As someone who’s constantly on the go but can’t live without my morning coffee, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out both the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus. What started as a quest for the perfect space-saving brewer turned into a fascinating comparison of two very similar, yet distinct, machines. This article will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your kitchen or office.
Complete Comparison: keurig k mini vs mini plus
| Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod | Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
 |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
| Key Feature 1: K-Cup Pod Storage | None | Integrated unit stores up to 9 K-Cup pods (fits in brewer) |
| Key Feature 2: Strong Brew Option | No | Yes, brew a stronger, more intense cup |
| Key Feature 3: Water Reservoir Type | One-cup reservoir (fixed) | Removable one-cup reservoir (easy cleaning & filling) |
| Best For | Minimalist users, tight budgets, ultimate space-saving needs | Users desiring enhanced convenience, stronger coffee, and integrated storage |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Runner-up | Winner |
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini is a minimalist marvel designed for those who value simplicity and space efficiency above all else. Its sleek, compact design means it fits anywhere, taking up less than 5 inches wide of counter space, making it perfect for dorms, small apartments, or offices. I found it incredibly easy to use: just add fresh water to the one cup reservoir for each brew, pop in a K-Cup pod, and in minutes you have a hot cup of coffee. It offers flexibility to brew any cup size between 6-12oz, ensuring you get your perfect amount every time. Plus, the clever cord storage makes for easy transport and tidy countertops. While it doesn’t boast advanced features like temperature control or a digital screen, its straightforward operation is a huge win for daily convenience.
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.
Pros:
– Ultra-compact and lightweight, ideal for small spaces.
– Very affordable entry-level Keurig.
– Simple, intuitive one-button operation.
– Quick brewing process.
– Excellent for single users who brew one cup at a time.
Cons:
– Requires refilling water for every cup.
– No “Strong Brew” option for more intense coffee.
– Lacks advanced features like a removable reservoir for easy cleaning or pod storage.
Best for: The minimalist, the budget-conscious, students, office workers, or anyone with extremely limited counter space who prioritizes basic, fast coffee over advanced features.
Expert Opinion: The K-Mini delivers on its promise of simple, space-saving brewing without any frills, making it a reliable choice for essential daily coffee.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Stepping up slightly, the Keurig K-Mini Plus takes the excellent foundation of the K-Mini and adds a few quality-of-life enhancements that I truly appreciated during my testing. Like its sibling, it’s incredibly compact, also less than 5 inches wide, ensuring it fits anywhere without dominating your countertop. The biggest upgrade for me was the removable one cup reservoir, which made refilling and cleaning significantly easier than the standard K-Mini. What really sets the Plus apart for coffee aficionados is the STRONG BREW button, allowing you to brew a more intense cup – a feature I found invaluable when I needed an extra kick. It still offers your perfect amount, brewing any cup size between 6-12oz. An unexpected but welcome addition is the included pod storage unit that fits in your brewer and can hold up to 9 K-Cup pods, keeping your counter even tidier and pods readily accessible.
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.
Pros:
– Includes a “Strong Brew” option for bolder coffee.
– Removable water reservoir for easier filling and cleaning.
– Built-in K-Cup pod storage for up to 9 pods.
– Maintains the ultra-compact footprint of the K-Mini.
– Travel mug friendly.
Cons:
– Slightly higher price point than the standard K-Mini.
– Still a single-serve reservoir, meaning you add water for each cup.
– No advanced temperature settings or digital clock.
Best for: The user who wants the compact size of the K-Mini but desires a more intense brew, easier cleaning, and convenient pod storage, and is willing to pay a little extra for these upgrades.
Expert Opinion: The K-Mini Plus thoughtfully addresses common user desires with its strong brew option and removable reservoir, making it a more versatile compact brewer without sacrificing space.
keurig k mini vs mini plus: Key Differences That Matter
When comparing the keurig k mini vs mini plus, the devil is truly in the details. While they share the same core ultra-compact design, the “Plus” in the K-Mini Plus signifies several key enhancements that can significantly impact your daily coffee routine.
Performance Comparison:
The most significant performance difference lies in the “Strong Brew” option found on the K-Mini Plus. In my testing, this feature genuinely delivered a noticeably bolder and more intense cup of coffee, which is a game-changer if you prefer a stronger taste or are brewing a larger cup. The standard K-Mini brews at a single intensity setting, which might be perfectly adequate for many, but lacks that extra punch. Both brew quickly and efficiently, delivering hot coffee in minutes.
