In the realm of single-serve coffee makers, Keurig stands out as a popular brand, recognized for blending convenience and quality. Two of its compact models, the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus, are designed for small spaces and offer a quick coffee fix. While both models share many similarities, there are distinct differences worth considering before making a purchase. Here’s an in-depth comparison to help guide potential buyers.
### Design and Size
Both the Keurig K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus boast an ultra-compact design, ideal for small kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms. Each model is less than five inches wide, making them some of the slimmest coffee makers on the market. Both come in a variety of colors to match different decors.
### Brewing Capacity
The brewing capabilities of both models are similar. They can accommodate cup sizes from 6 to 12 ounces, which users can adjust by simply adding the desired amount of water into the single-use reservoir each time they brew. This feature ensures that every cup is made with fresh water and allows for flexibility depending on how much coffee one wishes to make.
### Differences in Features
Despite their similarities, there are several key features that differentiate these two models:
#### 1. **Pod Storage:**
The K-Mini Plus comes with a built-in storage unit that can hold up to nine k-cup pods inside the coffee maker itself. This addition is particularly useful for keeping countertops clutter-free and for those who appreciate having pods readily accessible. The standard K-Mini does not offer this feature.
#### 2. **Strength Control:**
Another significant upgrade in the K-Mini Plus is the “Strong Brew” button that allows users to increase the strength and boldness of their coffee—a convenient feature for those who prefer a more robust flavor profile.
#### 3. **Removable Water Reservoir:**
The K-Mini Plus includes a removable reservoir which makes refilling and cleaning more convenient compared to the fixed reservoir found on the standard K-Mini.
#### 4. **Material Quality:**
The build quality of both machines is quite similar, but some users report that the materials used in the Mini Plus feel slightly more premium compared to those used in its counterpart.
#### 5. **Cord Storage:**
To enhance its portability and maintain a tidy look when not in use or while traveling with it, the Mini Plus offers cord storage at its back—another detail absent in standard K-Mini.
### Price
As expected with additional features, there is also a price difference between these two models; typically, you will find that Keurig’s K-Mini Plus costs slightly more than its simpler sibling. Whether this price difference is justified depends largely on whether features like pod storage, stronger brew options, and easier water tank management align with your needs.
### Conclusion
Choosing between Keurig’s minimalist brewers boils down to personal preferences linked to lifestyle needs and budget constraints. If you value convenience features like pod storage or stronger brew capabilities—and don’t mind spending slightly more—the Keurig K-Mini Plus might be worth exploring further; however if simplicity suits your everyday routine better without much fuss about additional functionalities then sticking with classic minimalist design offered by Keurig’s regular Mini version should be entirely satisfactory.
Whichever you choose, both machines continue Keurig’s tradition of convenience and efficiency tailored toward modern tastes and environments where space-saving technology becomes increasingly crucial.