The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Keurig K-Cafe
2. Best for range of serving sizes: Keurig K-Elite
3. Best for families: Keurig K-Duo
4. Best for customization: Keurig K-Supreme
5. Best for iced coffee: Keurig K-Iced
6. Best for small spaces: Keurig K-Mini
Buying advice
How we test
FAQs
The best Keurig coffee maker will help craft a single espresso shot or fill a carafe with your favorite brewed coffee beans.
Everyone knows that Keurig makes some of the best coffee makers out there; they're one of the top dogs in the US, thanks to their easy-to-use, convenient machines and their invention of K-Cups. Whether you want a big mug of coffee to fuel you in the morning for the rest of your day, or a simple mid-afternoon shot of espresso for that little 'pick-me-up', Keurig has a variety of machines that can provide a tailor-made coffee experience.
They're a brand we like here at TopTenReviews, so we've had several reviewers test out different Keurig machines to bring you this guide. We've tested each Keurig for at least two weeks to make us a selection of coffees within the machine's capabilities. We also assess factors such as the setting-up process, ease of use, and cleaning and maintenance.
Read through to discover our best picks, including our overall pick. If you're hankering after a shot of coffee and perhaps one that can grind beans, then check out our guide to the best espresso machines to see how they compare.
The quick list
This list in brief is an overview section of all the Keurigs we've reviewed, showing you exactly what you need to know - all at a glance. This allows you to jump to the more detailed reviews further down the page for the product you want to know more about.
The best Keurig coffee maker overall
We have chosen this as our overall best pick because it's an 'all-rounder' - "a modern, easy-to-use machine for those coffee connoisseurs" who just want a really good, fresh cup of joe without the coffee house price.
The best for a range of serving sizes
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker brews hot and iced coffee with the click of a button, so it's best for coffee lovers who like variety. It also has five different cup sizes to control the size of your single serve.
The best Keurig coffee maker for families
The Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker can use both ground coffee and K-cups and offers two brewing options, so it's a flexible machine that offers choice without the hassle. It's small and easy to clean, too, perfect for a busy family kitchen.
The best Keurig coffee maker for customization
The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is a versatile pod-based machine that allows you to customize your drink’s strength, temperature, and size and even brew certain drinks directly over ice. It is a high-tech single-serve coffee maker.
The best Keurig coffee maker for iced coffee
The Keurig K-Iced is a compact and easy-to-use coffee maker that lacks advanced features but is ideal for those with limited counter space and a budget.
The best Keurig coffee maker for small spaces
This quirky and colorful Keurig coffee maker is perfect for smaller spaces, such as dorm rooms or smaller apartments, due to it being the smallest variant of Keurig available. Due to its size, it's a simple machine to operate.
The best Keurig coffee makers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews
The best Keurig coffee maker overall
✅ You like milky drinks: This machine has a milk frother, allowing you to create lattes, cappuccinos, and more. You can even control the temperature of the foam.
✅ You like an easy-to-use machine: It is relatively easy to use with its light-up buttons and simple mechanisms, and you can always turn to the user manual for step-by-step directions if you need help.
✅ You like your coffee strong: This machine has a button for a 'strong' brewing option to control the strength of each cup of coffee brewed.
❌ You have limited counter space: It’s larger compared to some other Keurigs. Make sure you have at least a foot of room for this machine.
❌ You want to use a carafe: Some people like making more coffee at a time with a carafe. If that sounds like you, you’ll want to opt for something like the K-Duo, which has a place for pods and a carafe.
❌ You want a simple machine: This has additional features to make specialized drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, etc. If that’s unimportant to you, don't spend the extra money.
🔎 The Keurig K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker is more expensive but bigger and more advanced than other Keurigs, with the bonus of a milk frother to make proper barista-style coffee is worth the money. ★★★★½
The K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker lets you enjoy coffee-shop quality coffee at home, saving you time and money. With a milk frother and customizable options, you can make lattes and cappuccinos and choose your cup's size, strength, and temperature.
