Short on time? Who isn’t! Keurig coffee makers are the very definition of convenience providing you with a hot, fresh and tasty cup of coffee as quickly as possible. Making the decision to purchase a coffee maker that saves you time is easy. Finding the perfect Keurig model is a bit harder! With the vast amount of Keurig models and features available on the market today, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which Keurig model is the best fit for you.
The good news is you don’t need to look any further. We have put together a comparing the best Keurig Coffee makers so you can be on your way to enjoying quick, convenient coffee in no time! Continue reading for everything you need to know before buying a new Keurig!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Keurig
1. Keurig K-Elite (Best Overall)
2. K-Cafe (Most Versatile)
3. Keurig K155 OfficePRO (Best for Office)
4. K-Mini Plus (Best Keurig For Small Spaces)
5. Keurig K55 K-Classic (Most Popular)
Contents
Benefits of a Keurig
Want a hot, steaming cup of something delicious at the push of a button? If you answered yes, then investing in a Keurig Coffee Brewer can be an excellent option for you. Keurig has fundamentally changed the coffee drinking world through its revolutionary approach to providing convenience in a single serving cup. But the benefits don’t stop there! Cozy provides the top 5 reasons why you may need a Keurig in your life.
It Saves You Time
In today’s fast paced world time is truly a commodity. Having access to tools that allow you to save time so you can allocate it elsewhere is invaluable. Keurig’s uncomplicated, user friendly design across its variety of models make it extremely easy to brew a cup of coffee with minimal time required.
Keurig coffee makers have their own pods referred to as K-Cups, which contain pre-measured ground coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You simply select your K-cup, pop it into the Keurig Coffee Brewer, make your selections and hit brew. In under 60 seconds flat you have a hot cup of comfort ready to go!
Traditional coffee makers require coffee grounds, filters and a coffee carafe to brew coffee in. Although you can make great coffee in a traditional drip coffee maker, it does require multiple steps and products to get to a steaming cup of coffee which can be both time consuming and tedious.
Convenience
Convenience is a large reason why one in three Americans use a single-serve coffee maker today. More than ever consumers are wanting to brew barista quality coffee in the convenience of their home. The single-serve market also has a strong demand for specialty drinks such as espresso. The Keurig does offer an espresso K-Cup worthy of your cup. However, for a true espresso experience we recommend the Nespresso brewer and their top models. The biggest difference between Keurig and Nespresso is the type of drinks they brew. However, both brands provide you with convenience to caffeinate your day! Trust us when we say, when it comes to ease of use, both Keurig and Nespresso will not disappoint!
K-Cup Process
Keurig Coffee Brewers eliminate all the steps required for a traditional coffee maker by replacing the coffee beans and traditional coffee filter with the K-Cup. With a K-Cup you never have to measure out the correct bean to water ratio. Instead, the K-Cup has a paper filter that is wrapped around the ground coffee inside the K-Cup’s chamber. Pressurized hot water from the Keurig is pumped into the K-Cup through a hollow needle. This punctures the K-Cup’s top. The other hollow needle punctures the bottom of the pod and the coffee is dispensed directly into your cup. This entire brewing process takes place inside the K-Cup pod in less than 60 seconds, providing you with a hot cup of coffee almost instantaneously! As a bonus, there is no mess once brewing is complete. The K-Cup can be thrown away once your drink is brewed.
The Keurig’s simple, brew straight to mug design erases the need to have a separate coffee carafe to brew the coffee in. This eliminates yet another step by taking away the chore of washing and cleaning any additional equipment needed to brew your drink, besides the cup you drink your coffee in.
Additionally, a good selection of Keurig Coffee Maker Models have a water reservoir that maintains the water supply for the Keurig over the course of a day or several days, depending on how many cups you drink. Eliminating the need to refill water every single time you want to enjoy a hot drink. As they say, convenience is king and the Keurig is no exception to this rule!
