Having personally tested both the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus in various small spaces, I’ve developed a pretty good understanding of their nuances. This article dives deep into these two popular single-serve brewers, helping you decide which ultra-compact option is the perfect fit for your countertop, dorm room, or office. Let’s break down what makes each machine tick and which one ultimately deserves a spot in your daily routine.
Complete Comparison: keurig k cup mini vs mini plus
| Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod | Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
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| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Ultra-Compact Width | Less than 5 inches | 4 inches |
| Max Travel Mug Height | 7.0 inches | 7.25 inches |
| Cord Storage | Yes | Not mentioned |
| Brew Size Options | 6-12oz | Up to 12 oz |
| Reservoir Type | One-cup (add fresh water for each brew) | Single-cup convenience (one-cup implied) |
| Energy Saving Feature | Auto-off after 90 seconds | Not mentioned |
| Reusable Filter Compatibility | Yes (My K-Cup Universal, sold separately) | Not mentioned |
| Design & Color Options | Standard Black | Sleek, modern, festive color options (e.g., Glamping Green) |
| Best For | General small spaces, everyday use, tidy countertops | Holiday gifting, specific seasonal decor, ultra-compact needs, travel |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini is the quintessential minimalist coffee maker, designed for those who value simplicity and space-saving above all else. When I first unboxed it, I was genuinely surprised by how slim it was – at less than 5 inches wide, it truly does fit almost anywhere. This brewer embraces a one-cup reservoir philosophy, meaning you add fresh water for each brew, ensuring your coffee is always made with water that hasn’t been sitting around. It’s incredibly straightforward: pop in a K-Cup, add water, press the button, and in minutes, you have a hot cup of coffee. I appreciate the integrated cord storage, which keeps things tidy, especially in cramped quarters.
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Key Features:
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces.
- YOUR PERFECT AMOUNT: Brew any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods.
- ONE CUP RESERVOIR: Just add fresh water for each brew.
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Coffee made in minutes.
- CORD STORAGE: For easy transport and tidy countertops.
- Filter type: Reusable (with separate accessory).
- Temperature Control: No.
- Froths Milk: No.
- Display Screen: No.
- Digital Clock: No.
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Pros:
- Extremely compact footprint, ideal for very small kitchens or dorms.
- Simple, one-button operation is incredibly user-friendly.
- Affordable entry point into the Keurig ecosystem.
- Cord storage is a nice touch for decluttering.
- Brews quickly, providing a fresh cup on demand.
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Cons:
- Requires refilling water for every cup, which can be a minor inconvenience.
- Lacks advanced features like a strong brew option or larger reservoir.
- No removable drip tray can make cleaning a bit more awkward if there are spills.
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Best for: Individuals seeking the absolute smallest and most basic Keurig, budget-conscious buyers, or those with very limited counter space (e.g., dorms, RVs, small offices).
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Expert Opinion: The K-Mini is Keurig’s answer to ultimate portability and minimalism. It delivers on its promise of a quick, space-saving brew without any frills, making it a solid choice for the essentials.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker
Stepping up slightly from its sibling, the Keurig K-Mini Plus (sometimes referred to as the K-Mini Mate, though the Plus is the more common designation for this model with extra features) offers a few key upgrades that enhance the user experience without sacrificing its ultra-compact nature. It maintains that desirable ultra-compact 4” width, fitting neatly into small spaces. What truly sets it apart for me is the removable one-cup reservoir, which, while still single-serve, feels more refined for refills and cleaning. The strong brew button is a game-changer for those mornings when you need an extra kick, and the premium metallic finishes available really elevate its aesthetic. I also appreciated the pod storage bin, a small but impactful feature for keeping K-Cups organized right on the machine.
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Key Features:
- 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.
- Removable One-Cup Reservoir for easy filling and cleaning.
- Strong Brew button for a bolder cup.
- K-Cup pod storage bin for up to 9 pods.
- Premium metallic finishes.
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Pros:
- Strong Brew option provides a more intense coffee flavor.
- Removable water reservoir makes refilling and cleaning significantly easier.
- Integrated pod storage is a thoughtful addition for organization.
- Available in a wider range of stylish colors and finishes.
- Retains the slim, space-saving design.
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning and accommodates taller travel mugs.
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Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than the basic K-Mini.
- Still a single-cup reservoir, so not ideal for multiple consecutive brews.
- Doesn’t offer advanced features like temperature control or iced coffee.
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Best for: Those who need a compact Keurig but desire a few extra convenience features like stronger coffee, easier cleaning, and integrated storage, or who appreciate more aesthetic options.
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Expert Opinion: The K-Mini Plus takes the excellent foundation of the K-Mini and adds crucial quality-of-life improvements that justify its slightly higher price, especially for daily users who value convenience and a stronger brew.
keurig k cup mini vs mini plus: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the keurig k cup mini vs mini plus, it’s clear they share a lineage of compactness but diverge significantly in user experience.
Performance Comparison
Both machines brew a 6-12oz cup in about the same amount of time – a matter of minutes, which is perfectly fast for a single serving. The key performance difference lies in the strong brew option of the K-Mini Plus. In my testing, this feature genuinely delivers a noticeably bolder cup of coffee by slowing down the brewing process to allow for greater extraction. If you prefer a more robust flavor, this is a clear advantage for the K-Mini Plus. The regular K-Mini, while perfectly capable of brewing a good cup, doesn’t offer this customization.
