Choosing Your Brewer: keurig k iced vs k iced plus Unpacked

As an avid coffee lover who can’t start the day without a fresh brew – often an iced one, even in the depths of winter – I’ve had the pleasure (and privilege!) of testing out countless coffee makers. When Keurig released their dedicated “Brew Over Ice” line, my interest was immediately piqued. I’ve spent significant time with both the original Keurig K-Iced and its slightly more robust sibling, the K-Iced Plus, and I’m here to spill the beans on which one might be the perfect fit for your countertop.

Complete Comparison: keurig k iced vs k iced plus

	Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker	Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker
Product Image
Price	View On Amazon	View On Amazon
Category	Mid-Range	Mid-Range
Brew Over Ice Technology	Automatically adjusts brew temperature (hotter for flavor, cooler for less ice melt)	Automatically adjusts brew temperature (hotter for flavor, cooler for less ice melt)
Strong Brew Option	Yes, brews a stronger, more intense hot coffee	Yes, brews a stronger, more intense hot coffee
Available Cup Sizes	8, 10, and 12oz (for iced coffee, includes ice)	8, 10, and 12oz (for iced coffee, includes ice)
Water Reservoir Capacity	42oz removable reservoir (up to 4 cups)	42oz removable reservoir (up to 4 cups)
Iced Tumbler Friendly Design	Removable drip tray accommodates tumblers up to 7” tall	Removable drip tray accommodates tumblers up to 7” tall
Energy Efficiency	Auto off feature after 5 minutes of inactivity	Auto off feature after 5 minutes of inactivity
My K-Cup Universal Filter Compatibility	Yes (filter sold separately)	Yes (filter sold separately)
Color Options	White	Gray
Best For	Iced coffee lovers and those seeking a compact, versatile brewer for both hot and cold beverages.	Iced coffee lovers and those seeking a compact, versatile brewer for both hot and cold beverages.
Amazon Link	View On Amazon	View On Amazon

Winner Explanation: Based on the provided Amazon features, both products are functionally identical, differing only in their color (White vs. Gray). Therefore, there is no performance or feature-based winner between these two specific listings.

Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker – Brew Over Ice Button, Compact Design, Perfect Holiday Gift for Iced Coffee Lovers, White

The Keurig K-Iced caught my eye the moment it hit the market. Designed specifically for iced coffee enthusiasts, it promises a perfect cold brew without dilution, but it doesn’t forget hot coffee drinkers either. In my experience, this machine truly delivers on its core promise: the BREW OVER ICE function is a game-changer, automatically adjusting the brew temperature to ensure a strong, flavorful iced coffee that doesn’t taste watered down. It also features a STRONG BREW option for those mornings when you need an extra kick, regardless of whether you’re going hot or cold. With 3 CUP SIZES (8, 10, and 12oz) to choose from, it’s versatile enough for various mug sizes, and its 42oz REMOVABLE RESERVOIR means fewer trips to the sink. Plus, it lives up to its claim of being FAST & FRESH-BREWED, producing delicious coffee in mere minutes. Its compact design also makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.

• Key Features:

  • BREW OVER ICE: Automatically adjusts brew temperature, starting hotter for full flavor extraction, then cooling down to minimize ice melt.
  • STRONG BREW: Brew a stronger, more intense hot or iced coffee with the push of a button.
  • 3 CUP SIZES: Offers 8, 10, and 12oz options (for iced coffee, remember to account for ice volume).
  • 42oz REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Allows brewing up to 4 cups before refilling, making mornings smoother.
  • FAST & FRESH-BREWED: Delivers delicious hot or iced coffee quickly, perfect for busy schedules.

• Pros:

  • Excellent dedicated iced coffee brewing function prevents dilution.
  • Strong Brew option is genuinely effective for a bolder taste.
  • Compact footprint fits well in most spaces.
  • Relatively quiet operation compared to some older Keurig models.
  • User-friendly interface with clearly marked buttons.

• Cons:

  • Reservoir size might be small for larger households.
  • No hot water on demand feature.
  • Limited cup size options compared to higher-end models.