Design: This coffee machine may not have the most appealing design, but it's larger than most Keurigs and offers impressive functionality for its price. The light-up display is easy to read and lays out its functions. Unfortunately, the machine is only available in silver, which could disadvantage those who prefer more colorful or striking designs.
Performance: Our reviewer found this Keurig coffee machine more complex than others due to its size and added features like the milk frother. However, they quickly got the hang of it and appreciated how fast it heated up and how quiet it was. Compared to other Keurig models like the K-Duo, our reviewer was pleased with this machine's performance, especially its ability to control coffee strength at the brewing stage with a simple button press.
The coffee was high quality, and our reviewer enjoyed the taste. Despite its complexity, this machine is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who enjoy controlling their coffee's strength and appreciate the added convenience of a milk frother.
Value: The Keurig K-Duo is a good choice for those who want flexibility in the amount of coffee they prepare. It's cheaper and allows the use of pods and a carafe. However, it lacks a milk frother, making it less advanced than the K-Café Special Edition.
Read more: Keurig K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price & availability | High quality, good value, decent availability online. | ★★★★★ |
Design | Intuitive design, slightly bulky, loose reservoir lid. | ★★★★ |
Performance | Quick heating time, rich, flavorful coffees with variety | ★★★★★ |
The best Keurig coffee maker for range of serving sizes
✅ You like iced coffee: If you like iced coffee, you’ll like this coffee maker because there are different brewing options. You have full freedom over how you want your coffee made from the strength and amount.
✅ You don’t want to refill your water reservoir constantly: For daily coffee drinkers, you might notice that you constantly need to refill your water reservoir. However, the Keurig K-Elite will last you for several days since it’s so large (75 oz.).
✅ You like an intuitive coffee machine: With a limited number of buttons, including those clearly labeled, it’s easy to select the settings you want without hesitation.
❌ You want a more advanced coffee machine: Although it’s sleek and modern-looking, it can only brew hot and iced coffee. Unlike some of the brand’s other machines, it doesn’t offer the option to make lattes or cappuccinos.
❌ You’re looking to use a carafe: For some people, the ease of a coffee pod seals the deal. If you don’t envision yourself using coffee pods, then you won’t want to buy this machine, as it doesn’t have a carafe.
❌ You’re looking for fancy features (milk frothers, etc.): Although this machine does have some programmable settings, it doesn’t offer additional features for the coffee itself (milk frothers, steamers, etc.)
🔎 The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker's small, sleek design and large water reservoir mean this machine is easy to use and clean and quickly brews hot or iced coffee. While not the most advanced, it makes good coffee quickly and efficiently. ★★★★½
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great choice for those looking for a pretty standard, reliable machine that's easy to use without all the bells and whistles. Here's how it measured up across the following categories, according to our reviewer:
Design: The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker has a 75-oz water reservoir, a drip tray, and a water filter. Its contemporary design makes it suitable for a modern kitchen while remaining functional and not taking up a lot of space. The buttons can be seen from far away despite not being labeled, and they illuminate when selected for easy use. It is available in three colors: brushed silver, brushed gold, and brushed slate.
Performance: This machine offers a 'seamless' experience - it's as simple as inserting your coffee pod and choosing your drink size: 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces; this is done by simply pressing a button. It's worth noting that the cup sizes aren't written on the buttons; they're indicated only by pictures - so for your first use, you may need to consult the user manual. This machine also performs well in that it doesn't make a lot of noise when heating up and brewing, and it's also easy to clean, as the only removable element is the water reservoir, which can be put through the dishwasher. It brews a good cup of coffee you can make to your taste by selecting the 'strong' button before brewing.
Value: Like other Keurig coffee machine models, the Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker is lightweight and modern. It’s more basic but slightly more elevated than the Keurig K-Select, although it is cheaper by about $40. If you’re looking for a more elevated version, you’ll want to check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker, which has five strengths and different temperature options.
