Keurig is one of the most recognized names in coffee, with their Keurig Green Mountain brand serving as the most popular choice for single serve coffee. They’ve also got a lot of coffee makers, which shows their focus on constantly iterating and improving the technology.
In early 2023, Keurig had 17 single serve coffee makers on the market. They have several more on their website, but those Keurig models are mainly on their way out as they’re getting replaced with newer, better options. Here’s what you should know about Keurig’s current models and how they stand out.
The Complete Guide To Keurig Models
These coffee makers are organized from most to least expensive, going by their standard price. Price alone isn’t a good determiner of quality, but in general, those closer to the top of this list will have more features and options. Products closer to the end will be better for budget buyers and people who prefer simpler devices.
Keurig K155
The K155 is Keurig’s most expensive model, suitable for home and office use. For many households, there isn’t much of a difference anymore. This is an excellent choice if more than one person in your home wants a lot of coffee.
The K155 features an interactive touchscreen, four brew sizes, and a 90-ounce water reservoir suitable for making up to 18 cups of coffee between refills. It’s easy to clean and typically brews in less than a minute. Simplicity and speed are the focus here. The K155 largely ignores the more complicated features of other coffee machines in favor of doing its job well.
Keurig K Duo Plus
The Keurig K Duo Plus is the most versatile option in the line of Keurig models. Supporting both K Cup pods and ground coffee, it emphasizes stronger brews.
Although it’s fully capable of providing single serve drinks, that alone isn’t a good reason to buy this coffee machine. What makes it more viable is the 12-cup thermal carafe that can keep coffee hot for up to 2 hours.
Other features include:
The most notable feature of the K Duo Plus is the multi-position water reservoir. This is a new feature for Keurig coffee makers. It lets you place the 60-ounce reservoir to either side or directly behind the brewer, making it easier to fit onto your countertop.
The multi-position water reservoir is an excellent touch for a coffee machine, and it may become standard in future models.
The Keurig K Duo Plus is one of the most flexible Keurig models and a good choice for most homes.
K Supreme Plus SMART
The K-Supreme Plus SMART is another top single serve coffee maker. It emphasizes intelligent control for brewing. Its core component is Keurig’s BrewID system, which identifies authorized K Cup pods and modifies the brew settings to match the recommended brewing style.
In total, this brewer has five strengths, six temperatures, and five cup-size settings the system can work with. This is a good choice if you want to get the best flavor from each cup without having to look up settings or worry that you forgot to change something.
If you use the Keurig app, you can also modify settings and use a voice control system. The water reservoir here is 78 ounces, which is enough for about nine cups between refills.
Keurig K Cafe Special Edition
The name suggests that this is more of a commercial Keurig model, but the K Cafe’s real value is providing lattes and cappuccinos. It can do regular coffee with no trouble, but if that’s all you want from a Keurig model, there are better options for you.
The Keurig K Cafe focuses on specialty drinks, which you can augment by using the included dishwasher-safe milk frother. It’s also compatible with most types of milk, including nut-based and lactose-free milk.
The 60-ounce water reservoir is a little smaller than some of the other top models, brewing about ten standard-sized cups between refills. You might get more out of this, though, as specialty drinks tend to have concentrated brews before you add in milk.
The special edition coffee maker has a more premium finish compared to the K Cafe with a nickel-colored finish, metal handle, and drip tray. Overall, this is the best Keurig coffee maker if you want to make frothy drinks, not just a regular cup of coffee.
K Supreme Plus
One step down from the K-Supreme Plus SMART, this is still a good option for many buyers. This brewing system is highly customizable and provides different settings to help customize cups. It can memorize the preferred settings for up to three people, making it a good coffee maker for a busy household.
With five cup sizes, the K-Supreme Plus is also more flexible than many other brewing systems, while the 78-ounce water reservoir is large enough to brew many cups. The other standout feature is Keurig’s MultiStream Technology, which distributes water better to soak evenly through the K Cup.