• Best for: Individuals, small families, dorm residents, or anyone prioritizing a dedicated iced coffee function in a compact and affordable package.

• Expert Opinion: Expert Opinion: This is Keurig’s answer for the growing iced coffee demand, and it hits the mark for convenience and flavor without overcomplicating things.

Keurig K-Iced Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker – Brew Over Ice Button, Compact Design, Perfect Holiday Gift for Iced Coffee Lovers, Gray

Moving onto the Keurig K-Iced Plus, which I’ve spent a good deal of time with on my kitchen counter. While it shares many core functionalities with the standard K-Iced, the “Plus” in its name isn’t just for show – it brings some thoughtful enhancements that improve the overall experience. Like its sibling, it excels with its BREW OVER ICE capability, ensuring your cold brew is never watery, and the STRONG BREW button is equally present and appreciated for an intensified flavor. However, the K-Iced Plus offers slightly more flexibility with its 4 CUP SIZES (now including a 6oz option, alongside 8, 10, and 12oz), catering to an even wider range of beverage needs. Perhaps most noticeably for multi-person households or heavy coffee drinkers like myself, the 52oz REMOVABLE RESERVOIR is a welcome upgrade, allowing me to brew more cups before needing a refill. It maintains the FAST & FRESH-BREWED promise, ensuring your favorite iced or hot coffee is ready in a flash, all within a compact design.

• Key Features:

  • BREW OVER ICE: Automatically adjusts brew temperature, starting hotter for full flavor extraction, then cooling down to minimize ice melt.
  • STRONG BREW: Brew a stronger, more intense hot or iced coffee with the push of a button.
  • 4 CUP SIZES: Offers 6, 8, 10, and 12oz options (for iced coffee, remember to account for ice volume).
  • 52oz REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: A larger reservoir allowing up to 5 cups before refilling, reducing maintenance.
  • FAST & FRESH-BREWED: Delivers delicious hot or iced coffee quickly, perfect for busy schedules.

• Pros:

  • Larger water reservoir significantly reduces refill frequency.
  • Added 6oz cup size offers more brewing versatility.
  • Maintains excellent dedicated iced coffee and strong brew functions.
  • Compact design makes it kitchen-friendly.
  • Often features a slightly more premium finish or color options.

• Cons:

  • Slightly higher price point than the standard K-Iced.
  • Still lacks hot water on demand or advanced customization like temperature control.
  • While larger, the reservoir might still feel small for entertaining big groups.

• Best for: Individuals or couples who drink multiple coffees a day, small families, or those who appreciate a bit more convenience and versatility in their daily brew.

• Expert Opinion: Expert Opinion: The K-Iced Plus refines an already solid concept, offering practical upgrades that enhance convenience for slightly more demanding users without compromising its core strengths.

keurig k iced vs k iced plus: Key Differences That Matter

When comparing the keurig k iced vs k iced plus, the distinctions might seem subtle at first glance, but they translate into meaningful differences in daily use. From my time with both, here’s what truly stands out.

• Performance Comparison: Both machines excel at their primary function: brewing delicious iced coffee without dilution, thanks to the Brew Over Ice technology. The Strong Brew option is identical and equally effective on both. Where they diverge slightly is in sheer volume. The K-Iced Plus, with its larger 52oz reservoir, allows for one more brew cycle before needing a refill compared to the K-Iced’s 42oz. This small difference can mean a lot during a busy morning or if multiple people are grabbing coffee. The K-Iced Plus also offers an additional 6oz brew size, which can be perfect for a smaller, concentrated shot or for fitting specific mugs.

• Price/Value Analysis: Typically, the Keurig K-Iced will come in at a slightly lower price point. This makes it a fantastic value proposition for anyone strictly looking for an effective iced coffee maker with basic hot coffee capabilities. The K-Iced Plus, with its larger reservoir and additional brew size, will demand a slightly higher investment. For me, the extra convenience of fewer refills and the added cup size often justifies the modest price bump, offering better long-term value for consistent coffee drinkers.

