Buyer’s Guide to the 9 Best Keurig Models Available Today

If you want the easiest and fastest way to brew a delicious cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, Keurig coffee makers should be your go-to.

They have such a wide product line that there are Keurig models for every budget and need.

Read on to find out what the perfect Keurig model is for you. And if this is the first time you’ve heard of them, we give you a brief introduction to this company as well!

Guide to the 9 Best Keurig Models Available Today

1. Keurig K Cafe Cappuccino and Latte System – Best Overall

Key Features

• Single-serve latte, cappuccino, and coffee maker
• Automatic milk frother
• Brews espresso-like shots

Design and Interface

You might have thought that you should kiss your espresso dreams goodbye when you think of making it at home. After all, espresso seems like a very complex and unreachable feat.

Not only will the espresso machine be expensive, but they are also difficult to use if you don’t know how. Plus, espresso grinders are also pricey.

Keurig’s K Cafe Cappuccino and Latte System is an incredible machine that will give you a great espresso with none of that effort or expense.

The coffee maker is on the right, while the steam wand for the milk is on the right. It was intuitively designed to give you a great espresso and milk experience.

While it cannot make the 8 bars of pressure required to extract espresso, it will deliver stronger and more concentrated coffee to mimic an espresso shot.

Because of this design, it can easily extract wonderful coffee and froth milk to give you that light texture.

Its interface is also simple and easy to operate.

Features and Brewing I

The front panel holds five buttons. Three of them control the milk frothing, while the other two are options for the volume of your espresso.

The frothing modes include Cappuccino, Latte, or Cold-Froth. You can just get your milk and slip it under the steam wand, then select the right method for you.

Is the Keurig K Cafe the Best One for You?

If espresso and cappuccinos are your thing, the K Cafe is for you. It delivers an excellent and easy performance that will turn your home into a cafe in no time without all the trouble with making espresso!

Pros

• Creates delicious concentrated coffee
• Efficient milk and coffee preparation
• Three milk settings

Cons

• May be too simple for others

2. Keurig K Elite – Best Value

Key Features

• Iced coffee function
• Big water reservoir
• Removable drip tray

Design and Interface

If you’re already a Keurig fan and have experienced the beauty of its simplicity and basic features, the Elite may be the addition you have been looking for.

It comes with all the features you have to come to love, with a few add-ons that will make you rediscover your love for the K cups system.

This machine also has a big 75-ounce water reservoir that lets you brew up to 8 cups before having to refill the water tank. This removable water reservoir is also easy to clean and refill.

Features and Brewing

A unique feature of the K Elite is its iced setting, which allows you to brew over ice for a full-flavored and refreshing cup of coffee without worrying about it getting diluted.

The Elite also has a large removable drip tray that lets you easily clean any small messes that missed your cup. It also leaves you with a massive amount of space that can fit a travel mug or tumbler that is 7.2 inches tall!

Among its extras are a 6 K-cup pod variety pack and a water filter handle that comes with one free water filter!

As for the brew sizes, you can choose between the 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce K cups that let you increase or decrease your brew strength.

Like the K 575 and 475, the K Elite gives you hot water on demand, which is a convenient feature for making a quick instant oatmeal breakfast!

It’s also one of the few home brewing system options that offer quiet brew technology.

Is the Keurig K Elite the Best One for You?

If you want a Keurig with convenient extras for making the perfect K cup or particularly love iced coffee, this K cups pod brewer is worth the splurge.

This kind of higher price point is definitely justified by these Keurig machines’ extra features.

Pros

• Removable drip tray
• 4 brew sizes
• Hot water available
• Water filter handle and free filter
• Quiet brew technology

Cons

• Pricey

3. Keurig K55 Classic Series – Best Budget

Key Features

• Basic model
• Auto-off function
• Three brewing sizes

Design and Interface

If you think of the most basic model that Keurig offers, you will probably imagine the Keurig K55.

This is a single-cup brewer that gives you a delicious cup of coffee in less than one minute.

Just like their other brewers, it uses the K-cup pod technology. However, it does not have much in the way of added features.

The 48-ounce water reservoir, which comes with a water filter, is enough for most people, especially when only brewing for one to four.

Features and Brewing

You can control the brew size to choose the right one for your particular drink, and it has an auto-off function. Three buttons give you the choice between 3 cup sizes: 6, 8, or 10-ounce cups. Of coffee.

To use, you just have to insert your K-cup pod, place your mug underneath the dispenser, select your desired cup size, then off you go!

