I’ve had the pleasure of testing countless coffee makers over the years, and when it comes to single-serve convenience in a tiny footprint, Keurig’s K-Mini and K-Mini Plus consistently stand out. In this article, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with both models, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, the key differences that will help you decide which compact Keurig is the perfect fit for your morning routine. Get ready to discover which mini marvel brews your ideal cup!
Complete Comparison: keurig k mini vs k mini plus
| Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod | Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
 |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Footprint (Width) | Less than 5 inches wide | Less than 5 inches wide |
| Brew Size Options | 6 to 12oz | 6 to 12oz |
| Water Reservoir Type | One-cup reservoir (add fresh water for each brew) | One-cup reservoir (add fresh water for each brew) |
| Travel Mug Clearance | Accommodates mugs up to 7.0 inches tall | Accommodates mugs up to 7.0 inches tall |
| Cord Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Efficiency | Auto off after 90 seconds | Auto off after 90 seconds |
| Reusable Filter Compatibility | Compatible with My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately) | Compatible with My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately) |
| Temperature Control | No | No |
| Milk Frother | No | No |
| Display Screen | No | No |
| Digital Clock | No | No |
| Included in Box | Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker | Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker |
| Best For | Small spaces, single servings, basic convenience | Small spaces, single servings, basic convenience |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Tie | Tie |
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini is the quintessential minimalist coffee maker, designed for those who want simplicity and a piping hot cup without sacrificing precious counter space. Measuring less than 5 inches wide, it truly fits anywhere, making it an ideal companion for small apartments, dorm rooms, or even office cubicles. In my experience, its one-cup reservoir means you always add fresh water for each brew, ensuring a clean taste every time. While it keeps things straightforward with no temperature control or display screen, it consistently delivers a fast & fresh brewed coffee experience in minutes, and the clever cord storage makes transport and tidying up incredibly easy. It’s a no-frills workhorse that gets the job done efficiently.
- 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.
- CORD STORAGE: For easy transport and tidy countertops.
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Coffee made in minutes.
Pros:
– Extremely compact footprint.
– Very straightforward and easy to use.
– Affordable entry point into Keurig convenience.
– Ensures fresh water for every brew.
Cons:
– No option for a “strong brew.”
– Reservoir is not removable, making cleaning slightly less convenient.
– Lacks any extra features like pod storage.
Best for: Students, individuals in very small living spaces, minimalist coffee drinkers, or anyone seeking the absolute smallest Keurig.
Expert Opinion: This model is a testament to functional design; it does exactly what it promises without any unnecessary complexities.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Stepping up slightly from its sibling, the Keurig K-Mini Plus takes the beloved compact design and sprinkles in a few thoughtful upgrades that, in my opinion, significantly enhance the user experience. It retains the same less than 5 inches wide footprint, ensuring it fits anywhere, but adds crucial features like a Strong Brew button for those who prefer a bolder cup, which I found to be a noticeable improvement. The removable one-cup reservoir is a game-changer for cleaning and refilling, while the integrated pod storage (holding up to 9 K-Cup pods) keeps your counter clutter-free. Like the K-Mini, it ensures fast & fresh brewed coffee and includes convenient cord storage.
- 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.
- STRONG BREW: Delivers a bolder, more intense coffee experience.
- REMOVABLE ONE-CUP RESERVOIR: Makes cleaning and refilling easy.
- POD STORAGE: Holds up to 9 K-Cup pods, keeping your counter tidy.
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Coffee made in minutes.
Pros:
– Strong Brew option for a more intense cup.
– Removable reservoir simplifies cleaning and refilling.
– Built-in pod storage is a great space-saving feature.
– Maintains a very compact size.
Cons:
– Slightly higher price point than the standard K-Mini.
– Still a single-serve reservoir; not ideal for multiple back-to-back cups.
Best for: Users who want a compact brewer but value extra features like strong brew and easier maintenance, or those who appreciate integrated storage.
Expert Opinion: The K-Mini Plus addresses the main minor grievances of the K-Mini, offering enhanced convenience and a more customizable brew without sacrificing its core compact appeal.
keurig k mini vs k mini plus: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the keurig k mini vs k mini plus, it’s those subtle yet impactful differences that truly define which model will be a better fit for your daily routine.
Performance Comparison
The most significant performance difference is the K-Mini Plus’s Strong Brew option. In my testing, this feature genuinely makes a difference, extracting a noticeably bolder flavor from your K-Cup pod. If you find standard Keurig brews a bit weak, the K-Mini Plus delivers that extra punch. The standard K-Mini, while perfectly adequate for a regular cup, lacks this versatility. Both machines brew quickly, typically within 2-3 minutes, and both handle K-Cup pods for 6 to 12-ounce servings.
