When it comes to brewing a delicious cup of coffee, Keurig has become a go-to brand for many coffee enthusiasts.
Known for their convenience, speed, and a wide variety of flavors, Keurig machines have revolutionized the way we enjoy our daily caffeine fix.
Among the popular models in their lineup, the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus stand out as compact and efficient options that cater to those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on taste.
In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison between the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus, exploring their features, functionality, and performance.
Whether you’re a student living in a small dorm room, a busy professional with limited counter space, or simply someone who values simplicity and convenience, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision about which Keurig model suits your needs best.
So, if you’re ready to explore the world of compact coffee brewing and discover which Keurig model reigns supreme, let’s dive in!
Here’s the short answer: For the Keurig Mini, individuals with limited space and a desire for a simple and affordable coffee maker will find it a perfect fit.
The Keurig Mini Plus, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking additional features like extra pod storage, adjustable strength control, and a removable water tank for easier cleaning, making it a great choice for those who value added convenience and customization options.
Overview of the Keurig K-Mini: Compact Simplicity for Coffee On-Demand
The Keurig K-Mini stands as the original mini coffee brewer introduced by Keurig, catering to the needs of coffee connoisseurs worldwide who crave on-demand coffee.
This pod coffee maker has gained immense popularity for its ability to brew a perfect cup of coffee in under two minutes with just a single button press and minimal cleanup required.
As one of the most affordable options in the Keurig lineup, the K-Mini appeals to those seeking simplicity in their coffee-making process.
Designed with space-saving in mind, the Keurig K-Mini is a small coffee machine that can effortlessly fit into compact spaces. Measuring less than 5 inches in width, it’s an ideal choice for dorm rooms, small kitchens, and office cubicles.
Additionally, the K-Mini features power cord storage, making it exceptionally portable for those who wish to bring their coffee brewer on the go.
One common concern with compact coffee machines is whether their smaller size affects the quality of the coffee they produce.
While the Keurig Mini is notably petite compared to larger models like Breville coffee makers, it remains travel mug friendly.
By removing the drip tray, the K-Mini can accommodate 7-inch travel mugs, allowing you to enjoy your coffee on your terms. The machine enables brewing any cup size between 6 to 12 ounces using Keurig K-Cup pods.
The Keurig K-Mini incorporates a single-cup water reservoir that can hold up to 12 ounces of water. However, what truly sets the K-Mini apart and endears it to many users is its simplicity.
Operating this machine is a breeze—simply place the desired K-Cup in the designated slot, push the button, and within minutes, your hot and delicious coffee will be ready to savor.
Its straightforward functionality has made it a beloved choice among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a hassle-free brewing experience.
The control panel of the K-Mini features two buttons—one for powering on the machine and another for initiating the brewing process.
With these intuitive controls, you can quickly and effortlessly enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee whenever you desire.
Pros
- Compact size: The Keurig Mini boasts a small footprint, perfect for kitchens with limited counter space.
- User-friendly operation: With its straightforward design, the Keurig Mini is incredibly easy to use, requiring no complicated steps or guesswork.
- Swift brewing: Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in under a minute with the Keurig Mini’s quick brewing capability.
- Affordable option: Among the Keurig models, the Keurig Mini stands out as one of the most budget-friendly choices, making it accessible to a wide range of coffee enthusiasts.
- Convenient cord storage: The Keurig Mini features cord storage at the back, enabling you to neatly tuck away the power cord and place the machine anywhere in your kitchen.
- Energy-saving auto-off: With its auto-off feature, the Keurig Mini promotes energy conservation by automatically turning off after a period of inactivity, ensuring your machine doesn’t stay powered on unnecessarily.
Cons
- Lack of pod storage: Unlike some other Keurig models, the Keurig Mini does not come with built-in storage for extra K-Cups. You will need to find an alternative solution for storing your additional pods.
- Limited strength control: The Keurig Mini does not offer customizable strength options, resulting in coffee brewed at a standard strength level.
