In this Keurig K-Mini review you’ll discover a coffee maker that’s compact, beautiful and brews delicious coffee in an instant!
Designed to fit into even small spaces and deliver an impressive, efficient performance, this Keurig K-Mini coffee maker has delighted thousands of coffee fans.
Coffee lovers prefer this coffee machine over other brands… for good reason.
(Updated on 1st January, 2023)
Quick Keurig K-Mini Review
A cursory glance at any Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review will confirm what its name already suggests.
This is a very small, very compact, cozy little coffee machine that delivers on the quality and flavor expected of its big brand name.
Sometimes you can’t choose between competing models of coffee makers because they seem to be almost alike. Maybe it boils down to price. Or some other unique feature you want.
And then you’re able to choose between the nearly-similar items. This Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review will help you make a choice.
Even if it doesn’t boast of any extraordinary innovation or premium features, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker appeals if only because it’s small and cute.
A minimalist design, tiny footprint, efficient coffee making prowess and ease of use make the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker a favorite first choice for many buyers.
Another point in favor of the Keurig K-Mini coffee machine is its affordable price.
Unlike its more expensive cousins, the price of a Keurig K-Mini borders the lower range of any Keurig coffee maker.
It can only brew coffee in K-cups, but to many owners this isn’t a problem. Fans who like an elegantly designed machine will find much to cheer in the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.
And it’s the answer to a prayer for people without much shelf or counter space who still hope to fit in a coffee machine.
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Easy and convenient to use
- Makes delicious, tasty coffee
- Clean, modern and minimalist design
- Small size, fits in smaller spaces
- Most affordable of all Keurig coffee makers
- Efficient performance, no water wasted
- Auto shut-off functionality, energy efficient
- Has discreet cord storage
- Brews in sizes between 6 and 12 ounces
- Portable, easy to carry on trips
- RV friendly
- Compatible with wide range of K-Cups pods
Cons:
- limited programmability, can’t control temperature or strength
- cannot brew with coffee grounds (only K-cups)
- water tank needs to be refilled each time
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review
3 Big Questions… If You’re In A Hurry
If you’re in a rush and just want the skinny on whether or not to get the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker, here are 3 questions to make your task simpler.
1. Is there anything seriously wrong about the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker?
No. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
If you chose to simply go ahead with no further information and buy the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker, you will not go wrong.
It is a neat, effective single-serve coffee maker that can brew a hot, delicious cuppa within minutes. The machine is small, elegant and fits into any space.
2. Are there any other models or brands that are better than the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker?
There are several brands and models of coffee makers, and certainly some of them are better than the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.
However the choice of whether or not to get this one or any other will depend on what you’re looking for in a coffee machine.
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker can quickly and easily brew a cup of coffee from a K-cup, water and a coffee mug. If that’s all you ask of a device, then this model is as good as any other.
Another comparable choice is the Gloridea single serve coffee machine. The Chulux Single Serve coffee maker is also worth looking at.
If you need to brew more than one cup of coffee at a time, a French press coffee maker or the Keurig K-slim which comes with a bigger water tank may be more suitable.
Or maybe you’d like
- more versatility and power, or
- prefer to customize your morning brew by being able to adjust temperature or strength, or
- even use your favorite brand of coffee grounds
In that case, other coffee machines like the Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker will be a better choice.
3. Where can you buy the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker?
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is available from most mainstream retail outlets including Walmart, Target, Macy’s and JC Penney.
It is however more convenient and often cheaper to shop for your coffee maker online. E-commerce portals like Amazon.com offer special deals and coupon offers that slash a few dollars off the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.
In addition, you can enjoy the comfort of having the device shipped at no extra cost right to your doorstep.
Buy the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker on Amazon
Before we dive deep into the several reasons why the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is a good choice for you, a word about…
Why You Should Trust ‘A Barista’s Daughter‘
We are not coffee experts or baristas. Just enthusiastic coffee lovers who enjoy a cup of java every morning – and maybe evening. Kind of like you.
But when we discovered just how complex the process of trying to decide which brand and model of coffee machine to buy, the idea for ‘A Barista’s Daughter‘ cropped up. A site to share details to help you choose the right coffee maker for your needs.