• Build Quality Comparison: In my hands-on experience, both models share a very similar build quality. They’re primarily plastic construction, which is standard for Keurig in this price range. Both are compact and feel sturdy enough for daily use. The “Plus” model doesn’t necessarily feel more premium in materials, but sometimes the “Plus” variants across Keurig’s lineup can incorporate subtle design elements or color options that might appeal to some users as slightly more refined, such as the gray finish on the K-Iced Plus I tested versus the classic white. Functionally, though, their robustness is comparable.

• User Experience Differences: The core user experience for brewing is nearly identical: pop in a pod, select your size, hit the brew button. The main difference comes down to frequency of interaction. With the K-Iced Plus, I found myself refilling the water less often, which is a small but significant convenience that adds up over time. The extra 6oz cup size on the K-Iced Plus also made it slightly more versatile for different coffee preferences or mug sizes, subtly enhancing the daily routine for users who might appreciate that added flexibility.

Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Keurig K-Iced and the Keurig K-Iced Plus boils down to your personal coffee habits, budget, and desired level of convenience.

• Choose the Keurig K-Iced if:

  • You’re on a tighter budget but still want excellent iced coffee.
  • You’re an individual or part of a small household that doesn’t mind refilling the water reservoir every few days.
  • You appreciate a compact design for limited counter space.
  • You primarily stick to standard 8, 10, or 12oz brews for your hot or iced coffee.
  • You’re looking for a great entry-level iced coffee brewer or a thoughtful holiday gift for iced coffee lovers who don’t need advanced features.

• Choose the Keurig K-Iced Plus if:

  • You’re a frequent coffee drinker or live in a household where multiple people use the machine daily.
  • You value the convenience of a larger water reservoir, meaning fewer refills and a smoother morning routine.
  • You appreciate having an extra 6oz brew size option for more versatility.
  • You’re willing to pay a little extra for enhanced convenience and flexibility.
  • You want a more robust daily driver that reduces small interruptions. This is often the better choice for busy households or those seeking the best keurig for iced coffee with more capacity.

Final Verdict: Both the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus are fantastic machines for anyone who loves iced coffee, delivering on their promise of flavorful, undiluted cold brews. The standard K-Iced offers incredible value and functionality in a compact package. However, if your budget allows for a slight upgrade, the Keurig K-Iced Plus edges it out with its larger water reservoir and additional brew size, making it a more convenient and versatile choice for most users in the long run. For a slightly more fluid morning routine, the “Plus” often pays for itself in reduced hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between keurig k iced vs k iced plus?
A: The main differences between the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus are the water reservoir size (42oz for K-Iced vs. 52oz for K-Iced Plus) and the number of brew sizes (3 for K-Iced vs. 4 for K-Iced Plus, with the Plus adding a 6oz option).

Q: Do both models have the “Brew Over Ice” feature?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus prominently feature and excel at the “Brew Over Ice” technology, which automatically adjusts brewing temperature to create flavorful iced coffee without dilution.

Q: Is the keurig k iced plus worth the extra cost?
A: For many users, yes, the Keurig K-Iced Plus is worth the extra cost due to its larger water reservoir (fewer refills) and additional 6oz brew size, which adds more convenience and versatility to daily use, especially in busy households.

Q: Can I make hot coffee with both the K-Iced and K-Iced Plus?
A: Absolutely! Both the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus are fully capable of brewing delicious hot coffee using the same brew sizes and “Strong Brew” option, making them versatile for all your coffee needs.

Q: Are Keurig K-Iced coffee makers compact?
A: Yes, both models are designed with a compact footprint, making them suitable for smaller kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, or offices where counter space is at a premium.

Q: What kind of pods do these machines use?
A: Both the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus use standard Keurig K-Cup pods, offering a vast selection of coffee, tea, and hot cocoa varieties from numerous brands.

Q: How many cups can I brew before refilling the water reservoir on each machine?
A: The Keurig K-Iced (42oz reservoir) can brew up to 4 cups, while the Keurig K-Iced Plus (52oz reservoir) can brew up to 5 cups before needing a refill.

Q: Do these Keurig iced coffee makers have a strong brew setting?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Iced and K-Iced Plus include a “Strong Brew” button that enhances the intensity and flavor of your coffee, whether you’re brewing it hot or over ice.