Large Variety of Flavors and Drink Choices
With over 400 varieties from 60 different brands, K-Cup consumers will never be short of drink options and flavors. The K-Cup now offers everything from decaf to some of the strongest coffee allowed to be sold. You can even find Kona K-Cups which provides you with a taste of the rare Kona bean. K-Cups are not made just for coffee. You can even find some of the best tasting hot chocolate K-Cups money can buy! It is hard to get bored, when you have that many choices to choose from. Variety is the spice of life, and Keurig definitely brings the spice!
Another huge advantage of owning a Keurig Brewing Machine is the flexibility and variety in the beverage choices offered. Keurig’s brew more than just coffee. K-Cups are available in a wide variety of beverages including hot chocolate and teas. This gives you the ability to change your coffee flavor or drink of choice from day to day, or even hour to hour, while eliminating the need to own a variety of different coffee beans, teas and hot chocolates. The K-Cups are sealed and made to stay fresh. This lessens waste as freshness can be a challenge to maintain when having to open a large bag of coffee, box of tea or container of hot chocolate that you will be using over an extended period of time. Additionally, you can customize the strength of your brew with one simple tap of the display.
True to Keurig’s easy to use design, you can quickly switch between your beverages of choice with minimal effort – we highly recommend you give it a try!
Brew What You Need, Nothing That You Don’t
Cozy loves coffee so much, we believe wasting it should be illegal. With a Keurig Coffee Brewer, you do away with this problem as the K-Cup is pre-measured to brew the perfect cup with the perfect taste while eliminating any waste. This eliminates having to throw away several cups of unused brewed coffee that has been sitting in your traditional coffee maker’s carafe all day. With a Keurig, you simply brew what you need and nothing that you don’t.
Having precisely one cup of your favorite beverage quickly and easily without mess or leftover waste is yet another reason why a Keurig may be a good choice for you.
It is Customizable, Brew it How You Like It
Keurig provides you with several customizable options when brewing your drink to ensure you can make it the way you like it.
Keurig coffee brewers allow you to select the size of cup you brew. It is important to note, the size selections available to you is dependent on which Keurig brewer you purchase. Many models feature cup size options ranging from 2 to 5 cup sizes. For example, the Keurig K-Elite and K-Elite C single serve coffee maker provides options for 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 ounce cup sizes. Many Keurig’s also provide you with the option to brew a travel size portion in a travel size mug. You can also control the strength of your drink through the size of the cup you select. The smaller the size, the stronger and more concentrated the brew will be.
You are also able to customize the heat setting of your brew with Keurig providing you with the ability to increase or decrease the brewing temperature of the machine. Much like the size settings above, this feature is available on some Keurig models such as the K-475 K-Cup Coffee Maker (now replaced by the K-Elite) but not all Keurig models. So if this feature is of interest to you, be sure to confirm that this feature is available on the Keurig model you are purchasing. Luckily, if figuring out optimal brewing temperatures is not your thing Keurig has set temperatures on all of their machines to optimize the taste and temperature of your brew. Brewing temperatures are set to 192 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combining convenience with customizability is what makes Keurig a popular choice among so many!
Review of Top Keurig Models
Keurig K-Elite
The Keurig K-Elite is extremely popular and widely considered the best overall Keurig for home brewing. The highly anticipated K-Elite which replaced the popular K-575 and K-475 models is the most customizable machine in the Keurig line. From its sleek design, multiple brewing options, programmable features and ease of use this machine does not disappoint!
- Keurig’s newest single serve coffee maker
- Quiet Brew Technology
- Programmable settings/features including: Strong Brew and Iced Coffee buttons
- 5 brew size options (4, 6, 8, 10, or 12oz cup) – Brews K-Cup pods in under a minute
- Hot water on demand button dispenses hot water instantly for tea, oatmeal, soups and more
- 75oz removable water reservoir
Key Features
Like all Keurig machines the K-Elite is easy to use and creates coffee quickly at the push of a button. In most Keurig models, this ease of use typically means you have little to no customization options. This is where the K-Elite instantly becomes a household favorite! With the K-Elite you control the quality, type, size, temperature and taste to create your perfect cup of coffee in under a minute.