Indicator lights on this brewing system let you know when your Keurig needs extra love and attention.

One will remind you to add water to your reservoir, another to descale the machine, and the last to tell you whether your K55 is in its heating mode.

You can also make use of its energy-saving feature by programming your K55 to shut down two hours after brewing (Auto on/off).

If you plan to brew in succession, the Keurig will rapidly heat back up to brew your coffee instantly.

Is the Keurig K55 the Best One for You?

If you want a basic and affordable single-serve brewing system that gives you all the standard functions without the added price or frills, the K55 is the best for you.

Pros

• 48-ounce water reservoir
• Simple design
• Straightforward to use
• Comes with water filter
• Extremely affordable

Cons

• No added features
• Not as “sleek” as others

4. Keurig K Mini and K Mini Plus

Key Features

• Smallest among Keurig machines
• Auto on/off function
• 6 to 10-ounce cup sizes

Design and Interface

The K Mini and K Mini Plus are the smallest among Keurig’s products. The only difference is that the K Mini Plus has a removable water reservoir, while the K Mini doesn’t.

The K Mini comes in at just 5 inches wide, making this a portable coffee maker.

Features and Brewing

Our favorite about the K Mini is its price, which will come in well below your average $100 home coffee machine.

Both Keurig machines have a cup size option between 6 to 10 ounces, which will vary depending on the amount of water you add to the reservoir.

Despite being the most basic of Keurig machines, it is still equipped with an auto-off feature that automatically shuts it down after 90 seconds of inactivity.

This makes it perfect for saving on your electricity and removing one less thing to remember.

It is compatible with the Keurig K cup pods and even allows you to choose the brew strength of your drink, depending on the pod you choose that comes in a choice of cup sizes: 6, 8, or 10-ounce pods.

Likewise, this machine is compatible with K cups coffee, hot cocoa, and tea.

Is the K Mini or Mini Plus the Best One for You?

If you want an affordable option among the various Keurig machines and size or portability is a critical factor for you, the K Mini is the best coffee pods brewer for you.

Despite its size, it can still give you excellent tasting coffee, various brew size options, and an auto on/off function, making it one of the best basic machines you can get.

Pros

• Can be portable
• Super affordable
• Has all the standard features
• Great for small or tight spaces
• Many color options

Cons

• Brew size depends on water in water tank
• Not for groups

5. Keurig K Select Coffee Maker

Key Features

• Strong brew function
• Maintenance reminders
• Tall enough for tumblers or travel mugs

Design and Interface

It also has a 52-ounce removable water reservoir that makes filling it with water extremely convenient and spill-free. This water tank is enough to brew about 5 cups before having to refill.

The cup space can accommodate a height of up to 7.4 inches, so you can brew directly into a tumbler or mug.

Features and Brewing

The Keurig K Select is a single-serve brewer that uses K cup pods to strengthen coffee.

And we don’t just mean that. It actually has a button that you can press to make it brew a stronger cup from your ground coffee.

This strong brew function makes the K select unique. It is our favorite feature among the Keurig machines we have reviewed.

Because when you want a stronger cup but do not want to bother with selecting temperatures and brew sizes, this is extremely convenient.

Besides this function, it also allows you to select between 4 brew sizes: 6, 8, 10, our 12 ounces, as labeled by the small symbols.

If you are like us and can get forgetful about cleaning your machines once in a while, the K Select has maintenance reminders.

Similar to what you can find in Keurig’s other more feature-rich K cup coffee makers.

These reminders make lights tell you whenever you need to add water to their water reservoirs and when to descale each machine.

Is the Keurig K Select the Best One for You?

If you are one of those people who needs that extra boost in the morning, the strong brew function featured in the K Select may be the deciding factor that will swing your choice over to this machine. We love the convenience it offers without the decision fatigue!

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• No control over other options

6. Keurig K475 Plus Series

Key Features

• Temperature control
• Brew strength control
• Touchscreen interface

Design and Interface

The K475 of the Keurig Plus series is a machine that offers plenty of incredible options.

It has an ergonomic design with features that can suit anyone.

Its screen is easy to navigate and use, unlike most other touchscreen appliances. It also displays beautiful colors that illuminate the intuitive controls.

Features and Brewing

Just like the Keurig K575, the K475 offers plenty of brewing options that you can manipulate to get the best coffee extraction possible.

You can select between five different temperature options. This lets you influence the brew strength, as hotter coffee extracts more and vice versa.

It also has a strength control feature that increases or decreases the brewing time, which allows you to pull more or less flavor and body from your coffee.