Exploring the Keurig K-Mini Plus: Upgraded Features for Enhanced Coffee Enjoyment
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is the upgraded version of the K-Mini single-serve coffee maker, offering an enhanced coffee brewing experience while retaining the compact and user-friendly design of its predecessor.
With a striking resemblance to the K-Mini, both machines deliver exceptional coffee quality that meets the high standards Keurig is known for.
While the K-Mini Plus shares some similarities with the original K-Mini, such as a removable drip tray capable of accommodating travel mugs up to 7 inches tall and the ability to brew various cup sizes (6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces), it also brings several noteworthy upgrades to the table.
One of the most notable enhancements is the addition of a Strength Control setting, allowing coffee enthusiasts to brew a stronger cup of coffee with an extra kick.
This feature is particularly appealing to those who prefer bold and robust flavors in their morning brew.
Another improvement over the K-Mini Plus is that the reservoir is conveniently removable for easy refilling. This feature is missing from the regular K-Mini.
In addition to these improvements, the K-Mini Plus also introduces a convenient pod storage feature.
This feature allows you to store your K-Cups within the machine, keeping them easily accessible and eliminating the hassle of searching through kitchen cupboards to find your desired flavor.
With this added convenience, you can effortlessly switch between different coffee options and maintain a clutter-free countertop.
Despite these enhancements, the Keurig K-Mini Plus retains the beloved features of its predecessor.
It includes the automatic shutoff feature, promoting energy efficiency and providing peace of mind for busy individuals who may forget to turn off their coffee maker.
Additionally, the K-Mini Plus is available in three attractive colors—black, red, and teal—allowing you to choose the option that best complements your kitchen decor.
Pros
- Ample pod storage: The Keurig Mini Plus comes equipped with extra pod storage, providing a convenient solution for organizing and accessing your K-Cups.
- Removable water tank: With a removable water tank, cleaning the Keurig Mini Plus becomes a breeze, allowing for easy maintenance and ensuring the purity of your coffee.
- Travel mug compatibility: Enjoy the flexibility of using your favorite travel mug with the Keurig Mini Plus, accommodating larger cup sizes for your on-the-go caffeine fix.
- Fast and convenient brewing: Experience the swiftness and convenience of brewing a cup of coffee with the Keurig Mini Plus, offering a quick and hassle-free brewing process.
- Space-saving compact size: The compact design of the Keurig Mini Plus ensures it occupies minimal counter space, making it an ideal choice for kitchens with limited room.
- Adjustable strength control: Tailor your coffee to your preferred taste by utilizing the strength control feature of the Keurig Mini Plus, allowing you to adjust the strength of each cup according to your personal preference.
Cons
- Limited capacity for multiple servings: As a single-serve coffee maker, the Keurig Mini Plus is not designed to brew large quantities of coffee for multiple individuals simultaneously, making it less suitable for communal use.
- Potential noise during brewing: Over time, the Keurig Mini Plus may produce noise while brewing, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Key Differences: Keurig Mini vs. Mini Plus
While the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus share similarities in their compact size and efficient brewing capabilities, there are key differences that set them apart.
In this section, we will highlight and explore the distinctive features of both models.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Strength Control
The K-Mini Plus distinguishes itself with a “Strong” button located on its top panel—an option absent in the K-Mini.
Although seemingly minor, this distinction has a pivotal impact on the quality of your brew.
By activating the “Strong Brew” feature, the K-Mini Plus allows you to extract a more intense and bold flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a cup of coffee with a noticeably bigger punch.
When you press the brew button on either the K-Mini or K-Mini Plus, water from the reservoir is pumped through the heating elements and then reaches the coffee grounds via the needle.
Without the “Strong Brew” feature, the water flows through the grounds at a standard rate.
However, with the “Strong Brew” function engaged, the water spends more time in contact with the coffee grounds due to a slower flow rate.
This extended contact allows for a more thorough extraction of flavors, resulting in a stronger and more flavorful cup of coffee.
If you prefer your coffee with an added kick and a more pronounced taste profile, the K-Mini Plus emerges as an unbeatable choice.
