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It’s hard to talk about the best coffee maker brands without Keurig coming up. After all, this USA-based company is regarded as the godfather of commercial and household single-serve coffee machines.
The original Keurig Company was started for one purpose: coming up with a machine that could brew a single-serve pod of coffee brew. Close to 30 years since its inception, this giant manufacturer now boasts over 59 types of machines. It has also expanded its reach to make drip makers and combination coffee and cappuccino machine combos.
Let’s cut to the chase- what is the best Keurig coffee maker in 2020?
🌟 Our Top Pick: Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Product award: Best Overall Coffee Maker
Highlights:
- 75-oz water tank
- Quiet brew technology
- My K-cup compatible
- 5 brew sizes
The K-Elite is among the latest Keurig coffee makers to hit the store shelves- and it’s quickly becoming a favorite among most coffee connoisseurs.
This coffee maker carries a 75-ounce reservoir and offers 5 optional brew sizes; 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. The drip tray can also be removed to allow you to brew directly into travel mugs up to 7.2″ tall.
The key selling point of this model is its extreme level of brew customization. One feature that we liked here is the Strong Brew button that indeed intensifies the strength of the brew by slightly increasing the brew time.
For coffee enthusiasts who are particular about the temperature of their coffee, the temperature adjustment feature with a range of 187 to 192 F will also come very handy.
Another beneficial feature is the Iced setting. This allows you to brew your coffee over ice cubes without losing the original strength and flavor of the brew.
Much better, the K-Elite offers you endless choices in terms of K-cup compatibility. If you don’t like any of the 6 starter pods that it ships with, you have over 400 other varieties to go with.
Similar to other up-tier Keurig coffee makers, this model is quite large and measures 16.5″ when the head is opened.
Pros 👍
✔ Gigantic water reservoir
✔ Excellent brew customization
✔ Universal K-cup compatibility
✔ Easy controls & Quiet operations
Cons 👎
✘ Has a large footprint
✘ Requires regular descaling
✘ Hard to see water level
View Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker On Amazon
Keurig K-Classic (Formerly K55) Coffee Maker
Product award: Best For Budget Keurig Coffee Maker
Highlights:
- Universal K-cup compatible
- Supports My K-cup filter
- 48-ounce reservoir
- 3 brew sizes (6, 8, 10 oz)
- Auto-off mode
The Keurig K-Classic (formerly K55) might fit the bill if you are looking for something affordable and straightforward to use. This is the best rated Keurig coffee maker at the moment not only because of its low price tag, but its incredible level of convenience too.
This mid-level offering does not require you to have any coffee-brewing skills. As far as you have a list of your favorite coffee pods from the possible 400+ varieties, then you are good to go. For those who value the rich aromas of non-oxidized freshly ground coffee, the K-Classic also allows you to use the reusable My K-cup filter.
This Keurig coffee machine has a slightly smaller water reservoir compared to its high-end siblings. All in all, this tank 48-ounce tank is big enough to make over 6 cups of coffee before the next refill. The fact that this water tank is removable, coupled with the speedy heating element, makes its lower capacity almost a non-issue even when used by 2-4 people.
Other easily notable features that add to this machine’s ease of use and convenience include 3 brew size options (6, 8, 10 oz), a programmable auto-off, and a ‘Descale’ reminder on the control panel.
Pros 👍
✔ Very easy to use
✔ Compatible with My K-cup filter
✔ Has a programmable Auto-off feature
✔ Has a descaling alert
Cons 👎
✘ Minimal control over the brew
✘ Bottom needle gets clogged with grounds
✘ Reports of inconsistent brews
View Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker on Amazon
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
Product award: Best Compact Keurig Coffee Maker
Highlights:
- 5’’ wide
- Travel mug friendly
- 90-seconds auto turn off
- Universal k-cup compatibility
- Accepts My K-Cup
Keurig coffee makers are typically bulky- but this is a problem with pretty much all coffee machines with large reservoirs. There is some good news, though.
If you don’t have a lot of space to spare on your kitchen surfaces, or if you are looking for the best Keurig for dorms, the Keurig K-Mini is a worthy option. This model is 12.1″ tall when closed (16.8″ when opened), 4.5″ wide, and 11.3″ deep.
Importantly, while it’s small in size, this model is big in features and actually brews excellent coffee, just like most of its full-size siblings.
