Keurig K Mini Coffee Maker Plus (Tested Review)

Last Updated on January 13, 2025 by Karen

If you’re someone who enjoys a delicious cup of coffee without the hassle, the Keurig K-Mini Plus might just be the perfect fit. This detailed review explores the machine’s features, performance, and design to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your coffee routine.

If you’re a coffee drinker who loves convenience, then a single-serve coffee maker is likely on your radar. One popular option in the market today is the Keurig K-Mini Plus, a compact machine that promises to deliver a decent cup of coffee with the press of a button.

This tested review will dive into everything you need to know about the Keurig K-Mini Plus, from its ease of use to its performance, so you can decide if this is the best single-serve coffee maker for your needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Keurig K-Mini Plus arrives in a well-packaged box, designed to keep the machine secure during shipping. Once you open it up, the first thing that stands out is the slim design and matte finish. At only 5 inches wide, this machine is perfect for those with limited space, making it ideal for small spaces such as dorm rooms or small apartments.

If you have counter space that’s at a premium, you’ll appreciate how compact the Keurig K-Mini Plus is, sitting comfortably on even the tiniest of countertops.

Design and components

The Keurig K-Mini Plus I picked comes in a sleek matte gray finish, which adds a modern and sophisticated touch to my kitchen. The matte design not only looks great but also helps hide fingerprints, keeping it looking pristine even with frequent use. This model includes all the essential components you’d expect, such as the K-Cup pod storage located at the back of the machine, making it easy to keep your pods organized and within reach.

It also comes with a removable drip tray, which is perfect for catching any spills or overflows during brewing. The drip tray grate is included, ensuring you can place taller travel mugs or cups without worrying about spilling. Additionally, the single-cup water reservoir is easy to fill and clean, ensuring fresh water is always available for your next brew.

This matte gray version of the K-Mini Plus provides both functionality and style, giving you everything you need for a convenient coffee experience right out of the box.

Setting up the machine

Setting up the machine is a breeze. Simply fill the single-cup water reservoir with fresh water, choose your favorite K-cup pod, and you’re ready to brew. The one-button operation makes it incredibly easy to use, whether you’re making your morning coffee or an afternoon chai latte.

Key Features of the Keurig K Mini Plus

When you first get your hands on the Keurig K-Mini Plus, there are a few features that are immediately apparent.

Compact Design: The K-Mini Plus is designed to fit into limited space with ease. It’s the perfect coffee maker for those living in small apartments or dorm rooms, where space is often a luxury.
Single Serve Brewing: This machine brews a single cup of coffee at a time, which works perfectly for coffee drinkers who don’t need large batches of coffee. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or just want to make a delicious coffee for the day, this is an ideal option.
Removable Water Reservoir: Unlike many other Keurig machines, the K-Mini Plus features a removable water reservoir, making it easy to fill with the amount of water you need. The single-cup water reservoir holds enough water for a few cups but is small enough to make refilling quick and convenient.
Strong Brew Feature: One of the standout features of the Keurig K-Mini Plus is the strong brew option. If you’re someone who prefers a more robust coffee, the brew strength button enhances the flavor, creating a stronger brew with a little extra kick.
Fast Brewing Time: The K-Mini Plus doesn’t waste time. It brews your coffee in under two minutes, which is perfect for those mornings when you need your morning coffee quickly. Whether you’re rushing out the door or just need a quick pick-me-up, this machine is up to the task.
Convenient Pod Storage: The Keurig K-Mini Plus offers a K-cup storage container at the back of the machine, making it easy to keep your coffee pods organized and within reach. This small storage area allows you to store a few pods for convenience.

Performance Testing: How It Performs in Real Life

Now, let’s take a closer look at how the Keurig K-Mini Plus performs in real-life conditions. As a product tester, I’ve brewed several cups of coffee with this machine, and the results are impressive.

Ease of Use: The control panel is simple and intuitive. With the push of a button, you can easily brew your favorite K-cups without any hassle. Whether you’re using a K-cup pod or a reusable pod, the brewing process is smooth and straightforward.
Brew Time: The brew times are fast, with the Keurig K-Mini Plus delivering a cup of coffee in under two minutes. This is especially important for busy individuals or those who want their morning coffee without waiting too long.
Coffee Quality: The Keurig K-Mini Plus delivers a decent cup of coffee with every brew. While it may not have the depth of flavor that some larger Keurig models or high-end espresso machines provide, it’s still a great option for those looking for a simple, tasty cup. The brew temperature is consistent, and the coffee pods provide a variety of flavors, from hot cocoa to iced coffee settings for those who like a cold beverage.
Brew Strength: The strong brew setting is perfect for those who prefer a more intense coffee flavor. If you’re a coffee drinker who enjoys a strong brew, this feature will ensure your cup has the right punch. The temperature of the brew is also ideal for a hot drink, but it may not suit those who prefer their coffee extra hot.
Milk Frother: While the Keurig K-Mini Plus does not come with a milk frother, it does brew a decent cup of coffee that pairs well with frothed milk, if desired. If you’re into chai lattes or specialty drinks, you may need to purchase a separate frother. However, for basic coffee brewing, the K-Mini Plus handles the job perfectly.