Just like the K575, it has a high altitude setting to give you a consistent cup. It can also give you hot water on demand, though this feature is easier to access on the K575.

The difference between the K575 and K475 is the size of the water reservoir. The former can hold 80 ounces, while the K475 up to 70- ounces.

Its other automated features include the auto off function and auto brew function, perfect for tailoring the machine to fit your daily routine.

Is the Keurig K475 the Best One for You?

If you want all the outstanding features of the K575 at a lower price and do not need that extra 10 ounces in your water reservoir, the K475 is the Keurig for you. It offers great value with all the control options and the touchscreen interface.

Pros

• Lots of brewing controls
• Intuitive brewing process
• Beautiful touchscreen interface
• 70-ounce water reservoir

Cons

• Many options not needed by everyone
• Reservoir is slightly smaller than the K575

7. Keurig K575

Key Features

• Touchscreen interface
• Temperature control
• Brew strength control

Design and Interface

If you want a prime example of the simplicity of the Keurig coffee maker, nothing embodies this better than the K575.

While it maintains a simple and easy-to-use interface, it still offers you enough brewing options for all kinds of situations.

Its touchscreen system gives you a small colored screen where you can make all your brewing decisions.

It also gives you a lot of variables that you can change, including an option for temperature control.

And if you need something that can make coffee for many people, this machine is perfect for the office or big family home, with its water reservoir of 80 ounces.

This allows you to make up to 7 cups of coffee without having to refill!

Features and Brewing

Among the variables, you can control are 5 brewing temperatures that you can choose from, which is hard to find in other automated brewing machines.

You can also use the strength control setting, which lets you increase brew time to make a stronger cup of coffee, or decrease the time to make a weaker cup.

The longer time lets you extract more from the grounds while lessening the acid coffee typically produces.

You can combine these two controls to have more flexibility in your brew.

For example, since hotter temperatures extract more from coffee and a standard brew time will give you stronger coffee than if you used a cooler temperature.

Likewise, if you’re like us who prefer to drink hot but not scalding coffee, you can use a slightly cooler temperature while increasing brew time to still maintain its brew strength.

The K 575 even has a high altitude setting, which adjusts the temperature to compensate for the altitude you are in and gives you a consistent cup of coffee.

And since they automate it, you also get an auto-off and auto brew feature. You can even use this Keurig to give you boiling water on demand.

Is the Keurig K575 the Best One for You?

With its 11 fresh brew sizes, options for extraction, and automated features, this is the machine you get for brewing for a small group of people in your home or workplace.

It offers incredible value because of its versatility and feature-rich performance.

Pros

• Plenty of brewing options
• Large water reservoir
• Intuitive brewing process
• Easy to use touchscreen interface

Cons

• Not everyone needs so many brewing options

8. Keurig K-Duo Plus

Key Features

• Use K cup pods or ground coffee
• Versatile machine
• Compact and stylish design

Design and Interface

Both the K Duo and K Duo Plus are compatible with the K Cups pod system. It also offers a lot of brew sizes (6, 8, 10, 12) and an always-on feature that lets you instantly brew your K cups pod anytime.

They also share the same 60-oz water reservoir and are tall enough to accommodate travel mugs and tumblers.

In terms of design, the K Duo Plus is more compact and efficient in taking up your counter space.

Features and Brewing

Both Duo Keurig coffee machine models also share the strong brew function and a programmable K carafe auto-brew feature and a smart start that can heat and brew at the same time.

Both can accommodate using either ground coffee or K Cups.

The big “plus” of the newest Keurig coffee machine is its multi-position water tank that lets you adjust the reservoir to the side or back of the machine, depending on where you intend to place it on your counter.

The K Duo Plus also shares one spout for both drip coffee and those from the K Cups pods.

Finally, it comes with a gold mesh filter that you will use for its drip coffee maker function for brewing your favorite coffee beans, or whatever else you may prefer.

Is the Keurig K Duo Plus the Best One for You?

If you want a streamlined machine that can give you drip coffee and my K cup, the K Duo Plus is the machine for you.

It features all the best Keurig features, with a multi-position water tank, 4 cup sizes, and the ability to brew multiple cups of coffee into a K carafe.

Pros

• Comes with gold mesh filter
• 4 cup sizes
• Newest offering from this coffee brand

Cons

• Pricey

9. Keurig K15 Classic Series

Key Features

• Can fit almost any counter or cupboard
• Small and compact
• Single-serve K cup coffee

Design and Interface

If space is an issue for your home kitchen, bedroom, or office, your coffee maker should be small enough to fit any counter space without sacrificing the quality or type of your brew.