Read more: Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price & availability | Great value on Amazon and Keurig.com | ★★★★ |
Design | Chic modern design, perfect size for most kitchens. | ★★★★ |
Performance | Quick heating time, little noise, makes good coffee. | ★★★★ |
The best Keurig coffee maker for families
✅ You like to have options: If you’re indecisive, you’ll like this coffee maker because there are many options. From the type of brew to the strength and amount, you have full freedom over how you want your coffee made.
✅ You like a strong aromatic coffee: Coffee connoisseurs will enjoy a cup of coffee from the K-Duo, especially if it’s made using the ‘strong’ setting. Even if you don’t, the regular option is just as tasty and satisfying, so there’s no wrong option.
✅ You don’t like to refill the reservoir: The large reservoir makes refills less necessary as it holds more water so that you can go for longer between refills.
❌ You’re looking for a statement coffee machine: Although it’s sleek and modern, it’s only available in one color (black), so there’s no room to make a statement in the kitchen.
❌ You’re not a fan of using a carafe: For some people, the ease of a coffee pod is what seals the deal. If you don’t envision yourself using a carafe, then there’s no need to spend additional money on it.
❌ You’d prefer a milk frother: Although this machine does have some programmable settings, it doesn’t offer additional features for the coffee itself (milk frothers, steamers, etc.)
🔎 The Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker has two brewing options, a large reservoir, and programmable features, making this coffee machine the perfect blend of design and function. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for families and everyone. ★★★★½
Our reviewer investigated the Keurig K-Duo and its performance for two weeks, considering things like value for money, design, performance, etc. Overall, she found that all its useful features well justify the price of this machine.
Design: This machine is lightweight, sleek, and polished. It’s not super fancy. However, it is more elevated than the K-Select, for example. It is a bit larger than a standard Keurig because of the additional carafe, but it’s still small enough to keep on a kitchen counter. A standout feature is the LCD screen and buttons, which are easy to read and intuitive. They light up for easy indication to let you know when it's time to brew, how many ounces, and the type of brew selected. Unfortunately, it is only available in one color, but black is always a solid choice for a kitchen appliance.
Performance: The K-Duo is easy to use; you can choose between making a larger amount of freshly brewed coffee in the carafe or making a single-serve portion with the pods. You do have to use some force to push the handle to get the K-Cup into place, as it has to puncture the cup first for the water to go through it. There are also many useful features, such as choosing the ‘strong’ button for a stronger, darker cup. The 'pause and pour' setting dispenses hot water mid-brew without waiting. The Auto-Off button is equally useful, so you don't have to remember to switch the machine off or worry about overheating.
If using ground coffee beans and a filter for the carafe, this method takes less than five minutes to make a nice, hot, fresh cup of joe. Handily, the heating plate stays on for two hours after brewing so that the second cup won't be cold. The water reservoir is large enough to go for a few days before refilling.
Lastly, this machine was found to be easy to clean, and most importantly - it makes a good cup of coffee.
Read the Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price & availability | Great value; only available on Amazon and Keurig.com | ★★★★ |
Design | Chic modern design and small enough for anywhere | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Quick heating time, rich, flavorful coffee, mess-free | ★★★★ |
The best Keurig coffee maker for customization
✅ You’re short on space: The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker takes up little space with its water tank that can be placed on the back or the side.
✅ You’re particular about temperature or taste: This coffee maker has five strengths and six temperature settings, making it easy to get your brew exactly how you like it.
✅You want your machine to deal with the guesswork: The BrewID feature automatically recognizes K-cups and adjusts the settings to ensure you get the optimal brew.
❌ You don’t want to connect it to the Wi-Fi: The app won’t work if you don’t hook the coffee machine to your home’s Wi-Fi connection.