We offer frank and unbiased coffee maker reviews from various manufacturers. All details are fairly presented to allow you to make up your mind. Looking at the pros and cons of each brand or model can be time consuming and confusing. Our goal is to clear this haze and help you choose.
Our reviews are not influenced by any brand or maker. We may earn a commission on orders referred from this website, but at no extra cost to you. And that will never be why we suggest or warn against a coffee machine or manufacturer. The coffee maker reviews are all guided by what features and performance a specific model offers.
So let’s move on to a detailed Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review.
Keurig K-Mini Review
4 Reasons to Pick the Keurig K-Mini
There are many ways to choose your ideal coffee maker.
Poring over a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review is one method to gather information that convinces you of its merits.
But an important point to keep in mind as you peruse a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review is this: Sure, it has this feature… but do I really need it?
The answer to that question can help you choose between two alternatives that look almost the same.
So first we’ll look at what makes this model different from any of its peers.
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker has an edge over other coffee machines from being easy and convenient to use.
- Pop a K-cup into your coffee maker.
- Fill the reservoir with water.
- Place your coffee mug under the spout.
- Press a button.
And hey presto! In a minute, you’re sipping on a delicious cup of hot coffee.
Keurig’s brand promise is to keep coffee making simple and fast.
This isn’t about making the most flavor-rich, customized, perfect cup of java. It isn’t a coffee maker for the coffee gourmet who delights in creating masterpieces every morning.
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is a great choice for people on the go, with little time to waste on brewing a cuppa.
If you enjoy the experience of drinking coffee more than making it, you’ll love the Keurig mini. With no skills, training or experience, you’ll be able to whip up a steaming mug of goodness time after time.
And another compelling advantage is how affordable the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is when compared to other models that offer less.
A sub-$100 coffee maker which delivers on the promise of strong, tasty coffee for people in a rush has its own appeal.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review
So Who Should Get a Keurig K-Mini?
A coffee machine as user friendly as the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is suitable for anybody, from all ages and backgrounds united in a shared love for good coffee.
If you’re not too keen about mastering nuances of coffee brewing and only want your drink without fuss and delay, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker will be one of your best choices.
The device is suitable for people in a rush – employees, students, entrepreneurs, or anybody else. It is compact and fits nicely even into cramped quarters.
It is even light enough to take long on trips. And it accommodates a range of brew sizes.
If you desire the peace of mind that comes from having a coffee maker backed by a solid, trusted brand, then you can’t go wrong with a Keurig.
Last, but not least, the price tag puts the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker well within reach of most budgets. Unlike other high end coffee machines, you won’t have to pay a hand and a foot to buy this model.
But Who May Not Like The Keurig K-Mini?
Yes, this is a versatile coffee machine and will suit most coffee drinkers.
But still, a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review wouldn’t be complete unless it excludes the kind of buyer for whom this model isn’t right.
And there are a some users who will find an alternative better.
Like the coffee enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with their brew.
There’s no way to use any coffee grounds with the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker. And you don’t get too many programmable functions, such as water temperature or coffee strentgh.
Or take the buyer who frequently entertains large groups of friends or colleagues and wishes to serve coffee. The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is a poor choice as it can only create one cup at a time.
And then there are people for whom the environment-hazards posed by K-pods is a deterrent. The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker can only brew with K-cups. So that may not work be the best.
Finally, some users aren’t enamored by the look of a mostly-plastic coffee maker. The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker may not appear classy enough for such tastes.
Keurig K-Mini Review
Appearance
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker looks sleek and minimalist in design, matching most kinds of decor and is compact enough to fit into even very small spaces.
A drawback some purists have voiced is that it is constructed mainly of plastic instead of metal, but this means you can enjoy a choice of 3 different colors –
- Turquoise or Oasis
- Studio Gray
- Jet Black
The Keurig K-Mini PLUS coffee maker comes in red and Evening Teal, just in case either is your favorite color – but the model is a little more expensive than this one.
