Keurig K50 vs K55: Which Coffee Maker Model Is Superior?

Known for its good quality coffee machines and coffee products, Keurig is definitely a dependable and reliable brand.

However, with so many options available on the market, how do you choose the best Keurig coffee maker for you?

If you’re looking for something basic, inexpensive, and functional, two models to consider are the Keurig K50 and Keurig K55.

In this guide on the battle between Keurig K50 vs K55, we’ll discuss the difference between the two to help you make the right choice!

Overview: Keurig K50

Key Features

• 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches
• 48 oz water reservoir
• Auto-off feature
• Works with K-cups
• Makes 3 brew sizes (6, 8, or 10 oz)
• “Strong Brew” option
• Manual button controls
• Removable drip tray

Straightforward Controls

If you’re after a single-serve coffee machine that’s extremely easy to use, try out the Keurig K50.

Unlike more advanced (and more expensive) coffee makers, the K50 doesn’t have many complicated features. To make a cup of coffee, all you have to do is insert a K-cup pod, select a brew size, and press start!

We think you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the K50 if you don’t have much experience brewing coffee or if you don’t like fiddling with extra settings and controls.

With just four manual push buttons, even a complete beginner can quickly set up and operate the K50.

Practical Brewing Functions

Now, just because this Keurig coffee maker is basic doesn’t mean it’s less functional.

In fact, the K50 boasts a large 48 oz water reservoir, which can easily make around 6 cups of coffee before needing a refill.

It’s also compatible with hundreds of K-cup products, so you’ll definitely find one to your liking.

Need a bigger caffeine boost? With its “Strong Brew” option, the Keurig K50 can create a more intense cup of coffee that’ll give you a jolt of energy during those busy workdays.

Now, you can’t customize the exact strength or temperature of the brew, but we find that this setting still does the job well.

Easy Maintenance

Once you’re already enjoying your cup of coffee, you might forget about your Keurig coffee machine.

The good news is, there’s no need to manually switch it off, as the K50 has a helpful auto-off feature that kicks in after about 2 hours.

The machine won’t keep using up energy, and it’s safe even when left unattended!

Because the K50 model has a removable drip tray and K-cup holder, it’s a breeze to clean as well.

Simply rinse out the parts and run the machine through a descaling program once in a while to keep it in mint condition.

Value

Although the Keurig K50 single-serve coffee maker is one of the most basic models out there, its price tag more than makes up for it!

It may not be suitable for more discerning palates, but it’s perfect for those who just want a simple cup of coffee in the morning.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to set up and operate
• Reliable coffee maker
• Some control over brew strength

Cons

• The model has been phased out by Keurig
• Limited color options
• Basic features

Overview: Keurig K55 or K-Classic

Key Features

• 10.1 x 13.2 x 13.3 inches
• 48 oz water reservoir
• Auto-off feature
• Works with K-Cups and ground coffee (My K-Cup)
• Makes 3 brew sizes (6, 8, or 10 oz)
• Manual button controls
• Removable drip tray
• Indicator lights
• Charcoal water filter compatibility

User-Friendly Interface

Although the Keurig K55 model (also known as K-Classic) is still part of the Keurig 1.0 line, it was released after the K50 one, so it’s a little different.

Like the K50 Keurig, this coffee maker has manual push buttons for easy operation.

There are one power button and three size selection options to help you customize your brew.

However, Keurig removed the “Strong Brew” option from this model, so you can only control the size of your drink.

Nevertheless, we don’t think you’ll miss the feature because of its improved technology.

Improved Brewing Technology

First off, the K55 model makes a cup of coffee quicker than the K50. While the latter can take up to 2 minutes to finish brewing, the Keurig K55 finishes in less than a minute. Pretty impressive, right?

Besides faster brew time, we also noticed improved coffee flavors because of its new charcoal water filter.

While many coffee makers operate on standard mesh filters, the K50 charcoal filter significantly improves water quality, which results in a smoother and cleaner-tasting brew.

Given this, if you’re the type to want good coffee without the hassle of calibrating the brewing process, you’ll definitely like this upgraded feature.

Automatic Reminders

To help with maintenance and upkeep, the Keurig K55 comes with a useful update: Indicator lights for descaling and low water levels.

The machine will automatically remind you when it’s time to add water or deep-clean the machine, so you’ll never forget to do it!

Like other coffee machines, the K55 has a removable drip tray and K-cup holder too, making it very easy to disassemble and rinse out the parts regularly.

Value

Compared to more advanced coffee brewers, the K55 retails at a fraction of their cost, so you’ll sacrifice a bit in terms of functionality.

However, if you’re not too particular about customization, and if you’re a big fan of K-cup coffee, then we think you’ll be quite satisfied with this machine.

In fact, this single-serve coffee maker works with tons of different K-cups, so it’s definitely possible to be your own barista at home!

