Keurig, the leading manufacturer of single serve coffee brewers, has added two new models to its lineup. We review the Keurig K Select vs K Elite. After discontinuing the K575, Keurig replaced it with the innovative K Elite, while the K Select is the newer, fancier version of the Keurig K55 “Classic” (To learn more about the differences between the K Select and K55 click the link). Both models promise the same café-quality taste and in-home convenience you’ve come to expect from Keurig while offering improved designs and exciting new features.
For more information check out our comprehensive review of the best Keurig models in 2020!
K Select Vs K Elite – Ready to buy now? Cozy compares below:
| Model | K Select | K Elite |
| Dimensions | 11.6” H x 9.2” W x 12.5” D | 13.1” H x 9.9” W x 12.7” D |
| Type of Compatible Pods | K-Cup (both Keurig official and compatible pods) | K-Cup (both Keurig official and compatible pods) |
| Colors | Multiple choices | Multiple choices |
| Single Cup Brew Sizes | 4 sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12 oz. | 5 sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 oz. |
| Water Reservoir | 52 oz. removable reservoir | 75 oz removable reservoir |
| Iced Coffee Function | No | Yes |
| Automatic Turn Off Automatic Turn On | Yes/No | Yes/Yes |
| Strong Brew Temperature Control | Yes/No | Yes/Yes |
| Price | Cost effective | Mid-Range |
Let’s take an in-depth look at each machine as Cozy delves into the pros and cons of each, and most importantly, offer our recommendation for the best option between the K Select vs K Elite.
Keurig K Select Buyers Guide
The Keurig K Select is the more modern version of the Keurig K55 “Classic.” The unit itself is more compact than its older predecessor, and yet, it has a larger 52 ounce water reservoir. This is a helpful feature as the larger the water reservoir, the more time you have until you have to refill with water between cups. The water reservoir is also removable which allows for easy access for cleaning.
High Altitude Setting
Notably, the K Select has a “high altitude” function. At high altitudes, water requires slightly less energy to boil. As such, the high altitude function boils your coffee at a slightly lower temperature. This is a really great feature to consider if you live in a higher altitude ensuring you get a perfect cup of coffee every time.
Reusable Filter
Like the K Elite, the Keurig K Select can accommodate environmentally friendly reusable coffee filters. My K-Cup Reusable Filter is the only approved reusable coffee filter for Keurig coffee brewers which allows you to brew your own coffee beans in your Keurig Brewer. The Keurig K Select does not have the ability to brew a carafe. If you are looking for a Keurig brewer with a carafe brewing option the Keurig K Duo Coffee Maker could be a great option for you!
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. Other features of the K Select include:
- Auto Off – Will power off the Keurig automatically at a designated time. This provides the ability to decide what time you want your Keurig to power down automatically.
- Strong Brew Button – Enriches the taste and flavor of your favorite K-Cup.
Quiet Brew Technology
The Keurig K Select is a quieter brewer, utilizing Keurig’s Quiet Brew Technology to ensure your cups are made as quietly as possible.
Reviews
One important note to make is that a small portion of buyers have reported functional issues with the K Select. Specifically, the unit encounters a programming issue where it releases water from the primary spout after turning the unit on; sometimes, this water can be very hot. Click the link for additional troubleshooting tips!
Ease of Use
For those of you on the market for a no-frills coffee brewer without skimping on quality, the K Select has everything you need. Because of its smaller size, the K Select fits easily on any countertop. Its sleek, modern design allows it to blend seamlessly into your kitchen no matter your decorating style. Despite its many useful features, the K Select is a basic Keurig model. With that, it does not have all the features that more expensive brewers such as the K Elite have, such as programmable activation times and specific temperature controls. If space is a concern check out the K-Mini Plus model!
If cost effectiveness with a nice but not expansive selection of features is your main criteria in determining which Keurig brewer to purchase the K Select is a great option for you!
Pros
- Save energy with programmable auto-off feature
- Quiet Brew Technology
- Compatible with reusable filters
- High altitude function
- Available in several colors
- Removable drip tray to accommodate a variety of mug sizes
- Fingerprint Resistant Surface
- Auto Off Function
- More compact, fits into smaller spaces
- Large reservoir
- Four cup serving sizes
- “Strong brew” option for a bolder cup of coffee
Cons
- Does NOT have the following features:
- carafe size brew option
- Iced Coffee Function
- Auto Start Function
- No water temperature control, only one heat setting offered
- No Hot Water On Demand Function
Keurig K Elite Buyers Guide
Everything You Need to Know
In some ways, the K Elite feels like the culmination of Keurig’s twenty years of experience in the business of single-serve brewer manufacturing. Its larger size allows this powerhouse of a machine to offer numerous noteworthy features.
