The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a new take on the old K-Mini K15 coffee brewer. The original K-Mini featured a clunky, bulky design, but it was one of the smallest single-serving coffee makers that Keurig offered. With the release of the K-Mini Plus, Keurig has refined the design, improving on the aesthetics, size, and brewing capability of their bite-sized brewer. Our first impression is that it is a stellar direction to take the Keurig line.
The Keurig K-Mini Plus was released on August 26th, 2018. Be sure to order Keurig’s newest single-serving coffee maker here.
Overall Score: 4.6/5
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Quality: 4.5/5
The quality of this machine is right in line today’s other Keurig brewers. The build quality is exceptional and, if you take care of it properly, this machine should last you quite some time. The brewing capability is more refined than previous generations of Keurig machines and we welcome the improvement in taste.
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Value: 4.3/5
The preorder price for this machine is just under $100. While that may seem pricey for such a small machine, we think it showcases how much attention to detail was packed into it. We feel that this machine has tremendous value for the price.
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Style: 4.8/5
As of right now, the machine only comes in black, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Keurig adds more variants to the lineup before the holidays arrive. Overall, we think the style of this machine is unbelievable. There was so much attention to how the consumer uses the machine, such as the removable, single-serving water reservoir or the integrated cable management system. We’re thoroughly impressed with Keurig’s designers on this one.
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Size: 4.8/5
This is where the new Keurig K-Mini Plus truly excels. This machine is smaller than anything else Keurig offers. It is easily stowable and can travel well. If you’d like to take your Keurig on the road or have a small kitchen in need of a small coffee maker, this machine should be your first choice.
Pros
- Tiny, tiny, tiny brewer – This coffee maker is one of the smallest on the market and is perfect for anyone looking to reduce their coffee maker’s footprint in their kitchen. It’s also great for those who don’t drink coffee often, but want a very capable brewer for guests.
- Attachable pod holder – While this pod holder may seem a bit silly, we find it to be pure genius. It fits perfectly under the brew nozzle and can hold up to 9 K-Cups, so you don’t have to worry about where the pods are in your pantry when you suddenly need your Keurig.
- Ingenious cord storage – Cords are one of those necessary evils in this world and Keurig did a great job of recognizing that and finding a solution that makes this machine even more stowable. The cord can be wound up into the back of the machine so that, when you store it in your cabinet, it can be tucked into the smallest nook or cranny you’ve got.
- Travel-friendly – The small size and intelligent storage features make this brewer very travel-friendly. We look forward to taking this with us on the road as an alternative to those terrible hotel coffee makers.
- Minimalist user interface – The machine’s size isn’t the only thing that is reduced. There is almost no user interface on this brewer. The only two buttons are a power button and the Strong button. We think this lack of buttons and screens add to the aesthetics of the machine.
Cons
- No bells and whistles – If you’re looking for a fully-featured machine, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere. This machine just has the bare essentials for brewing a delicious cup of coffee.
- Single-serving reservoir – One of the great features of this machine could also be its weakness; the single-serving reservoir can become tedious to refill if you’re an avid coffee drinker. Anything more than one cup per day and we recommend you upgrade to a larger Keurig with a sizable water reservoir.
- Tippable – This coffee maker weights about 4.6 pounds, but since it is so thin we think it becomes a bit more “tippable”, so you’ll want to make sure you have it in a secure location where it won’t get knocked over.
Deep Dive
The K-Mini doesn’t come with all that many bells and whistles, but the features it does have pack a serious punch. This single-serving coffee maker is the perfect candidate for those looking to purchase a portable, stowable Keurig. Without further ado, we are going to dive into what we think makes this the best small brewer Keurig has ever manufactured.
Features
Tiny footprint – At less than 5 inches wide, this Keurig is an exceptional candidate for small kitchens. We love that it slides into spaces on the counter that were previously wasted kitchen real estate.
Travel-friendly – The brewer weighs in at less than 5 pounds, making it the perfect travel companion. It also measures in at 11.3″ deep by 4.5″ wide by 12.1″ tall, making it no bulkier than a large textbook.
