Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus

This is our comparison of the Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus coffee makers.

The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are two of Keurig’s simplest compact coffee makers, perfect for small spaces and travel. At first glance, they may appear very similar. They have almost identical form factors, design and features.

After several hours of meticulous research and testing, we’ve managed to create this comprehensive comparison guide for you to understand the key differences between them.

We consider the K-Mini Plus to be the most convenient model, but why?

Let’s find out.

Overview: Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus

This comparison guide between the K-Mini Plus vs K-Mini is pretty long, that’s why we’ve decided to provide you with a quick summary before diving into the whole comparison.

The major differences between them can be summarized in three bullet points. 

The K-Mini Plus comes with:

• A strong brew mode
• A removable water reservoir
• A dedicated pod storage

Meanwhile, the K-Mini is just more affordable.

Is it worth it to spend a little more on the K-Mini Plus?

Well, the first thing to consider is that these machines were designed to be carried around constantly.

With this in mind, we feel that the additional features of the K-Mini Plus add a lot of value in fulfilling this purpose.

With these extra features, you don’t have to carry your pods in an extra bag and you can easily add extra intensity to your coffee.

Introductory video of the Keurig K-Mini:

Introductory video of the Keurig K-Mini Plus:

Comparison Table

Specifications	Keurig K-Mini	Keurig K-Mini Plus
Brew Sizes	6oz to 12oz	6oz to 12oz
Water Tank Capacity	12oz	12oz
Removable Water Reservoir	❌	✔️
Charcoal Filter Compatibility	❌	❌
Product Dimensions	12.1″ (16.8″ when open) H x 4.5″ W x 11.3″ D	12.1″ (16.8″ when open) H x 4.5″ W x 11.3″ D
Weight	4.6lbs	4.6lbs
Colors	Black, Dusty Rose, Evergreen, Oasis, Poppy Red, Studio Gray	Cardinal Red, Cool Aqua, Evening Teal, Matte Black, Misty Green, Studio Gray, White
Strength Controls	❌	✔️
Auto-Off	✔️	✔️
Hot Water On Demand	✔️	✔️
Pod Storage	❌	✔️
Cord Storage	✔️	✔️

Key Features: Keurig K-Mini Plus vs K-Mini

In this section, we are going to explain what are the differences between the K-Mini Plus vs K-Mini in terms of brew sizes, water reservoirs, brew quality and performance, and more.

Brew Sizes

Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus operate on a you-get-what-you-put-in model, meaning that however much water you put into the water reservoir will be the size of your brew.

However, for both of these machines, the minimum cup size is 6 ounces and the maximum size is 12 ounces.

Because of this,  you have to refill the machine every time you want to make a cup of coffee.

Water Reservoir

As we said before, both of these machines have a 12-ounce water reservoir that does not hold fresh water between brews.

However, while the water reservoir on the Keurig K-Mini is fixed, the K-Mini Plus’ water reservoir is removable. 

This has several benefits: it can make refilling and cleaning easier, and also allows you to get a more thorough clean, which can help your machine last longer.

Ease of Use

Keurig, as a manufacturer, builds machines that are paramount in convenience. These two brewers are more of the same.

Brewing coffee on either one of these machines is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Just insert a K-Cup, add water, and hit brew.

The button layouts on both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are also simple. They both have a power button and a large brew button on the top of the machine. The K-Mini Plus adds a strong brew button.

If you want to know more about how to use these coffee makers check their official manuals.

• Keurig K-Mini user manual
• Keurig K-Mini Plus user manual

Brew Quality and Performance

While finding a machine that looks nice, fits in your space, and is easy to use is important, none of that really matters if it doesn’t brew good coffee. 

Lucky for you, both of these machines do. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between the Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus in terms of brew quality and performance.

Speed

On the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus, the whole process of brewing a 10oz cup of coffee takes about 2 minutes. From start to finish (during our tests we found that the K-Mini Plus takes around 10 seconds more to brew).