Strong Brew
The K-Elite introduced a “Strong” brew button which enriches the taste and flavor of your K-Cup pods. This is a big win for both Keurig enthusiasts and critics that felt Keurig was lacking in the taste department. Another feature, new to the Keurig line is the “Iced” button. This allows you to brew iced coffee without compromising flavor. If you enjoy cold brew coffee this option furthers your home brew experience. With both drink options you can modify the brew temperature between 187-192 degrees to enhance the flavor.
Water Reservoir
The K-Elite also includes a large 75oz removable water reservoir, which brews up to 8 cups of coffee before having to refill the water tank. These are the 5 cup size options (4,6,8,10,12oz) the K-Elite offers. Another nice option to have is the hot water on demand feature. This allows you to instantly dispense hot water for your favorite tea, oatmeal, and even soup.
Drip Tray
The K-Elite also comes with a removable drip tray providing you the additional space needed to brew directly into a large travel mug. By removing the tray, you also have easy access to clean after use.
Quiet Brew Technology
With the Quiet Brew Technology and other programmable features such as Auto On setting, this model will be sure to brew that perfect cup of coffee without interruption.
Check out our full review and see why the K-Elite is the King of the K-Cup coffee brewers!
Keurig K-Café
If you are tired of incurring the expense of daily Starbucks runs for your favorite latte, then this is the machine for you. The Keurig K-Café brings new options to the Keurig line giving you the feel of having a personal barista in your kitchen.
- Brew Coffee, Lattes & Cappuccinos – hot or iced
- Coffee shot button to brew specialty drinks
- Built-in (dishwasher safe) frother
- Strong brew button to create a bold taste
- 4 brew size options (6, 8, 10, and 12oz cup)
- 60oz removable water reservoir
Key Features
The Keurig K-Café has a built-in milk frother giving you a frothy drink experience at the push of a button. You simply pour your milk of choice into the stainless steel frother up to the fill line, then select the Cappuccino, Latte, or Cold button for iced latte’s and poof… Within a few moments you have your favorite specialty drink faster than Siri can give you directions to Starbucks.
The K-Café also gives you the option to control your cup size. You can brew 6, 8, 10 or 12oz cups of your favorite coffee or specialty drink. For more flavor simply select the “Strong” button to strengthen the coffee and enjoy.
When making your favorite latte or cappuccino the K-Café also introduces a “Shot” button which provides a 2oz “shot” of coffee similar to an espresso shot. This machine is a great choice for anyone who craves an espresso style drink. Take a look at our list of the best espresso K-Cups for Keurig.
The large removable water reservoir holds 60 ounces of water. This is equivalent to 6 glorious cups of coffee before needing a refill.
Interested? Take a look at our full review of this AMAZING K-Cafe Coffee Brewer!
Keurig K-Cafe Dimensions
The K-Café is bit wider than most standard Keurig’s, but with the stylish look this can be a focal point in any kitchen:
12.5” H x 15.3” W x 11.7” D
16.7”H when pod handle is raised
6.2” H coffee mug clearance when drip tray is inserted
7.2” H to fit your travel mug when drip tray is removed
30” cord length
10.2lbs
120 volt
Keurig K-Select
The Keurig K-Select is a popular mid-range model because of its simplistic features, fast brewing times, and customization options for the price point. This unit comes in various colors to fit any of your kitchen’s color schemes including White, Navy, Sandstone, Matte Black, Vintage Red and a Vintage Teal called Oasis.
- Strong brew button – Gives you stronger/bolder taste
- 4 brew size options (6,8,10, and 12oz cup)
- Quiet Brew Technology
- 52oz removable water reservoir
- Brews K-Cup pods in under a minute
- Compatible with My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
Key Features
The K-Select has a simple user interface that needs no instruction to operate. You simply insert your favorite K-Cup pod, choose between 4 different cup sizes (6, 8,10 or 12oz) and out comes a hot steaming cup of coffee in under a minute. There is also a “Strong” button which pulls more flavor from your K-Cup pod for those wanting a bolder, richer taste.
With the Quiet Brew Technology and speed the K-Select offers its easy to forget your coffee is even there. Only the fresh smell of coffee will bring you back to your senses.
The K-Select carries a 52oz removable water reservoir giving you 5 cups of coffee between refills. The option to remove the water reservoir allows you to clean your unit with ease.
