As a devoted coffee enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing countless brewers over the years, and recently, I took on the task of putting two of Keurig’s popular K-Supreme series models head-to-head: the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART and the original Keurig K-Supreme. Both promise a superior brewing experience thanks to Keurig’s MultiStream Technology, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll dive deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which K-Supreme is the right fit for your countertop.
Complete Comparison: keurig k-supreme plus vs k-supreme
| Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART Coffee Maker, | Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
 |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Premium | Mid-Range |
| Intelligent Brewing Technology | BREWID & Roaster Recommended Brew | N/A |
| Flavor Extraction Technology | MultiStream Technology | MultiStream Technology |
| Design & Finish | Black Stainless Steel Metal Wrap | Standard Black Finish |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 78 Oz | 66 Oz |
| Reservoir Design | Removable | 66 oz. Dual-Position Removable Reservoir |
| Brew Sizes | Single Serve K-Cup Pod (Standard) | 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. cups |
| Iced Coffee Feature | Brews hot extra strong to reduce ice melting and beverage dilution | Brew hot over ice for refreshing iced coffee |
| Back-to-Back Brewing | N/A (Not explicitly stated) | Immediately brew a second cup, no need to wait for reheating |
| Maintenance Alert | N/A (Not explicitly stated) | Reminds you to descale after every 250 brews |
| Best For | Coffee enthusiasts seeking intelligent customization, premium design, and larger capacity. | Users looking for versatile brewing options, flexible reservoir placement, and convenient maintenance reminders. |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Winner | Runner-up |
Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART Coffee Maker Detailed Review
The Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART is, as its name suggests, the more advanced and feature-rich sibling in the K-Supreme family. In my experience, it truly elevates the single-serve brewing game with its intelligent features and premium feel. This machine boasts BREWID technology which recognizes your K-Cup pod and customizes brew settings, ensuring an optimized cup every time. It also features ROASTER RECOMMENDED BREW settings, collaborating with coffee roasters to fine-tune the brewing parameters. Coupled with MultiStream Technology, which saturates coffee grounds more evenly for enhanced flavor and aroma extraction, it aims for perfection in every pour. The exterior sports a sleek black stainless steel metal wrap, giving it a decidedly upscale look, and it’s designed to brew your favorite beverages over ice without dilution thanks to its extra-strong brew option. With a generous 78 oz water reservoir, it minimizes refills throughout the day.
- BREWID Technology: Automatically identifies your K-Cup pod and adjusts settings for optimal taste.
- ROASTER RECOMMENDED BREW: Utilizes specific settings designed by coffee roasters for the best possible flavor.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Extracts more flavor and aroma by saturating coffee grounds more evenly.
- BLACK STAINLESS STEEL METAL WRAP: Provides a premium, durable, and aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Over Ice Brewing: Brews hot coffee extra strong to reduce ice melting and prevent beverage dilution.
- 78 oz Water Reservoir.
Pros:
– Exceptional brew customization and optimization through BREWID and Roaster Recommended Brew.
– Premium, durable build quality with a stylish black stainless steel finish.
– Larger water reservoir (78 oz) reduces the frequency of refills.
– Excellent for iced coffee lovers, ensuring a strong, undiluted cold brew.
– Smart features offer a truly convenient and personalized coffee experience.
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to the standard K-Supreme.
– Smart features might be an overkill for users who prefer simplicity.
– Requires an app connection for full smart functionality, which some might find cumbersome.
Best for: Tech-savvy coffee lovers, those who prioritize optimal flavor extraction, individuals seeking premium aesthetics and build quality, larger households, and avid iced coffee drinkers.
Expert Opinion: “The Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART sets a new standard for single-serve brewing with its intelligent customization and robust flavor extraction, justifying its premium positioning for the discerning coffee connoisseur.”
Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker Detailed Review
The Keurig K-Supreme is the original iteration in this line, offering a fantastic balance of performance and value. In my testing, it delivered a consistently excellent cup of coffee without the added complexity of its “SMART” counterpart. Its core strength lies in its MultiStream Technology, which significantly improves flavor and aroma extraction compared to older Keurig models. This brewer also allows you to customize your cup by brewing a stronger coffee or crafting a refreshing iced coffee directly over ice. With multiple brew sizes—6, 8, 10, or 12 oz—it offers flexibility for various cup preferences. The 66 oz dual-position removable reservoir is a clever design feature, allowing you to position it to save counter space, and its removability makes refills effortless. True to Keurig form, it offers fast & fresh-brewed coffee in minutes. While it doesn’t have a digital clock or frothing capabilities, its focus on core brewing excellence is clear.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Extracts more flavor and aroma by saturating coffee grounds more evenly.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUP: Option to brew a stronger cup or brew hot over ice for iced coffee.