Keurig understands this problem. For efficient space utilization, the K15 Classic is the best machine Keurig has made. You can enjoy an authentic K-cup experience without all the fuss, bells, and whistles.

An indicator section on the panel gives you the right feedback and lets you know which part of the brewing process the machine is in.

For example, the hatch on the indicator will light up when you open the K-cup pod’s hatch.

It is also easy to clean with its removable drip tray.

Features and Brewing

Despite its simplicity and size, you can still choose between the 6, 8, and 10-ounce brew sizes found in other Keurig coffee makers.

The indicator lights are also a pleasant feature, as it keeps you informed of what is happening while you wait for your coffee.

Another interesting feature is the water reservoir, which Keurig brilliantly designed to have just enough volume for a single cup.

You simply need to flip open the top of the machine before you use it and fill it up to the desired amount of water (maximum 10 ounces).

Then, once you’ve selected your brew size and pressed the brew button, the brewing process will begin.

This Keurig machine also has an auto-off feature, which automatically shuts down the machine after 90 seconds of inactivity.

However, note that it is not as powerful as other Keurig models, so it takes longer to brew and heat water.

Despite that, it makes a balanced brew while giving you the best utility.

Is the Keurig K15 Classic Series the Best One for You?

If you only need a brewer that can make a single cup of coffee at a time or plan to use your Keurig in a location with limited space, the K15 Classic Series is the model for you.

Its simplicity gives you great value and extracts balanced cups of coffee for that perfect k-cup experience.

Pros

• Small and compact
• Very simple design and interface
• Removable drip tray

Cons

• Longer brew times
• Few brewing options

Here is a list of comparison articles you may find interesting.

• Keurig K50 vs K55
• Keurig K55 vs K250
• Keurig K200 vs K250
• Keurig K475 vs K575
• Keurig K500 vs K550
• Keurig K525 vs K575

What Is a Keurig Coffee Maker?

Keurig coffee makers typically refer to the Keurig-branded single-serve coffee makers that preceded the pod or capsule coffee systems of Nespresso and other brands.

With their patented K-cups brewing system that comes with excellent machines that offer great value, Keurig is the leader in the single-serve coffee machine market.

While they also offer machines that can make over one serving, the K-Cup system made them famous all around the world.

You only need to add water to the reservoir, place your K-cup pods in the brew head, choose your size, then brew!

Keurig offers a wide product line of coffee makers from super simple ones to real workhorses, like the Keurig K155 office PRO, and various machines in between.

How a Keurig Coffee Maker Works

A K-cup is a small cup or pod that contains a paper filter and a powder or ground version of the base of your drink, whether it be coffee, tea, or chocolate.

They seal K cups pods from the outside by an airtight seal made of foil. This keeps it away from light, oxygen, and humidity to give you a fresh cup.

The K cups pod design is quite similar to those on other pod systems.

You can use both disposable and reusable K-Cups with a Keurig coffee machine.

Setting It Up

Keurig promises ease of use and it delivers! You can set your machine up in 4 easy steps.

1. Wash all detachable and washable parts to remove any dust, residue, and unwanted bacteria.
2. Add water to the reservoir which is usually detachable so you can fill it directly under your faucet.
3. Replace the reservoir back into the machine and turn it on.
4. Wait a few moments to let your machine to heat.

And now you are ready to brew!

Using Your Keurig

Just like how you set it up, it is very easy to use your coffee machine.

1. Make sure there is water in the reservoir. Fill it up.
2. Place a pod of your choice in the brew head of the machine. Usually, you can do this by lifting the brew head using its handle and seating the pod in its holder. Then you simply close it back up again.
3. Select the size you are brewing.
4. Wait for your machine to brew!

A needle in the machine will puncture the foil lead to let the pressurized hot water flow into the K-cup and begin extracting your drink.

Another needle will puncture the bottom of the K-cup to allow freshly brewed coffee, tea, or chocolate to flow to your mug or cup.

Once done brewing, you only need to remove the used K-cup, throw it away, and enjoy your drink!

Why You Should Get a Keurig Coffee Maker

Keurig machines are the best-selling coffee makers on Amazon and in every other market. It has received many favorable ratings from thousands of users.

Because of their multiple cool features, price, ease of use, and vast selection of coffees and other beverages in the K-Cup form, it is the top option for many coffee lovers.

Ease of Use

Each Keurig coffee maker is incredibly easy to use. This is undoubtedly what drives most people to get this machine.