The “Auto Off” feature allows you to program the machine to turn off automatically preserving the shelf life of the machine while conserving energy and saving you money.
One feature that separates the K-Select from other similar machines such as the K-55 is the high altitude setting. When brewing coffee in higher altitudes, water has lower boiling temperatures. This feature allows you to adjust the brewing temperature to ensure you get the perfect cup of coffee every time. Check out our review to see the differences between the K-Select and K55 models.
Keurig K-Select Dimensions
12.5” High , 9.2” Wide x 11.6” Deep
17’ High when pod handle is raised
7.4” Tall cups or mugs can be used
Keurig K155 OfficePRO
Does your office or work location need a new coffee maker? Are you tired of drinking stale coffee throughout the day? If the answer is “yes” then we highly recommend you put down the carafe and upgrade to the Keurig K155 OfficePro Premier Brewing System (Voted Best Keurig For Office by Cozy). This easy to use brewing machine offers you and your colleagues the K-Cup experience giving you a fresh brew of coffee every time, all the time. If you are interested in a Keurig that can brew both carafe coffee and K-Cups continue reading for our review of the K-Duo Plus.
- Quiet Brew Technology
- Brews coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and other iced beverages
- Brews K-Cup pods in under a minute
- Programmable settings/features (control brew temp) – LCD touchscreen
- 4 brew size options (4, 6, 8, 10oz cup)
- Language settings (English, Spanish, French)
- Large capacity 90oz water reservoir
Key Features
The Keurig K155 OfficePRO has an LCD touchscreen interface. It allows you to choose from 4 different cup sizes (4, 6, 8 , & 10oz). With various cup sizes to choose from you also have equally as many drink options available. The K155 can brew coffee, hot cocoa K-Cups, tea, and other iced beverages perfect for all your coworkers’ drink needs.
The Quiet Brew Technology will be sure to limit any noise distraction in the workplace while keeping the coffee flowing. With any business, time is money. The K155 uses K-Cup pods and brews a perfect cup of coffee in under a minute.
The LCD touchscreen gives you access to customize your brew temperature, language preference (English, French, Spanish), and has an Auto On/Off capability.
The K155 OfficePRO has a large capacity 90oz water reservoir that makes 18 cups of coffee before needing a refill.
K-155 OfficePro Dimensions
13.9” High x 10.4” Wide X 14” Deep
K-Mini Plus
The K-Mini Plus is Cozy’s top pick for small spaces! If you live in a small apartment, short on space, or living the college dorm life then the K-Mini Plus is the machine for you!
- Slimmest Keurig model (5 inches wide)
- Strong brew button – Gives you stronger/bolder taste
- Brew 6 to 12oz cup size
- One cup removable water reservoir
- Compatible with K-Cup and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
Key Features
The K-Mini Plus is the most compact Keurig on the market. Although the machine is small in stature the coffee remains Keurig strong. Sitting at just 5 inches wide this model gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t.
The K-Mini Plus comes equipped with the “Strong” brew button giving your coffee the bold, flavorful taste it deserves.
With options to brew both 6 and 12 oz cups you have the ability to fill your favorite cup, mug or even large travel mug to quench your coffee cravings. Unlike the K-Mini, the K-Mini Plus offers a one cup removable water reservoir. This is an important feature as you will need to refill the water reservoir after each use. The ability to remove the reservoir allows easy access to clean the unit keeping your machine running optimally for years to come.
Check out our full review of the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus model!
K-Mini Plus Dimensions
12.1” High x 4.5” Wide x 11.3” Deep
16.8” High when pod handle is raised
6” mug clearance with drip tray
7” Travel mug clearance without drip tray
Keurig K15
The Keurig K15 is a popular pick due to its size, stylish look, affordable price, and most importantly it does exactly what you paid for it to do – BREW HOT COFFEE AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON.
