Keurig K-Duo vs. K-Duo Plus: Which is the Best Coffee Maker?

Trying to decide on the Keurig K-Duo vs. K-Duo Plus? Find out which one we like better in the article below!

If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can brew a single cup for you when you need it, but still make a full carafe in the mornings, then the Keurig K-Duo line is is the coffee model you have been searching for! In this article we will review and explain which is better, the K-Duo vs K-Duo Plus.

Odds are you are probably familiar with Keurig being known as one of the industry leaders in single-cup coffee makers, but did you know that they also make carafe-style brewers? The Keurig K-Duo vs K-Duo Plus combine the best aspects of carafe-style and single-cup brewers into one amazing unit! For other more traditional Keurig brewers check out our comprehensive review of Keurig’s top models by clicking here.

What is a Dual Coffee Maker?

Carafe and single cup combination brewers are also referred to as dual coffee makers. A dual coffee maker is one machine that can brew a single-cup of coffee as well as brewing using a full carafe. The choice is yours!

Keurig has produced similar models, such as the Keurig 2.0 that also brews a single cup and a full carafe. However, the Keurig 2.0 unlike the K-Duo and K-Duo Plus requires that you use a carafe size K-Cup pod that must be purchased for the machine in order to brew. 

The Keurig K-Duo line is the first Keurig brewing machine that allows you the innovative option to brew a single cup using your favorite K-Cup or brewing a full carafe using your own ground coffee – no K-Cup or pod required.

In this buyer’s guide, Cozy analyzes the differences between two of the best combination brewers on the market today that provide the versatility to brew coffee by the cup or by the carafe – the Keurig K-Duo and the Keurig K-Duo Plus.

Comparing the Keurig K Duo vs. K Keurig K Duo Plus

ModelK Duo K Duo Plus
Dimensions12.92’ H x 10.94” W x 12.76” D14.19’ H x 8.2” W x 11.7”  D
Type of Compatible PodsK-Cup (both Keurig Official, K-Carafe and compatible pods)K-Cup (both Keurig Official, K-Carafe and compatible pods)
Carafe Type/Heating PlateGlass Carafe & Heating PlateStainless Steel Thermal Carafe
Single Cup/Carafe Brew Size                           6, 8, 10, 12 oz.6, 8, 10, 12 oz.
Water Reservoir60 oz. removable reservoir60 oz. multi-position  removable reservoir
Automatic Turn Off and Auto Brew FeatureYesYes
Pause and Pour YesYes
PriceMid-RangeMid-Range

Keurig K-Duo vs. K-Duo Plus 

The differences between the K-Duo versus the K-Duo Plus are very minimal. Being the Keurig K-Duo and the K-Duo Plus are from the same line of Keurig brewers they share many similarities. Some of the most important features that they both have include:

  • Can brew single cup or carafe using ground coffee
  • Generously sized 60 oz shared water reservoir for single and carafe brewing
  • Four single cup brew sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz or 12 oz
  • Can brew 6,8,10 and 12 ounce cups for carafe 
  • Compatible with ground coffee or K-cups
  • Programmable auto-off and auto-brew features
  • 20 second “Pause and Pour” feature allows you to pour a cup before brewing is finished
  • Strong brew button for single cups for brewing more robust cups of coffee

The Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus also have some differences, the largest being in the aesthetic, carafe and size differences between the two Keurig brewers. Read on to find out more about each Keurig brewer’s unique features.

Size and Design

Carafe full of coffee being poured into a coffee cup.
K-Duo models provide a single serve brew as well as carafe brewing option to satisfy your coffee needs.

Keurig’s K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are vastly different in shape and size. The K-Duo looks like a standard coffee maker with a K-cup maker side-by-side. Because of this design, the Keurig K-Duo accommodates both a carafe warmer used to warm a glass carafe and a mug station. The downside of this feature is that the machine is bulkier than the K-Duo plus and may not be a good option for those with limited space. If space is a sticking point we highly recommend Keurig’s K-Mini and K-Mini Plus.