Strangely, there’s also a price difference between the different colors even though they are all basically the same model in all other ways.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review
Performance
Any Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review will highlight the powerful performance packed into such a tiny device. It is impressive.
- Fast Brewing Time: Brewing time is just over one minute for a 6 oz cup of coffee. This is excellent for a single-serve coffee maker.
- Flavor: The flavor and richness of your coffee depend on the choice of K-cup. But it may not be as rich as coffee brewed on a more elaborate and expensive machine.
- Temperature: Brewing temperature cannot be adjusted with the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker. The water reaches around 180F while brewing.
- Noise Level: The machine is quiet and can be used in spaces which require silence, such as in an office or hospital waiting areas.
- Easy Clean Up: Cleaning up the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker after use is simple and fast. A damp cloth or sponge can wipe down the machine.
- Descaling: The interior needs descaling once ever 3 to 6 months. Without such maintenance, the performance will drop slightly due to mineral build up.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review
Taste Test
In the ultimate analysis, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker passes the taste test.
Your coffee is immensely drinkable, delicious and strong.
Despite all the talk about programmability, there’s no denying that the Keurig’s standard settings are spot-on.
While a gourmet coffee drinker might find something to quibble about in the Keurig K-Mini, the vast majority of users will be just fine with the tasty coffee it serves up – quickly, and without a fuss.
Keurig K-Mini Review
Ease of Use
As any Keurig K-Mini review will attest, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is easily among the easiest coffee machines to operate. It requires no prior training or experience to get right.
A nicely designed control panel is located on top of the machine near the front.
Controls are clearly labelled and can be operated by intuition.
There are just two buttons.
- One button is called Brew and begins the process.
- If you’re looking for a stronger drink, press the Strong button first.
As the water heats up, the light pulses for around 2 minutes. When it turns solid, your coffee has begun to brew. This takes a further minute.
A prominent on/off button powers up the machine.
The water reservoir cannot be removed. It has to be replenished with water for every brewing session, which takes a little longer to heat and brew.
This is one of the drawbacks of this model if you require multiple cups over the course of your day.
The drip tray can be easily removed to fit in a taller mug.
A removable pod storage unit under the handle can hold 9 spare K-cups. This doesn’t mean the process of brewing is automatic. You still have to manually take out the pod and load it, as you would with other Keurig coffee makers.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review
Key Features
This compact but powerful model packs a pretty punch by way of features. They may be basic, but are nicely planned to add to your ease and convenience.
- Auto-off: There’s a 90-second auto-off feature which shuts down the coffee maker after you’ve brewed yourself coffee. This helps save energy and offers extra protection against power surges.
- Drip tray: A removable drip tray guards against spills and messes. The ability to take away the drip tray allows even bigger travel mugs to fit beneath the spout.
- Neat cord storage: And a neatly designed self-storage compartment for the power cord makes it handy to pack up and move or take along on trips.
- Programmability: A feature that some users expect from the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker – but miss – are the ability to adjust temperature and brew strength.
- Range of cup sizes/servings: Cup sizes of 6 oz to 12 oz will fit comfortably. The machine will use all the water poured into the reservoir. So match this volume to your mug.
- Light-weight: The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker weighs four and a half pounds and can be effortlessly lifted and carried around on trips. It can also be stowed away in a cupboard and brought out only during use.
- Compact: The machine is 12 inches tall, 11.3 inches deep, and less than 5 inches wide. It’s perfect for small spaces.
- Water reservoir: The water reservoir has a 12 oz capacity and must be refilled for each brew.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker & K-Cups
If you’re okay with a pod life, and don’t mind getting your caffeine fix from a K-cup, you’ll enjoy the Keurig K-Mini just fine.
Only K-cups coffee capsules can brew coffee using the K-Mini model. You cannot brew using Vue pods, K-Carafe pods, Nespresso pods or K-Mug pods with the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker. Getting reusable cups will save you some money over time and also reduce waste.
The device has no portafilter either. If you are determined to try and use coffee grounds, the only way is with reusable My K-Cups. But there are many better options to make coffee this way, and a single-serve coffee machine like the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker isn’t your best option.