- Compact Keurig model available in a variety of colors (10.8”H x 6.9”W x 10.7”D)
- Brews coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and other iced beverages
- 3 brew sizes (6,8,10oz cup) for K-Cup use
- Compatible with K-Cup and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
- Brews in under two minutes
- Auto shutoff after 90 seconds of non-use
Key Features
The Keurig K15 is compact and can fit almost any space. You can take it with you on road trips, vacations, or anywhere your machine can be plugged in. The K15 provides owners with all the necessary features Keurig lovers have come to expect. Simply take your K-Cup pod, place it into the chamber, select your brew size and in under 2 minutes your coffee is served!
What we like about this brewer for the price is the versatility to brew coffee, hot cocoa, tea and other iced beverages. You can choose from 3 different brew sizes 6, 8, 10oz cups. Due to the compact size, the K15 has a single serve water reservoir that you need to be refill after each use.
If you are looking for a compact, affordable, stylish coffee maker that fits most spaces then the K15 will not disappoint.
K15 Dimensions
10.8” High x 6.9” Wide x 10.7” Deep
Keurig K55 K-Classic
The Keurig K55 otherwise known as the K-Classic is the most popular model in the Keurig line and for good reason. The price, simple features, brew speed, and classic design make it perfect for anyone wanting to experience the convenience of Keurig.
- 3 brew size options (6, 8, 10oz cup)
- 48oz removable water reservoir
- Removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs
- Brews coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and other iced beverages in under a minute
- Compatible with K-Cup and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
Key Features
The K55 also known as the K-Classic gives you more than just coffee. This machine also brews hot cocoa, tea, and other iced beverages too! If you love coffee then this multi purpose machine will quickly become the heartbeat of your home.
The simple design allows all users to master the Keurig concept quickly. You simply pull up the pod handle, insert your favorite K-Cup, close the lid, select your desired cup size and in under 60 seconds you have a perfect cup of coffee. The K-Classic offers 3 brew size options to choose from (6, 8, 10oz cups).
The K-Classic comes equipped with a 48oz removable water reservoir which gives you 6+ cups before having to refill. This is the perfect machine for any individual or family of coffee drinkers.
The removable drip tray is made for easy clean up. When the tray is removed you have the added space needed to brew directly into large travel mugs.
Why is K-Classic so popular among coffee drinkers? We find many consumers value speed, simplicity, and affordability above all else when brewing their favorite cup of coffee and in this fast pace world the K-Classic delivers!
Check out our full review of the K50 vs K55.
Keurig K55 K-Classic Dimensions
13” High x 9.8” Wide x 13.3” Deep
Keurig K-Duo Plus
Do you like the convenience of using K-Cup pods, but also wish you had the option to brew amazing ground coffee in a carafe large enough for the family? If you answered yes, then the Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus is what you are looking for!
- Option to brew K-Cup pods or ground coffee
- 12 cup carafe and 60oz removable water reservoir
- 4 brew size options (6, 8, 10, 12oz cup)
- Auto brew feature
- Compatible with K-Cup and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
Key Features
The K-Duo Plus is the dual threat you have been looking for to round out your coffee drinking needs. You have the option to make a single-serve cup of coffee using your favorite K-Cup pod or brew using the 12 cup carafe, large enough for an entire family. The stainless-steel carafe keeps your coffee hot for up to 2 hours. This revolutionary concept gives you your cake and lets you eat it too!
The K-Duo and K-Duo Plus have almost all the same features when it comes to the brewing experience. From a visual perspective it’s easy to see the K-Duo Plus is the much slimmer model, but both machines have the same genetic makeup. When brewing a single-serve cup of coffee you simply pop in your K-Cup and choose between 4 brew size options including 6, 8 , 10, or 12 cups.
The K-Duo Plus has a “Strong” brew button which allows you to extract all the flavor from your favorite K-Cup during the 60 second brew time. There is also an auto-brew feature which allows you to have coffee on demand. The K-Duo Plus sports a 60oz water reservoir can rotate to either side of the machine or even behind the brewer to free up counter space. The water reservoir will brew up to 12 cups of coffee before needing a refill. This will keep the coffee flowing throughout the day!
To see the differences between the K-Duo and K-Duo Plus Check out our full review!