Pros

• Affordable
• Quick brewing time
• Makes great-tasting coffee
• User-friendly
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Basic features
• No temperature or pressure controls

Keurig K50 vs K55 Comparison

Now that you’ve read about the Keurig K50 and K55 machines, let’s take a look at the two models side-by-side to determine the ultimate winner.

Aesthetics

The K50 model is slightly smaller at 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches and 7.6 lbs compared to the K55, which is 10.1 x 13.2 inches with the same height and a weight of 10.6 lbs.

The difference in size is probably due to the extra features in the newer Keurig coffee maker.

However, both the K50 and K55 are still considered quite compact, and they’d easily fit on any kitchen countertop.

In terms of color options, the K50 only comes in black, while the K55 is available in black, white, and rhubarb red.

Although both machines are practically identical, the K55 looks just slightly more modern because of its smoother, rounded corners.

With that said, we prefer the aesthetics of the Keurig K55 over the K50. It may be a tad bulkier, but that’s not as noticeable compared to its color and overall design.

Ease of Use

Now, which of the two models are easier to use? This is quite tough because the K50 and K55 coffee makers’ features are very similar.

They both feature push buttons instead of touchscreen capabilities, and they’re both calibrated to give you a good brew without any further customization.

They also have an equal capacity (48 oz water reservoir), so you’ll get the same number of cups before each refill.

However, we have to give more points to the K55 because it delivers on its promise to make coffee in under a minute.

Winner: K55

Both the K50 and K55 have simple, easy to use interfaces that are suited for beginners and people who are always in a rush. For extra convenience, though, get the K55 for its quicker brewing time.

Coffee Brew Quality

Because both the K50 and K55 are K-cup compatible coffee brewers, the brew quality is generally consistent when you use these prepackaged pods.

However, the activated charcoal water filter in the Keurig K55 seems to improve the taste of the coffee, making it crisper and more flavorful.

Note that while these aren’t comparable to espresso machines, they still produce a pretty good cup.

Winner: K55

Although both models use the same kind of coffee, the K55 brew is slightly better because of its improved water quality.

Coffee Customization

The K50 and K55 aren’t part of the Keurig 2.0 line, so you can’t expect much customization with these coffee brewers compared to newer machines.

Nevertheless, they’re both great single-serve coffee makers that get the job done.

The main difference between them is that the K50 Keurig has a “Strong Brew” setting while the K55 has no strength controls whatsoever. Both coffee machines can make 6, 8, and 10 oz cups, so neither is better in that regard.

Based on this, we’re inclined to pick the K50 over the K55.

However, if you like using both K-cups and ground coffee, you’re better off with the latter, as it can accommodate the My K-cup attachment as well.

Winner: Tie

If you just want a stronger brew from coffee pods, then consider the K50. However, if you want the freedom to experiment with both pods and coffee ground, pick up the K55.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One important feature that’s often overlooked in coffee machines is its cleaning functionalities. People often forget that maintenance contributes to the creation of consistently good coffee.

With that said, what do the Keurig K50, Keurig K55 offer in this aspect?

Well, while both have auto-off functions for energy-saving and removable parts for quick and easy cleaning, the difference is that only the K55 machine has indicator lights for descaling and adding water.

This might not seem very useful, but it’s actually quite difficult to keep track of every appliance in your home.

If you’re automatically notified every few weeks or so, you can get rid of harmful build-up in your coffee machine before it gets worse.

With both machines, it’s vital to read the K50/K-Classic user guide to make sure you’re using them safely and properly. After all, you want a coffee maker that’ll last you a long time!

Is the K50 Discontinued?

Fans of this budget-friendly machine will be disappointed to find out that Keurig has phased out the model to make way for the newer K55.

We agree that this option is dependable, practical, and inexpensive, but we definitely see the value in the K55 as well.

For just a small extra cost, you get a better, upgraded version that’s a lot more durable too.

However, if you are really tight on cash, there’s nothing wrong with getting the K50. You’ll just have to be a bit more resourceful, as this model is only available from online resellers.

Before purchasing one, make sure to read reviews as well to make sure you’re paying for an authentic product from a legitimate seller.

Verdict

Although there’s a minimal difference between the K50 and the K55, we still think that the Keurig K55 comes out on top.

In all aspects—look, functionality, ease of use, and cost—it performs just slightly better than the K50 one. Plus, it’s much more accessible, since you can no longer purchase the K50 direct from the brand.

Ultimately, if you want a basic (yet practical) coffee maker that offers good value for money, check out the Keurig K55 to satisfy all your caffeine needs!

Conclusion

In the coffee machine world, there are tons of products available. Others may look for fully automated, high-tech options, but some appreciate the simplicity of basic and inexpensive ones.

Whatever you choose, the bottom line is this: Coffee brewing is a personal experience, so pick the machine that best fits your own needs and preferences. Happy brewing!