As one of the top coffee maker brands in the industry, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Keurig. With a variety of different models, they have a machine to fit the needs of most everyone. The Keurig K Slim is no exception.
The K Slim is an excellent option for those who are tight on counter space or who like to take their coffee maker with them when traveling. The compact but sleek design lends itself well to any decor style and takes up minimal space while producing cups of coffee on demand.
What are the best features of the Keurig K Slim coffee maker, and how does it compare to others within the brand? Continue reading below to learn more about the details of the K Slim Keurig and what it offers.
Keurig K Slim Highlights
Right off the bat, it is essential to be aware that this Keurig model is primarily made for those who want basic functionality and a slim design. Therefore, you won’t find the premium features in this model that you would in other more high-end coffee machines.
However, that doesn’t mean you will walk away without anything special in the K Slim Keurig. The purchase of this device comes with the following:
When considering the purchase of the Keurig K Slim coffee maker, you will want to know the pros and cons of the model. Having this information will help you decide whether it is worth investing in this machine.
Pros
Here are some of the things users most appreciate about this coffee maker:
When it comes to traveling, many users appreciate that the machine utilizes K Cup pods. This form of coffee creation makes it easy to take on the road and reduces the space and effort needed to brew coffee during travel.
Cons
As with all things, some negatives come with the coffee maker. Some of which leave a lot to be desired.
For many users, these issues aren’t all that problematic. With using filtered or distilled water, the machine can still last for many years. However, for others, these negatives are a deal-breaker and leave them wishing they had invested in a different coffee maker.
Materials and Design
As mentioned above, many of the components within the Keurig K Slim coffee maker are made of plastic. However, not all of them are, as the model has some internal hardware made of more durable steel elements.
When you remove the machine from the box, it is already pre-assembled. The device’s dimensions are 12.14 inches in height and 4.76 inches in width. As for depth, the machine comes to 15.2 inches. The weight of the coffee maker is 6.22 pounds. The compact design means it will fit neatly on your countertop.
One of the things that customers and users of the machine appreciate is the simplistic nature of the control panel. Located at the top of the device, you have only a handful of selections to make before brewing, including powering the machine and choosing the size.
Machine Performance
The K Slim Keurig Coffee maker is a machine that is without specialty capabilities. Therefore, you will not have the ability to make espresso, lattes, or cappuccinos. It is a basic coffee maker that can quickly turn out a standard cup of coffee consistently, but little else.
Outside of the multi-stream technology (that allows a more refined extraction) the only extra feature offered is the ability to choose your serving size (8, 10 or 12 oz). Whether it is a small eight-ounce cup or a more significant travel-sized portion, you can select your preference before brewing.
There are very few complaints regarding the quality of the beverage produced. In conjunction with the various brands and flavors of K cup pods, the K Slim single serve can brew nearly any type of coffee blend that you prefer.
User-Friendly Operation
As mentioned above, the Keurig K Slim coffee maker is known for its ease of use. With only a few buttons to use for customization, the operation of the machine is very streamlined and efficient. While you can select your drink size, there are no other options for customization.
In addition to the serving sizes, you have an area that will alert you when it is time to descale. If you have hard water and don’t use filtered or distilled variations for your coffee maker, the descaling process will be especially helpful.
Next to the descaling alert, you will have a similar warning when your machine requires water. When this comes up, you will see a light surrounding the words “Add Water.” Once the appropriate amount has been added, the light will go away.
The exact process for brewing coffee with the Keurig K Slim single serve is as follows:
Five minutes after the machine has completed its brewing cycle, it will automatically shut off to preserve electricity. Although the machine will be off, the device will remain warm for some time.
Price
There is a significant range in price between the different Keurig models. While the K Slim single serve model is more of a bare-bones coffee maker, the price is still relatively high for what you get. Compared to other similar models, the cost is on the higher end.
When you look at alternatives within the same price range and that have similar designs and functions, you will quickly see that there are other options available. Whether or not the K Slim is a good fit is up to you. For some, the brand’s reputation is enough reason to pay the additional cost.