❌ You need more than a single serve: This Keurig model can only hold one hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at a time, so if you plan to make two or more at once, it won’t be a match.
❌ You want it to look premium: This coffee maker has a plastic exterior and comes in black, white, and gray.
🔎 The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is quick to brew a drink and makes it easy to adjust the temperature and strength of your coffee, but it must be connected to Wi-Fi for the smart features to work. ★★★★
Check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker for a highly customizable brew. This newcomer is impressive because it follows a line of very basic Keurig models. You can fiddle with the settings for brew strength and water temperature and even connect to your Wi-Fi network to adjust your coffee settings from the sofa.
Design: This coffee maker is a single-serve design with a dual-position water tank and raised screen, which makes it quite compact and worthy of even a cramped kitchen. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to transport around. We also found it easy to use, as there's a handle attached to the 66-ounce plastic water tank and a detailed digital control panel and menu.
This menu will let you select from five strength and six temperature settings, making it highly customizable. For those who take their coffee over ice, there’s an option for that, too. It recognizes K-Cups.
Our reviewer found that the app is a little limited. It would be just as quick to insert a pod yourself and press start rather than pre-loading the pod. The coffee maker must also be connected to Wi-Fi.
Performance: During our tests, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker quickly selected the best settings using its BrewID feature and delivered hot, flavorful coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai lattes. It's hard to fault its performance, although the app was lackluster.
Value: At approx. $180, this Keurig model is one of the most expensive single-serve machines made by the brand. However, it offers far more than those that came before it, and it performs very well, even if the app leaves a little to be desired.
Read our full Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price | Expensive for a Keurig model but good compared to others. | ★★★★★ |
Design | A great bunch of features and adjustable settings. | ★★★★★ |
Performance | Performs well but the app is just as quick as pressing start. | ★★★★ |
The best Keurig coffee maker for iced coffee
✅ You don't have a lot of space: The Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker is perfect for those with limited counter space.
✅ You want something easy: The machine is simple and straightforward, with large plastic control buttons.
✅You love iced coffee: The K-Iced's signature feature is the ability to brew a concentrated cup of coffee that can be diluted with ice.
❌ You want many features: The K-Iced lacks advanced features that other coffee machines may have, such as a milk frother or temperature control.
❌ You’re particular about taste: While the coffee produced by the K-Iced is decent, it's not as good as what you may get from a more expensive coffee machine.
🔎 The Keurig K-Iced is a compact and efficient single-serve coffee maker that can brew hot or iced coffee quickly with minimal effort. It's ideal for small spaces but lacks advanced features and produces average coffee. ★★★½
The Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker is a compact and efficient machine that can quickly brew hot or iced coffee with minimal effort. Although it lacks advanced features and produces average-quality coffee, it's ideal for those with limited counter space.
Design: The Keurig K-Iced Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a compact machine that fits perfectly in small spaces. Its 5.1-inch width makes it easy to slide next to other appliances in your kitchen or tucked away in the pantry. Although it feels a little cheaply made due to the amount of plastic used, it looks sleek and nice. The machine has a water reservoir that holds 42oz, a removable drip tray, and large plastic buttons for controls. However, it lacks a waste bin for the K-Cups, which must be tossed after each use.
Performance: The Keurig K-Iced is a simple and easy-to-use coffee machine that is perfect for those who don't have time for complicated gadgets. The machine can brew coffee in under 2 minutes with various brew options and sizes, leaving you with a fresh cup of joe at the perfect temperature. The iced brew feature is a signature of the K-Iced, allowing you to brew a concentrated cup of coffee that can be diluted with ice. While there are minor inconveniences, such as coffee spatter and occasional grinds falling into the cup, the machine is easy to maintain with minimal upkeep.