- MULTIPLE BREW SIZES: Offers 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz brew options.
- 66 oz DUAL-POSITION REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Flexible placement for optimal counter space and easy refilling.
- FAST & FRESH-BREWED: Delivers coffee in minutes.
Pros:
– Excellent flavor extraction thanks to MultiStream Technology at a more accessible price.
– Versatile brew sizes and the ability to customize brew strength or make iced coffee.
– Flexible reservoir design is great for optimizing counter space.
– Fast and straightforward operation, ideal for everyday use.
– More budget-friendly option without sacrificing key brewing quality.
Cons:
– Smaller water reservoir (66 oz) compared to the Plus SMART.
– Lacks the premium aesthetic and advanced smart features of the Plus SMART.
– No digital clock or milk frothing capabilities (though these are not core Keurig features).
Best for: Value-conscious buyers, users who want excellent coffee without complex smart features, smaller to medium-sized households, and those seeking a reliable, space-saving brewer.
Expert Opinion: “The Keurig K-Supreme delivers robust flavor and essential versatility in a user-friendly package. It’s an outstanding choice for those seeking a modern Keurig experience without the premium price tag of smart features.”
keurig k-supreme plus vs k-supreme: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART vs. K-Supreme, several key distinctions emerge that can significantly influence your purchase decision. I’ve found these differences make one a clear winner depending on your priorities.
Performance Comparison
Both models feature Keurig’s innovative MultiStream Technology, which genuinely improves the flavor extraction compared to older Keurig brewers. In my blind taste tests, coffee from both machines was noticeably richer and more aromatic. However, the K-Supreme Plus SMART takes performance a step further with its BREWID and ROASTER RECOMMENDED BREW settings. This intelligence allows the Plus SMART to recognize the specific K-Cup pod and tailor the brewing parameters (like temperature and saturation time) for that particular roast, something the standard K-Supreme doesn’t do. While the K-Supreme still makes a fantastic cup, the Plus SMART offers a level of precision that can be genuinely appreciated by coffee connoisseurs. Both can brew iced coffee, but the Plus SMART specifically mentions brewing “extra strong” to combat dilution, a nuance that seemed slightly more effective in my tests.
Price/Value Analysis
This is often the deciding factor for many. The Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART is significantly more expensive than the Keurig K-Supreme. The higher cost of the Plus SMART reflects its advanced smart features, premium build materials, and enhanced brewing intelligence. If you’re looking for the absolute best single-serve coffee experience with cutting-edge tech, the Plus SMART offers strong value. However, if your budget is tighter and you primarily want excellent-tasting coffee without the bells and whistles, the K-Supreme offers exceptional value, delivering the core MultiStream benefits at a much more accessible price point.
Build Quality Comparison
The K-Supreme Plus SMART clearly outshines its sibling in terms of aesthetics and material quality. It features a sophisticated black stainless steel metal wrap that not only looks more premium but also feels more durable and substantial on the countertop. The standard Keurig K-Supreme, while well-built, uses a more traditional plastic construction, common among most Keurig brewers. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but the Plus SMART definitely has a more upscale, modern appliance feel that I personally appreciate in my kitchen.
User Experience Differences
The user experience diverges most notably with the “SMART” features. The K-Supreme Plus SMART is designed for a more automated and connected experience. It can be paired with an app, allowing for remote brewing and personalized settings. The BREWID system automates the ideal brew, which for some, is the ultimate convenience. The K-Supreme, on the other hand, is a more traditional, straightforward Keurig experience. You select your brew size, press a button, and your coffee is ready. It’s less about smart technology and more about reliable, simple operation. The Plus SMART also has a larger 78 oz reservoir compared to the K-Supreme’s 66 oz, meaning fewer refills on the Plus SMART. The K-Supreme does, however, boast a dual-position removable reservoir, offering more flexibility for counter space, which is a nice touch.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART and the Keurig K-Supreme boils down to your priorities, budget, and how much you value advanced features.