This machine does not need to take any time to learn. You simply plug it in, fill it up, then use it!

You only need to clean your Keurig coffee makers once every few months. And even this is an extremely easy process.

Option for Use as a Modular Setup

While Keurig is famous for its single-serve coffee maker models, it also offers dual models which serve as a two-in-one system.

This gives you the ability to brew a standard single-serve K-cup, just like what we have already explained.

In addition, this type of machine also lets you brew a whole 12-cup K carafe using freshly ground coffee.

The two-in-one function gives you the best of both worlds: a quick single cup for that before-work morning rush or a quick coffee in the office, and an entire pot for entertaining guests or lazy brunches.

While this is not available in all models, there are several of them that offer this nifty function.

Affordability

Besides ease of use, Keurig delivers coffee makers that vastly range in price, so it has a machine for every budget.

You can get a budget single-cup home coffee maker or a commercial-grade machine that is designed to be used in hotels, restaurants, and offices.

Their bestseller is the K-Classic, which is an absolute steal at its price of less than $100 on Amazon!

Wide Variety of Beverage Options

While Keurig is well known for making excellent and convenient coffee, this machine can also brew hot chocolate, tea, chai, and flavored coffee.

There are plenty of beverage companies that manufacture K-cups, which include Starbucks and Peets and smaller, more specialized companies.

This makes it perfect for every family. From the grandparents and parents to the teens, and the little kids, there is a drink for everyone.

Excellent and Sleek Design

Let’s face it: Keurig coffee makers are simple, sleek, and stylish. They are suitable for display on any kitchen counter or office space.

The Keurig K-Mini offers playful color options and a minimalist design that suits any art déco kitchen space, while the Keurig K-Elite looks like a sci-fi machine from the future.

Even the K-cups themselves look awesome! You can display them using a coffee pod holder that comes in a wide variety of color options, shapes, sizes, and materials.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Keurig Model for You

Where You Plan to Use It

You need to consider what setting you plan to use your Keurig machine in. They intend most to be used in a home setting.

So if you will use one at the office, commercial establishment, or with many people like a dorm, you need a brewer that is made for commercial use.

Size of the Machine

Many apartments or houses have limited counter space.

You also have to consider whether you will place it in a separate area or in an upper cabinet. Consider setting up a brewing station if you are really into coffee or tea.

Remember that it will also impact the size of the water reservoir that will come with your Keurig machines.

So if you plan to brew a lot of coffee in quick succession, go to a bigger machine with a bigger water tank.

Cup Size Options

Most models, especially the basic ones, only come with a single cup option. However, others allow you to choose between a 4 to 12 -oz cup.

Just remember that the bigger the size, the more water it will use and the more diluted it will taste.

Brewing Times

Depending on your Keurig model, the brewing times may be different. Most of them finish in a minute or less by using boiling water in the reservoir.

The Mini Plus machine takes 2 to 3 minutes because they do not have a water reservoir. This is still quicker than any other manual brewing method.

Features

Different Keurig machines come with varying features. The more the features, the higher the price. Those common in many machines are my k-cup adaptability, drip tray, energy-saving/auto-off function, and hot water on demand.

However, the last cannot be found in the most basic Keurig machines.

More advanced features include quiet brew technology, programmability, water feed plumbing, and water filtering. Some have unique functions, like high altitude settings, iced brewing, and more.

The right machine for you will depend on a combination of your need and budget.

https://youtu.be/M1wBvZp1kIo

Top Picks

K Cafe: Best Overall

If you want the flexibility of drinking your coffee black or with milk, the K Cafe is the one for you.

It may cost a lot, but the great news is that it lets you turn your home into a coffee shop without all the added fuss!

With its three milk frothing settings, this is worth the splurge if you are a cappuccino or latte lover.

K Elite: Best Value

The K Elite is rich with so many features that Keurig could have charged more for them! But at its price, this has unbeatable value and will make any coffee lover happy.

Among the features we love are its quiet brew technology, iced setting, 4 brew sizes, and free filter.

K55 Classic: Best Budget

While this is a basic model, it will still give you the experience and convenience of a single-serve coffee pod brewing system. This is the perfect entry into the Keurig line and is meant for those on a tight budget.

Who says you need to spend tons of money to get a good coffee pod brewer?

Final Words

After reading all of this, we don’t know why you’d doubt whether to get a Keurig machine for you and your family or friends.

They are incredibly versatile, easy, convenient, and affordable that all you have to decide on is which model to get!