Keurig K-Duo Plus Dimensions
14.19” High x 8.2” Wide x 11.7” Deep (When water reservoir positioned on the side)
14.19” High x 7.68” Wide x 15.88” Deep (When water reservoir positioned behind the brewer)
Can fit up to 8” mugs
Comparing Keurig Features
You have decided you want to invest in the holy grail of convenient coffee makers and purchase a Keurig, great choice! You will be on your way to warm, delicious coffee at the press of a button in no time.
Now that you have made the decision to purchase a Keurig Coffee Brewer the next step is to determine which model will best fit your needs. With over 50 Keurig models on the market today there is a large variety of options and features to choose from. Since its inception, Keurig has enhanced their machines multiple times to ensure top of line features are available to their millions of users. As a user, these enhancements are a great thing because it provides you with the ability to enjoy all that these features have to offer. As a buyer, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out which model and features will best fit your beverage drinking needs. To ensure you get the most out of your investment, Cozy provides you with a list of questions to consider when you compare Keurig models.
Cup SIze
When it comes to Keurig, bigger is not always better! Having a variety of cup sizes to choose from is an important option that will impact your coffee drinking experience.
Each Keurig coffee maker comes with three standard cup size selections: 6, 8 and 10 ounces. These cup sizes are offered in other popular models like the Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker. In addition to the standard three cup sizes, Keurig also offers coffee makers such as the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker with additional cup size options of 4 and 12 ounces. The 4 ounce cup size is perfect for espresso K-Cups. And the 12-ounce cup is ready to brew in larger travel mugs.
There are a few factors you should consider when determining the best cup size options for you:
How much coffee do you like in your cup? The cup sizes are best determined by using two sets of criteria. The first is taste, as the smaller the cup size the more concentrated your drink will be. If you prefer more mild brews you will most likely gravitate towards larger cup sizes as they will be less concentrated. The second factor you will want to consider is volume. You may prefer a larger travel sized serving option when brewing a cup to go versus at home when you can select a smaller cup size and easily make more if you run out.
K-Cup and Carafe Coffee
Do you need to make a large volume of coffee regularly? In a household with two coffee drinking adults, the Keurig with the three or five standard cup size options can be a great fit. However, if you entertain often or prefer to have a high volume of coffee available in a more traditional carafe the Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker with its 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer provides you with both options in one machine! Having an option for a carafe is a good consideration if you entertain and provide coffee frequently to larger groups or prefer to make a larger batch of coffee to have it on hand and easily accessible for multiple coffee drinkers in your home.
What beverages do you want to drink in your Keurig? If you are a coffee drinker only, you may not need to consider an expanded cup size option outside of the three standard sizes offered by Keurig. However, if you enjoy espresso, tea or hot chocolate you may want to consider having a larger choice of cup sizes to pick from so you are able to brew these types of drinks as concentrated or mild as you prefer.
Water Reservoir
Arguably water is the most essential element of life, because without water you can’t make coffee! All Keurig’s come with a water reservoir. This is the container you fill with water to brew your drinks. If you are looking to purchase a Keurig that allows you to make coffee without having to fill the machine with water at every use or conversely want a smaller model that will not have water sitting in the tank for long periods of time the water reservoir will be an important consideration.
Keurig offers a variety of water reservoir sizes and options. The largest water reservoir, found on the Keurig K1500, holds 95 ounces of water. On the smaller end of the size spectrum, the Keurig K15 Mini Plus Brewer has no water reservoir. You simply add a cup of water into the machine each time you brew.
How to Choose a Water Reservoir
Determining what water reservoir you need will depend on the usage you anticipate. A brewer with a smaller reservoir option is a good choice for a single user whereas a Keurig with a larger reservoir is a better option for a household that has multiple coffee drinkers. The larger the tank the less refills required between cups. If you drink two or more servings per day, it is advisable to consider a larger capacity model. This will save you from having to refill the Keurig coffee brewer multiple times throughout the day.
What type of water reservoir do you need? One final consideration to make regarding the Keurig is water reservoir type. Keurig reservoir types come in three options: removable, attached or no reservoir. The most convenient water refill option are the Keurig models with a removable water reservoir such as the popular Keurig K55 K-Classic Single Serve Coffee Maker. A removable water reservoir detaches from the Keurig Coffee Brewing Machine and can be taken to a water source, such as a sink, to be refilled. Keurig’s detachable reservoir also has handles that make the reservoir easy to remove, refill and clean.
