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From single cups to large carafes, these Keurig machines made the best brews
Keurig coffee makers are synonymous with convenience.
“We’re all looking for convenience today given our busy schedules," lifestyle bloggers and creators Alex & Mike Rubino-Nelson tell PEOPLE. "Being able to pop in a coffee pod quickly in the morning is a priority. We want good coffee that doesn’t take long to make.”
If you’re in the market for a new addition to your kitchen, PEOPLE extensively tested 20 of the most popular Keurig models for ease of use, brew time, and coffee flavor and ended up with eight winning machines. We’ve also considered your space and picked winners for both the smallest kitchen corners and large, shared office spaces.
Keep reading for the best Keurig coffee makers that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall (Single Serve): Keurig K-Slim Single Serve Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
The slim and stylish design is perfect for tight spaces
Only takes 2 minutes to brew
Brews 3 different cup sizes
Easy to use, so it’s perfect for low-maintenance coffee drinkers
Red Flags
Brew is weaker than others we tried
Temperature and strength of coffee aren’t adjustable
This coffee maker is very easy to use. Just close the lid and the coffee begins to pull. In under 2 minutes, you’ve got an 8 oz. or 10 oz. cup of coffee waiting for you
This sleek and straightforward model features helpful buttons that light up in the order that you’re supposed to push them. The design is very streamlined but perhaps overly simple for the price point. We recommend this machine for anyone looking for an affordable, super easy-to-use Keurig, but since the brew is on the weaker side, it might not be best for those that need a large amount of caffeine in the morning.
The Keurig K-Slim is great for the solo coffee drinker or those that like a cup every now and then, and it will fit almost anywhere. At less than 5 inches wide, this model is “slender and space-saving and won’t take up any of your precious counter space,” says Fermano. The water reservoir is located in the back of the brewer “keeping everything in line and looking sleek and sophisticated.”
Editors Say
I consume coffee 24/7, and I admittedly bought the Keurig K-Slim because I thought it was cute (it comes in light pink, after all), and I knew wouldn’t take up very much countertop real estate. However, I quickly came to love it based on more than just its looks. It truly does not get more convenient than this little coffee maker. — Erin Johnson, associate editorial director
Capacity: 4 cups | Dimensions: 4.7 x 15.2 x 12.1 inches | Cup sizes: 8, 10, 12 oz. | Reservoir size: 46 oz. | Coffee type: Single serve
Best Overall (Carafe): Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
Provides options for both single-cup pod functionality and a full carafe for drip coffee
Instructions are easy to follow and assembly was a breeze
Smart features like automatic shutoff and timed brewing make this a super convenient pick
Red Flags
Coffee connoisseurs may prefer a ground coffee machine in general, as single-serve pods are known to have a more bitter taste
On the pricey side, which may only feel worth it if you plan on using both functions
This Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker was the best-performing model in our tests for those looking to brew more than one cup. The operating instructions are simple and easy to follow, and we had a fresh cup of coffee 15 minutes after taking it out of the box. Plus, the machine is easy to navigate thanks to the backlit buttons and simple icons and numbers.
Smart features include an automatic shutoff as well as timed brewing. We were able to brew a single 8 oz. cup in just 45 seconds, and for full carafes, the water reservoir is able to hold up to 12 cups of water. The carafe also stayed warm for a full two hours after brewing.
The ease of use is truly where this Keurig shines — it’s just so convenient to make a delicious cup of coffee. This model feels like an upscale item from how solidly the pieces nest together. We also loved the flexibility to make either single-serve pod coffees or a full pot.
We will say that this model is a little larger than some of our other favorites, like the small space-friendly K-Slim or K-Express, so you're going to need a bit of real estate available on your countertop to fit this 15 by 16-inch machine. But if you've got the space, we think this one's the way to go.
Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 7.68 x 15.88 x 14.9 in. | Brew options: Brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12 cup carafe and a 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup | Reservoir size: 60 oz. | Coffee type: Drip or single serve
The More You Know
For those java lovers who also want a drip coffee maker, many Keurig machines now feature its signature single-serving mechanism plus a full water reservoir and carafe to make full pots of fresh coffee. There are even Keurig machines with milk frother accessories for cappuccino and latte lovers.