Its “Strong Brew” feature amplifies the richness and intensity of your coffee, offering a tailored brewing experience that satisfies even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Pod Storage
The Keurig K-Mini Plus stands out with its integrated pod storage container, a feature absent in the K-Mini model.
Located at the back of the machine, this container allows you to neatly store up to nine K-Cup pods.
When it’s time to brew, you can easily slide out the storage container to access your desired pod, and then slide it back in when you’re finished.
This smart and space-saving solution ensures that your K-Cups are kept organized and within reach, reducing potential clutter on your countertop.
By offering dedicated pod storage, the K-Mini Plus addresses the needs of coffee enthusiasts who value tidiness and convenience in their brewing process.
Having a designated space to store your K-Cups not only eliminates the hassle of searching through kitchen cupboards but also ensures that your coffee pods are easily accessible whenever you’re ready to brew a fresh cup.
This feature is particularly appealing for those with limited countertop space, as it helps maintain a clean and organized coffee station.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Water Reservoir Capacity
Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus feature water reservoirs with the same capacity range, accommodating a minimum of 6 ounces and a maximum of 12 ounces.
To determine the water volume, both machines have water level marks on the side, making it easy to fill the tank to the desired level.
When brewing your coffee, you simply pour water into the tank between these two levels, and the machine will use the amount of water you’ve added for the brewing process.
However, it’s important to note that the water tank will require refilling with each brew, distinguishing these smaller machines from other Keurig models with multi-cup water reservoirs.
Here is where the Keurig K-Mini Plus offers a significant advantage.
Unlike the K-Mini, the K-Mini Plus features a removable water tank, making the refilling and cleaning process much more convenient.
With the K-Mini Plus, you no longer need to repeatedly go back and forth to the sink with a jug of water.
Instead, you can simply detach the water tank, fill it up, and effortlessly slide it back into place.
This bonus feature not only streamlines the refilling process but also ensures that you can maintain a hygienic water tank with ease.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Cleaning And Maintenance
Although the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus do not have a dedicated cleaning program or cycle, it is crucial to clean and descale your machine regularly.
Descaling involves removing mineral buildup, which can affect the performance and taste of your coffee over time.
Neglecting to descale your machine can result in unpleasant-tasting coffee.
Both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus utilize the regular brew cycle as the cleaning cycle.
To descale your machine, simply add Keurig descaling liquid to the water in your reservoir and run a brew cycle.
Once the descaling process is complete, it is recommended to run 2-3 additional rinse cycles without a coffee pod to ensure thorough cleaning.
One key difference between the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus lies in the cleaning of the water tank.
As mentioned in the previous section, the K-Mini Plus features a removable water tank, which significantly simplifies the cleaning process.
With the Mini Plus, you can easily remove the water tank and rinse it under the tap, ensuring thorough cleaning without the need to navigate intricate nooks and crevices.
In contrast, cleaning the water tank of the K-Mini requires manually reaching into all possible areas with a cloth, making it less convenient compared to the Mini Plus.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Build Quality
The K-Mini Plus features chrome accents on the drip tray, enhancing its visual appeal and giving it a more stylish appearance.
In contrast, the Keurig Mini is entirely made of plastic, which feels slightly cheaper and less durable compared to the Plus.
In terms of overall build quality, the K-Mini Plus tends to feel more solid compared to the Keurig Mini.
The inclusion of chrome accents on the drip tray adds a touch of robustness and contributes to a sturdier feel when interacting with the machine.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: Pricing
When comparing the prices of the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus, you will typically find that the K-Mini Plus is priced around $25 higher than the regular Keurig Mini.
While this price difference may seem modest, it is essential to consider the additional features you gain with the K-Mini Plus.
For most coffee drinkers, the extra $25 spent on the K-Mini Plus is often worth it when you take into account the enhanced functionalities it offers.
The K-Mini Plus provides notable upgrades such as a removable water tank, a strength control feature, and a pod storage container at the back of the machine.
These added conveniences contribute to an elevated brewing experience and can enhance your overall satisfaction with the coffee maker.