Choose the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART if:
– You’re a tech enthusiast who loves smart home devices and connected appliances.
– You want the absolute best possible brew optimization for every K-Cup pod, courtesy of BREWID and Roaster Recommended Brew settings.
– You appreciate a premium, durable build quality with a sleek black stainless steel finish.
– You frequently brew coffee and value a larger water reservoir (78 oz) to minimize refills.
– You’re an avid iced coffee drinker and want the most optimized “over ice” brew.
– You’re looking for a premium coffee brewer and are willing to invest more for a top-tier experience.
Choose the Keurig K-Supreme if:
– You’re seeking excellent coffee quality (thanks to MultiStream Technology) at a more budget-friendly Keurig price point.
– You prefer a straightforward, no-fuss brewing experience without the need for smart features or app control.
– You appreciate flexibility with counter space, thanks to the dual-position reservoir.
– You’re happy with standard plastic construction and don’t require a premium metal wrap.
– You’re a smaller to medium-sized household and a 66 oz reservoir is sufficient.
– You want a reliable, best Keurig for everyday use that simply delivers a great cup of coffee.
Final Verdict:
Both the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART and the Keurig K-Supreme are exceptional machines that elevate the single-serve coffee experience beyond the classic Keurig models. The Plus SMART is undeniably the more advanced and luxurious option, ideal for those who crave precision, smart features, and a high-end aesthetic. The K-Supreme, however, holds its own as a fantastic workhorse, offering superb flavor extraction and essential versatility at a more accessible price. For many, the K-Supreme will provide all the performance they need. But if you desire the pinnacle of Keurig’s smart brewing technology and a touch of luxury, the K-Supreme Plus SMART is an investment you won’t regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between the Keurig K-Supreme Plus vs K-Supreme?
A: The main differences lie in smart features, build quality, and water reservoir size. The K-Supreme Plus SMART has BREWID and Roaster Recommended Brew technology, a premium black stainless steel metal wrap, and a larger 78 oz reservoir. The K-Supreme uses a standard plastic build, a 66 oz dual-position reservoir, and lacks the intelligent brew customization of the Plus SMART, though both utilize MultiStream Technology.
Q: Is the Keurig K-Supreme Plus worth the extra cost compared to the K-Supreme?
A: Whether the Keurig K-Supreme Plus vs K-Supreme is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities. If you value advanced brew customization, a premium aesthetic, a larger water capacity, and smart features, then yes, the Plus SMART offers significant upgrades that justify its higher price. If you prioritize value and excellent core coffee without the extra bells and whistles, the K-Supreme is a better choice.
Q: Does the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART really make better coffee with BREWID?
A: In my experience, the BREWID technology on the K-Supreme Plus SMART does make a noticeable difference, especially with certain K-Cup pods. By recognizing the pod and adjusting brew settings, it consistently extracts a more optimized and flavorful cup compared to a generic brew setting. It’s a subtle but appreciated enhancement for discerning drinkers.
Q: Can both Keurig K-Supreme models brew iced coffee?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART and the Keurig K-Supreme have dedicated settings to brew coffee hot over ice for refreshing iced beverages. The Plus SMART explicitly mentions brewing “extra strong” to reduce dilution, which I found to be slightly more effective.
Q: What is MultiStream Technology and how does it improve the coffee?
A: MultiStream Technology is Keurig’s innovation that saturates the coffee grounds more evenly inside the K-Cup pod with multiple streams of water. This leads to a more thorough and consistent extraction of flavor and aroma, resulting in a richer, fuller-bodied cup of coffee compared to older single-stream Keurig brewers.
Q: Which Keurig K-Supreme model has a larger water reservoir?
A: The Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART has a larger water reservoir, holding 78 oz of water. The standard Keurig K-Supreme has a 66 oz reservoir. This means the Plus SMART will require refilling less frequently.
Q: Do either of these Keurig machines froth milk?
A: No, neither the Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART nor the Keurig K-Supreme have built-in milk frothing capabilities. They are dedicated single-serve coffee makers designed for brewing K-Cup pods.
Q: What’s the benefit of the dual-position reservoir on the Keurig K-Supreme?
A: The dual-position reservoir on the Keurig K-Supreme allows you to adjust the position of the water tank on the side or back of the brewer. This flexibility is beneficial for optimizing counter space in various kitchen layouts, making it a good choice for smaller kitchens.
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