Keurig K Select vs K55 (K-Classic): Which is Better?

Are you interested in a Keurig coffee maker that is simple and easy to use? The popular K Select and K55 models will not disappoint!

Keurig is one of the premier manufacturers of single-serve coffee machines today. Brewing a warm drink does not get much easier than a K-cup: simply pop it into the Keurig, press a button, and let the machine complete its brewing magic. However, with Keurig’s vast selection it can often be challenging determining which Keurig model is best for you and your needs. Don’t worry Cozy has you covered! 

The Keurig K Select and the K55 Classic are two of Keurig’s most popular models. The K55 is the least expensive, simplest model while the K Select has enhanced features and costs slightly more as a result. 

Keurig K Select vs. K55 K-Classic

ModelK Select K55 K-Classic
Dimensions11.6” H x 9.2” W x 12.5” D13.0″ H x 9.8″ W x 13.3″ D
Type of CompatiblePodsK-Cup (both KeurigOfficial and compatible pods)K-Cup (both KeurigOfficial and compatible pods)
ColorsMultiple ChoicesLimited Choices
SIngle Cup Brew Sizes                           6, 8, 10, 12 oz.6, 8, 10 oz.
Water Reservoir52 oz. removable reservoir48 oz. removable reservoir
Automatic Turn Off YesYes
Strong BrewYesNo
PriceCost EffectiveMid-Range

K-Select vs K55 K-Classic

Pushing button on Keurig K Select or K55.
Keurig is known for making simple single serve coffee at the push of a button.

When it comes to the Keurig K Select vs K55, the K Select is the more advanced option of the two. The Keurig model itself is newer than the K55 and has enhanced features as a result. The downside of these enhanced features is that they do come at an increased price point when compared to the K55.  

When it comes to functionally the K Select can be thought of as the younger successor to the K55. Keurig designed the K Select to improve on many of the problem areas of the K55, plus added additional features for even more options. That doesn’t mean, however, that the K55 should be completely overlooked. At a less expensive price point, the K55 is known for having better reliability than the K Select and also has many of the K Select’s best features.

The Keurig K Select and K55 come with several standard features between them. These include: 

  • A removable drip tray to accommodate larger mugs
  • Brewing time under one minute
  • Descale maintenance light
  • “Add water” light
  • Programmable auto-off feature
  • Can accommodate reusable filters

Aesthetics 

The first and most apparent difference when comparing the Keurig K Select vs K55 is the color options that are available for each model. The K55 has limited color options with choices of either a Black or Rhubarb (red). The K Select has a large color selection with coffee brewers  available in Oasis (light blue), Matte White, Matte Navy, Sandstone (gold), Matte Black and Vintage Red.

Brew Size

The Keurig K55 offers three cup sizes of 6, 8 or 10 ounce cups and has a 48 ounce water reservoir. In comparison, the K Select offers four cup sizes of 6, 8, 10 or 12 ounces and the water reservoir size is slightly larger at 52 ounces. The 12 ounce brewing size that the K Select offers is a great feature to consider if you like to brew a larger travel mug before heading to the car for a commute. If you are wanting a Keurig with a larger water reservoir check out the Keurig K-Duo Plus.

Dimensions

The K Select unit is slightly smaller overall, at 12.5″ high, 9.2″ wide, and 11.6″ deep. The K55 is 13″ tall, 9.2″ wide, and 11.6″ deep. If you are space-challenged the smaller size of the K Select might be a better option for you than the bulkier K55. If you are looking for something even smaller that won’t skimp on quality give the Keurig K-Mini Plus a try!

Features

The Keurig K Select comes with more features than the K55, though both models are capable of brewing a delicious cup of joe. The most notable difference in features is that the K Select comes with a “strong brew” feature, giving you the option to brew a bolder K-Cup. In comparison, the K55 can only brew at one standard strength.  If you are wanting a Keurig with even more features

Another feature that sets K Select apart from the K55 is quick brew technology. The K55 requires you to wait for the unit to heat the water before selecting the cup size and then begins to brew. However, the K Select does this step all in one; you can choose your cup size right away and the machine will brew your selection once the water has heated. 

Keurig K Select Buyers Guide

Water Reservoir

The Keurig K Select is the newer, fancier version of the Keurig K55 “Classic.” The unit itself is more compact, and yet, it has a larger water reservoir than the K55. 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. 