While the regular Keurig Mini is a budget-friendly option, the K-Mini Plus’s slightly higher price brings valuable features that cater to the needs of discerning coffee enthusiasts.
Key Similarities: Keurig Mini vs. Mini Plus
While the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus models offer distinct features and enhancements, they also share several key similarities.
Let’s take a look at the similarities between these two coffee makers.
Compact Size
Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are designed to occupy minimal countertop space, catering to individuals with limited kitchen area.
With a width of just 4.5 inches, these coffee makers are Keurig’s slimmest brewers, ensuring they effortlessly blend into any kitchen setup.
When the lid is open, they stand at a height of 16.8 inches, providing ample space for various cup sizes.
Measuring 11.3 inches in depth, the compact footprint of the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus allows them to occupy a small corner or fit comfortably in tight spaces.
The 6-inch gap between the drip tray and coffee spout accommodates most cup sizes, making it convenient to brew your favorite beverages without worrying about compatibility.
Whether you have a small apartment, dorm room, or a cozy kitchenette, the compact size of the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus ensures they can seamlessly integrate into your space without compromising on convenience.
Their slim profiles and thoughtful design make them versatile options for individuals seeking a compact and efficient coffee brewing solution.
Enhanced Brewing System
As successors to the now-discontinued Keurig K15, both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus incorporate Keurig’s enhanced brewing system while maintaining a slimmer design.
With a width of 6.9 inches, the K15 was surpassed by the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus, which measure just 4.5 inches wide, optimizing countertop space without compromising on performance.
When it comes to brewing speed, both machines excel, ensuring a quick and efficient process.
Within under two minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee that rivals your favorite café’s brew.
Simply insert your preferred coffee pod into the machine, press the brewing button, and let the Keurig K-Mini or K-Mini Plus handle the rest.
The simplified operation makes it effortless to achieve a perfect cup of coffee, allowing you to indulge in café-quality beverages without the complexity.
Whether you opt for the Keurig K-Mini or K-Mini Plus, rest assured that both models boast an upgraded brewing system designed to elevate your coffee experience.
Versatile Compatibility
Another notable feature shared by the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus is their compatibility with the My K-Cup universal reusable filter.
This innovative accessory allows users to brew their favorite coffee using their own ground beans, expanding the options beyond the traditional K-Cup selection.
With the ability to use the My K-Cup filter, coffee lovers can embrace their preferred blend, roast, and brand, tailoring their coffee experience to their exact taste and preference.
By utilizing the My K-Cup filter, both the K-Mini and K-Mini Plus grant you the freedom to explore a wider range of coffee options.
Whether you have a favorite local coffee roaster or prefer to grind your own beans, these compact coffee makers enable you to savor the distinctive flavors and aromas that come with using freshly ground coffee.
This compatibility feature elevates your brewing experience, allowing you to customize each cup according to your personal coffee journey.
Energy Saving
Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus come equipped with an automatic shutoff feature, making them energy-efficient choices for coffee enthusiasts.
This convenient feature eliminates the need to manually power off the machine, as it intelligently detects periods of inactivity and automatically shuts off the device.
The auto-off feature serves as a significant energy-saving measure, contributing to sustainability efforts by preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
This not only helps reduce electricity usage but also provides peace of mind, eliminating concerns about accidentally leaving the coffee maker on and wasting energy.
Ease Of Use
Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus have been designed with user convenience in mind, offering a straightforward brewing process that makes them two of the easiest Keurig machines to operate.
Whether you choose the K-Mini or the K-Mini Plus, the steps to brew a cup of coffee remain practically identical.
To start brewing, simply add fresh water to the machine’s reservoir, ensuring you have enough for your desired cup size.
Then, power on the machine and insert your preferred K-Cup pod into the designated holder.
With everything in place, press the brew button, and the Keurig coffee maker will begin the brewing process.
For the K-Mini Plus, there is an additional option to select the strength of your coffee, which involves pressing the strength control button before pressing the brew button.
The beauty of the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus lies in their simplicity. Both models follow the same brewing method, ensuring a consistent and reliable coffee-making experience.