Best Value: Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
Least expensive Keurig on our list
Quick brew time makes early morning caffeine boosts a breeze
Extremely easy to set up and use
Can also dispense hot water for tea
Red Flags
Missing the customizable features of pricier Keurigs
Didn't produce the best flavor compared to others on our list
Being the least expensive out of our favorite Keurig's, the K-Express was a no-frills, easy-to-use machine that boasted one of the shortest brew times before bestowing us with a steaming cup of coffee. We liked how intuitive this machine was — just fill up the water reservoir and press one main button on the top to brew your morning java. The best part: Each cup size only took two minutes from start to finish to brew, which was pretty fast in comparison to bigger models like the K155 and the K-Duo, which took a little more time.
After taking this one out of the box, it was easy to get up and running. Everything snaps into place and can be taken apart to clean, making our lives much easier than dealing with a super-advanced machine. However, this simplicity means that there aren't too many functions available to you when brewing up a cup, so you're going to have to be a pretty big fan of single-serve coffee.
Comparative in size to the K-Slim, the K-Express can fit into small spaces and clear up room on your countertop, making this model apartment-friendly as well as budget-conscious.
Capacity: 5.25 cups | Dimensions: 12.8 x 5.1 x 12.6 in. | Brew options: Brew an 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup | Reservoir size: 42 oz. | Coffee type: Single serve
Best Budget: Keurig K-Duo Essentials Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
One of the best-tasting brews of all of the machines we tested
Also dispenses plain hot water for tea or soup
Comes with a travel-mug friendly (up to 7 inches tall)
Red Flags
There aren't too many extra features, compared to several of Keurig's other large options
Distilled water is recommended for this machine
This K-Duo Essentials model produced some of the best coffee we tasted when made in large amounts. It makes up to 12 cups using the carafe function, and the reservoir slides easily in and out. However, it's important to note that distilled water is recommended if possible, but tap water is acceptable. For a single serve, an 8 oz. cup took 2 minutes and 53 seconds to brew, including heating time. After the machine was warmed up, it took just over a minute to brew a 10 oz. or 12 oz. cup, while a full pot of coffee took just over 9 minutes to brew.
When using the carafe and following the instructions (1 tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup of coffee you want to make), the coffee comes out to be some of the best coffee of all of the Keurig machines.
For a dual brew system, we found that this model lacks a bit in features. It is one of the more basic designs for making single-serve and full pots of coffee, but there was little difficulty in getting a decent single cup of coffee. Overall, we think that this coffee maker is a great value for both a carafe and an occasional single-serve machine.
Capacity: 12 cups (carafe) | Dimensions: 13.44 x 12.27 x 12.74 in. | Brew sizes: 8, 10, or 12 oz. cups; 8-, 10-, or 12-cup carafe | Reservoir size: 60 oz. shared between single-serve and carafe brewing | Carafe: Glass | Coffee type: Ground coffee and K-Cup pods
Related: The 8 Best Coffee Machines of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Speciality Coffees: Keurig K-Café Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
Included milk frother has settings for cappuccinos, lattes, and even iced lattes
Easy to set up and very convenient to use
Backlit controls were easy for us to see in low-lit settings
Red Flags
Does not include a hot water feature for tea
Frother makes stiff, warm milk, which may not be ideal for those who like more foamy lattes
If you love a good froth on top of your coffee, this machine may be your winner. Preparing a latte is super easy: Pour cold milk into the included frother (up to either the cappuccino or latte line), cover, and set it in the frothing compartment. Cappuccino milk takes 1 minute and 35 seconds, the latte takes just over 2 minutes, and the iced latte setting produces a cool froth in under 2 minutes.
We found that the milk was not foamy throughout, but more warm milk with an abundance of stiff (think: soft peaked meringue) sitting atop warm milk. It’s very scoopable foam, if not a uniform consistency throughout.
The machine is easy to set up with backlit buttons and icons with simple symbols and numbers. The reservoir and frother are dishwasher-safe, which is a nice touch. For coffee, it took us just 37 seconds for a 6 oz. cup, 57 seconds for 10 oz., and just over a minute for 12 oz.
If you're the type of person who drinks flavored coffee with flavored creamer, this could be a convenient caffeine vehicle for you. It also does not include a hot water feature, so tea drinkers: take note.