Price/Value Analysis:
Typically, the K-Mini Plus comes at a slightly higher price point than the standard K-Mini. From a pure value perspective, the K-Mini Plus offers a compelling argument for the extra cost. You’re paying for the “Strong Brew” option, the removable water reservoir, and the integrated K-Cup pod storage. If these features are important to you, the marginal increase in price is often justified by the added convenience and enhanced brewing experience. If you only need the absolute basics, the K-Mini provides excellent value.
Build Quality Comparison:
Both machines share a very similar plastic construction and overall aesthetic. They both feel sturdy enough for their intended use as compact, personal brewers. The main difference in build quality that impacts user experience is the removable reservoir on the K-Mini Plus. This makes it feel a bit more robust and user-friendly for cleaning compared to the fixed reservoir of the K-Mini, where you’re pouring water directly into an opening.
User Experience Differences:
This is where the keurig k mini vs mini plus really diverges for daily use.
– Water Filling & Cleaning: The removable water reservoir on the K-Mini Plus is a huge convenience. It’s much easier to take it to the sink, fill it precisely, and clean it regularly. With the standard K-Mini, you’re pouring water directly into the machine, which can be trickier and messier, and cleaning the interior is more challenging.
– Coffee Strength: The “Strong Brew” button on the K-Mini Plus genuinely improves the customization of your coffee, allowing you to tailor your drink to your preference or the specific pod. The K-Mini offers a consistent, but singular, brewing intensity.
– Countertop Clutter: The integrated K-Cup pod storage in the K-Mini Plus is a small but mighty addition. It keeps your pods neatly organized and out of sight, contributing to a cleaner, more organized counter space compared to having a separate pod holder (or loose pods) next to your K-Mini.
Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus ultimately comes down to your personal priorities, budget, and desired features for a compact coffee maker.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini if:
– You are on a tight budget and want the most affordable Keurig single-serve experience.
– You have extremely limited counter space and want the absolute smallest footprint.
– You prioritize ultimate simplicity and don’t need a “Strong Brew” option or advanced features.
– You brew coffee infrequently or are comfortable pouring water directly into the machine for each cup.
– You’re looking for a reliable, no-frills dorm room coffee maker or an extra brewer for a guest room.
Choose the Keurig K-Mini Plus if:
– You appreciate a bolder, more intense cup of coffee and will utilize the Strong Brew option.
– You want easier maintenance and cleaning, thanks to the removable water reservoir.
– You value organization and wish to keep your K-Cup pods neatly stored within the machine using the integrated pod storage.
– You don’t mind spending a little extra for these significant quality-of-life upgrades.
– You’re looking for the best compact Keurig for daily home use that offers a bit more versatility.
Final Verdict: Both models excel at delivering a quick, single-serve coffee from a super-compact footprint. The standard K-Mini is an excellent entry-level option for absolute basics and tight budgets. However, if the extra cost isn’t a deal-breaker, the Keurig K-Mini Plus provides a more polished and versatile user experience with its “Strong Brew” setting, removable reservoir, and pod storage, making it the superior choice for most users seeking a compact Keurig coffee maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between keurig k mini vs mini plus?
A: The main differences are that the K-Mini Plus features a “Strong Brew” option for a bolder cup, a removable water reservoir for easier filling and cleaning, and integrated K-Cup pod storage for up to 9 pods. The standard K-Mini does not have these features.
Q: Is the keurig k mini vs mini plus worth the extra cost?
A: For most users, yes, the K-Mini Plus is worth the extra cost. The added convenience of the “Strong Brew” option, removable reservoir, and pod storage significantly enhance the user experience for a relatively small price increase.
Q: Can I use reusable K-Cup filters with both models?
A: Yes, both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are compatible with most universal reusable K-Cup filters, allowing you to brew your own ground coffee.
Q: Are both K-Mini models travel mug friendly?
A: Yes, both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are designed to be travel mug friendly. The drip tray is removable, allowing taller travel mugs to fit easily.
Q: How often do I need to clean the Keurig K-Mini or K-Mini Plus?
A: Keurig recommends descaling your brewer every 3-6 months, depending on your water hardness. Regular cleaning of the exterior and drip tray is also advised, especially more frequently for the K-Mini’s non-removable reservoir.
Q: Do these brewers keep water hot in a reservoir?
A: No, neither the Keurig K-Mini nor the K-Mini Plus keep water hot in a reservoir. You add fresh water for each brew, and it heats on demand, contributing to their compact size and energy efficiency.
Q: What is the benefit of the “Strong Brew” option on the K-Mini Plus?
A: The “Strong Brew” option on the K-Mini Plus allows for a slower brewing process, extracting more flavor from the coffee grounds. This results in a bolder, more intense, and less watered-down cup of coffee, especially beneficial for larger brew sizes or dark roasts.
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