Other models offer permanently attached water reservoirs. This requires you to refill the water in the same location that the Keurig is placed. This option works well if your Keurig is near an easily accessible water source that can be poured directly into the water reservoir. Lastly, Keurig’s smallest models do not have a water reservoir at all and require you to measure and add the amount of water you will want to use to create your brews each time.
Quiet Brew Technology
Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak, this is especially true when it comes to brewing beverages in a Keurig. Most Keurig Coffee Brewers are designed with Quiet Brew Technology to ensure your coffee is brewed as quietly as possible without compromising taste. If you value your peace and quiet, The Keurig K10 Mini and OfficePro are two models that do not brew as quietly as other Keurigs. Unless you will be regularly brewing your beverages in louder, high traffic areas it is recommended you consider purchasing a Keurig with the quiet brew option such as the Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker or Keurig K155 OfficePRO Premier Brewing System.
Keurig Dimensions
When purchasing a Keurig coffee maker you will want to review the dimensions of the brewer to ensure it will fit properly in the space it is intended for. The Keurig will need to be placed on a secure, stable surface with easy access to water for refilling. While some kitchens are able to accommodate any size Keurig, others have to maximize the space they have, making dimensions of the Keurig another important consideration.
The standard space between a kitchen countertop and upper cabinet is approximately 17 inches which is a comfortable fit for most Keurig Coffee Brewers. Most of the Keurig commercial models are designed in larger sizes than the Keurig brewers intended for home use. You will want to ensure you check the dimensions of the Keurig you purchase to ensure a perfect fit!
Brewing Speed
If speed is a factor in deciding which Keruig to buy it is important to know that most models such as the Keurig K-Elite have an automatic shut off 90 seconds after the last cup is brewed. Once turned back on, it will take approximately 2 minutes for the water to heat and less than 60 seconds to brew a cup. Once turned on and your first cup is brewed the Keurig will be able to continue to pull hot water quickly from the water reservoir until it shuts off.
The Keurig Mini Plus, which does not come with a water reservoir, will need to have water added and then heated which will add approximately 2 minutes more to your brewing time. If you opt for this model of Keurig it is recommended you use room temperature water in order to reduce the amount of time it takes for the machine to heat the water up.
Programmable Options
Do you like to have a piping hot cup of coffee already brewed when you wake up? If you answered yes, then you should consider a Keurig model with programmable options. Keurig has a few options in its model offerings that have a programmable timer option. For the models that do come with a timer, there are three different ways it can be used:
1. Auto Off will power off the Keurig automatically at a designated time. The K-Elite and Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker models feature this option and provide you with the ability to decide what time you want your Keurig to power down automatically.
2. Auto On powers on the Keurig automatically at a designated time to heat the water in the reservoir so that your drink is ready to brew in 60 seconds or less when you go to use it. The Keurig K-Elite, K-575 and K150 Single Cup Coffee Maker all have the auto on feature.
Keurig’s Unique History
With an annual revenue in excess of $11 billion Keurig is a popular and recognizable brand of beverage brewing systems intended for both home and commercial use. In fact, Keurig, an American company headquartered in Massachusetts, is the leading beverage company in North America!
The most popular of Keurig products include their well known single-serve coffee containers referred to as K-Cup pods as well as their infamous coffee and beverage brewing systems. So who are the geniuses who brought us a comforting, delicious cup of coffee at the press of a button? Read on to find out!
John Sylvan created the the Keurig Brewing System. He made the decision to quit his tech job in order to focus on finding a better solution to standard office coffee makers known for producing full carafes of coffee that would sit for hours, allowing the coffee to grow bitter and stale.
Keruig Meaning
After undergoing extensive trial and error in an attempt to create the perfect pod coffee brewing machine Sylvan decided he needed someone to manage the business side of his coffee invention. Sylvan enlisted his former college roommate, who also happened to be a successful businessman, Peter Dragone to help. Together, Sylvan and Dragone officially founded their company in 1992 and Keurig was born. The name Keurig was selected by Sylvan because of the word’s meaning of excellence in Dutch. This name was in direct alignment with Sylvan and Dragone’s goal to provide convenient, gourmet coffee one cup at a time.