Capacity: 7.5 cups | Dimensions: 14.17 x 17.32 x 14.41 inches | Brew sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz., 12 oz. | Reservoir size: 60 oz. | Includes: Milk frother cup | Coffee type: Single serve, cappuccino, latte
Best Versatility: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker
Star Qualities
“Strong” button offers a bolder cup of coffee
Very quiet while brewing
The carafe coffee was even better than the K-cup brew
Red Flags
Takes longer to brew a cup than other models
We loved the ease of use and design on this model. Instructions are easy to understand and the dials and controls are easy to read, though not lit up like other models. A single cup of coffee takes about 2 and a half minutes of brew time.
Overall, this was a very easy-to-use Keurig with an easy-to-navigate control panel. The “strong” button is a nice addition to make a bolder cup. While the single-serve coffee was generally a bit weak, we really liked the drip coffee from the carafe and would recommend this Keurig to family members who want a multifunctional Keurig for its ability to do both carafe and K-cup pours.
Keurig's Senior Director of Marketing Lindsay Fermano adds that the K-Duo Family of brewers are a great choice for entertaining. The shared 60 oz. water reservoir for both single-serve and carafe brewing means fewer water refills, and they also come with a Pause & Pour feature to enjoy fresh coffee right away.
Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 12.76 x 10.94 x 12.92 inches | Brew sizes: 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafe; 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup | Reservoir size: 60 oz. | Coffee type: Drip and single serve
Best Reservoir Capacity: Keurig K-Supreme Plus
Star Qualities
Easy to see the controls in low light or for people with vision difficulties
Includes a “strong” setting for a bolder cup
It only takes a minute to brew a cup of coffee
Red Flags
A bit pricey for a Keurig that only really has one function
Requires a "cleansing brew" before using
This Keurig is tops for home use with a 78 oz. reservoir capacity. Instructions are just as easy as the dials and controls (which are lit up and easy to see in low light).
Once the machine is set up and ready to go, it only takes a minute to brew a single cup of coffee. Using the “strong” setting on this machine (which features three different strength levels) helped make the coffee significantly bolder and stronger in our tests. You can also dispense hot water for tea using the normal settings, though this is not described outright in the manual.
A very quiet coffee maker, we found this model to be easy to use with a smart design but not the best score in the value department — it’s a moderate Keurig price point without a ton of bells and whistles.
Capacity: 9 cups | Dimensions: 10.63 x 16.02 x 14.33 inches | Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. | Reservoir size: 78 oz. | Coffee type: Single serve
Best for Office: Keurig K155 OfficePro Premier Brewing System
Star Qualities
Dual-purpose model also brews iced coffee and hot water for tea
Bright LCD touchscreen is easy to see and use
Customizable options like pre-programmable times and brew temperatures make morning coffees a breeze
Red Flags
Bottled or filtered water is recommended over tap water
High price point for a Keurig machine, especially without a ton of smart features
Takes 3-4 minutes for the interior tank to warm up before brewing begins
The instructions are crystal clear on this K155 OfficePRO Keurig coffee maker, and the LCD touchscreen is completely intuitive, bright, and easy to navigate — even before you’re caffeinated.
You can pre-program times and brew temperatures for your coffee, but those are really the only smart features. The maximum capacity is 11.5 cups, and the reservoir is a little touchy to get back into the coffee machine. The manufacturer suggests using bottled or filtered water, which may be an inconvenience in some shared offices.
This machine brews fairly quietly, too. The only design drawback we found is having an interior tank that has to warm up for 3-4 minutes before brewing can begin. Otherwise, we think that the OfficePRO is a great model for shared spaces with an intuitive design.
Capacity: 11.25 cups | Dimensions: 10.38 x 14 x 13.8 in. | Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, or 10 oz.| Reservoir size: 90 oz. | Coffee type: Single serve
What to Know About Keurig Machines
Pricing
Just like with a fancy coffee grinder and machine combo, generally speaking, Keurig brewers with more capabilities are going to cost more than the ones that brew K-cups only. Carafes for full pots of drip coffee and milk frothers will drive the price up, as will backlit LCD screens. If you’re a K-cup lover and convenience is your top priority, consider the Keurig K-Duo Essentials machine or the Keurig K- Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker. Look at our other winners if you want the versatility of drip or specialty coffees on your countertop.