Removable drip tray – The drip tray can hold up to one full cup of liquid for those times where you accidentally forget to put a cup under the brew nozzle. The drip tray is also removable for easy emptying and rinsing.
Fits travel mugs – The brewer can fit travel mugs up to 7″ tall by removing the drip tray, making it great for the commuter. The removable drip tray can be simply slid away from the machine to make room for your travel mug.
Discrete cable storage – The power cable can be wound up into the machine so that you can easily store the device in any nook or cranny in your kitchen. This also makes the brewer unbelievably portable.
Pod storage container – This brewer comes with a cylindrical pod storage container that is capable of holding up to 9 K-Cup pods. When the brewer is not in use, it fits perfectly into the machine under the brew nozzle so that your K-Mini Plus can be quickly stored with an ample supply of coffee for your next brew.
Perfect for one cup – The K-Mini Plus is an example of an appliance that does one thing exceptionally well: brewing a single cup of coffee. Everything about this brewer was designed around the one-cup philosophy. If you’re a semi-regular coffee drinker, this will be the perfect machine for you.
Sleek black and chrome design – The brewer features beautiful branding; the machine is emblazoned with the Keurig logo on a silver medallion on the surface of the coffee maker.
Simple user interface – The user interface on the K-Mini Plus is one of the most minimalist we’ve seen to date. It features only two buttons: power and strong. The power button turns the machine on and off. The strong button brews a bolder cup of coffee.
Easy to brew – Brewing in the K-Mini Plus is as easy as ever. After powering up, simply insert a K-Cup, then push down on the lever and brewing will commence.
Strong brew mode – The K-Mini plus features a Strong Brew mode that enables the brewer to make a bolder, more intense cup of coffee. This is great for those who need a more robust morning pick-me-up.
Auto-off – The brewer is equipped with an auto-off feature to save you from worrying if you turned off your coffee maker on your way to work. The coffee maker is designed to brew one cup at a time, so this can be a handy feature for the one-cup-a-day coffee drinker.
Range of brew sizes – This new brewer is capable of brewing any cup of coffee between 6 and 12 ounces, just fill the removable water reservoir with your desired amount. This makes brewing unbelievably simple. Want a small cup of coffee? Fill the reservoir with the minimum 6 ounces required to brew. Looking for a larger cup? Fill the reservoir to the max line and enjoy a large cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Removable water reservoir – The water reservoir is sized for a single serving and is completely removable, making filling and cleaning it a breeze. We find this feature tremendously helpful. Another good way to fill the brewer is to fill your coffee mug with water then pour it into the reservoir. That way you know exactly how full your cup of coffee will be.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Keurig K-Mini Plus is a breeze. Always be sure you’ve unplugged the brewer before cleaning.
Exterior
The exterior of the machine should be cleaned occasionally to ensure it keeps shining like new. All you need to do is take a damp, soapy cloth to the body and wipe away any buildup. Be sure to use a lint-free cloth with a non-abrasive cleaner. Never immerse the unit in any type of liquid.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir can be cleaned with a damp, soapy cloth. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the reservoir after cleaning to ensure there is no soap left over that may get into the brewer. Never dry the reservoir with a cloth, as it may leave lint in the reservoir that could harm the brewer. Let the reservoir air dry before putting it back into the machine.
Drip Tray
The drip tray should be emptied as it fills up. It can hold up to 8 ounces of liquid. The drip tray can be cleaned with a damp, soapy cloth.
Descaling
The machine should be descaled every 3-6 months according to the instructions found in the user guide that comes with the machine. By following these instructions, you will improve the life of your new Keurig K-Mini Plus.
Summary
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is an amazing little machine. And when we say little, we mean it. At less than 5 inches wide, it is perfect for anyone looking to purchase a Keurig without having to commit to the footprint of a larger machine. This machine looks as sleek as it is slim. Featuring chrome accents against matte black, it catches the eye and looks very sophisticated.
