For the longest time, we’ve known the K15 to be Keurig’s smallest brewer. It’s been favored by people who have small spaces, students and as a coffee for a one-person use. But we’re glad that a new version of the K15 has been released and the upgrade is getting a lot of rave reviews.
K-Mini vs. K-Mini Plus, What’s The Difference?
The K-Mini looks identical to the K-Mini Plus. It is also the same size with dimensions 12.1” H x 4.5” W x 11.3” D. Priced at a lower price, you might be wondering what is the difference between them?
K-Mini lacks some of the features that the Plus models has:
- There’s no Strong Brew option on the K-Mini.
- No removable reservoir.
- It does not include pod storage unit.
Otherwise, both models brew the same serving sizes (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz). Both also need to be refilled with fresh water at each use. There’s also a small aesthetic change where the Plus model has some steel accents (around the bottom of the machine) and the K-Mini doesn’t.
Features of Keurig K Mini PLUS
At first sight, you can totally see just how nicely the design of the new K-Mini Plus has improved over the K15 model. It’s thinner, taking up even less space. It’s sleeker with a matte finish and nice metal accents. But that’s not all there is to it, so let’s have a look at its improved features:
- Less than 5″ width. Fits perfectly anywhere.
- Choose from four cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
- Brew any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable pods.
- Strong Brew option allows you to make a stronger brew.
- Removable water reservoir.
- The one-cup reservoir needs to be refilled for each brew.
- Pod storage holds up to 9 K-Cups and fits into the brewer. Great for when using the brewer on the go.
- Available in black or red.
Where Else to Buy K-Mini Plus
What K-Cup Pods Are Compatible with K-Mini Plus?
The K-Mini Plus is one of those versatile K-Cup brewers that won’t limit you to branded pods. You can use any type of K-Cup pod, either branded or generic. You can also use a refillable filter pod to use your own coffee ground. You can also brew other beverages like hot chocolate, tea and any other beverage available as a K-Cup pod.
K-Mini Comparisons
Keurig K-Mini vs. K-Slim
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Extracts more flavor and aroma* in every brew
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5” wide, fits neatly on your countertop. Accommodate a travel mug up to 7 inches tall with the drip tray removed.
- MULTIPLE CUP WATER RESERVOIR: Removable 46 oz. reservoir lets you brew up to *4 cups before refilling
- 3 CUP SIZES: brew an 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup at the push of a button
If you’re not happy that the K-Mini doesn’t have a water reservoir, the K-Slim would be a great option to go for. It’s still small in size, just like the K-Mini, but instead of having to refill your water tank with fresh water at each use, it has a reservoir that holds 46 oz of water.
Dimensions of the K-Slim are 12.14″ H x 4.76″ W x 15.2″ D. So while its height and width are nearly the same as the K-Mini, its depth takes more countertop space.
Another difference is the serving sizes; K-Slim has three serving sizes only, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
Keurig K Mini Plus vs. K15
- Compact: Small and personal; Great for small spaces and portable design goes anywhere; Cord storage feature helps with portability
- Brew sizes: Brews your perfect amount, any cup size between 6 10 ounce Use the 6 ounce Cup size for a bolder brew
- Water resevoir: Single cup water reservoir for ultimate portability just add fresh water for each brew
- Drip tray: Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 5.2” tall, and holds a full accidental brew for easy clean up
- Energy efficient: Automatic shut off turns the brewer off after each brew, helping to save energy; Note : Refer to the pdf attached below in technical specification for user manual
This is the K15. As you can see, there’s quite a difference in design. It’s been truly modernized and slimmed in width to fit any countertop even better. Although the K Mini Plus is slimmer in width, it’s taller in height.
Other difference is that the K Mini Plus now has an additional cup size, it brews up to 12 oz while the K15 brews up to 10 oz. And thanks to the Strong Brew option, you can brew an even stronger and bolder tasting cup that the K15.
So to recap, the K Mini Plus has:
- an additional cup size, a total of four cup sizes, 6 to 12 oz.
- Strong Brew option.
- Less than 5″ wide.
Should You Upgrade Your Old Keurig K-Mini?
If you already own a Keurig K15, is it worth it to upgrade to the newer version, K-Mini Plus? The answer to this would truly depend on what you really need. If the additional 12 oz size and Strong Brew option will make a difference to you, then it’s totally worth the upgrade for sure. Otherwise, if your K15 is still working and you don’t need anything additional out of it, an upgrade shouldn’t be necessary.
Watch How It Works:
Keurig K-Mini Plus vs. K-Select
K-Select is another upgraded release from Keurig replacing the K55 (now called K-Classic). The K-Select is what we can call the blown up version of the K Mini Plus, it’s bigger in size, and more suitable to a family use:
- It has a water reservoir of 52 oz capacity, so no need for refilling at every brew.
- It has the same four serving sizes as the K Mini Plus: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
- Strong Brew Option.
- Compatible with all K-Cup Pods.
- Includes a water filter handle and one water filter cartridge.
With the K-Select, you’re getting nearly the same features as the K-Mini Plus, but in a larger form. The water reservoir allows you to brew up to 5 cups before refilling, the water filter ensures a better tasting coffee and less need for descaling.
If the brewer is going to be used by a family, or if you brew lots of cups throughout the day, the K-Select is probably better suited for you for its large reservoir.
Keurig K-Mini Plus vs. K-Compact
note: K-Compact is now an outdated machine and I recommend you have a look at the K-Express instead.
K-Compact is another small machine solution from Keurig. But it’s certainly not as small as K-Mini Plus or even the K-15 model. It is more comparable to the K-Classic or K-Select, and it is certainly smaller in size when compared to them.
The K-Compact has:
- a removable 36 oz water reservoir, which the K-Mini Plus does not have.
- It has three serving sizes only, 6, 8 and 10 oz.
- It does NOT have a strong brew option like the K-Mini Plus.
- Dimensions of the K-Compact are: 13.2 x 8.2 x 12.5 in. So it’s certainly wider than the K-Mini Plus.
The K-Compact is quite a basic Keurig brewer. It is perfect for anyone who is looking for a compact machine but has an actual water reservoir. This model is the smallest Keurig with a water reservoir. All other small Keurig machines feature a single serve water tank.