However, if you enable the strong mode on the K-Mini Plus it will take around 15 to 20 seconds more.

Temperature

They both brew at the same temperature from 160°F to 165°F (temperature after brew).

We have to mention that during our tests, we found that the K-Mini Plus with the strong mode enabled brews coffee about 5 degrees cooler.

Flavor

The flavor of the coffee brewed by  the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus is good. The machines do a good job at maintaining flavor integrity, and extraction is smooth and even. 

While the K-Mini doesn’t offer any sort of strength controls, the K-Mini Plus allows you to brew coffee in a strong setting. This is a must-have for those of us who like a bolder, more intense cup of coffee. 

The strong mode works by slowing down the water’s rate of flow as it passes through the K-Cup and the coffee grounds within. By increasing the water to grounds contact time, you get a stronger, more flavorful cup of coffee.

Just a quick warning here. K-Cups and Keurig machines are well known for brewing coffee that is not too strong, so if you like really strong coffee, you will be disappointed with either the K-Mini or K-Mini Plus.

Which Coffee Maker Brews the Best Coffee?

Both machines prepare coffee at almost the same time and at the same temperature. We consider the K-Mini Plus to be the better option because it offers the possibility of activating the strong mode to obtain a more intense cup of coffee.

Capsule Compatibility

Both of these machines are made by Keurig, and manufactured to be used with Keurig’s K-Cups. However, both of these brewers work with any standard-sized K-Cup equivalent. 

In addition to disposable K-Cups, these machines work well with reusable K-Cups, into which you scoop your own ground coffee. 

Aside from their obvious environmental benefits, reusable K-Cups also give you more control over your coffee type and strength, and are much cheaper than disposable ones.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both of these machines require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Luckily for you, cleaning and maintaining either one of these machines is easy!

Both coffee makers splatter a little bit when brewing, so wiping them down regularly is a good idea. Use a damp, soapy, non-abrasive cloth for this purpose.

On both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus, the drip trays are removable which makes cleaning even easier and more convenient.

Since the water reservoir on the K-Mini Plus is removable, it is very easy to clean and means you can get a more thorough clean, which can help prevent molding. 

It should be mentioned that many users find it extremely uncomfortable to clean the reservoir of the K-Mini since it is not removable.

Make sure to not dry the inside of these water reservoirs with a cloth since some lint can remain inside, which can cause damage to the internal mechanisms over time.

Here’s a video on how to clean your K-Mini or K-Mini Plus coffee maker.

And here’s a short video on how to descale the Keurig K-Mini and Mini Plus.

Design, Dimensions, and Weight

These machines look similar, but how do their designs differ?

Design

The design elements on the Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus are extremely similar, with just a few notable differences. 

First, the brew button and bottom of the K-Mini Plus have a more metallic design, rather than plastic, and have a higher quality look and feel. 

In addition, the back and reservoir of the Keurig K-Mini Plus are more squared off rather than rounded.

Other than these small differences, the designs are almost identical.

The Keurig K-Mini comes in six color options:

• Black
• Dusty Rose
• Evergreen
• Oasis
• Poppy Red
• Studio Gray

The Keurig K-Mini Plus comes in seven color options:

• Cardinal Red
• Cool Aqua
• Evening Teal
• Matte Black
• Misty Green
• Studio Gray
• White

Dimensions and Weight

These two machines are identical in both dimensions and weight. 

Here are the dimensions of the K-Mini:

• Height: 12.1” (16.8” when open)
• Width: 4.5”
• Depth: 11.3”
• Weight: 4.6lbs

…And here are the dimensions of the K-Mini Plus:

• Height: 12.1” (16.8” when open)
• Width: 4.5”
• Depth: 11.3”
• Weight: 4.6lbs

As you can see, exactly the same. Both of these machines are more than capable of fitting into even the smallest kitchens, and are great for taking on the go.

