This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Good
Pod coffee makers are super convenient, though some say they don’t make the best coffee. The K-Mini Plus, the tiniest Keurig, catches the eye of those wanting to save kitchen space or need a coffee maker for travel.
Welcome to our journey into the Keurig K-Mini Plus! We’re going to explore if it brews tasty coffee, its handy features, and its simplicity in use and cleaning. We’ll also peek at its durability and style. Plus, I’ll tackle the big question: Should you buy the K-Mini Plus? Let’s find out together!
Coffee Quality — 5.5/10
Initially, Keurigs nearly made me give up on pod coffee, producing weak, tasteless brews. Luckily, they’ve greatly improved their game since those early days.
The K-Mini Plus stands out with its Keurig strong button, a game-changer for coffee lovers. This feature takes the coffee experience up a notch by brewing a richer, more flavorful cup. It works by extending the brewing time by 30 seconds, which might seem long for pod coffee fans, but the wait is worth it. The difference in taste is undeniable, making it a must-have for those who love their coffee bold and robust.
Despite this, newer pod machines outshine the Keurig K-Mini Plus in making better-tasting coffee.
Discover the latest Keurig models! They now feature enhanced brew strength options and multi-stream technology, unlocking the full potential of your coffee’s flavor in ways the K-Mini Plus doesn’t. Similarly, Nespresso machines use high pressures, just like classic espresso machines, to deliver equally impressive tastes.
If you enjoy the smooth taste of drip coffee or the rich intensity of espresso, consider the K-Supreme Plus or the Nespresso Vertuo Next or VertuoPlus. However, if you find regular coffee too bitter, the K-Mini Plus might be your perfect match.
Features — 8/10
Water reservoir
The K-Mini Plus has a small tank, just right for one cup of coffee. Unlike other Keurigs that can make 6-10 cups, it’s much smaller – perfect for single servings!
Refilling the tank for each cup might seem like a hassle, but it’s actually why this machine is so small and sleek. It’s a small trade-off for a compact design.
The K-Mini Plus makes your coffee life simpler with its detachable water tank. This is a major improvement over the original K-Mini. Not only does it make refilling water a breeze, but it also makes cleaning the machine much easier. Unlike fixed water tanks that are hard to clean, you can easily wash the K-Mini Plus’s water tank in your sink.
Brew options
If you want to play barista and tweak your coffee, the Keurig might not be your best bet. It keeps things straightforward with just two buttons: one to start brewing and another to switch between regular and bold flavors.
Taking an extra 30 seconds for a strong brew is worth it for a tastier cup. Unless you’re super rushed, always opt for it. It’s a game-changer!
Brew sizes
The Keurig Mini Plus keeps it simple – no need to choose a cup size. Just fill the tank with water, and it’ll use exactly that amount for your coffee. You can make between 6 to 12 ounces in one go, with clear markers at 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces to guide you.
Here’s the thing: You probably won’t like the 12-ounce setting. Honestly, I’d steer clear of the 10-ounce mark too. Why? A k-cup simply doesn’t pack enough coffee grounds for more than 8 ounces of brew. Try for more, and you’ll notice your coffee starts tasting too watery pretty fast.
Extra features
The K-Mini Plus makes life simpler with its detachable drip tray, ensuring quick cleanups. Ever started a brew without a cup in place? I’ve been there, and thankfully, this tray catches an entire brew, avoiding messes. Plus, take out the tray, and voilà, it fits a travel mug up to 7 inches tall, perfect for coffee on the go.
This coffee maker turns off by itself after 90 seconds, saving energy. Perfect for your single-cup brews!
The K-Mini Plus is a coffee lover’s dream, especially for beginners. It includes a handy 9-pod storage container that tucks perfectly under the spout when not in use. This means you’ll always have your favorite coffee pods close by. Plus, if you’re on the move, this feature makes traveling with your machine a breeze, packing up to 9 k-cup pods while protecting the tray and spout.
The K-Mini Plus comes with a handy cord storage feature, perfect for travel and keeping things tidy. It’s a small touch, but it’s those little things that count!
Ease of Use and Cleaning — 10/10
The K-Mini Plus makes brewing easy! Just add water, pop in a pod, set your mug, hit a button, and voila—coffee’s ready!
No need to stress over measuring grounds or grinding beans. Forget about tricky settings. This machine keeps it simple – easy to use and maintain, perfect for coffee beginners.
Coffee pods make life easier – no mess, no fuss. Say goodbye to spilled coffee grounds. Just enjoy your brew, then throw away (or better yet, recycle!) the pod. Easy!
Cleaning up occasional spills is easy, thanks to the spill-free spout – just make sure to use it correctly. Remember to regularly clean the tank and descale it every couple of months to keep your coffee tasting great. Plus, there’s no need to worry about bacteria from standing water, as the tank empties completely after each use. A big win for coffee lovers!
Design and Build Quality — 9/10
Design
The K-Mini Plus by Keurig is super sleek, slim, and won’t crowd your kitchen. It’s a game-changer for coffee lovers who value space.
This coffee machine is super compact, measuring only 4.5 inches wide, 12.1 inches high, and 11.3 inches deep. It’s the smallest I’ve had, except for one, but this one beats it with what it can do compared to a Keurig.
Explore the K-Mini Plus in 6 vibrant colors: matte black, cardinal red, studio gray, evening teal, matte white, and cool aqua. Perfect for any style!
This coffee machine is mostly made of plastic, which might make it seem less fancy. But, this is pretty common for pod coffee makers. Except for some top-notch options like DeLonghi and Breville Nespresso machines, many of these machines lean heavily on plastic materials.
Build quality
The craftsmanship of this coffee machine is impressive! While it’s not a good idea to drop it, it’s sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. You can even take it with you on trips. Just make sure to pack it securely to avoid any bumps or knocks.
Taking care of your Keurig makes a big difference. Regular cleaning and descaling every few months can help it last over 5 years. It’s all about how well you treat it!
Some K-Mini Plus models had minor defects, but Keurig quickly replaces any faulty units. Luckily, these issues have become rarer recently.
Value for Money — 7/10
While there are less expensive Keurig models, only the K-Mini Plus offers the strong brew option. It’s the most affordable Keurig I’d suggest getting.
While the K-Mini Plus’s price tag might catch your eye, remember it uses k-cups. These handy pods range from $0.30 to $0.40 for basic ones, but fancier brands can cost up to $1–1.50 each. They’re super convenient but keep an eye on the cost!
When you look at the price of brewing coffee at home using beans, someone who drinks two cups daily could save $100 yearly compared to using pods. However, pods still cost less than regularly buying your coffee from Starbucks or Dunkin, especially when you’re after convenience.
Feeling the pinch from buying pods? Consider switching to a refillable k-cup. It’s a bit less convenient, but you’ll save money by using regular coffee beans instead.
Should You Buy the Keurig K-Mini Plus?
The K-Mini Plus stands out for its ease and compactness. Ideal for anyone hunting for the tiniest Keurig coffee maker or a budget-friendly choice that brews good coffee. Its simplicity in operation and cleaning makes it a fantastic choice for beginners.
For coffee lovers craving the richest flavors, consider the K-Supreme Plus if you’re into pod coffee makers. But if you’re open to exploring, Ninja coffee makers and automatic pour-over coffee makers offer even tastier brews with more customization options. Dive into these choices for a truly personalized coffee experience!
