The Keurig Mini is the smallest and most affordable model in the Keurig line-up. There are two versions available: the Keurig K mini and the Keurig k mini plus. The Keurig Mini is about one thing- simplicity. There are no features or fills on this machine. Just a single button to brew a cup of fresh coffee. This review will give you the run-down on the Keurig Mini and the difference between the K Mini and K Mini Plus.
A Word To The Wise
Before we dive into our review, a quick word regarding pod machines. Here at The Coffee Folk, we are not the biggest fans of pod machines. We think they aren’t good for the environment with the amount of waste they produce. And the coffee they brew is expensive and inferior in flavor. What they do offer is convenience, which is why they appeal to so many people.
In our opinion, if you want a single-serve coffee maker, it would be better to opt for the Nespresso range, which offers higher quality machines and better-tasting coffee. Alternatively, there are so many affordable ways to brew coffee at home now- French press, Pour Over, Aeropress, you name it! Any of these options costs less and brews what we would consider to be superior tasting coffee. So if you are on the fence about Keurig, consider exploring some other options in the world of coffee!
Keurig Mini Review
Specs
Design
The Keurig Mini is a mingling of simplicity with modern aesthetics. The first thing of note in the Keurig Mini is its impressively compact footprint. As the name would suggest, this is a ‘mini’ coffee maker, measuring only 5 inches wide. It can easily slip into a spare space or be stored in a cupboard when not in use. The trade-off for the compact footprint is that it has a tiny 12-ounce water reservoir- literally only enough for a single cup of coffee.
Despite the small stature, Keurig has included some considerate design elements. The Keurig Mini has built-in cord storage at the back to keep your bench uncluttered. It also has a removable 8-ounce drip tray to accommodate a travel mug up to 7 inches tall. The Keurig Mini is available in an assortment of colors. Black or silver for the more restrained palate or for those who like a pop of color; pink, red, or turquoise.
Build Quality
Overall, the Keurig Mini looks and feels well-made. It is made almost entirely out of plastic. Keurig machines do, unfortunately, have the reputation of having poor build quality. While there have been some users complaining of issues with the Keurig Mini, most reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive.
Usability
The Keurig Mini is a lesson in simplicity. The machine has only two buttons- a power button and a brew button. In addition to this, there is a curved indicator light that blinks when the machine is ready to brew. Usability is something the Keurig machines have going for them; making a fresh cup of coffee is truly effortless.
To brew a cup, you simply add fresh water to the reservoir, pop in your favorite K-cup, and then press the brew button. The machine will dispense your beverage in about 2 minutes. The Keurig Mini models do not have a button to control cup size; instead, however much water you put in is what you will get out. The reservoir can take 6 to 12 ounces of water, with easy-to-read markings on the side.
The other helpful feature the Keurig Mini has is an auto-off function. The machine will automatically turn off 90 seconds after your last brew, helping you save energy.
Coffee Quality
The Keurig Mini will brew a basic cup of coffee, comparable with other single-serve coffee makers. Often the coffee produced with these machines is relatively weak and flavorless due to old coffee in the K-cups. While the coffee enthusiast will find it lacking, the less regular coffee drinker may find it does meet their needs.
The Keurig Mini is compatible with regular K-cups and the My K-cup reusable filter. However, it will not work with K-carafe, K-mug, vue, or rivo pods. There are a wide variety of blends and flavors of K-cups to choose from. However, the price of coffee does add up in the long run. As long as you have a Keurig Mini, you will be obligated to keep buying Keurig K-cups.
Ease of Cleaning
The Keurig Mini requires a pretty standard level of care. The exterior needs to be wiped with a damp cloth. The drip tray, K-cup holder, and water reservoir should be cleaned regularly. Besides that, Keurig recommends descaling the brewer every 3 to 6 months, which involves running some descaler solution through it. There are no cleaning reminders or programs; everything is done manually.
Keurig Mini vs Keurig Mini plus
The Keurig Mini is available in two models: the Keurig K Mini and Keurig K Mini Plus. Both versions share the same design and footprint; however, the Keurig Mini Plus model has a few extra features. These include a premium metallic finish, removable water reservoir, strong brew button, and the ability to store up to 9 used pods. Given the price difference between the two is minimal, we would recommend upgrading to the Keurig Mini Plus version for the extra convenience it offers.
Who is the Keurig Mini For?
The most appealing feature of the Keurig Mini is its compact size. It is aimed at Keurig fans looking for a small, simple, and affordable coffee maker. The Keurig Mini does what it says it does. It produces a single cup of coffee with the push of a button—nothing more, nothing less. So if you are short on space or short on cash and want a basic coffee maker, the Keurig Mini may be for you.
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Keurig Mini- The Verdict
The Keurig Mini seems like a decent coffee maker. It is simple to use, has a compact footprint, and has an affordable price tag. For the Keurig lover this compact machine may be just the thing you are looking for. Alternatively, see our guide to the best coffee makers under $50 for some alternatives.
Happy Buying
