I’ve personally had the chance to brew countless cups with both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Keurig K-Mini, and while they might look strikingly similar at first glance, there are some crucial differences under the hood that significantly impact the user experience. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know, sharing my first-hand experience to help you pick the perfect compact Keurig brewer for your needs.
Complete Comparison: keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini
| Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup | Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
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| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Mid-Range | Budget |
| Integrated Pod Storage | Holds 9 K-Cup pods, fits in brewer for portability and counter space. | Not included. |
| Explicit Energy Saving Feature | Not explicitly mentioned in features. | Auto off feature turns off after 90 seconds. |
| Strong Brew Option | Brew a stronger, more intense cup. | Standard brew only. |
| Water Reservoir Design | Removable one-cup reservoir for easy cleaning and filling. | One-cup reservoir (not explicitly stated as removable for cleaning). |
| Compact Footprint | Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces. | Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces. |
| Brew Sizes | 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods. | 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods. |
| Cord Storage | For easy transport and tidy countertops. | For easy transport and tidy countertops. |
| Travel Mug Friendly | Removable drip tray accommodates mugs up to 7.0 inches tall. | Removable drip tray accommodates mugs up to 7.0 inches tall. |
| Reusable Filter Compatibility | Filter type: Reusable (implied for K-Cup pods). | Compatible with My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately). |
| Best For | Users seeking enhanced convenience and brew customization in a compact design. | Users seeking the most essential, space-saving, and straightforward single-serve coffee experience. |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Winner | Runner-up |
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker Review
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is often seen as the premium sibling in the K-Mini line, offering enhanced features while maintaining its signature compact footprint. In my experience, this model is designed for those who appreciate convenience and a touch more functionality in their minimalist coffee setup. It boasts a removable one-cup reservoir for easy filling and cleaning, a feature I truly appreciate for daily use. Less than 5 inches wide, its fits anywhere design is genuinely impressive, making it ideal for the smallest countertops or even taking on a road trip. Plus, the integrated pod storage unit that fits in your brewer and can hold up to 9 K-Cup pods is a game-changer for tidiness and quick access. You can also brew any cup size between 6-12oz, ensuring your perfect amount every time, and activate a strong brew setting for a more intense cup, which I found noticeably richer.
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Key Features:
- 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.
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Pros:
- Integrated pod storage is incredibly convenient and keeps countertops clutter-free.
- “Strong Brew” option genuinely delivers a bolder cup of coffee.
- Removable water reservoir makes refilling and cleaning a breeze.
- Sleek, premium matte finish adds to its aesthetic appeal.
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Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than the standard K-Mini.
- Still a single-serve reservoir, meaning you add water for each cup.
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Best for: Individuals who value tidiness, desire a stronger brew option, and appreciate the convenience of a removable water reservoir, even in a compact form factor.
Expert Opinion: The K-Mini Plus takes the excellent foundation of the K-Mini and elevates it with practical additions like pod storage and a strong brew option, making it a highly desirable choice for discerning compact coffee lovers.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker Review
The Keurig K-Mini is the quintessential minimalist coffee maker, embodying simplicity and space-saving design above all else. In my testing, this machine proved to be incredibly straightforward – just add water, pop in a pod, and brew. Its claim of fits anywhere is absolutely true, measuring less than 5 inches wide, it can truly squeeze into the tightest spots. Like its Plus counterpart, it allows you to brew your perfect amount between 6-12oz. The one cup reservoir means you add fresh water for each brew, keeping every cup as fresh as possible. What I particularly liked for its travel potential or just cleaner counters is the cord storage feature, allowing the power cord to be neatly tucked away when not in use or for easy transport. It’s a no-frills, get-it-done kind of machine that doesn’t compromise on the quality of your brew.
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Key Features:
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces.
- Filter type: Reusable (with optional Keurig Universal My K-Cup).
- 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.
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Pros:
- Extremely compact and lightweight, perfect for travel or tiny spaces.
- More affordable price point.
- Cord storage feature is great for portability and neatness.
- Simple operation makes it very user-friendly.
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Cons:
- No “Strong Brew” option.
- Water reservoir is not removable, making cleaning and refilling slightly less convenient.
- No integrated pod storage.
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Best for: The minimalist, the budget-conscious, travelers, or anyone needing a simple, ultra-compact coffee solution without extra bells and whistles.
Expert Opinion: The K-Mini excels in its core mission: delivering a quick, fresh cup of coffee in the smallest possible footprint, making it a fantastic entry-level or secondary brewer.
keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini, it’s the subtle yet impactful differences that truly matter for daily use. While both are incredibly compact and brew great coffee, their feature sets cater to slightly different user preferences.
