Wondering which Keurig is the best? We put just about every Keurig home brewer to the test to find the best model out there.
Coffee is about convenience now.
Keurig was amongst the first brands to introduce capsule machines, which have changed the way traditional drip coffee is made. Single-serve coffee make is a great choice for anyone who wants a quick, easy way to make a variety of coffee drinks, but doesn’t want to brew a full pot.
If you like the convenience and speed of brewing coffee directly into your cup, you want to brew different types of coffee, or maybe your family or friends have particular preferences for coffee, Keurig is for you. There is no wasted coffee since you’re brewing one portion at a time, and you’re always guaranteed a fresh coffee right when you want it.
However, not Keurig coffee makers are created equal. So, we put just about every Keurig home brewer to the test to find the best model out there, and help you find the one that will make you happy.
Things to consider when buying a Keurig
The water tank: Consider how often you brew the coffee. A large water reservoir means less refilling.
Size: Keurig machines come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s something you should also think about.
Options: Think about cup sizes, strength control, auto ON or if you want to also froth the milk.
Speed: Some models need to heat the water for each cup, while others reheat the water between brews in 30 seconds.
Budget: The most affordable Keurig is only $60 and the most expensive one is around $230. Decide how much money you want to spend, and also will you get all the features you want for the price.
Here are our recommendations for the best Keurig coffee makers you can buy:
Best overall: Keurig K-Elite
Smallest Keurig machine: K-Mini
Best Keurig for lattes: Keurig K-Cafe
Best tasting coffee: Keurig K-Supreme
Each of these models work with all regular k cups, inluding Keurig branded and non-branded. They are also compatible with the reusable k cup filter so you can use your own coffee.
Best overall: Keurig K Elite
The $169.99 Keurig K Elite is one of the best Keurig brewers right now because of all the options it offers. It has one of the largest water tanks as well and can hold up to 75 ounces.
The K Elite has 5 cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces, and there’s also an iced coffee button. This is the only brewer from this list that has hot water on demand.
Probably the best reason to choose this model is if you want to be able to set the Auto ON. While Keurig K-Duo has auto on for a carafe, the K-Elite is the only one that offers Auto On for single cups.
It also lets you control the water temperature (it has a range between 187 and 192 degrees Fahrenheit) and coffee strength for a stronger brew. Read full review.
Its regular price is $169.99, but it’s often on sale on Amazon for around $120.
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Best tasting coffee: Keurig K Supreme
The latest Keurig models bring new Multistream Technology. Instead of just one entrance needle, K Supreme models have five entrance needles, so they can evenly saturate the coffee grounds. This gives more flavor and taste.
There are two K Supreme models: K Supreme and K Supreme Plus.
The first one, $139.99 Keurig K Supreme has 4 cup sizes (6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz). It also has strength control, and an iced coffee button. The dual position reservoir holds 66 ounces.
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The $189.99 K Supreme Plus offers some extra options. It has five cup sizes (4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz), and an iced coffee option.
This model does come with strength and temperature control, with three different levels for each. But, don’t expect a lot from its temperature control. The difference between the three levels is very hard to notice, and the hottest setting doesn’t go above 170F.
This model also features programmable favorites, so up to 3 users can save their own brewing preferences. The water is bigger and holds 78 ounces.
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Brew k cups and a full pot: K Duo Plus
If you want to use k-cups, but also ground coffee to brew a carafe, there’s $229.99 Keurig K Duo Plus. This model has four cup sizes for single cups: 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. It can also do 6, 8, 10, and 12 cup carafe using ground coffee.
The carafe option has auto brew, so you can set the brewer to brew the coffee in the morning. There’s no auto brew option for single cups. This model is great if you want to brew single cups and multiple cups, without having two appliances. Read full review
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There’s also a cheaper version with a side-by-side design. The $139.99 Keurig K Duo can do single cups and carafe, and it also has auto ON option. The problem with this model is that it has a glass carafe which unfortunately is not very durable.
Keurig with milk frother
The $199.99 Keurig K-Cafe is the only model with a built-in milk frother that allows you to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The K-Cafe has 4 coffee sizes: 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces, plus the Shot button (2 oz) for lattes. The machine also has a Strong brew option.
The milk frother can do hot and cold froth so you can easily make iced lattes as well. Read full review
While it’s considered to be the only Keurig that makes espresso, this is not completely true. You should know that Keurig K-cafe doesn’t make a real espresso but uses regular k cups to make a really concentrated brew very similar to espresso.
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Smallest Keurig
If you want a model that won’t take a lot of space, the $79.99 Keurig K Mini Plus is perfect. It’s less than 5 inches wide so it fits anywhere. This model has a single cup reservoir (you fill a tank for each cup), and you can make from 6 oz to 12 oz cup of coffee. Read full review
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If you don’t want to manually add water for each cup, then $109.99 K Slim might be the right choice. Just like K Mini, it offers a space-saving design but it has a 46 ounce water reservoir so you don’t need to add water for each cup. Read full review
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Looking for something specific? Here’s a quick list:
Newest Keurig model: Keurig K-Supreme and K-Supreme Plus
Keurig with coffee pot: Keurig K-Duo and Keurig K-Duo Plus
Keurig with timer: Keurig K-Elite, Keurig K-Duo Plus (option available only for the carafe)
Keurig with the largest reservoir: Keurig K-Supreme Plus (78 oz) and Keurig K-Elite (75 oz)
Keurig for travel mugs: All models have a removable drip tray that accommodates travel mugs up to 7.0″ tall.
Keurig that makes espresso: Keurig K-Cafe (not real espresso shots, but you can make milky cafe-style drinks)
Conclusion
Looking for a coffee maker can be time-consuming, but once you decide exactly what you need from your coffee maker, the choice is much easier.
Hopefully, this article gave you enough information to know exactly which Keurig is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
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