The machine boasts a surplus of intelligent features, such as a pod holder that fits perfectly into the brewer when it is not in use. It appears to be designed to be an exceptional travel companion. The power cord can tuck neatly inside the machine so that it can be easily stowed in luggage and taken on your next trip.
The K-Mini is only capable of brewing one cup at a time, but the single-cup water reservoir can hold between 6 and 12 ounces of water with clear markings on the side so you know how much coffee you’ll be making. After you’ve finished brewing your cup of coffee, the machine automatically shuts off so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn it off. The brewer features a strong brew for those looking to add even more pep to their morning routine.
Overall, we think the new Keurig K-Mini Plus is an amazing choice for a new single-serving coffee maker, especially if you are not a huge coffee drinker or plan on tucking the machine away when it is not in use.
Perfect Pairings
To get the most out of your new Keurig, you’ll want to check out some accessories that will make your morning coffee routine that much better. We’ve outlined a few products that we think will take your coffee game to the next level.
Customizing Your Brew
K-Cup Coffee Lover’s Variety Sampler (40 Count)
If you’re new to the Keurig family of systems, we highly recommend picking up a sampler of K-Cups. There are countless coffee brands out there in a dozen different coffee styles, so it’s hard to know what to try first. The Coffee Lover’s Variety Sampler comes with 40 K-Cups from 20 popular brands. It’s our choice for best sampler for a Keurig newbie.
Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter
Sometimes, countless brands and types of coffee aren’t enough. With the seemingly endless supply of amazing coffee roasters cropping up every year, being locked into K-Cups seems like a disservice to your taste buds. Luckily, Keurig agrees and developed the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter. The device can be filled with ground coffee of your choosing and inserted into your Keurig, just as you would an ordinary K-Cup. The filter has two fill lines that are optimized for cup and travel mug sizes, so you never end up with a coffee that is too strong or too weak. It is super easy to clean and is top rack dishwasher safe.
K-Cup Storage
One minor concern in Keurig ownership is where to store all of your favorite K-Cups. While the pantry works, it’s not nearly as accessible as having the coffee sitting on your counter right next to your brand new Keurig. Thankfully, some savvy entrepreneurs recognized this problem and created a variety of ways to store your K-Cups close to your brewer. Our favorite two storage solutions are broken out below.
K-Cup Carousel
The K-Cup Carousel is a new twist on the iconic carousel spice rack. This carousel is designed for K-Cups, specifically. It comes in chrome or powder-coated black, so you’ll be able to perfectly fit it into your kitchen decor. The carousel can hold up to 35 K-Cups and fluidly rotates so you can quickly select your desired K-Cup in the morning. We find the K-Cup Carousel to be our favorite carousel K-Cup storage solution.
Mind Reader Triple Drawer K-Cup Holder
If you don’t want yet another countertop container, like the carousel, then we recommend the Mind Reader Triple Drawer K-Cup Holder. The device is essentially a set of drawers that doubles as a stand for your new Keurig. We enjoy this K-Cup holder because it has three independent drawers, which allows you to get creative in replenishing your stash. Perhaps one drawer could be for decaf, one drawer for regular, and one drawer for your highly-caffeinated Death Wish Coffee. Overall, we think the Mind Reader Triple Drawer K-Cup Holder solves our K-Cup storage problem, hands down.
Water Quality
The quality of the water going into your Keurig greatly affects the life and maintenance on your machine. One of the best ways to extend the life of the machine is to descale regularly, per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keurig makes their own descaling solution and we think it’s the best for their class of machines.
Keurig Descaling Solution
Even with high-quality, filtered water it is recommended that you descale your machine regularly with Keurig’s own descaling solution. This will drastically increase the life of your machine. By using the Keurig Descaling Solution instead of a vinegar-based concoction, you won’t have the terrible lingering vinegar smell or flavor in your coffee. We highly recommend the Keurig Descaling Solution for your Keurig; your coffee maker is an investment and you should take every measure to protect it.