Power Cord Length

The power cord length of both machines is about 24 inches long.

Which One Has the Best Design and Dimensions?

Both of these machines look good, fit anywhere, and are easy to take on the go. The main differences are the color options, and those come down to personal opinion. 

Additional features

There are a few additional features that are worth mentioning when comparing the Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus. 

Auto Off

Both the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus have an auto-off feature, helping conserve electricity. 

Both machines will automatically shut off ninety seconds after the completion of the last brew. This feature cannot be turned off on either machine. 

Pod Storage

The Keurig K-Mini does not come with any sort of integrated pod storage. 

The Keurig K-Mini Plus comes with an integrated pod storage container that fits into the machine for easy access and transportation. This allows you to store up to 9 pods with the machine, and is extremely convenient when taking the machine on the go. 

Cord Storage

The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus both have cord storage on the back of the machine. This makes it super easy to transport the brewer, and can help minimize the amount of space the machine takes up. 

High-Altitude Settings

Neither the K-Mini nor the K-Mini Plus have a High Altitude Brewing mode, however, according to the manual, for brewing at high altitudes you just have to picture the coffee pod manually.

Which One Has The Best Additional Features?

These machines have very similar additional features. However, the integrated pod storage that you get with the Keurig K-Mini Plus is extremely convenient, and gives it the edge. 

Pros and Cons: Keurig K-Mini Plus vs K-Mini

There are a few pros and cons to consider when comparing the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus.

Keurig K-Mini

Here are some pros and cons of the Keurig K-Mini.

Pros

• Cheaper than the K-Mini Plus

Cons

• No strength controls
• Fixed water reservoir
• No pod storage

Keurig K-Mini Plus

Here are some pros and cons of the Keurig K-Mini Plus.

Pros

• Strong brew setting
• Removable water reservoir
• Pod storage
• More color options

Cons

• More expensive than the K-Mini

Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus.

Keurig K-Duo Plus

The Keurig K-Duo Plus adds carafe brewing functionality, a larger water reservoir, pause-and-pour, and brew programming functionality. 

Carafe brewing is great if you want to brew for a bunch of people at once. For single cup brewing, you can choose between 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces.

The water reservoir on the K-Duo Plus is 60 ounces, and can be positioned along the side of the machine or on the back. 

The K-Duo Plus supports strong brewing, a must-have feature for those of us who like a stronger cup of coffee, and you can program carafe brewing up to 24-hours in advance, meaning you can wake up in the morning to a fresh pot of hot coffee!

In all, the Keurig K-Duo Plus takes the smaller form factor of the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus and adds carafe brewing, programmable brewing, and a larger water reservoir.

Keurig K-Slim

The Keurig K-Slim is very similar to the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus, but adds a large removable 46oz water reservoir for added convenience. 

At just 5 inches wide, the Keurig K-Slim is an extremely small, yet functional brewer that can fit into almost any space! Boasting a 46-ounce removable water reservoir, you can brew multiple cups of coffee without the need to refill. 

The K-Slim brews single cups of coffee in three sizes: 8 ounces, 10 ounces, and 12 ounces. There are no strength or temperature settings. 

In all, if you’re looking for an extremely compact machine with a large removable water reservoir, you can’t go wrong with the Keurig K-Slim. It is very similar to the K-Duo but simpler and more affordable.

If you want to learn more about the differences between the K-Slim and K-Mini models, check our detailed guide: Keurig K-Slim vs K-Mini.

The Bottom Line: Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus

So now you know all the differences between the K-Mini Plus and the K-Mini. Both look great, brew great coffee, are a pleasure to use, and, most importantly, are great to take on the road.

But which one is better?

Well, because of the added pod storage, and the strong brew functionality, we deem the Keurig K-Mini Plus the better buy. It just provides more convenience and allows for more coffee customization. 

However, the K-Mini is no slouch, and if you’re on more of a budget, it will most certainly do the trick.