Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite

This is our comparison guide of the Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite coffee makers.

Here at The Coffee Arsenal, you will find the most detailed reviews and comparison guides of many of the most popular coffee makers. We make sure everything is fact-checked so you can make an informed decision when choosing your coffee maker.

Both the K-Elite and K-Select are good machines, but we found that the K-Elite has more features and functionality that you can use to enhance your experience, while the K-Select is a cheaper and simpler brewer.

Want to know more? Keep reading.

Overview: Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select

Keurig K-Select

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Keurig K-Elite

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Here we’ll give you a quick overview of the Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select comparison.

In general, the Keurig K-Elite is better and more flexible than the K-Select, this is just because it has more features.

It has a water tank capacity of 75oz, while the K-Select has a water tank of 52oz. Furthermore, the K-Elite gives you more control over the brewing process with its additional features like temperature controls, iced setting, and Auto On.

But the K-Select is not bad at all, it comes with fewer features but it is simple, functional and the budget-friendly option.

This is the introductory video of the Keurig K-Select:

And, this is the introductory video of the Keurig K-Elite:

Comparison Table

Key Differences: K-Select vs K-Elite

In this section, you will understand all of the key differences between the Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite. We will go through brew sizes, tank capacity, ease of use, and more.

Brew Sizes

Having a wide variety of brew sizes gives you more options when it comes to brewing a cup of coffee. Maybe you like a large 12oz cup in the mornings but in the evenings you just want a short 6oz cup.

The Keurig K-Select can brew 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz.

On the other hand, the K-Elite can brew 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz.

The K-Elite comes with one more brew size, the 4oz size. So if you value having the option of brewing a really small cup of coffee, this machine will suffice your needs.

Water Tank

A large water tank will give you the ability to brew multiple cups of coffee before having to refill the water reservoir again. This is a pretty valuable thing to have for families, roommates, or people who drink a lot of coffee during the day.

If you are a person who only uses the machine once a day, then you shouldn’t take this as a decisive factor.

The Keurig K-Select comes with a 52oz water reservoir, meanwhile the Keurig K-Elite comes with a large 75oz water reservoir.

Also, keep in mind that the reservoirs on both machines are removable, which is a great feature to have.

At a first glance, we can see that the water tank on the K-Elite is larger, so if you are a person who has to share the machine with other people, this machine will be very helpful.

Ease of Use

Both machines are just very easy to use. They were designed for normal people who just want to get their coffee done without putting a ton of effort into the process.

Although both machines have different menus, they function pretty much the same.

1. Fill the water tank with water
2. Press the power button and wait until the machine has warmed up
3. Open the lid and insert your preferred K-Cup
4. Close the lid and press your desired brew size

Technology and Additional Features

Coffee makers are not just coffee makers anymore, they come with some convenient features that will make your life easier.

First, let’s talk about the features that these machines have in common.

The Auto Off feature allows these machines to turn off themselves 2 hours after the last brew. You can customize how this feature works in the K-Elite.

Also, the strong brew button will let you brew stronger coffee. Basically what this feature does is that it slows down the time in which the water is in contact with the coffee grounds, so the end result is more intense and flavorful.

Both machines have a set of indicator lights that will notify you when to refill the water tank, or when it is time to descale. These lights are extremely useful since you won’t have to remember these things. Just look at the control panel.

These machines come with High Altitude Settings. This feature prevents both coffee makers from over-pressurizing in altitudes over 5,000 feet. Which results in better coffee at high altitudes.

Another very convenient feature that these coffee makers have is that they can dispense hot water on-demand, so you can prepare tea and other hot beverages in just a few minutes.

These are the things that the Keurig K-Select and K-Elite have in common. However, the K-Elite is a little bit more advanced.

It has an Iced button, which lets you brew delicious iced beverages with your machine. If you love to make iced coffee, this feature is for you.

You can modify the temperature at which the machine makes coffee, so it gives you more flexibility.

Finally, the Auto On feature allows you to program the machine to turn on automatically.

Keep in mind that the machine will not start brewing coffee by itself, it will just turn on and warm up so when you are ready to brew coffee you won’t need to wait for the machine to warm up.

As you can see, the K-Elite is a little bit more advanced, and if you think that you will use all of these additional features constantly, it is definitely worth it.

Compatible Coffee Capsules

Both machines are compatible with any K-Cup. 

When buying a coffee capsule just make sure that they are K-Cup compatible and they will work just fine.

This is excellent because you can choose from a huge repertoire of flavors.

Design, Dimensions, and Weight

The design of both machines is pretty modern and smooth, they almost have no borders. They will look good on any countertop.

