I’ve had the pleasure of testing both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and what I like to call the ‘Keurig Mini Mini’ – officially the K-Mini Mate. Both aim to deliver single-serve convenience in a compact package, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down their features, real-world performance, and help you decide which pint-sized powerhouse is the perfect fit for your space and brewing habits.
Complete Comparison: keurig mini plus vs mini
| Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup | Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
 |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Mid-Range | Budget |
| Width/Footprint | Less than 5 inches wide | Ultra-Compact 4 inches wide |
| K-Cup Pod Storage | Integrated storage for up to 9 K-Cup pods, fits in brewer | Not available |
| Strong Brew Option | Yes, brews a stronger, more intense cup | Not available |
| Brew Sizes | 6-12oz | Up to 12 oz (single-cup convenience) |
| Water Reservoir | Removable one-cup reservoir for easy cleaning and filling | Single-cup convenience (add fresh water for each brew) |
| Travel Mug Height Clearance | Up to 7.0 inches tall | Up to 7.25 inches tall |
| Cord Storage | Yes, for easy transport and tidy countertops | Not available |
| Design & Color Options | Sleek, compact design (Matte Black) | Sleek, modern design with festive color options |
| Best For | Small spaces, daily brewing with enhanced features | Ultra-compact holiday spaces, gifting, dorms, offices, seasonal use |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Winner | Runner-up |
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a true champion of compact convenience, designed for those who appreciate a bit more functionality without sacrificing counter space. In my experience, it strikes a great balance, offering essential features that enhance the daily brewing ritual. This sleek machine, less than 5 inches wide, is perfect for tucking into small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. What immediately impressed me was its ability to store up to 9 K-Cup pods right in the brewer’s removable pod storage unit, a fantastic space-saver. It also offers a Strong Brew button for those mornings when you need an extra kick, and its removable one-cup reservoir makes refilling and cleaning a breeze. Plus, it’s travel mug friendly, accommodating larger cups for coffee on the go.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Keurig K-Mini Plus single serve coffee maker, pod storage unit that fits in your brewer and can hold up to 9 K-Cup pods.
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces.
- STRONG BREW: Brew a stronger, more intense cup.
- YOUR PERFECT AMOUNT: Brew any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods.
- REMOVABLE ONE CUP RESERVOIR: Just add fresh water for each brew. Removable reservoir makes for easy cleaning and filling.
Pros:
– Integrated pod storage is incredibly convenient and space-saving.
– “Strong Brew” option is a welcome addition for bolder coffee.
– Removable water reservoir simplifies filling and cleaning.
– Slightly more robust build quality and premium feel.
Cons:
– A bit pricier than the standard K-Mini models.
– Still requires adding water for each brew (no multi-cup reservoir).
Best for: Individuals or couples living in small apartments, office workers, college students who want a compact brewer with added convenience features like pod storage and strong brew options.
Expert Opinion: “The K-Mini Plus takes the essential K-Mini experience and elevates it with smart additions like onboard pod storage and a strong brew function, making it a highly practical choice for daily users who value both space and a personalized brew.”
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini Mate, which I’ve affectionately dubbed the ‘Keurig Mini Mini,’ truly lives up to its name as the most ultra-compact Keurig I’ve encountered. At an astonishing just 4” wide, it’s designed for spaces where every inch counts – think tiny kitchens, cramped dorms, or even as a secondary brewer. When I first saw it, I was amazed by how little counter space it demands. It focuses purely on single-cup convenience, allowing you to brew up to 12 oz of your favorite coffee in minutes. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the Plus model, its minimalist design is undeniably sleek and modern, blending effortlessly with any decor. It’s also travel mug friendly, fitting taller mugs for busy mornings. This model really shines as an ideal holiday gift for those with limited space.
- PERFECT FOR SMALL HOLIDAY SPACES: At just 4” wide, this compact brewer fits kitchens, dorms, offices, and festive setups, ideal for gift guides and seasonal decor.
- SINGLE-CUP CONVENIENCE FOR COZY MOMENTS: Brew up to 12 oz of your favorite coffee in minutes, perfect for holiday mornings or late-night treats.
- TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY FOR ON-THE-GO CHEER: Fits mugs up to 7.25” tall so you can take your seasonal brew anywhere, great for holiday road trips.
- SLEEK, MODERN DESIGN FOR STYLISH GIFTING: Minimalist look blends with any decor, making it a thoughtful and elegant holiday gift.
- FESTIVE COLOR OPTIONS TO MATCH YOUR STYLE: Available in elevated colors that complement seasonal themes, ideal for personalized gifting.
Pros:
– Extremely compact footprint (only 4 inches wide) – ideal for the absolute smallest spaces.
– Simple, straightforward operation with no extra buttons or features.
– More budget-friendly than the K-Mini Plus.
– Available in a wider range of colors, which can be appealing for gifting.
Cons:
– No “Strong Brew” option.
– No integrated pod storage.
– Water reservoir is not removable, making cleaning slightly less convenient (though still easy to wipe).
Best for: Students, minimalist households, travelers, those with extremely limited counter space, or as a secondary brewer for occasional use, and certainly as a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.
Expert Opinion: “The K-Mini Mate is the epitome of simplicity and extreme compactness. It strips away all non-essentials to deliver a reliable single-serve brew in the smallest possible footprint, making it perfect for anyone prioritizing space above all else.”
keurig mini plus vs mini: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the keurig mini plus vs mini (K-Mini Mate), it’s clear that while both share a DNA of single-serve convenience and compact design, they diverge significantly in their feature sets and overall user experience.
