Keurig upgraded its budget-friendly Keurig K-Mini coffee maker model to the Keurig K-Mini Plus. This upgraded version has more features and promises a better-tasting cup of coffee. An understanding of these differences is useful in deciding which one you should buy, or whether you should upgrade to the latest version if you already have the K-Mini.
Is K-Mini and K-Mini Plus worth it?
The K-Mini and K-Mini are both single-serve pod brewers manufactured by the Keurig brand. These two Keurig models are worth it, as they’re budget-friendly and compact. Both the K-Mini and K-mini plus are also easy to use, allowing you to quickly and conveniently brew your favorite coffee beverage.
Affordable
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are the most affordable Keurig single-serve pod coffee makers. The former model sells at only $60, which is a bargain for such a convenient brewer. While the K-Mini plus retails at a slightly higher price of $100, most would agree that is still a pretty friendly price tag for a coffee brewer.
Compact design
If you have limited space in your kitchen, you’ll definitely appreciate the compact design of the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus. These brewers can easily be stored away in tight countertop spaces after brewing.
Easy to use
Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are easy to use and brew a hot cup of coffee in under 5 minutes. They feature the K-Cup pod design common in all Keurigs. Plus, they have fewer buttons than other high-end Keurigs, making the brewing process less confusing.
Travel mug compatible
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are both compatible with travel mugs due to their design. On the K-Mini Plus, the space between the drip tray and the spout is long enough to accommodate a 12-ounce travel mug, which is usually about 4-inches tall. Meanwhile, on the K-Mini, you can fit a 7-inch travel mug under the spout when you remove the drip tray.
Beautiful design aesthetics
Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus have a sleek, simple, and minimalistic design. These slim-built coffee makers are also available in multiple colors, with the K-Mini plus even adding a beautiful chrome accent on the drip tray.
Keurig mini vs mini plus; which is better?
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini plus differ in price, eco-friendliness, capacity, and color options. More notably, though, the former version lacks various features that the K-Mini plus has, such as a pod storage unit, a strength control option, and a removable water reservoir.
Summary table
The table below provides a summary of the differences between the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus:
| Keurig K-Mini | Keurig K-Mini Plus |
| Doesn’t have a pod storage unit | Features a pod storage container |
| The water tank is not removable | The water tank is removable |
| Doesn’t have a ‘Strong’ brew option | Comes with a ‘Strong’ brew option |
| Available in 4 different color options | Available in 3 different color options |
| Sells at $60 | Sells at $100 |
| Less eco-friendly- made with only 25% post-consumer recycled plastic | More eco-friendly- made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic |
| 10-ounce reservoir | 12-ounce reservoir |
| No chrome accent on mug tray | Chrome accent on the drip tray |
Pod Storage Containers
The Keurig K-Mini Plus comes with a pod storage container where you can store up to 9 K-Cup pods for fast access and convenient brewing. The K-Mini model, on the other hand, lacks this handy feature.
‘Strong’ brew option
The Keurig K-Mini Plus coffee machine comes with the ‘Strong’ brew option, while the K-Mini doesn’t have this feature. When you press the ‘Strong’ brew button, the rate of water flow is slowed down for a longer contact time between the hot water and the coffee grounds. This results in better extraction of flavor for a stronger brew.
Meanwhile, when you press the brew button on the K-Mini, water passes through the coffee grounds at a standard rate, which delivers a nice cup of coffee, but is not as intense.
The ‘Strong’ button delivers coffee with a more concentrated flavor, which is great for those who prefer their coffee strong.
Water tank
The K-Mini Plus’ water reservoir is removable, while the one on the K-Mini model is not. This makes the latter Keurig version harder to clean. The non-removable water tank can also make refilling a hassle, as you need to view the brewer from the side to see how much water you’re pouring into the transparent tank.
Capacity
The Keurig K-Mini’s water tank can hold up to 10-ounces of water. By comparison, the K-Mini Plus water tank has a slightly larger capacity of 12-ounces. This doesn’t count for much though, as you still have to refill the water reservoir on both of these Keurig models after every brew.
Color options
The Keurig K-Mini is available in up to four color options including matte black, blue, pink, and green. By comparison, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is available in 3 color options including red, black, and evening teal. As such, the Keurig K-Mini offers more variety for those who prefer to stick to certain color schemes in their kitchens.
Also, the drip tray on the K-Mini Plus has a chrome accent, while the K-Mini model lacks this aspect. While this may not mean much to some, it’s a notable color scheme consideration for others.
Price
Since the Keurig K-Mini Plus has more features, it costs more than the Keurig K-mini model. The latter version retails at $60, while the K-Mini Plus retails at $100.
Eco-friendliness
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a more eco-friendly version of its predecessor (the K-Mini). The K-Mini’s body features 75% virgin plastic and only 25% post-consumer recycled plastic. By contrast, the K-Mini Plus is made of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Similarities
Despite the aforementioned differences, the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are similar in many aspects. If anything, one is just a slightly upgraded version of the other.
i. Size- both the K-Mini and K-Mini plus are compact coffee makers that can fit into tight spaces. In fact, Keurig describes the K-Mini Plus as their ‘slimmest brewer yet’, even though both models are listed at 4.5 inches wide. Both these Keurigs are also listed at a weight of 4.6 ounces.
ii. Auto-off feature- both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus have an auto-off feature. These brewers will automatically power off 1½ minutes after the last brew.
iii. Cord Storage Unit- both these Keurig brewers have a compartment at the back for storing the power cord after use. This makes it convenient when storing or transporting the brewers.
iv. Pod compatibility- both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are compatible with K-Cup pods, as well as My K-Cup reusable filter.
Which one is better?
Due to the feature upgrades, most would agree that the K-Mini Plus is better than the K-Mini. What’s more, the eco-friendly construction of the K-Mini plus makes it a more eco-conscious purchase. However, if you’re short on cash and don’t mind a slightly weaker brew, you can go for the K-Mini model.
Do Keurig coffee makers wear out?
Just like any other brand of appliances, Keurig coffee makers eventually wear out. However, with proper maintenance, a Keurig brewer can last for up to 5 years before needing to be replaced. Proper maintenance involves cleaning and descaling the various machine components at the necessary intervals.
The most common cause of Keurig machine wear is limescale, which builds upon the heating elements and can cause heating failure. The second factor is leakages. While this can be fixed, a Keurig that’s leaking from both the top and the bottom is an indicator of excessive limescale buildup in multiple components. A replacement is better in such instances.
Though less common, Keurig brewers can also become worn out due to physical impacts. For an instant, the coffee maker may have dropped on the floor, causing cracks on various parts, and limiting its efficiency. If an appliance technician can’t fix the issue, you’re better off buying a new Keurig.
References
Keurig.com: K-Mini® Single Serve Coffee Maker