Carafes
While some coffee drinkers prefer the thinner mouth feel of coffee from a pour-over coffee pot, other coffee drinkers appreciate the flavor, balance, and mouthfeel of classic drip coffee over coffee from a single-serve pod. If you’re one such coffee drinker and you’re in the market for a Keurig machine for your home or office, opt for a model with a carafe feature as well as single serve.
“Definitely look into the models that brew both single serve and full carafes [when entertaining],” Alex & Mike tell PEOPLE. “You don’t want to be standing in front of the machine making coffee after coffee. Having the carafe option is key.”
Aesthetic
Keurig machines come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Think about your kitchen and your aesthetic as a whole to find one that fits in. “Slim and neutral is the way to go if you plan on leaving your machine out on the counter,” say Alex & Mike. “Find a design that seamlessly fits into your kitchen aesthetic. Make it an extension of your style.”
Additional Features
If you like a bolder single-serve coffee, look for the models that enhance your brew at the touch of a “strong” button. Our testers all preferred this feature.
“If you’re looking for the latest and greatest SMART WiFi-enabled household items, we have a portfolio of brewers for you to choose from that allow you to get connected,” says Fermano. “BrewID recognizes your K-Cup pod and recommends optimum settings and a curated menu of recipes for your favorite brews.” You also have access to SMART delivery to avoid running out of pods. "The SMART machines are the K-Supreme Plus SMART, the K-Supreme SMART, and the K-Cafe SMART," she says.
Behind the Scenes
In an effort to see which Keurig machines reigned supreme, our lab collected 20 of the brand's best-known coffee makers to put them to the test. Our testers tried out 6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce cups of coffee, along with full carafes (if applicable), and rated the machines on a scale of 1 to 5 (worst to best) based on the following categories:
Ease of Use: The best machines were easy to navigate, set up, and clean. Directions were clear enough for all coffee drinkers to brew a fresh cup, no matter how foggy-brained they might be before their coffee.
Design: Intuitive designs got top marks in this category — especially the machines with easy-to-read buttons and displays. The top-scoring machines in this category wouldn’t take up too much real estate on our kitchen counters.
Performance: Each tester reviewed the machines’ brews, evaluating time, temperature, and taste. If the machines included a milk frother, we considered their effectiveness as well.
Value: We considered the cost of each machine, to make sure we picked the right machines at every budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best-selling Keurig machines?
Lindsay Fermano, senior director of marketing for Keurig tells PEOPLE Tested that the best-selling machines for the brand are theK-Mini and K-Mini Plus, K-Express, K- Slim, K-Elite, and the K-Supreme.
What are the differences between Keurig models?
There are currently dozens of Keurig models available and the main differences have to do with functionality. Modern Keurig machines can use K-cups, K-cup pods (which use a paper filter), full carafe brews, milk frothers, and more. Some have LCD touch screens while others have the more classic, backlit buttons. Keep an eye on the water reservoir size if you want to minimize how often you’re refilling.
What is the best Keurig for a single person?
This depends on your space and preferences. If you’re tight on space but enjoy K-cup brews, the K- Slim is a great choice. If you prefer a full pot of drip coffee, look for the models that come with carafes to make full pots.
How do you clean a Keurig?
Each machine comes with manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and most recommend using Keurig brand products, like a descaler, to keep your machine in good working order and extend its lifespan.
Why Trust PEOPLE
For this article, PEOPLE commerce writer Rennie Dyball spoke to lifestyle bloggers and influencers Alex & Mike (who know their way around a good cup of coffee) and Lindsay Fermano, senior director of marketing for Keurig, about the virtues of Keurig coffee makers. Dyball analyzed the insights given by our team of testers who got first-hand experience with these machines in our lab in order to decipher which products reigned supreme out of all 20. After comparing the notes left by each tester about each machine, she compared and contrasted their takeaways to unearth these 8 models that deserve a spot on your kitchen counter.
Our Expert Panel
Alex & Mike Rubino-Nelson are lifestyle bloggers who love a good cup of coffee. They often share their love for coffee (along with recipes) on their social media and blog.
Lindsay Fermano is the senior director of marketing at Keurig.
Erin Johnson is the associate editorial shopping director at PEOPLE and drinks multiple cups of coffee a day. She’s been using a Keurig machine for years and loves the convenience it offers.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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Read the original article on People.