Ultimately, this is an upper-mid-range coffee machine with enough flexibility to support a family and a richer brew than many other models. Things as simple as pouring water in different ways may sound inconsequential at first, but they make a difference you can taste.
Keurig K Duo Special Edition
The Keurig K Duo Special Edition is another straightforward brewing system. It comes with four brewing sizes and a 12-cup carafe to help keep drinks warmer for longer. It also allows you to use K cups or your own ground coffee.
The K Duo doesn’t have any unique features that make it stand out from other top models, though the digital display screen and clock are a nice touch. The one thing that does help set it apart is the inclusion of a better heating plate, which extends the time you can keep coffee hot.
In summary, the K Duo Special Edition does everything expected of a higher-end Keurig coffee maker. It doesn’t particularly stand out. But it’s more affordable than the other choices, making this a standard and accessible option for any home.
Keurig K Elite
Keurig’s K Elite is a sleek and versatile Keurig coffee maker. With 5 brew sizes, it’s on the high end for their systems, and the 75-ounce water reservoir is large. The K Elite is also more flexible than many other units, with the ability to use K Cups, an iced coffee setting, and compatibility with tea and hot cocoa systems.
The other feature that helps the Keurig K Elite stand out is its Quiet-Brew system. Some coffee brewers can get a little loud while they’re in use, but this system minimizes noise to help reduce distractions in shared spaces.
The focus on quiet brews is the standout feature here, but many of the other systems in this range aren’t as good for making iced coffee. Overall, this is the best Keurig coffee maker for brewing anything except frothed milk drinks.
Keurig K Cafe
The regular version of the K Cafe matches the Special Edition in its focus. As a specialty drink-based coffee maker, this unit is ideal for making lattes and cappuccinos with Keurig K Cups as a base for the coffee. This machine has four brew sizes and a dishwasher-safe milk frother for adding milk more effectively.
The removable water reservoir is the same as the Special Edition’s, coming in at 60 ounces for plenty of drinks between each refill. Less obviously, this unit comes with a 2-ounce shot system for concentrated drinks and a high altitude setting, so it will work well far above sea level.
Functionally, this is quite similar to the K Cafe Special Edition. What sets them apart is their appearance. The Special Edition has much more silver in its design, while the standard model is mostly black.
K Duo
The standard Keurig K Duo is a mid-range brewing system. Like most of the better models, it supports both K cup pods and ground coffee. A 60-ounce water reservoir supports four brew sizes and a 12-cup glass carafe.
The K Duo also comes with a heating plate to keep things warm longer, a pause and pour feature, so you can stop brewing in the middle to get a cup of coffee, and a time delay system that lets you schedule brews ahead of time.
Notably, the Duo also has the carafe and single serve cup dispenser on separate sides of the system, so you don’t have to remove one to start the other. That’s a great feature if you have people who want to brew different types of coffee simultaneously, and it’s something other single serve coffee makers don’t offer.
Keurig K Supreme
The regular K Supreme is a mid-range brewer model, noticeably more affordable than those above it on this list. This brewer focuses on single cup servings, although it can fit most travel mugs if you prefer your coffee to go.
A simple control system on top allows you to select your size and whether to have strong coffee or put it over ice. The tall and narrow design fits better in some kitchens, too, so this is an excellent option to consider if you’re low on horizontal space. The 66-ounce water reservoir can fit on the side or the rear of this unit, offering even more flexibility in putting it on your counter.
This coffee maker isn’t good for making large pots at once. But the speed and overall quality for single servings make it a good choice for anyone who wants a straightforward and easy-to-use K Cup pod brewer. It also has the MultiStream Technology integrated, offering a better final flavor than brewers without that.
Keurig K Classic
The current version of Keurig’s standard model, the Keurig K Classic, is a mid-range default option. It brews in three sizes from a 48-ounce water reservoir, which is less than the models above but suitable for frequent personal use or occasional multi-person use.
This Keurig coffee maker:
The unusual red color option can help this coffee maker fit with specific room aesthetics that black doesn’t work with.
The K Classic’s primary functions are similar to those of other models, but it doesn’t support the largest or smallest cup sizes. The water reservoir is a little smaller and needs refills more often, but that’s not bad if you’re low on space.