In comparison, the K-Duo Plus has a very different aesthetic than the K-Duo. The K-Duo Plus is long and skinny with a single station that supports a mug or carafe. Because of this design, the K-Duo Plus does not have a carafe warmer built-in and instead utilizes a thermal carafe. The sleek design of the K-Duo Plus is a huge space-saver and an excellent option for those who want a smaller coffee maker to preserve counter space. Although the thermal carafe does a good job of keeping coffee warm, it may not keep coffee warm for as long as a traditional warming plate. 

Water Reservoir

Also of note on the K-Duo Plus is the multi-position 60 ounce water reservoir, which can move to either side or the back of the Keurig to save space. Because the water reservoir on the K-Duo Plus can be positioned in multiple ways, the K-Duo Plus is an excellent choice  that offers lots of flexibility for space-challenged kitchens.

Similar to Keurig’s popular K-Café model, the K Duo features a generous sized 60 ounce fixed reservoir, which can be removed to refill with water. One note to make regarding the water reservoir design is that it does not come with a handle. This can make correctly placing the water reservoir back into the machine after refiling difficult when the brewer is placed in a smaller space.

Auto-Off Feature

Both units offer the energy saving auto-off feature, which powers the Keurig Coffee Brewer off after five minutes of no use. The Keurig K-Duo also comes with an auto-off function for the heat plate which will keep coffee warm for two hours before turning off. The Keurig K-Duo Plus thermal carafe can also keep coffee warm for two hours but is not heated by a heat plate. 

Filter Type

One thing to note is that the Keurig K-Duo Plus comes with a gold-tone coffee filter for use with your own coffee grounds. While the Keurig K-Duo can also be used with a gold-tone filter, it does not come with one when you purchase the brewer which means you will have to purchase your own. This is an important factor to weigh in considering the cost of each Keurig brewer especially if you plan on using this feature a lot.

Style Differences

As far as style goes, the Keurig K-Duo Plus has a modern and sleek look whereas the K-Duo looks more like a traditional coffee maker.

Both coffee makers only come in a standard black color. For other popular stylish models with more color options we highly recommend the Keurig K-Select.

Carafe Differences

Because the K Duo uses a warming plate, it comes with a glass carafe. The K-Duo Plus has a stainless steel carafe and is thermally insulated to retain heat.

The single-serve coffee brewing areas on both the K Duo and K-Duo Plus are virtually the same. 

Both Keurig Duo models have the”Pause and Pour” feature which stops the brewing process for 20 seconds so you can remove the carafe to pour yourself a cup then resume brewing once the carafe is replaced.

Affordability

In comparison to other popular Keurig models, both the Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are relatively new to the Keurig line. If you are looking for the most cost effective option, then the K-Duo is right for you as it’s slightly lower priced than the K-Duo Plus.

The Keurig K-Duo

The Keurig K-Duo brewer can, from a functional perspective, do all the same things that the Keurig K-Duo Plus can with the main difference between the two being aesthetic. 

That being said, the aesthetic differences between these two units are important to note. For example, if you’re looking for a modern-looking sleek coffee maker for your countertop, you may want to go with the K-Duo Plus. If you are a fan of a more traditional looking coffee maker the K-Duo may appeal to you more. 

Are you a fan of using paper coffee filters? If so, the K-Duo may be the best option for you. While the K-Duo Plus comes with a reusable mesh filter, the K-Duo does not. However, one of the reasons the K-Duo is less expensive is because it doesn’t come with a reusable filter. If you’re not going to use the reusable mesh filter anyway, why not save some money with the K-Duo?

Similarly, you should consider whether you prefer a stainless or glass carafe. Some users have reported that the glass carafe designed for the K-Duo can be messy when pouring. This is an important factor to weigh as if you are considering purchasing a K-Duo or K-Duo Plus odds are you are going to be using the carafe function. 

Pros

  • Easily accessible design when brewing
  • Glass carafe with warming plate
  • Cheaper than the K-Duo Plus

Cons

  • A bit loud
  • Included carafe can be messy when pouring
  • No reusable filter

The Keurig K-Duo Plus

There are not many reasons not to purchase the K-Duo Plus. The most significant advantage of the K-Duo Plus is its appearance. It looks modern and stylish, and the mobile water reservoir is a handy (and cool) feature, especially if your available counter space configuration tends to change frequently. 

