Keurig is known for their single-serve coffee machines. And the Keurig K-mini is one minimalist looking coffee maker in their line-up. In this review, we take a detailed look at this machine giving a full review of pros and cons to help you decide whether this is the machine for you.
Meet the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve
You’ll receive the machine by itself in the box: pods, filter, and ground coffee are sold separately. It’s compatible with both Keurig pods and the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter.
Who Is It For?
This economically-sized coffee maker will appeal to java enthusiasts who are tight on space. It should fit onto even the most crowded countertops: it’s 12 inches high when closed.
Similarly, if you’re always on the go and don’t trust airport or hotel brews, the K-Mini is a discreet traveling companion to carry along. The machine has six inches of clearance to fit most travel mugs and a removable drip tray in case of spills.
Eco-conscious users will appreciate that the machine switches off 90 seconds after the last use. Be aware that the K-Mini is a simple, no-frills device. If you’re looking to experiment with latte art or whip up tasty cappuccinos, you should seek an alternative.
- Small size to fit in tight spaces
- Appropriate for travel mugs
- Auto-off feature to save energy
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Comes in multiple colors to suit various tastes
- No option to control coffee strength
- Must add water each time
- Only makes standard coffee
Features and Benefits
This section of the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve review delves into what this single-serve coffee maker can offer.
Size – The K-Mini is fun-sized: it weighs a little less than five pounds with a slim build. The 26-inch cord tucks into the back of the machine for neat storage and transport. Despite how small it is, you should be able to fit a travel-sized mug under the spout. If you have a novelty mug (like a unicorn head), it might not fit.
Serving Quantity – You can opt to brew anywhere between six to 12 ounces of coffee. That should suffice for most coffee enthusiasts, barring you diehard caffeine dependants out there.
Coffee Type – Pod-wise, most popular coffee brands are at your disposal: Folgers, Green Mountain, Starbucks, and more. You can also use ground coffee with Keurig’s universal filter, which is great if you like to grind your own beans or have a unique brand you like.
Settings – Unfortunately, you can’t control the strength or type of coffee with the K-Mini. The machine does have a 90-second auto-off setting, which is a nice energy-saving touch.
Speed – The K-Mini will deliver your fresh cup of joe within minutes. It won’t be ready instantaneously like other single-brew coffee makers: you need to allow it time to warm up.
Ease of Use – When I’m still in that groggy pre-coffee state, I know my abilities are limited. If you’re in the same boat, you’ll like how straightforward the K-Mini is. You fill up the water reservoir with your desired amount, switch it on and wait for sweet, sweet coffee. Bear in mind that you do have to fill the water reservoir for each brew.
Maintenance – A Keurig descaling solution and rinse pods are available for cleaning. You can also pop the drip tray out if accidental spills happen (which they will unless you’re a robot).
>> Also read: Hamilton Beach Flexbrew Single Serve Review
Appearance – You have five colors to pick from: Matte Black, Dreamy Blue, Studio Gray, Oasis Green, and Dusty Rose Pink. Whether you want something bright and colorful or discreet, the choice is there.
Alternatives
If you’re curious to know what other single-serve coffee makers are out there, check out these three alternatives:
Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker
How Does It Compare?
- Makes coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes.
- Brews six cups before requiring a refill.
- Includes milk frother.
See the Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker in action here at this link.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
It’s also compatible with various pod sizes to suit all tastes, and you can control coffee strength.
How Does It Compare?
- Works with multiple pod sizes.
- Different strength settings available.
- Brews over six cups at a time.
Discover more about the K-Classic Coffee Maker by clicking here.
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
This machine should work for multi-preference households: it makes servings between four, six, eight, 10, and 12 ounces.
How Does It Compare?
- Iced setting.
- Five cup sizes available.
- Hot water setting.
Find out if the K-Elite Coffee Maker is right for you at this link.
What to Consider Before Buying a Single Serve Coffee Maker
Before we get into the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve review, let’s cover what to look out for in a single-serve coffee maker:
- Size
- Serving quantity
- Coffee type (pod or ground)
- Settings
- Speed
- Ease of use
- Maintenance
- Appearance
These appliances are ideal if you want a single portion of steaming hot java—no more wasted coffee in the pot. Single-serve brewers are also more energy-efficient and tend to be compact for portability.
>> also read: Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker Review
However, if you cherish your favorite drip coffee, you’ll likely prefer a grind-and-brew or standard brew machine. Those of you with multiple living mates clamouring for caffeine in the morning might want to opt for a multi-serve coffee maker to avoid riots.
Conclusion
Single-serve coffee makers are a good pick if you want a quick, convenient cup of joe and like to avoid waste.
As we highlight in our Keurig K-Mini Single Serve review, this model is portable for coffee-on-the-go, and it’s energy-efficient. Click here to check out the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve for yourself.