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker accepts all branded and non-branded K-cups. It’s also compatible with the reusable My K-cup filter (sold separately) if you prefer using freshly ground coffee.
While this model’s compact size is a good thing if your kitchen is lacking in space, the compromise is on the water reservoir. This tank holds 6-12 ounces of water, so you’ll need to refill it after every cup. Worth mentioning, the pump will eject all the water in the reservoir for each brew. Therefore, be sure to add just what you need before starting the process.
Pros 👍
✔ Fits in tight spaces
✔ Positive brew quality reports
✔ Universal K-cup compatibility
✔ Accepts My K-cup
Cons 👎
✘ One cup water reservoir
✘ No dedicated brew-size settings
View Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker on Amazon
Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Product award: Best for Cappuccino and Coffee
Highlights:
- 60-oz reservoir
- Travel Mug-friendly
- Universal K-cup compatibility
- Programmable auto-off
- 3 brew options
Keurig is mostly associated with single-serve coffee makers. However, this manufacturer also has a solution for people who want more than regular coffee. Enter the K-Café- our number choice for the best Keurig combo coffee maker.
This model is for those who like regular coffee but would also appreciate a quick cappuccino or latte for their morning caffeine fix.
This Keurig coffee and cappuccino maker has a 60oz water reservoir and offers 4 brew sizes; 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12 oz. It also has a Strong brew option for real coffee heads who prefer strong, intense cuppa.
Perhaps the best part about this machine is its smart start concept. Unlike most of its competitors, you don’t have to wait for it to heat the water before selecting your brew size. Once you heat the power button, the K-Café will heat the water and go straight to brewing.
Its other impressive feature is its universal compatibility with K-cup pods. Even better, it works with the My K-cup reusable filter should you want to brew your favorite freshly ground beans.
Its intuitive control panel has a couple of buttons that let you choose from coffee, latte, and cappuccino. On this note, this model also comes with a dishwasher-safe frother with easy controls for barista-level foam.
Pros 👍
✔ Compatible with any K-cup pod
✔ Accommodates My K-Cup
✔ Comparably quiet operations
✔ Incredible heated frother
Cons 👎
✘ Brews single-serve only
✘ Negative reports regarding durability
Check Keurig K-Cafe Price & Reviews on Amazon
Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker
Product award: Best Keurig Coffee Maker for Office
Highlights:
- 90-ounce reservoir
- Direct water line capability
- Touchscreen interface
- 4 cups sizes
- Travel mug-friendly
Our next pick comes at a slightly higher price tag compared to most average Keurig coffee makers. However, if you are looking for the best Keurig coffee maker for a small office or a busy household, this could well be it.
Designed for high-traffic environments, this machine’s solid construction is one of its distinguishing features.
Another major highlight is its humongous 90-ounce water tank. Honestly, if all you need is a cup of coffee in the morning and another one in the evening, this tank could last you a week. If you wish, you can do away with the manual refills altogether by connecting the coffee maker to your water line directly using the K150 direct water line plumb kit.
This coffee maker supports all K-cup pods and offers 4 brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, and 10 oz. You can also remove the drip tray to fit in most tumbler travel mugs.
The 4 brew sizes are the only way of customizing your drink’s strength from strong to mild. The good news is that you can also adjust the brewing temperature from the touchscreen interface.
Pros 👍
✔ Massive water tank
✔ Direct water line capability
✔ Allows temperature adjustment
✔ Accepts all K-cup brands
Cons 👎
✘ Direct water line voids warranty
✘ Complaints about resetting reservoir
✘ Bulky coffee machine
Check Keurig K155 Office Pro Price & Reviews on Amazon
Which Keurig Coffee Maker is The Best? Our Verdict
While there’s nothing like the best Keurig coffee maker for everyone, the K-Elite tends to win over most people with its brew customizability. What stood out for us was its 5 brew-size options and the Strong and Iced settings. It’s also ideal for multiple users thanks to its Hot water function that allows you to brew pretty much anything else from instant soup to hot chocolate.
Keurig Coffee Maker Buying Guide
What is a Keurig?
Keurig refers to a beverage brewing system that introduced the concept of making a single-serve brew from a pod of coffee grounds.
This manufacturer says that the name Keurig is derived from another Dutch word that means excellence. Today, this name is used to refer to coffee machines that are made by this American company. These include not only single-serve makers but carafe and combination machines too.