Performance Comparison
In terms of raw brewing performance, both machines deliver a hot cup of coffee in about the same time. However, the K-Mini Plus has a distinct advantage with its Strong Brew button. In my tests, this feature genuinely made a noticeable difference, producing a bolder, more intense flavor profile that I personally preferred for darker roasts. The K-Mini, while still brewing a perfectly good cup, only has one standard brew strength. Both handle K-Cup pods flawlessly and brew between 6-12oz.
Price/Value Analysis
Typically, the Keurig K-Mini Plus comes with a slightly higher price tag than the standard Keurig K-Mini. From a value perspective, if the strong brew option, the removable water reservoir, and especially the integrated pod storage are important to you, I’d argue the K-Mini Plus offers excellent value for the modest price difference. For those on a tighter budget or who truly only need the absolute basics, the K-Mini provides exceptional value by delivering a solid Keurig experience at its most affordable price point.
Build Quality Comparison
Both models share a similar build philosophy, being primarily plastic and very lightweight. However, the K-Mini Plus often comes with a more premium-feeling matte finish and generally feels a bit more robust in hand. The removable reservoir on the Plus also feels well-engineered. The K-Mini is equally durable for its intended purpose, but its fixed reservoir and simpler design might feel a tad more utilitarian. Both are well-built for their price range, but the Plus definitely has an edge in perceived quality and finish.
User Experience Differences
This is where the keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini comparison truly shines.
– Water Filling & Cleaning: The removable reservoir on the K-Mini Plus is a huge convenience. It’s much easier to fill at the sink and clean thoroughly. With the K-Mini, you pour water directly into a non-removable chamber for each brew, which can be a bit more awkward.
– Pod Storage: The K-Mini Plus’s integrated pod storage is a game-changer for keeping your coffee station tidy and your favorite pods within arm’s reach. The K-Mini requires separate storage for your pods.
– Brew Strength: If you love a bold cup, the K-Mini Plus’s Strong Brew option is a significant user experience upgrade. The K-Mini only offers standard strength.
– Portability: While both are highly portable, the K-Mini’s cord storage gives it a slight edge for packing away neatly for travel. The Plus’s cord also stores, but less elegantly around the back.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Keurig K-Mini Plus vs Keurig K-Mini boils down to your priorities and budget.
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Choose the Keurig K-Mini Plus if:
- You prioritize convenience and a clutter-free counter. The integrated pod storage is fantastic.
- You enjoy a stronger, more intense cup of coffee and want the Strong Brew option.
- You appreciate the ease of cleaning and refilling a removable water reservoir.
- You don’t mind spending a little extra for these premium compact features. This is an ideal choice for the everyday user who wants a bit more from their minimalist brewer.
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Choose the Keurig K-Mini if:
- You’re on a tighter budget and want the most affordable Keurig experience.
- Absolute minimalism and compactness are your top priorities.
- You need a simple, no-frills brewer for a dorm room, small office, or occasional travel.
- You don’t mind adding water directly for each brew and prefer standard strength coffee. It’s perfect for the ultimate minimalist or the budget-conscious student.
Final Verdict: In my experience, for most users looking for a compact Keurig, the K-Mini Plus offers a superior overall user experience due to its enhanced features, particularly the strong brew option and pod storage. However, if space is your absolute number one concern and budget is tight, the K-Mini remains an excellent, highly functional choice that delivers perfectly brewed coffee without any fuss. Both are fantastic in their own right, but the “Plus” often justifies its name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini?
A: The main differences are that the Keurig K-Mini Plus includes a “Strong Brew” button, a removable water reservoir, and integrated K-Cup pod storage, none of which are present on the standard Keurig K-Mini.
Q: Is the Keurig K-Mini Plus worth the extra cost over the K-Mini?
A: In my opinion, yes, for most users. The added convenience of the strong brew option, removable reservoir, and pod storage typically justifies the slightly higher price for a better daily user experience, especially if you regularly brew coffee.
Q: Can I use reusable K-Cup filters with both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Keurig K-Mini?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Keurig K-Mini are compatible with universal reusable K-Cup filters, allowing you to brew your own ground coffee.
Q: Do both models offer the same brew sizes?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Keurig K-Mini allow you to brew any cup size between 6 and 12 ounces.
Q: Which one is better for travel, the keurig k mini plus vs keurig k mini?
A: While both are excellent for travel due to their compact size, the Keurig K-Mini might have a slight edge for maximum portability due to its integrated cord storage which allows for an even tidier pack-up. However, the K-Mini Plus’s pod storage is also a plus for travel convenience.
Q: Does the K-Mini Plus brew coffee faster than the K-Mini?
A: No, both models brew a cup of coffee in approximately the same amount of time, usually within a couple of minutes from turning on to finishing the brew cycle.
Q: Which model is easier to clean?
A: The Keurig K-Mini Plus is generally easier to clean due to its removable water reservoir, which can be easily detached, rinsed, and refilled at the sink. The K-Mini’s reservoir is fixed.
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