In 1993, Sylvan and Dragone were still making the K-Cup pods by hand and were the primary taste testers. Sylvan was then diagnosed with caffeine poisoning as he drank 30-40 cups of coffee per day!
Requiring an automated solution to the manufacturing process, Sylvan and Dragone brought in their third co-founder Dick Sweeny. Together they developed several prototypes of the Keurig brewing machines but were still unable to perfect their model.
Green Mountain Coffee
Needing funding for development, they approached what would become their first investing company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Sadly, Sylvan did not work well with the new investors. He was forced out in 1997 and sold his stake in the company for $50,000. Dragone left a few months later but decided to retain his stake and Sweeney stayed on as the company’s vice president of engineering.
With the funding necessary to expand now available, Keurig began to focus on the office and commercial market launching its first brewers and K-Cup pods in 1998. As the single-cup brewing system gained popularity, brewers for home use were introduced 6 years later.
In 2006, the publicly traded Vermont-based specialty-coffee company Green Mountain Coffee Roasters acquired Keurig, sparking rapid growth and success for both companies. Over 40% of consumers in the United States own a single-cup coffee brewing system with Keurig remaining a very popular choice for a diverse set of buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a Keurig Coffee Brewer Last?
A: The typical lifespan of a Keurig Coffee Brewer that is used daily is approximately 5 years. However, the lifespan of a Keurig does depend on the quality of care it is given.
Q: Can K-Cups for the Keurig be recycled?
A: Yes, K-Cup pods can be recycled if the pod components are separated. The lid of the K-Cup must be peeled off and disposed of along with the coffee grounds. The cup and paper filter can then be recycled. By the end of 2020, all Keurig K-Cups will be 100% recyclable.
Q: Are K-Cups Instant Coffee?
A: No, K-Cups are not instant coffee. Although, brewing a cup of coffee with a Keurig Coffee Brewing machine is just as fast as instant coffee!
Q: Can Keurig K-Cups be used more than once?
A: No, disposable K-Cups are designed for one time use only. Keurig does sell a reusable K-Cup that can be refilled.
Q: Can I use Nespresso Capsules or Tassimo in my Keurig Coffee Brewer?
A: No, Keurig is only compatible with Keurig K-Cup Pods
Q: What type of water should I use in my Keurig Coffee Brewer?
A: The Keurig Coffee Brewer is designed to provide optimal taste using just tap water, unless you live in an area with very hard water. If this is the case, you can opt to use distilled or filtered water in your Keurig. It is recommended you never used softened or mineral water.
Q: How do I clean my Keurig?
A: The most important part of cleaning your Keurig Coffee Brewer is called the descaling process which removes hard water deposits and build up in your Keurig equipment. Keurig sells a descaling solution that can assist with this process. It is recommended you descale your Keurig every three to six months. Click here for other cleaning and troubleshooting tips for Keurig.
Q: Can I use vinegar to clean the Keurig Coffee Brewer?
A: No, it is not recommended because the acidity in vinegar is not always standardized which can cause damage to your coffee brewer. However, some Keurig users utilize a homemade cleaning solution consisting of 11 cups white vinegar to one cup of water mixture with success.
Q: What is the Keurig filter made of?
A: The Keurig water filter is made of charcoal that purifies the water in the reservoir.
Q: How often should the filter in the Keurig Coffee Brewer be changed?
A: The filter cartridges should be changed every 2 months or every 60 water reservoir refills.
Q: How much liquid does the Keurig drip tray hold?
A: The drip tray holds up to 237 ML of liquid. To remove the drip tray, slide it toward you while keeping it level to avoid spills.
Q: How much power does a Keurig Coffee Maker Use?
A: Keurig Coffee Brewers use the most power when initially turned on, with peak usage at 1500 watts. While idle the brewer will use the average electricity of a 60-watt light bulb.
Q: How hot is the water in the Keurig coffee makers?
A: The internal water temperature is approximately 192 degrees fahrenheit.