Performance Comparison
The core brewing performance – the speed and temperature of your coffee – is largely similar between the two. Both brew a K-Cup in about 2-3 minutes. However, the Keurig K-Mini Plus pulls ahead with its Strong Brew option. In my testing, this feature genuinely delivers a noticeably bolder cup, which is a game-changer for those who prefer a more intense flavor or use larger K-Cups. The K-Mini Mate lacks this option, providing a standard brew strength every time.
Price/Value Analysis
Generally, the Keurig K-Mini Mate (“mini mini”) is the more budget-friendly option. It offers exceptional value for its ultra-compact size and straightforward functionality. The Keurig K-Mini Plus commands a slightly higher price point, which is justified by its additional features. If your budget is tight and you only need the absolute basics, the K-Mini Mate provides excellent value. If you can stretch a bit further for quality-of-life improvements, the K-Mini Plus offers better long-term value through its added conveniences.
Build Quality Comparison
Both machines feel sturdy for their price points, primarily constructed from plastic. However, the Keurig K-Mini Plus feels marginally more premium. The action of its brew head, the feel of the strong brew button, and the design of the removable water reservoir give it a slightly more refined touch. The K-Mini Mate is still well-built, but its simplicity means fewer moving parts and a more utilitarian aesthetic.
User Experience Differences
This is where the keurig mini plus vs mini distinction becomes most apparent.
– Pod Storage: The K-Mini Plus’s integrated pod storage unit is a huge win for tidiness and convenience. You don’t need a separate holder, keeping your counter clutter-free. The K-Mini Mate requires you to store your pods elsewhere.
– Water Reservoir: The K-Mini Plus has a removable one-cup reservoir, making it incredibly easy to fill at the sink and clean thoroughly. The K-Mini Mate has a fixed reservoir where you pour water directly into the opening, which is fine but slightly less convenient for filling and cleaning.
– Brew Options: As mentioned, the Strong Brew button on the K-Mini Plus offers a customized experience that the K-Mini Mate simply doesn’t.
– Footprint: While both are tiny, the K-Mini Mate is undeniably the king of minimal footprint at just 4 inches wide. If literally every inch matters, the K-Mini Mate edges out the K-Mini Plus (which is still under 5 inches).
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Keurig K-Mini Plus vs. Keurig K-Mini Mate comes down to your specific needs, budget, and how much you value extra features in a compact brewer.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini Plus if:
– You want the convenience of integrated pod storage to keep your counter tidy.
– You desire the flexibility of a Strong Brew option for a more intense cup of coffee.
– You appreciate a removable water reservoir for easier filling and cleaning.
– You’re willing to pay a little extra for these premium, compact features.
– You’re looking for the best Keurig K-Mini Plus experience for everyday use.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini Mate (“Mini Mini”) if:
– Ultra-compact size is your absolute top priority – literally every inch of counter space matters.
– You prefer a straightforward, no-frills brewing experience.
– You’re on a tighter budget and want the most affordable single-serve Keurig.
– You don’t need a strong brew option or integrated pod storage.
– You need a minimalist brewer for a dorm, small office, or as a secondary travel coffee maker.
Final Verdict:
In my experience, both brewers excel in their respective niches. The Keurig K-Mini Plus offers a more refined and convenient daily brewing experience, making it the better all-rounder for most users who want compact convenience with thoughtful extras. However, if space is at an absolute premium and simplicity is key, the Keurig K-Mini Mate is an unbeatable choice for its tiny footprint and pure single-serve function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between the keurig mini plus vs mini?
A: The main differences lie in features: the K-Mini Plus includes integrated K-Cup pod storage, a Strong Brew button, and a removable water reservoir. The K-Mini Mate (“mini mini”) is even narrower (4 inches wide vs. under 5 inches), more basic, and lacks these extra features.
Q: Which Keurig is smaller: the K-Mini Plus or the K-Mini Mate?
A: The Keurig K-Mini Mate is slightly smaller, measuring just 4 inches wide, making it the most compact option. The K-Mini Plus is still very compact at just under 5 inches wide.
Q: Does the Keurig K-Mini Mate have a strong brew option like the K-Mini Plus?
A: No, the Keurig K-Mini Mate (“mini mini”) does not have a “Strong Brew” option. This feature is exclusive to the Keurig K-Mini Plus and some other larger Keurig models.
Q: Is it easier to clean the keurig mini plus vs mini?
A: Yes, generally the Keurig K-Mini Plus is slightly easier to clean because its one-cup water reservoir is removable, allowing for easier washing and descaling. The K-Mini Mate’s reservoir is fixed.
Q: Can I use reusable K-Cups with both the K-Mini Plus and K-Mini Mate?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and Keurig K-Mini Mate are compatible with most standard reusable K-Cup filters, allowing you to use your own ground coffee.
Q: Which model offers better value in the keurig mini plus vs mini debate?
A: The K-Mini Mate generally offers better value for its lower price point and ultra-compact size if you only need basic functionality. However, the K-Mini Plus offers better overall value for those who appreciate the added convenience features for a slightly higher investment.
Q: Do both models fit a travel mug?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Keurig K-Mini Mate are designed to be travel mug friendly, accommodating mugs up to approximately 7 inches tall.
Q: Are there any multi-cup water reservoirs available for either of these mini Keurigs?
A: No, neither the Keurig K-Mini Plus nor the Keurig K-Mini Mate has a multi-cup water reservoir. Both are designed for single-serve brewing and require you to add fresh water for each cup.
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