The major difference between the Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite regarding design is that the K-Elite has the control panel in the front while the K-Select has the panel on the right side (or left if seen from behind).

These are the dimensions and weight of the Keurig K-Select:

• Height: 12.5” (17” when open)
• Width: 9.2”
• Depth: 11.6”
• Weight: 7.35lbs

On the other hand, these are the dimensions and weight of the Keurig K-Elite:

• Height: 12.7” (16.5″ when open)
• Width: 9.9”
• Depth: 13.1”
• Weight: 8.0lbs

As you can see, both coffee makers are pretty similar in terms of design, dimensions, and weight.

A major complaint of a lot of customers is that the materials of these machines feel cheap, but this is a characteristic of these budget models. So keep this in mind when buying these products.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The cleaning and maintenance process of these coffee makers is pretty much the same as many of the other Keurig products.

What you need to clean your Keurig is:

• A large ceramic mug
• A non-abrasive cloth
• Dish soap
• Access to a sink

With a damp non-abrasive cloth and soap, you can clean the exterior of your coffee maker. To clean the drip tray, just remove it and clean it in the sink with a damp non-abrasive cloth and some soap.

Fortunately, the drip tray and reservoir are dishwasher safe.

The water reservoir is basically the same process, just clean it in the sink with a damp soapy cloth.

Make sure not to use the cloth in the interior of the reservoir since you won’t want to leave behind lint. This will ultimately harm the systems of your coffee maker.

After cleaning your Keurig of brewing strong beverages you need to perform a cleansing brew, this will keep a nice flavor next time you brew coffee with your machine.

Also, make sure to descale your Keurig every 3 to 6 months to keep it functioning properly.

In the video below you will learn how to descale your Keurig K-Select or K-Elite.

So, since the process of cleaning both of these coffee makers is pretty much the same, none of them is better or worse.

Coffee Taste

The coffee taste on both machines is pretty similar. Hot, smooth, and flavorful.

Keep in mind that these are pod coffee makers, for most people who just want a regular cup of coffee, it is wonderful and more than enough, however, if you are a coffee snob or you like really strong coffee you probably won’t like them.

Pros and Cons

Let’s compare the pros and cons of the Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select.

Keurig K-Select

These are some pros and cons of the Keurig K-Select.

Pros

• Extremely simple and easy to use
• Removable water tank and drip tray
• Cheap

Cons

• Limited water tank capacity
• Limited brew sizes

Keurig K-Elite

These are some pros and cons of the Keurig K-Elite.

Pros

• Temperature controls
• Auto On feature
• Many brew sizes
• Large water tank

Cons

• Somewhat expensive compared to other models with similar characteristics

Alternatives

So, you’ve read this Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select comparison but you’re still not sure if you like them at all?

In that case, here are some good alternatives.

Keurig K-Mini Plus

• Key Feature: 5″ wide
• Brew Sizes: 6 – 12oz (Single Serve)
• Water Reservoir: 12oz
• Material: Plastic
• Brand: Keurig

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The Keurig K-Mini Plus is an affordable alternative to the K-Select and K-Elite.

It is extremely compact since it is less than 5” wide, so if you have a small kitchen, this coffee maker is perfect for you.

The reservoir is removable, and it holds up to 12oz, this may not seem like much, but this is a single-serve coffee maker. This could be a con for many people, but it can definitely be a pro too if you like to bring your coffee maker with you everywhere.

Check the resources below to learn more about this coffee maker:

• Keurig K-Mini vs K-Mini Plus

Keurig K-Cafe

• Key Feature: Integrated milk frother
• Brew Sizes: 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz
• Water Reservoir: 60oz
• Material: Plastic
• Brand: Keurig

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Contrary to the K-Mini Plus, the K-Cafe has many features that you will find interesting if you like to experiment with your coffee.

It comes with a large 60oz, and it is travel mug friendly, so you can make big chunks of coffee.

Apart from that, it has the Smart Start feature, which means that you won’t have to wait for it to heat before selecting your brew size.

Also, it comes with a milk frother that you can use to create delicious drinks for you and your loved ones.

Finally, it comes with three special buttons that allow you to brew Iced coffee, Lattes, and Cappuccinos with any K-Cup pod.

The Bottom Line: Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select

This is the end of our Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite comparison guide.

These coffee makers are pretty similar, but they have a few key differences that make each one for different kinds of people.

We strongly recommend that you choose the K-Elite, as it comes with an additional brew size, a larger reservoir, and some features such as the ability to customize the temperature and Auto On.

However, if you are on a budget and just want a simple coffee maker, the Keurig K-Select will do just fine.

F.A.Q – Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite

Here are some answers to some questions that may have come to mind when you were reading this Keurig K-Elite vs K-Select comparison guide.