Value: The Keurig K-Iced retails for $99. It has a stronger brew option and is available at various retailers. For those seeking more features, options include the Keurig K-Café Special Edition and the Bruvi BV-03, though they are more expensive.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price & availability | Budget-friendly coffee maker that brews hot and iced coffee adding to value. Wide availability makes it easy to find. | ★★★★★ |
Design | Compact design makes it easy to fit anywhere, the water reservoir adds convenience, an excessive amount of plastic in build gives off a cheap feel | ★★★ |
Performance | Makes coffee quickly, simple to use, easy to maintain | ★★★★ |
The best Keurig coffee maker for small spaces
✅ You’re on a budget: Costing just $109.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers in our round-up and provides even more savings when it's on sale.
✅ You drink one cup at a time: This coffee maker's water tank is only big enough to fill one cup of coffee at a time, making it great if that's your go-to.
✅ You live in an apartment or dorm room: This compact coffee maker, available in several bright colors, fits well into an apartment or dorm room.
❌ You’re often in a rush: It takes several minutes for the water to warm up and the Keurig K-Mini Plus to pour your cup of coffee, so you must be willing to pause and wait.
❌ You don't want water on the counter: Unless you use a tall mug or travel mug, the machine has a bad habit of splattering water over your kitchen counter.
❌ You're a large family: If you have a large family, expect a queue to use the coffee machine in the morning because this product can only produce one hot brew at a time.
🔎 The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a colorful, quirky, and budget-friendly coffee maker perfect for individual coffee lovers who want to make one cup at a time. Perfect for small spaces, apartments, dorm rooms, and younger buyers who aren't too fussy about their coffee. ★★★
Short on space? Then, we think that the Keurig K-Mini Plus will be a great match. Small and suitable for a single serving of coffee at a time, this coffee maker is a handy addition to any apartment or dorm room. It only has two brew settings and takes a while, but it gets the job done with just a few minor quirks.
Features: At just 4.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall, the Keurig K-Mini Plus coffee maker is very compact and lightweight and will fit snugly into any small apartment kitchen space or similar. The storage container can hold up to nine K-cups, so you'll need more storage space for extra pods.
Bright and fun, it's available in misty green and cardinal red colors. The plastic exterior and colorful design may not fit well into a more ‘sophisticated’ kitchen, but it would be a great fit for a dorm room or apartment.
However, it's basic and produces single-serve coffee only rather than drip coffee. It can only deal with one cup of coffee at a time, as the water tank is tiny and requires a refill before you move on to the next. There’s a handy 10-ounce line in the tank to measure enough water for a large cup accurately. You can also press ‘strong’ for a stronger cup of coffee.
Performance: The Keurig K-Mini Plus takes around two minutes to heat the water and pour your coffee, so it's not great if you’re in a rush. It’s also best to use a tall mug, as it’s prone to splattering water on the counters. A travel mug would be ideal, as the removable drip tray makes this possible. These details are just quirks; most importantly, the coffee is hot and tastes good.
Value: This model is very budget-friendly, available at just $109.99 direct via Keurig. It's often put on sale through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, adding more savings. That being said, it is a very basic model, so better options are available for a little more money unless you’re very budget-focused.
Read our full Keurig K-Mini Plus review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Price | Very affordable even if it only makes one serve. | ★★★★ |
Design | Basic design which splatters water at times. | ★★★ |
Performance | Slow to brew a cup of coffee but coffee tastes good. | ★★★ |
How we tested the best Keurig coffee makers
We take testing coffee makers very seriously because we here at Top Ten Reviews drink it a lot, like, a LOT. Whether it's an americano, espresso, cappuccino, or latte, we know what good quality coffee tastes like. With our extensive testing, we know the important things to look out for when choosing a Keurig.
Our experts take a couple of weeks to test each coffee maker we review. This gives them enough time to set up the machine, clean it before first use, and select coffees to see how the machine performs. The factors that we look out for during testing include ease of set-up, settings and functions, cleaning/maintenance, and—most importantly—how the coffee tastes.