While the K-Duo Plus is more expensive, it does come with its own reusable mesh filter, which helps recuperate some of that extra cost as you can buy and brew coffee beans in bulk. However, do keep in mind that this model is not compatible with the same mesh filter as the K-Duo. If you lose or break your reusable filter, you will need to get one specifically for the K-Duo Plus. 

The K-cup reservoir of the K-Duo Plus can also be a bit harder to access. Instead of being located on the front-top of the machine, the K-cup area on the K-Duo Plus is located a bit farther back, closer to the rear. This can make it harder to access the K-cup reservoir if your coffee maker sits underneath cabinets. 

Finally, make sure to consider the thermal carafe on this model. Since it doesn’t come with a heating plate, you’ll need to invest in another stainless steel carafe or a separate warming place if you decide to replace the included carafe. 

Pros

  • No-spill carafe
  • Includes reusable mesh filter
  • Space-saving design
  • Mobile water reservoir

Cons

  • Higher price than the K-Duo
  • No warming plate
  • K-cup reservoir can be difficult to access

Cozy’s Bottom Line

As long as you are comfortable with a stainless steel thermal carafe, there is very little reason not to purchase the Keurig K-Duo Plus. 

However, if you have low cabinets or want a more traditional aesthetic for your Keurig, the standard K-Duo is still a good option.

The functional issues on the carafe that comes with the K-Duo make it a slightly less desirable option in our opinion. In the end, it all comes down to the space you have available, the look you want, and whether the carafe material makes a difference to you. 

Either way you won’t be disappointed, both models will have you quickly on your way to drinking delicious coffee at the press of a button!! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I brew a single cup and carafe at the same time?     

A: No, you can’t. However, with Keurig’s ability to brew quickly, you are able to brew a carafe and single cup back-to-back with minimal down time.      

Q: What coffee filters can be used with the K-Duo and K-Duo Plus?

A: With the K-Duo and K-Duo Plus you can use disposable paper filters or the Keurig Gold tone mesh filter.   

Q: Does the Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus come with a water filter?

A: Yes, both models come with a water filter.

Q: How often do I need to change the water filter on my Keurig?

A: The Keurig water filter should be replaced every 2 months or every 60 tank refills.      

Q: What is the Programmable Carafe Auto Brew feature?

A: The Programmable Carafe Auto Brew feature allows you to program the machine to brew a carafe at the time you want it to be brewed. 

Q: What does the Pause and Pour feature do?

A: The Pause and Pour feature is exclusively for carafe brewing. It works by automatically pausing the Keurig mid-brew for 20 seconds, so you can pour a cup from the carafe.

Q: What is Smart Start? 

A: The Smart Start feature works by allowing you to select your brew options as the machine heats. This eliminates the need to wait for the Keurig to fully heat before selecting your cup size. 

Q: What is the Keurig Strong Brew Feature?

A: The Keurig Strong Brew Feature allows you to opt to brew a stronger, more robust cup at a touch of a button. This feature works by allowing the hot water to stay in contact with the coffee ground longer resulting in a more intense cup.

Conclusion

The Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo plus are versatile options that allow you to brew a cup and a carafe using your favorite ground coffee or K-Cup pods. 

The K-Duo and K-Duo Plus have many features that ensure an easy and efficient brewing experience. This includes a large 60 ounce shared water reservoir as well as convenient features such as Pause and Pour which allows you to pause brewing for 20 seconds to pour yourself a hot cup when you want it.

As is standard with all Keurig brewers, you have access to over 400 different brands and 60 varieties of drinks. With the K-Duo and K-Duo plus you have the option to choose your favorite ground coffee or select from the large variety of K-cups available on the market today. 

The K-Duo and K-Duo Plus also come with a strong brew option, providing you with the ability to brew a more robust, stronger cup at the push of a button.

Convenience and options are a few of the many reasons Cozy recommends you give the K-Duo or K-Duo Plus a try. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Happy sipping!

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