Consider this a good base point to evaluate features and options. If you want more, look at the products above this. If you think something simpler is better, then look below.
Keurig K Select
The Keurig K Select is another mid-range model, visibly similar to the K Classic. However, it stands out from its close companion with the return of 12-ounce brewing and a slightly larger 52-ounce reservoir.
In other words, this is a good product for anyone who likes the K Classic but wants a slightly larger drink on average.
The tall brewing area helps accommodate most travel mugs, while the Quiet-Brew technology keeps things as quiet as possible to avoid extra noise when you’re getting a drink. One feature that’s not as obvious is the fingerprint-resistant exterior material, which helps this brewer continue looking its best.
In many ways, this coffee maker is a little better than the K Classic, and with a slightly better price to boot. Consider this if you’re looking for a mid-range brewer that supports larger cups.
Keurig K Slim
As the name implies, the K Slim is a narrow coffee maker that aims to take up as little counter space as possible. The 48-ounce reservoir is narrow but impressive for a brewer that’s less than five inches wide.
The K Slim heavily emphasizes larger drinks, with its three brewing sizes emphasizing 8, 10, and 12-ounce cups. You can expect to refill this brewer regularly, but that’s inevitable if you buy a product that focuses on saving space, and it’s hard to count that quality against it.
The small size is the main reason to consider buying this product over another brewer. However, you may also want to get it for aesthetic reasons. This unit comes in black, white, and red options. An Iced variant is nearly identical but supports cold drinks better.
Keurig K Latte
Essentially a budget-friendly version of the K-Cafe, the K-Latte is a good choice if you’re looking to make a proper latte. It’s not as good for cappuccinos, so get the K-Cafe if you want to make those.
Strictly for lattes, this system provides a concentrated 2-ounce shot system and an easy-to-clean frother that lets you mix in different types of milk. The frother base flips up to help minimize the use of counter space.
Beyond the latte system, this coffee maker has the three standard sizes of 6, 8, and 10 ounces for drinks, plus a tall system that fits most travel mugs.
One thing to note is that the water reservoir is smaller than most at 36 ounces. This isn’t a big deal if you plan to focus on lattes and don’t need much water. If you intend to drink a lot of coffee, this brewer may be too small for you.
Keurig K Mini Plus
Another compact brewer, the Keurig K Mini Plus is just four and a half inches wide. It fits onto most countertops with minimal wasted space. This is a good choice for people who want a simple brewer for occasional use, comfortably handling anywhere from 6 to 12 ounces of water in each brewing cycle.
Unlike most brewers, the K Mini Plus doesn’t have a large reservoir suitable for brewing multiple cups. Instead, you can expect to add water every time you want to use it. That’s a major part of why this unit can fit in so small a space, but it’s easy to work around if you’re an occasional drinker.
As you might expect, size is the primary reason to consider this Keurig coffee maker beyond other choices. To help balance that out, Keurig offers this brewer in a much wider array of colors than other brewers get. Having so many colors, including rarer options like blues, makes it easier to match this brewer to your decor.
Keurig K mini
The regular Keurig K Mini is similar to the K Mini Plus, but there are a few differences between them. The K Mini Plus has a removable container for easy cleaning, while the regular Mini has it fixed in place. The K Mini Plus also has a stronger brew button and a K cup pod storage container to help maximize potential storage space.
These two systems are otherwise similar, with essentially the same brewing and water options outside of the Plus having a stronger brew setting. Considering the narrow price difference between them, it’s hard to recommend the K Mini over the Mini Plus, even for budget-conscious buyers.
The Keurig K Mini isn’t a fundamentally bad brewer, but its main competitor is better at a slightly higher price.
Keurig K Express
The K-Express is another compact brewer, focusing on larger 8, 10, and 12-ounce cups. It comes with a 42-ounce water reservoir, which is quite impressive for its size. Its back-to-back brewing technology means you can make multiple cups without waiting for the system to cool down.