Color Options
The Keurig K Elite is available in three color options: brushed slate (a dark grey), brushed silver (matte stainless steel) or brushed gold (a matte metallic).
K-Cups Vs K-Cup Reusable Filter
Each Keurig K Elite can brew a large selection of over 60 brands and 400 varieties of both brand name and generic compatible K-Cups. With the Keurig K Elite you have the option to brew your favorite ground coffee using the My K-Cup reusable coffee filter which is the only reusable coffee filter approved for Keurig K-Cup brewers.
Cup Size
The Keurig K Elite offers five cup size options with the ability to brew 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 ounce cups. The Keurig K Elite does not have the ability to brew a carafe. If you are looking for a Keurig brewer with a carafe brewing option the Keurig K Duo Coffee Maker could be a great option for you! When compared to the K Select, the K Elite has a much larger 75-ounce water reservoir allowing you to brew multiple cups at a time without having to refill the tank.
Display
The display on the Keurig K Elite has an easy to find power button, LED clock display as well as alert lights to signal when you need to add water or when you need to descale. Additionally, there is a button with the corresponding image for the appropriate cup size to make selecting which size to brew as easy as possible.
Ease of Use
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 are able to control the quality, type, size, temperature and taste to create your perfect cup of coffee in under a minute. The Keurig K Elite offer multiple programmable and customizable options that provide convenience when brewing your cup.
Settings
- Auto Off – Will power off the Keurig automatically at a designated time. This provides the ability to decide what time you want your Keurig to power down automatically.
- 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.
- Strong Brew Button – Enriches the taste and flavor of your favorite K-Cup.
- Iced Button – This is a fairly new Keurig feature that allows you to brew iced coffee without compromising flavor.
- Temperature Control – Provides the ability to modify the brew temperature of your drink anywhere between 187 to 192 degrees.
- Smart Start Feature – Allows you to select your cup size and hit brew without having to wait for the Keurig to heat up. Once the machine has heated up, brewing will start automatically.
- High Altitude Function – At high altitudes, water requires slightly less energy to boil. As such, the high altitude function boils your coffee at a slightly lower temperature.
Hot Water on Demand
Another convenient option available on the Keurig K Elite is the hot water on demand feature. This allows you to instantly dispense hot water for your favorite tea, oatmeal and even soup at the press of a button. 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 each use.
Pros
- Strong Brew Feature
- Hot Water Dispenser
- Large 75 Ounce Water Reservoir
- Programmable LED clock and timer
- Compatible with My K Cup Reusable Coffee Filter
- Removable drip tray can accommodate travel mugs up to 7.2” tall
- Adjustable temperature control allows you to brew between 187 and 192 degrees fahrenheit
- Iced coffee function
- Multiple serving sizes
- Automatic on and off feature High Altitude Setting
- Quiet Brew technology
- Smart Start Feature
Cons
- No carafe size brew option
- One of the largest Keurig models, requires more counter space
Cozy’s Bottom Line
Both the K Select and the K Elite offer in-demand features you’ll only find in Keurig’s newer models. A 12 oz serving size option is something that many single serve brewer devotees have been requesting for years, and Keurig delivers with its K Select and K Elite models. Both models offer High Altitude settings and a Strong Brew option for those who want a more vibrant, bolder taste, even for decaf K-Cup options.
The K Select and K Elite both hit the mark in terms of convenience and ease of use, but while the K Select has some standout features many single serve brewers lack, our choice is ultimately the K Elite. With its innovative features and the ability to customize the settings, the K Elite takes single serve brewing to the next level.
With that said, your choice ultimately comes down to what you need in a Keurig. If you want all the bells and whistles combined with top of the line technology then the K Elite is the coffee brewer for you. If you want an economical, easy to use Keurig than the K Select will fit all your needs and more. Either way we don’t think you will regret your decision to purchase a Keurig, as you will be on your way to drinking quick and delicious coffee at the press of a button. It doesn’t get better than that!