Sometimes, the reviewer gets to use the coffee maker for longer than a few weeks to test for longevity - the ultimate value-for-money test. Knowing how to de-scale a Keurig to look after your machine in the long run.
Find out more about how we test coffee makers and all the other things we review, such as appliances and yard tools.
How to choose the best Keurig coffee maker for you
When buying a Keurig coffee maker, you'll want to consider price, of course, but there are also many other features you may want to think about, such as:
What type of coffee do you like to use?
Do you prefer drip filter coffee that you can keep warm and go back to for more whenever you want? Or do you prefer to use pods for quick espresso-style coffee? Whatever you prefer, there's a Keurig for you, but it's worth noting that multi-feature models with a carafe and take pods will be more expensive - but you are paying for that freedom of choice.
Are you grinding those beans?
Similar to the above point, a built-in grinder for fresh coffee beans is an excellent idea if you prefer to buy whole beans and grind them for that real barista experience. You may even save money by buying a separate grinder, but remember how messy grinding at home can be and how to properly dispose of the coffee grounds afterward. (They make amazing compost and even insect repellent.)
Size is important!
Machines with a carafe are great, as a larger coffee jug lets you share with family, in the office, with guests, etc. If you opt for a jug/carafe style, ensure you have a good heating plate, too, to make sure as little as possible goes to waste by getting cold. If you want coffee fast, you may want a smaller machine that heats up faster and gets you a single cup quickest.
Are you looking for other 'fancy' features?
Some people want a regular coffee maker that'll pour out a nice hot espresso - simple as that. However, you may be looking for more advanced features, such as:
* A timer - Some coffee makers have LED displays and digital clocks, so you can set a timer to start brewing your early morning coffee, ready for when you wake up. Who doesn't want a nice hot cup of joe waiting for them in the morning?
* Auto-pause controls - so you don't have to wait for the machine to finish brewing to grab a coffee mid-brew.
* Accessories for milky drinks - like a steam wand or milk frother for creating lattes and cappuccinos.
* Strength controls - some of the Keurigs listed above have a 'strong' button you can push when you need a stronger, darker cup.
* Easy-clean features - very important if you're busy and don't have time to carefully take apart your machine to clean it.
* Audible signals - have you ever made a coffee, forgotten about it, and found it stone-cold later? Some machines will beep so you can hear when your coffee is ready from the next room over.
Keurig coffee maker FAQs
How much do Keurig coffee makers cost?
Keurig coffee makers run the gamut from as low as $50 to more than $200 easily; there are currently some good deals to be had over on the Keurig website. Even modestly priced coffee makers intended for home use can still produce excellent coffee and offer enough features to satisfy even the most demanding coffee lovers.
It's worth thinking about costs when choosing between a pod machine and one that uses ground coffee. Pods can be quite pricey over time, and buying them becomes an ongoing purchase, especially if you sign up for a monthly pod subscription - so that's worth considering.
Where to find the best Keurig coffee maker deals?
From what we see, there always seems to be a Keurig coffee maker deal to shop. Whether you want to make a shot of espresso or a carafe full of the good stuff, we recommend checking out what some of your favorite resellers offer. Think Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart.
And don't forget: If you shop directly with Keurig, you can also find some exclusive Keurig coffee maker deals. Bookmark our coffee maker deals page to shop all the discounts in one place.
How to clean a Keurig coffee maker
If you're concerned about cleaning a Keurig, don't be; it's pretty easy. The main areas that need cleaning are the coffee compartment, the water reservoir, and the jug. Those last two can usually be removed and either hand-washed or run through the dishwasher, but the coffee area can be a little more hassle sometimes.
With some machines, you can remove the coffee feed area and tap the grounds into the compost before rinsing and placing them back into the machine. Some machines are less simple and use disposable filters that need to be removed, often meaning the machine may need a clean-out, too.
To keep your Keurig clean over time, you'll also need to know how to descale it, especially if you have hard water. But did you know this can be done simply with white vinegar?