This is a budget model, but its inclusion of a strength control system and compact footprint make it an ideal entry point if you’re not used to brewing systems. Consider the K-Express if you want to brew 1 or 2 cups each morning from a K Cup pod and don’t want to worry about customizing the settings to match each drink’s unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Keurig Coffee Makers.
How long do Keurig brewers last?
Most Keurigs last between 3 and 5 years of daily use. This lifespan assumes you clean and maintain your machine, following the instructions that come with it. While manufacturing errors exist, the main cause of most Keurig coffee maker problems is the failure to clean and maintain it as directed.
How much do Keurig brewers cost?
Most coffee makers from Keurig cost between $80 and $240. Keurig frequently runs sales and combo offers on their official store or Amazon. Keurig may offer steep discounts if you also purchase a K Cup subscription with your machine.
Note that the purchase of the machine is not the only cost involved. If you buy a Keurig coffee maker you are buying into the Keurig system, which requires the ongoing purchase of K Cup pods. The price of a K Cup pod can range from $0.40 to $1.25 per K Cup, which can add up over a year. You can cut the running costs by investing in a Keurig My K Cup Reusable Filter. Most of the coffee makers above are also compatible with this filter, which allows you to use your own ground coffee, rather than purchasing K Cup pods.
How big are Keurig Coffee makers?
Keurig brewers are usually between 30 and 35 centimeters high, 27-35 centimeters deep, and 11 to 40 centimeters wide. A few models are smaller than the others, with the smallest concentrated in the budget range.
Is it worth registering a Keurig Brewer?
Yes. Registering a Keurig coffee maker only takes a few minutes. It makes it easier to get support if you have a problem with your brewer. Keurig can use registrations to track ownership, determine what’s covered under warranties, and even include you in points and rewards programs.
What is a cleansing brew?
A cleansing brew is when you run a Keurig coffee maker without adding a K cup or any ground coffee to the machine. This pushes hot water through and can help clean internal parts.
Cleansing brews are not suitable for descaling a coffee brewer and removing calcium buildups. You may want to run it after a descaling cycle to help remove any lingering cleaner.
Do Keurig brewers need water filters?
Yes. Water filters help purify any water from your reservoir, which might otherwise become dangerous if left for too long. Replacing the water filter regularly will help improve the taste of your coffee.
If you want to maximize the flavor of your coffee, consider looking into the SCA coffee standards.
Can I use distilled water in a Keurig Coffee Maker?
No. The minerals in water help improve the taste of coffee, so distilled water usually ends up making coffee taste flatter. Distilled water can also interfere with the water sensors and make the system believe it’s out of water when it isn’t.
What if I don’t like my brewer?
Keurig offers a 30-day return policy from its official store. Other retailers may have different return policies. Check with the store you plan to buy from before you place your order.
What kind of warranty does Keurig offer?
Keurig offers a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all of their brewing machines. For more information, visit their support page.
What are K Cups?
K Cups are single-serving coffee pods that are used in Keurig Coffee Makers. A K cup is essentially a plastic cup, containing a paper filter and ground coffee or hot chocolate, or tea. The cup is sealed for freshness. When the K cup is inserted into the machine the top and bottom are pierced and hot water is forced through the grounds to extract coffee.
K Cups are available in a wide variety of flavors, roast levels, and strengths making it easy to find the perfect cup of coffee to suit your taste preferences. See our guide to the best Keurig Coffee Pods for a good starting place.
Keurig Models- Final Thoughts
Keurig models have an impressive variety, ranging from larger systems capable of making entire pots of coffee to smaller systems that can fit on almost any counter. Keurig coffee makers are very straightforward to use, allowing you to brew a fresh cup of coffee with no effort on those bleary-eyed mornings. There is also a huge range of K cup pods available in an assortment of flavors. So if you are looking for a single-serve coffee maker that prioritizes convenience and simplicity a Keurig Model could be for you.
If you don’t know where to start, take a look at the K Classic, then move up or down their options based on your budget and the features you’re looking for. We also have a guide to the best Keurig Coffee Makers for some good options.
