Keurig K-Mini Plus Review: The Small-But-Mighty Morning Helper
Updated: Jul. 16, 2024
The Keurig K-Mini Plus boasts a tiny footprint and big flavor thanks to strength control. We love a single-serve coffee maker that wakes you up without wasting space!
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In our Product Testing Team’s quest to find the best single-serve coffee maker, they tested 14 different machines over the course of 30 hours. Winners with the highest scores range from luxe options that create flawless lattes to sizable picks that hold up to 75 ounces of water per refill. Among these high-end options, one pick stands apart from the rest—not because it boasts milk frothers and other beverage bells and whistles. No, the Keurig K-Mini Plus has a different kind of advantage on its side: size.
Keurig coffee makers aren’t as comparable as you’d think. These single-serve coffee makers come in a huge assortment of different options. While pricier picks like the Keurig K-Elite let you choose your brew temperature and cup size, some folks just want a simple cup of coffee in the morning. The Keurig K-Mini Plus is the perfect compromise for those who want a quick coffee fix before work but don’t want to waste space and money on an all-in-one machine.
What is the Keurig K-Mini Plus?
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a more upgraded version of the original K-Mini. Rather than focusing on a large water tank and custom settings, it forgoes frills for straightforward performance and a smaller footprint. This little beast easily slips into smaller kitchens and office spaces at just under five inches across and just over 11 inches from front to back. This makes it the perfect pick for apartments, dorm rooms and desks.
That said, the Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t without tricks up its sleeve. A slide-out compartment that sits just under the brew stream offers onboard K-cup storage. Additionally, a “strong” button injects each cup with a little extra jolt, giving it an edge over similarly sized competitors. It also includes several brew size options for those who choose to use an array of different mugs each day.
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We Tried It
Keurig K-Mini Plus
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a small-yet-mighty addition to any small kitchen. With a tiny footprint and big flavor thanks to strength control, this little number will wake you up without wasting space!
How We Tested the Keurig K-Mini Plus
In our quest to find the best single-serve coffee maker, our Product Testing Team tried 14 machines in their Testing Lab. Picks include top-rated options from brands like Nespresso and Keurig. The team performed roughly 10 tests on each brewer and brewed over 50 coffee drinks, collecting more than 450 data points for this analysis. Machines ranged from the feature-rich Bruvi brewer to the splurge-worthy Nespresso Vertuo Plus. During our tests, we considered:
- Setup and Assembly: Testers read the user manual, noting its clarity and helpfulness. They then set up and filled coffee makers and noted the ease of the process.
- Specs, Construction and Appearance: For this category, we examine each appliance’s construction and overall look, measure the length of the cord and determine the height of the cup compartment. Additionally, testers note whether the machine brews pods or grounds, the water tank size, buttons, toggles, screens and specialty capabilities.
- Performance: Testers brew at least three beverages in each single-cup coffee maker. They utilize as many settings as possible to get a feel for the breadth of the machine’s functionality. When available, they make a cappuccino, cold brew and regular cups of coffee in various sizes and with both grounds and pods. Testers make a strong and regular cup of coffee in various sizes for lower-level machines.
- Special Capabilities: For those machines that offer an iced coffee setting, we measure the temperature of the iced coffee directly after output. Testers try each beverage and gauge its quality/strength and the success of its execution if it’s a specialty drink. Testers then evaluate any accessories, such as a milk frother, on-unit storage or a water cycle.
- Cleaning: Testers clean each one-cup coffee maker. We rinse the water tank, clean out the grounds if applicable and wipe down any splash marks. Then, we assess the ease of the process, any required solutions and dishwasher compatibility.
- Value: Testers evaluate each single-serve coffee maker’s score and then determine the cost vs. value. Any warranty information also falls into this category. Lastly, we noted who each pick is best for (e.g., home baristas, morning rushers, those who enjoy variety, etc.).
To ensure the most apples-to-apples comparisons possible, all of these coffee drinks were made with Eight O’Clock Coffee medium roast grounds, medium roast K-Cups and medium roast whole bean coffee. All tea was made with Twinings of London English breakfast tea K-Cups.
Testing Lab Results
Keurig K-Mini Plus performed surprisingly well for such a stripped-down machine. Our team notes that it includes an auto shutoff feature that initiates after 90 seconds, making it a safer pick for forgetful folks. While the removable tank only holds a single serving of water, that lends itself well to the machine’s slimmer build. The onboard K-Cup storage also eliminates the need to splurge on Keurig accessories like cup drawers, though the lower price point gives lots of wiggle room in the budget for any desired extras.
During the medium roast coffee test, the result wasn’t watery or weak. In fact, we found it rather smooth-tasting overall. The strong setting tastes pretty similar to classic brew and offers up water of the same temperature at around 164°F. We believe that the secret lies in the brew time, which takes just a touch longer than the regular setting.
Additionally, the K-Mini Plus performed very well with tea. We brewed our breakfast tea just after we made a strong cup of coffee, and the result left no trace of coffee flavor behind. Win!
While we did notice more splashback than other Keurigs we tested (which means more cleanup), this is a small price to pay for a nearly $50 price hike to the next expensive model. It’s worth noting that it also runs a little louder and slower than the other Keurigs. Again, we found the low price point balances out its shortcomings.
Pros:
- Space-saving
- Available in seven colors
- Strength control
- Simple to use
- Included pod storage
Cons:
- Uses only K-Cups
- Small water tank
Why You Should Trust Us
Each test is conducted in our product testing lab under controlled conditions. Our Product Testing Team spent an estimated 30 hours on our search for the best single-serve coffee maker, including researching, sourcing, intake and testing the products. Our Product Testing and Shopping Teams have a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products. As purveyors of everything from the best coffee subscriptions to the best coffee products, we are passionate about our morning brew.
For this Keurig K-Mini Plus review, we also consulted Sydney Manning, a former barista, Editorial Coordinator and Product Tester. Throughout the process, she guided us on what to look for in a single-serve coffee maker. We also spoke to culinary assistant Margaret Knoebel for additional insight.
FAQ
How do I reset my Keurig K-Mini Plus?
While the Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t as feature-rich as a Nespresso Vertuo, it’s easy to maintain, giving it an edge. To reset the Keurig K-Mini Plus, simply turn the machine off and unplug it. Wait 10 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. Easy peasy!
What is the difference between the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus?
Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus offer the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker in a smaller, more manageable footprint. However, the K-Mini Plus comes with a strong brew button and used pod storage, which sets it apart from its predecessor.
How to clean a Keurig K-Mini Plus?
Cleaning a Keurig is as simple as rinsing it with water after use. Just note that the parts are not dishwasher-compatible. You should also run a descaling cycle using Keurig’s descaler every few months.
Where to Buy the Keurig K-Mini Plus
The Keurig K-Mini Plus retails for around $100. You can find it on Keurig’s website and at most home stores, including Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. There’s no need to compromise space for strong coffee with this handy little home barista!
TMB STUDIO
We Tried It
Keurig K-Mini Plus
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a small-yet-mighty addition to any small kitchen. With a tiny footprint and big flavor thanks to strength control, this little number will wake you up without wasting space!
Originally Published: July 16, 2024