Additional Price Considerations
For those looking to purchase a new coffee maker, it is essential to keep in mind the additional expenses necessary with each device considered. All makes and models have different needs, so it is pertinent to review all requirements no matter which machine you are looking to buy.
Some of the most common components to look for when exploring different makes and models are:
Although some coffee makers allow you to use reusable plastic cups with your own grounds, others direct you to use a new pod with each drink, which can add up in price. It is worthy to note that you can often maintain coffee makers with standard household cleaning products. However, not all can be serviced in that way and require specialized cleaners.
If you are researching the different Keurig models available for you to buy, it is critical to take extra time to compare what each can do. To start, look at the list of typical product details (listed below) to get a sense of what features might be significant to compare and contrast.
For those in the single serve coffee maker market, it is unlikely that you will find many of the features above included in the devices you are considering. If these options are ones you desire to have, the best solution would be to look at models of a higher level.
Keurig K Slim vs K Mini
The K Slim and K Mini are very similar models, designed for those looking for a compact coffee maker. The main difference between the two models is that the K Slim has a small detachable reservoir. This means you can brew several drinks in a row before topping up. The Slim offers three beverage sizes; 8, 10 or 12 oz. It also has indicator lights to show when it is time to add water or descale.
The K Mini is slightly smaller in size as it has a single cup reservoir. It uses all the water in it to brew a cup of coffee, so can brew anywhere from 6 – 12 oz. The K Mini is simple to use with a single button to operate the machine. It also comes in a range of different colors to match your décor.
Both models are very similar in price and design, so which you opt for will come down to whether a slightly larger water reservoir is necessary.
FAQs
Because of the expense that comes with purchasing a new coffee machine, there are many questions to be had before buying. Below we have compiled some of the most common questions regarding the Keurig K Slim single serve coffee maker.
Is this coffee maker noisy when in operation?
The Keurig K Slim single serve coffee maker isn’t loud when brewing and has about the same noise level as a typical drip machine does. However, compared to the higher-end Keurig models, it does have a high noise level.
How long will the keurig K Slim last?
The life expectancy for the K Slim single serve isn’t a hard and fast number. The length of time it can remain in use for your brewing needs will depend on your water quality, maintenance regime, and frequency of use. To get the most out of your coffee maker, it is best to use filtered water and perform routine maintenance and descaling.
Do I have to use K Cups with the K Slim brewer?
With many of the lower-level Keurig models, you can purchase a reusable plastic pod (like the my k cup universal pod) to use in your device. This pod can be filled with your preferred coffee grounds and utilized as you would any K Cup. However, it is essential that you take the time to rinse and wash out the reusable pod to keep it working efficiently.
How do I clean the K Slim?
While you need to be sure to continually wipe down the external parts of the machine and clear out any remaining grounds that fall into the device, you also need to take time to descale your Keurig K Slim single serve. Often you can do this with a combination of vinegar and water. However, you can also opt to use Keurig’s specialty descaling solution. Before starting the process, refer to your coffee maker’s instructions for exact details.
Is the Keurig K Slim Right for You?
While many of the more expensive Keurig models have premium features that are loved by many, the barebones K Slim brewer is a better fit for those who live alone, who frequently travel with a coffee maker, or who are looking for a secondary machine to keep at the office.
Because the K Slim lacks the sophisticated features that allow you to make specialty drinks or control the strength and temperature of your beverage, it is best only to consider this brewer if you are accepting of the fact that you will get one version of coffee and nothing more.
As for the taste of the brew, there are few complaints. You will get a consistent tasting cup of coffee with every day of use as long as the K Slim single serve is maintained appropriately. However, if you are used to high-quality coffee that resembles what you would acquire at a coffee shop, this machine is not for you.
Keurig K Slim- In Summary
Keurig is a well-known name in the coffee machine industry. When you peruse the store aisles, you will see several models bearing their name. The brand has worked throughout the years to develop machines that fit the needs of every coffee drinker. As a result, they have more high-end options as well as some that are of a more entry level, like the Keurig K Slim single serve.
The Keurig K Slim accommodates those who have little space to store a coffee machine or need a machine that you can easily transport. While you won’t get all the bells and whistles of the more premium machines, you will get a classic cup of coffee due to the multi-stream technology.