Why do I need a Keurig Coffee Maker?
A wide variety of coffee pod brands – most of the K1.0 Keurig machines are compatible with over 75 coffee brands and 400+ coffee pods. This wide selection means that you can get exactly what you want in terms of roast, blend, flavoring, and origin. Even better, you can brew not only coffee but hot chocolate and teas too.
Incredible convenience – Keurig coffee makers are by far the best in terms of convenience. This ease of use is what sells them as the best options for use in homes, colleges, and offices.
Brew your coffee – Keurig coffee pods can get quite pricey, especially if a family of coffee lovers uses the machine. The good news is that most of these units also support My K-Cup. This is a reusable filter that allows you to use your favorite (or affordable) coffee grounds.
How does a Keurig Work?
A Keurig uses 3 significant components to brew your coffee in a minute or so; a pressure pump, water heating chamber, and a brewing chamber. When you insert a pod in the brewing chamber, a pair of needless punctures a hole at the top and bottom.
After pressing the brew button, the pump sucks water from the reservoir and passes it through the heating chamber. Once the water has been heated to the correct coffee-brewing temperature, the pump pushes it through the top needles to saturate the coffee. Lastly, it drips into your cup or mug via the needle at the bottom.
How to Choose a Keurig Coffee Maker
Keurig 1.0 Vs. 2.0- which is best?
Keurig coffee makers come in 2 broad categories; K1.0 and K2.0. The K1.0 line consists of the classic coffee makers. The main reason why most coffee lovers go with these models is their compatibility with pretty much any pod. These coffee makers offer 3 cups sizes only (6, 8, and 10oz) and, therefore, won’t brew directly into a carafe.
K2.0 coffee makers are the latest releases from Keurig. The significant advantage that these models offer is their versatile brew sizes. You can make a single-serve or brew into a travel mug or carafe.
On the flipside, K2.0 coffee makers are compatible with Keurig brand pods only. These brewers use Radio Frequency Identification Tag technology to detect compatible brands. This means that you can’t use any other brand besides Keurig.
Consider Reservoir size
Different Keurig machines have varying sizes of water reservoirs. Your choice here will depend on a few factors, including the number of people who will be served by the coffee maker.
Strength control- can it be customized?
Most Keurig coffee makers don’t offer lots of options in terms of customizing your brew strength. The only way around this is to play around with the cup sizes.
A few of the newer models have a Strength button that intensifies the flavor of your brews, though. Also, some machines offer an option to adjust the brewing temperature. If the maker is to be used by several coffee enthusiasts, for instance, in a family or office, these 2 features may be handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by removing the coffee pod holder and detach the funnel. Locate a tube on the holder and use a straightened paper clip to gently unclog it. Wash the pod holder under running water and reattach the funnel.
The second needle/entrance needle is located under the brewer’s head. Pass the paper clip through the 2 holes to remove any clogging. Lastly, replace the pod holder and run 2 water only brews to rinse the system.
Keurig recommends descaling the system every 3-6 months to maintain the heating element. They sell a descaling solution product for this purpose. Most of the coffee makers have several removable and dishwasher-safe parts, including the drip tray, drip plate, and the K-cup holder and funnel. The water reservoirs are not dishwasher-safe. They should be washed by hand.
Yes. Most Keurig coffee machines have a removable filter that helps in removing impurities. However, if your water supply has a high mineral content, it’s better to use bottled water as hard water causes scale buildup.
Tips to Get the Most Out of a Keurig
- If you feel that your coffee is weak, consider using 2 pods while brewing on the lowest ounce setting.
- Use the My K-cup filter to brew your beans- you not only get fresher and great-tasting coffee, but this also saves you a lot of money down the road.
- If your coffee tastes bitter, adding a pinch of salt helps in cutting the acidity.
- Descale your machine regularly- most Keurig machine problems are due to a clogged up system.
- Skip the tea pods- these cups are expensive for nothing, in our opinion. Use the hot water function and a tea bag for a cheaper fix.
- 🌟 Our Top Pick: Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
- Keurig K-Classic (Formerly K55) Coffee Maker
- Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
- Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffee Maker
- Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker
- Which Keurig Coffee Maker is The Best? Our Verdict
- Keurig Coffee Maker Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips to Get the Most Out of a Keurig