Price/Value Analysis
The K-Mini is typically the more affordable of the two. It’s designed to be an entry-level Keurig, providing the core functionality at the lowest possible price. The K-Mini Plus, on the other hand, usually commands a slightly higher price. Is it worth the extra cost? In my opinion, yes. The added features like the strong brew, removable reservoir, and pod storage significantly enhance the daily user experience, offering better long-term value for a relatively small price increase. If budget is your absolute top priority and you don’t need those extras, the K-Mini offers excellent value.
Build Quality Comparison
Both machines share a similar overall plastic construction, maintaining their lightweight and compact nature. However, the K-Mini Plus often comes with more premium metallic finishes on its front panel, giving it a slightly more upscale look and feel compared to the all-plastic K-Mini. The K-Mini Plus also features a removable drip tray, which feels more substantial and makes cleaning spills a breeze, unlike the fixed tray on the standard K-Mini. The K-Mini Plus feels like a more refined version, even if the core components are similar.
User Experience Differences
This is where the keurig k cup mini vs mini plus comparison truly highlights the upgrades.
– Water Reservoir: The K-Mini requires you to pour water directly into an internal reservoir for each brew. The K-Mini Plus has a removable 1-cup reservoir, making it much easier to fill at the sink and clean. This alone is a huge convenience factor for daily use.
– Cord Storage: Both models feature cord storage, which is great for keeping countertops tidy and for portability.
– Pod Storage: The K-Mini Plus includes a handy 9-pod storage bin that slides into the machine, keeping your favorite K-Cups organized and within reach. The K-Mini lacks this, requiring you to store pods separately.
– Strong Brew: As mentioned, the K-Mini Plus’s strong brew button offers taste customization, which the K-Mini does not.
– Drip Tray: The K-Mini Plus has a removable drip tray, which not only simplifies cleaning but also accommodates taller travel mugs more easily.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus boils down to your priorities regarding budget, convenience, and features.
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Choose the Keurig K-Mini if:
- You’re on a strict budget and want the most affordable Keurig single serve coffee maker.
- You have extremely limited counter space and need the absolute slimmest option.
- You prefer maximum simplicity and don’t need extra features like a strong brew or integrated storage.
- You only brew occasionally and don’t mind refilling water for each cup.
- Perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or guest rooms where space and cost are paramount for a compact keurig brewer.
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Choose the Keurig K-Mini Plus if:
- You’re willing to pay a little extra for significant convenience upgrades.
- You desire a stronger, more robust cup of coffee.
- You appreciate the ease of a removable water reservoir for filling and cleaning.
- You want integrated storage for your K-Cup pods, keeping things tidy.
- You prefer a more premium aesthetic with metallic finishes.
- Ideal for small kitchens, home offices, or anyone seeking an upgraded experience in a small footprint, offering a better mini keurig experience.
Final Verdict: Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus excel at providing single-serve coffee in a compact form factor. In my experience, if your budget allows for it, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is generally the better choice due to its thoughtful quality-of-life enhancements – the removable reservoir, strong brew option, and pod storage truly make a difference in daily use. However, if space is at an absolute premium and every dollar counts, the basic K-Mini remains an excellent, no-frills option to get your daily brew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between keurig k cup mini vs mini plus?
A: The main differences between the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are the K-Mini Plus’s removable water reservoir, strong brew option, integrated K-Cup pod storage, and more premium finishes. The K-Mini is more basic and lacks these features.
Q: Is the K-Mini Plus worth the extra cost over the K-Mini?
A: In my experience, yes. The K-Mini Plus offers valuable convenience features like a removable water reservoir for easier filling/cleaning and a strong brew option, which often justify the slightly higher price for regular users.
Q: Can I use reusable K-Cup pods with both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus?
A: Yes, both models are compatible with most universal reusable K-Cup coffee filters, allowing you to brew your own ground coffee.
Q: Do either of these mini Keurig models have a water filter?
A: No, neither the Keurig K-Mini nor the K-Mini Plus comes with an integrated water filter. It’s recommended to use filtered water for the best taste and to prevent mineral buildup.
Q: Which model is better for travel or taking on the go?
A: Both are excellent for travel due to their compact size and cord storage. However, the K-Mini Plus might have a slight edge with its removable drip tray, which can accommodate taller travel mugs more easily.
Q: Does the keurig k cup mini vs mini plus brew at different temperatures?
A: Keurig typically brews at a consistent temperature around 192°F (89°C) for optimal extraction. Neither model offers adjustable temperature control. The “strong brew” on the K-Mini Plus affects extraction time, not brew temperature.
Q: How much counter space do these brewers actually save?
A: Both models are less than 5 inches wide, making them incredibly space-efficient. They are designed to fit into narrow spaces where traditional coffee makers wouldn’t, perfect for small apartments or offices.
Q: Can the K-Mini Plus brew a larger cup than the K-Mini?
A: Both models brew any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods, so there’s no difference in the maximum brew volume.
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