Keurig K-Mini Review
Are There Any Technical Problems With Keurig K-Mini?
For most owners, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is a trouble-free, low-maintenance, quick and easy coffee machine that serves their need for a single serve coffee maker on the go.
A few complaints voiced by users include:
- the uncertain volume of coffee brewed
- sudden malfunction after a few weeks or months of operation
- periodic lack of adequate heating of the water
There’s no way to tell if these are manufacturing problems or they arise due to inadequate cleaning or maintenance. In any case, Keurig offers a rock-solid limited one-year warranty against defects caused by their process for home users. You may be able to get a replacement in the event of such faults.
Health & Safety Concerns
Keurig coffee makers are certified BPA-free in their components and have FDA approval for this claim. This means even if the plastic comes into contact with hot water, it will not leach dangerous chemicals into the coffee.
With that said, some people don’t like the idea of plastic being used at all. They prefer aluminium or other metals for the device itself.
The safety concerns of K-cups on the environment are a pet peeve of many ardent believers in corporate responsibility for our overall safety. So if this is a major concern, be sure to inform yourself about it before buying a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.
While the manufacturer says the used grounds can be composted while the pods can be combined with other recyclable waste, most countries consider these plastic pods too small to be efficiently sorted for recycling. So they’ll end up in landfills anyway.
Keurig K-Mini – Price vs Value
Is Keurig K-Mini Worth Buying?
For the price at which you can get this model, many would consider it a great buy.
It’s the most affordable Keurig coffee maker. And for a single serve coffee maker that serves up good coffee in a short time, this is a good deal.
And yet, the same features and functionality that make the Keurig K-Mini great are the ones that some users are frustrated with – like the small size and 90 second auto-shut off feature.
Given the technology, design and convenience packed into a compact coffee maker, the sub-100 dollar price point is sweet.
What adds to the expense over time is the replacement costs of getting K-cups. Make sure that you factor this in before taking the plunge.
For the occasional coffee drinker who wants a hassle free and simple solution, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker is a good option. The costs of K-cups won’t matter if your consumption is modest.
For more discerning or gourmet coffee enthusiasts, or people who drink multiple cups every day, these other factors need consideration. And other brands and models may be better options like
- Mr.Coffee Coffee Maker
- Hamilton Beach Coffee Machine
- Black & Decker 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Our Verdict
In this Keurig K-Mini coffee maker review the focus has been on showing you the various features, advantages and drawbacks on offer.
For the right kind of buyer, the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker can be an ideal choice in terms of size, features and price.
For users looking to take along a coffee maker on trips, this small and light machine will be quite handy.
The Keurig K-Mini coffee maker brews a delicious and satisfying cup of coffee. It offers no bells and whistles like premium and expensive models. But for the job it is designed, it works really well.
Keurig K-Mini Buying Guide
If you aren’t comfortable committing to a more elaborate or expensive coffee machine, or don’t relish the idea of tackling pounds of coffee beans, a single serve coffee maker may be right for you.
And if you want speed, convenience and ease of use in a single serve coffee maker every morning, try the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.
You can order it online from Amazon.com and have the machine delivered to your doorstep at no extra cost.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker Review: FAQ
1. Can I adjust the temperature of water in the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker?
No, the temperature cannot be modified and averages 170-180F while brewing.
Some users suggest adding hot water to the reservoir itself. But this could damage the machine. The only reliable way is to brew smaller amounts. A 6 oz cup is hotter than a 12 oz cup because the water heats for the same time.
2. Does the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker have a filter?
There is a water filter to remove chlorine and impurities from the fluid to enhance taste. You may use My K-Cup coffee filters in addition. Descaling the Keurig K-Mini device as recommended every 3 to 6 months can also keep the flavor good over time.
3. How long can I expect the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker to last?
Typical single serve coffee makers last around 4 to 5 years with good and regular maintenance.
The manufacturer offers a 1 year limited warranty for home use. This covers manufacturing faults like material or equipment failures.
By regularly cleaning the machine, descaling at the right time, and using water filter when necessary, you can extend the life span of your Keurig K-Mini coffee maker.