Design and Build Quality

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is designed to take up minimal space without sacrificing performance. Its sleek, slim design is perfect for small countertops. This machine also comes in various colors, allowing you to match it with your kitchen decor.

Despite its compact size, the build quality feels sturdy. The removable drip tray helps keep the area around the machine clean, and the matte finish gives it a sophisticated look. The control panel is clear and easy to read, and the brew button is responsive, ensuring you can brew your single serve coffee maker quickly and efficiently.

Pros and Cons of the Keurig K Mini Plus

Like any product, the Keurig K-Mini Plus has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Compact, slim design perfect for small spaces and limited space.
Fast brewing time, delivering a cup in under two minutes.
Strong brew option for those who like a bolder flavor.
Easy to use, with one-button operation.
Affordable price range for a quality coffee maker.

Cons:

Small water reservoir means frequent refills.
No milk frother, so it’s not ideal for those who want to make lattes or cappuccinos without a separate frother.
Limited to brewing a single cup of coffee at a time—no options for larger batches.

Comparing the Keurig K Mini Plus to Other Coffee Makers

When compared to other best Keurig coffee makers, the K-Mini Plus stands out for its compact design and low price point (currently listed for $79.95 on Amazon). Models like the Keurig K-Slim are also compact but have slightly more advanced features, such as a larger water reservoir. However, the K-Mini Plus offers the best price tag for those who need a convenient coffee maker without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a machine that can brew a variety of drinks beyond coffee, you might consider the Keurig K-Elite or the Keurig K-Supreme, which come with more advanced features like an iced coffee setting or the ability to brew multiple cup sizes. However, these models are larger and come with a higher price tag.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining the Keurig K-Mini Plus is simple. The removable drip tray makes it easy to clean up spills, and the removable water reservoir allows you to rinse it regularly to ensure fresh water for each brew. The machine does not have any complicated parts, so cleaning is quick and hassle-free.

For optimal performance, Keurig recommends descaling your machine every three to six months, depending on the water hardness in your area. A descaling solution is available from Keurig, but you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water for a natural descaling solution.

How to use reusable K-cup in Keurig Mini?

Just like other Keurig models, you can always use a reusable K-cup to brew your coffee or tea. To use a reusable K-cup in a Keurig Mini, follow these simple steps:

Prepare the reusable K-cup: Open the reusable K-cup by removing the lid. Fill it with your preferred ground coffee, making sure not to overfill it. Typically, you’ll want to use around 1-2 tablespoons of coffee, depending on your taste preference and desired strength.
Close the reusable K-cup: Place the lid securely back on the reusable K-cup, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent any coffee grounds from spilling.
Insert the reusable K-cup: Lift the Keurig Mini’s handle and insert the filled reusable K-cup into the brewing chamber, just like you would a regular K-cup pod.
Choose your brew size: Select your desired brew size (6 oz, 8 oz, or 10 oz) depending on how much coffee you want to make.
Brew the coffee: Press the brew button to start the coffee-making process. The Keurig Mini will brew your coffee using the reusable K-cup, filtering water through the grounds to create your cup of coffee.
Remove and clean: Once the brewing is complete, carefully remove the reusable K-cup from the machine. Empty the used coffee grounds, rinse the K-cup, and it’s ready to be used again.

This method allows you to enjoy your own coffee blends while being more eco-friendly by reusing the K-cup.

Final Verdict: Is the Keurig K Mini Plus Worth It?

After testing the Keurig K-Mini Plus, it’s clear that this machine is an excellent choice for those who need a single serve coffee maker that takes up minimal counter space. Its ease of use, compact size, and ability to brew a delicious coffee quickly make it ideal for people in small spaces or those living in dorm rooms or small apartments. While it may not have all the advanced features of larger Keurig models, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is a best buy for those on a budget.

If you’re in the market for a convenient coffee maker that delivers a decent cup of coffee at a low price point, the K-Mini Plus is definitely worth considering. Whether you enjoy hot drinks like coffee and hot chocolate, or want to brew a chai latte, this machine offers a simple, effective solution with various sizes of coffee pods and the push of a button.

Conclusion

In summary, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is a compact, efficient, and affordable coffee maker that excels in simplicity. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a single-cup coffee experience without taking up too much space. If you’re looking for the best single-serve coffee maker that delivers on convenience and quality, the K-Mini Plus is a solid choice.