product is its design. Furthermore, taking up less space on your counter. This unique and innovative design features a pause and poor function, allowing you to pour a cup of coffee in a hurry! Overall a handy coffee machine with a convenient design.

Pros

• The innovative design takes up limited counter space.
• Features a programmable auto-brew option
• Includes a warming plate with pause and poor option
• Reusable filters will save you money.

Cons

• Expensive price point

Keurig K Cafe

It is easily the most advanced way to make cappuccinos and lattes, including a built-in milk frother. Moreover, K-Café special edition features various options allowing you to create multiple drinks and adjust the brew strength. Cleaning this machine is thankfully easy because the removable drip tray and frother are dishwasher friendly.

Pros

• Various drink options, such as coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes.
• Dishwasher safe and easily cleaned
• Includes both hot and cold froth
• The brew strength on this model is adjustable.

Cons

• With certain features, the K-Café takes up counter space.
• It can be overwhelming to use

Final Thoughts

Keurig has become one of the most popular coffee makers in the past few years; insert the K-cup, choose your preferred size and intensity, and enjoy the brew! With that being said, there are many models to select from. You need one that suits your lifestyle and price point.

Each Keurig brewer is built for delicious and easy-to-make coffee, regardless of which model you select. Be sure to keep the listed features and details above to decide and find the right Keurig product suitable for you!