With their intuitive design and minimal steps required, these machines cater to coffee enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced users seeking a hassle-free brewing solution.
Removable Drip Tray
Both the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are equipped with removable drip trays, allowing you to brew coffee directly into travel mugs or larger containers.
This feature grants you an additional inch of clearance, making it possible to accommodate taller vessels such as travel cups or even tall latte glasses.
By simply taking out the drip tray, you create additional clearance, allowing you to conveniently brew coffee into travel mugs or tall cups without any hassle.
Brewing Sizes
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus are designed to accommodate a variety of brewing sizes, providing flexibility and catering to individual preferences.
With the ability to brew coffee cups ranging from six to twelve ounces, these machines ensure that you can enjoy your coffee in the portion that suits your needs and desired strength.
Whether you prefer a small, concentrated cup of coffee to kickstart your morning or a larger, more indulgent serving to savor throughout the day, the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus have you covered.
You can effortlessly adjust the brewing size to match your desired coffee intensity, ensuring a consistently satisfying cup with every brew.
Color Options
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus go beyond their excellent brewing capabilities by offering an extensive selection of color choices.
Whether you prefer a pop of vibrant color or a more subdued and elegant look, these machines allow you to find the perfect hue that complements your kitchen aesthetic.
The Keurig K-Mini is available in four different colors, ensuring there’s an option to suit every taste and kitchen style.
It also comes in an Oasis Blue Option which looks awesome however this is only available with the K-Mini.
On the other hand, the Keurig K-Mini Plus offers three colors to choose from, providing a refined selection that suits various preferences.
Brewing Quality
Despite the enhancements introduced in the Keurig K-Mini Plus, both machines offer an identical brew quality.
Whether you opt for the Mini or the Mini Plus, you can expect the same level of performance when it comes to brewing your favorite beverages.
These machines utilize the same type of coffee pod and deliver the same type of coffee, ensuring consistency in flavor and aroma.
Although the coffee brewed by these pod-based machines may not possess the same freshness as using freshly ground beans in traditional espresso or drip coffee makers, the Keurig K-Mini and K-Mini Plus guarantee a top-quality brew every time.
The convenience and speed of the pod system, coupled with Keurig’s expertise in coffee brewing, ensure a reliable and enjoyable coffee experience.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Who should buy the Keurig Mini?
The Keurig Mini is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and budget-friendly coffee maker.
Its small footprint makes it ideal for individuals with limited countertop space, and its straightforward operation ensures a hassle-free brewing experience.
If you prioritize simplicity, affordability, and a space-saving design, the Keurig Mini is the perfect fit for you.
Who should buy the Keurig Mini Plus?
If you desire additional features and customization options, the Keurig Mini Plus is the right choice for you.
With extra pod storage, a removable water tank for easy cleaning, compatibility with travel mugs, adjustable strength control, and a compact size, the Keurig Mini Plus offers enhanced convenience and flexibility.
If you value these added functionalities and are willing to invest a bit more, the Keurig Mini Plus will meet your brewing needs with added versatility.
If we had to pick a winner, it would be the Keurig Mini Plus as the extra $25 you pay for the additional features are worth the money in the long run.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between Keurig Mini and Plus?
The Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are similar in many ways but differ in a few key features.
The Mini Plus offers extra pod storage, a removable water tank for easier cleaning, and adjustable strength control, while the Mini lacks these features.
Is Keurig Mini and Mini Plus the same size?
Yes, both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus share the same compact size.
They measure approximately 4.5 inches in width, 16.8 inches in height (with the lid open), and 11.3 inches in depth.
How big is the Keurig Mini Plus?
The Keurig Mini Plus has the same dimensions as the Keurig Mini, measuring around 4.5 inches in width, 16.8 inches in height (with the lid open), and 11.3 inches in depth.
Do all K-cups work in Keurig Mini?
Yes, both the Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are compatible with all standard K-Cups, offering a wide variety of coffee options to choose from.
Additionally, they can also accommodate the use of the My K-Cup universal reusable filter, allowing you to use your own coffee grounds.