Features

Notably, the K Select has a “high altitude” function that the K55 does not. 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 Coffee Filter

Like the K55, 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. This allows you to brew your own coffee beans in your Keurig Brewer. 

Simplicity

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 any K-Cup pod including those wanting a bolder, richer taste. 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 money.  The Keurig K Select is a much quieter brewer when compared to the K-55, utilizing Keurig’s Quiet Brew Technology to ensure your cups are made as quietly as possible. 

Programming Issue

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. For more Keurig troubleshooting information check out our review!

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 have, such as programmable activation times and specific temperature controls. 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! If you are comfortable paying more for more features check out the Keurig K Elite!!

Pros

  • Save energy with programmable auto-off feature
  • Brews more quietly than the K55
  • Compatible with reusable filters
  • High altitude function
  • Available in several colors
  • More compact than the K55 to fit into smaller spaces
  • Larger reservoir and cup serving sizes
  • “Strong brew” option for a bolder cup of coffee

Cons

  • More expensive than the K55
  • Prone to functional issues

Keurig K55 K Classic Buyers Guide

Economical Choice

The Keurig K55 is Keurig’s longtime flagship model. However, as Keurig’s model line continues to evolve, the Classic is starting to show its age among its more modern competitors. With that said, the K55 is still capable of brewing a hot, quick and delicious cup of coffee. The Keurig K 55 is an economical choice, as you can often find it at a lower price point than other Keurig models.

Ease of Use

Despite having fewer features than the K Select the K55 is still a respectable coffee maker. It has less in the way of bells and whistles, but this may be preferable for those who don’t need an overly-fancy machine. For example, individuals who might have trouble with too many buttons and options may find that the K55 provides an easy user experience.

Troubleshooting

Regarding reliability, when it comes to the Keurig K Select vs K55, the K55 does have the advantage. Because the K55 has been around longer, Keurig has had more time to identify issues or weak points and fix them. There have also been more model revisions for the K55 allowing Keurig to address and eliminate any functionality issues.

Aesthetic

Aesthetically the K55 falls short in comparison to the K Select. The K Select has a much more appealing aesthetic.  This is partly due to it being newer and more modern-looking, partly due to its smaller, less bulky size, and partly because it’s made with fingerprint-resistant plastic. The K Select comes in more colors, too, to match just about any kitchen. Unfortunately, the current K55 only comes in two colors – black and red. However, previous iterations of the K55 have occurred in other colors, such as navy. 

Brewing Sound

Unfortunately, the K55 is quite a bit louder than the K Select. However, if a louder coffee brewer is not a nuisance to you this isn’t too much of an issue. If you live with others who are sensitive to loud noise in the morning, you may want to consider the K Select.

Convenience

If you’ve ever used a K-cup maker before, especially older models, you likely already know that many units must heat up the water before you can begin brewing your coffee. This is true of the K55, but not of the K Select. If you can get used to turning the machine on a few minutes before you need to use it, it’s not a big deal. However, for those who stand next to their coffee maker and wait for their cup of joe, this might be a sticking point. 

The auto-shutoff feature on the K55 is two hours, but this feature is programmable on newer K55 models, just like the K Select. 

Pros

  • Inexpensive and often on sale
  • Programmable auto-off feature
  • Compatible with reusable filters
  • More reliable than the K Select

Cons

  • Loud
  • Must wait for the water to boil before selecting your brewing option
  • Bulky; more substantial than the K Select
  • Available in fewer colors

Cozy’s Bottom Line

If you’ve been paying attention throughout this buyer’s guide, it’s apparent that the Keurig K Select is the better option for most consumers. However, your final decision should always be based on personal preference, due to a few sticking points with the K Select.

For example, if you have small children in your household who can access your coffee maker, you may want to avoid the K Select. While Keurig may have fixed the machine’s issues by now, the water-spouting problem is well-known among buyers. However, do be aware that if your unit does have this issue, Keurig will replace it for you free of charge.

Things like this can happen with any new product, and that is part of what makes the K55 unit appealing. Since it’s been around for a while, many of its functional issues have been found and fixed already. While you’ll pay for this reliability in quality-of-life features, the promise of safety is sometimes better than convenience. Either way both of these Keurig Brewer options will deliver a hot cup of joe at the press of a button. There isn’t anything not to like about that! For an additional option that’s easier on your pocketbook, check out our review of the Keurig K Select vs. K Elite.

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