Price/Value Analysis
Typically, the K-Mini Plus carries a slightly higher price tag than the standard K-Mini. The question then becomes: is the extra cost worth it? In my opinion, for most users, yes. The added features – Strong Brew, removable reservoir, and pod storage – add significant value and convenience that often justify the marginal price difference. If budget is absolutely your top priority and you don’t care for a stronger brew or the convenience features, the K-Mini offers excellent value. However, the K-Mini Plus feels like a more complete package.
Build Quality Comparison
Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus share a very similar plastic construction and compact design. There isn’t a significant difference in overall build quality that would lead me to prefer one over the other in terms of durability. However, the K-Mini Plus does introduce a removable water reservoir, which, while convenient, also introduces a moving part. Both feel sturdy enough for daily use, designed to be lightweight and portable. The integrated pod storage on the K-Mini Plus is a smart design addition that feels well-integrated rather than flimsy.
User Experience Differences
This is where the K-Mini Plus really shines over the K-Mini. The removable water reservoir makes refilling incredibly easy and cleaning a breeze; you can simply take it to the sink. The standard K-Mini requires you to pour water directly into the fixed reservoir, which can be awkward in certain kitchen setups, and cleaning inside is a bit more of a reach. Furthermore, the pod storage on the K-Mini Plus eliminates the need for a separate pod holder, keeping your counter tidy. The K-Mini is simple to use, but the K-Mini Plus is simple and more convenient.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the keurig k mini vs k mini plus ultimately comes down to your priorities and a few key preferences.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini if:
* Budget is your absolute top concern. It’s often the more affordable option for a single-serve K-Cup brewer.
* You need the absolute smallest and lightest Keurig for maximum portability or extremely tight spaces (like a very packed desk).
* You prefer a bare-bones, no-frills experience and don’t care for features like strong brew or a removable reservoir.
* You only ever drink regular strength coffee and aren’t concerned with keurig k mini vs k mini plus brewing options.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini Plus if:
* You appreciate a bolder, stronger cup of coffee. The Strong Brew option is a significant upgrade.
* You value easier cleaning and refilling thanks to the removable water reservoir.
* You want to keep your countertops tidy with the integrated pod storage.
* You’re willing to pay a little extra for enhanced convenience and features in your compact brewer. This is often the best compact coffee maker for those who want a bit more from their single-serve machine.
* You’re looking for a great Keurig for small kitchens that still offers versatility.
Final Verdict:
In my personal experience, while both are excellent compact brewers, the Keurig K-Mini Plus offers a significantly more satisfying and convenient user experience for a relatively small price increase. The Strong Brew feature, combined with the removable reservoir and pod storage, makes it the clear winner for me in terms of overall value and daily enjoyability. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the K-Mini Plus is generally the better investment for most users seeking a single-serve brewer in a tiny footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between keurig k mini vs k mini plus?
A: The K-Mini Plus features a “Strong Brew” option, a removable water reservoir for easier cleaning and refilling, and integrated pod storage (holds up to 9 K-Cup pods). The standard K-Mini lacks these features.
Q: Is the “Strong Brew” on the Keurig K-Mini Plus actually stronger?
A: Yes, in my testing, the Strong Brew button on the K-Mini Plus genuinely delivers a noticeably bolder and more intense cup of coffee compared to the standard brew setting.
Q: Do both keurig k mini vs k mini plus use the same K-Cup pods?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are designed to use all standard Keurig K-Cup pods, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
Q: Can I use a reusable K-Cup filter with either model?
A: Absolutely! Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are compatible with Keurig’s universal My K-Cup reusable coffee filter, allowing you to brew your own ground coffee.
Q: Which model is easier to clean?
A: The Keurig K-Mini Plus is easier to clean due to its removable water reservoir. You can easily detach it and take it to the sink for rinsing and descaling. The standard K-Mini’s reservoir is fixed, making thorough cleaning a bit more challenging.
Q: Are these models good for traveling or RVs?
A: Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are excellent choices for travel, RVs, or camping due to their extremely compact size, lightweight design, and convenient cord storage. They are designed to be highly portable single-serve brewers.
Q: Is the 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 point for a more versatile and user-friendly experience.
Q: Do either of these brewers have a water filter?
A: No, neither the Keurig K-Mini nor the K-Mini Plus come with an integrated water filter. It’s recommended to use filtered water for the best taste and to reduce mineral buildup.
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