Making a single-serve cup of coffee using a Keurig machine is great and all, especially with the vast variety of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or any other beverage available in a K-Cup pod. Keurig has always been favorited by coffee drinkers thanks to this variety of options available to them. But sometimes, you can’t help but want to make a full carafe of coffee using your favorite ground coffee. That’s where the rise of dual coffee makers came to life.
What’s a dual coffee maker? It’s a combination machine that allows you to brew a single-cup of coffee using a k-cup pod as well as a pot. This sounds a lot like the concept of Keurig 2.0, which can brew both single cup and full carafe, but not exactly. The type of machine I’m talking about using ground coffee for carafe brewing, instead of a special pod (K-Carafe) like Keurig 2.0.
Such machines were always available from brands like Cuisinart or Hamilton Beach. But Keurig has finally joined the club of dual coffee makers with the release of Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus.
The Difference Between K-Duo vs. K-Duo Plus
[amazon table=”1856″]
Design:
K-Duo has two sides, one for single serve brewing and the other for carafe brewing. This model comes with a glass carafe and uses a heating plate to keep your coffee hot. The heating plate is programmed to shut off after two-hours to preserve energy, much like other coffee makers.
On the other hand, K-Duo Plus has one spout that you can use either for pod brewing or carafe. The carafe is thermal, so no warming plate available on this model since it’s not needed.
Dimensions wise, the K-Duo Plus has less width since it doesn’t have two sides, but is slightly higher than the K-Duo. So it’s a great option if you want to save up on some countertop space.
Cup Sizes and Capacity:
Both brewers have the same brewing capabilities whether for single-serve brewing or carafe brewing. Both have the Strong brew option, too.
Auto Brew and Digital Clock:
Both models also have the same digital clock and auto brew option, but this works for the carafe side only. Pod brewing can’t be set on auto brew.
Reservoir Capacity:
Both models have 60oz water reservoir that is shared between the the carafe and pod brewing. The K-Duo has its reservoir on the back, while the K-Duo Plus has a repositionable reservoir that can set on either side or on the back.
Which Should You Pick?
These two brewers have the same functionality, so I would pick based on:
- Whether you prefer a glass or thermal carafe,
- And if you have the counterspace for a wider design or prefer a slimmer one.
If you prefer a thermal carafe, then you should pick the K-Duo Plus. Simple as that. It’s also the best choice if you want the slimmer design.
If you don’t mind the type of carafe, or the size, then pick whichever fits your budget, because both of them offer the same brewing capacities and functionality.
Features of Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus
K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are as versatile as a coffee maker could get. Both models are dual coffee makers that brew a single-cup or a carafe, up to 12 cups.
Here are the features of K-Duo and K-Duo Plus:
- Brew a single-cup using K-Cup pod or a carafe using ground coffee.
- Choose from many brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz for single cup brewing or 6, 8, 10 and 12 cups for carafe brewing.
- Programmable digital clock allows you to setup auto-brewing up to 24 hours in advance.
- Strong Brew option for single serve brews a more intense cup of coffee.
- Pause and Pour feature pauses the brewing for 20 seconds mid-way through the cycle, giving you the option to brew a cup before the carafe brewing is finished fully.
- 60 oz water reservoir shared between both the single-serve and carafe brewing.
Keurig K-Duo vs. K-Duo Essential, Are They Different?
For the most part, the K-Duo and K-Duo Essentials are the same in the sense that both are dual coffee makers. However, the K-Duo Essentials gives you less serving sizes and it does not have a digital clock for programmability.
- Serving sizes: 8, 10 and 12 oz for single-serve brewing and 8, 10, 12 cups for carafe brewing.
- It has no digital clock so you cannot set it to automatically start like the K-Duo.
- No Strong Brew option.
It is a basic version of the K-Duo for slightly less than its price. With about $20 to $30 price difference (at the time of writing), I’d absolutely recommend the K-Duo over the K-Duo Essentials.
What Kind of Pods Are Compatible with Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus?
For single-serve brewing, you can use any type of K-Cup pod available. You can choose from Keurig’s own pods, or pods available from 3rd party brands. And of course, you can brew any type of beverage available in a K-Cup pod! (I do recommend rinsing your machine between brews to get rid of any residue that might end up in your coffee). However, make sure not to use K-Mug, K-Carafe, Vue or Rivo pods. It’s strictly K-Cups only.
K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are also compatible with Keurig’s My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter. So if you which to use ground coffee for your single cup brewing, that’s an option, too!
What Kind of Paper Filter is Compatible with Carafe Brewing?
You can use any flat bottom paper filters compatible with 12-cup coffee makers. These are widely available in stores or online.
How Long Does It Take to Brew a Carafe?
It depends on the amount you’re brewing: 6 cups: 5-6 mins, 8 cups: 6-7 mins, 10 cups: 7-8 mins, 12 cups: 8-9 mins.
Can You Brew a Single-Serve Cup and a Carafe at the Same Time?
This question about be applicable to the K-Duo model with two sides. And the answer is no, you can’t brew using both brew methods at the same time.