Keurig K-Mini Plus: Unpacking the Pros and Cons in an In-Depth Review

Are you a coffee lover with a small space? Maybe you’ve been searching for a compact coffee machine that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

Well:

I’ve got some good news for you. The Keurig K-Mini Plus could be just the thing you need.

This little machine is an upgrade from the K Mini, and it’s designed with small spaces in mind. It’s perfect for studio apartments, tiny dorm rooms, and small offices. Here’s how the K-Mini Plus might benefit you.

Summary Table

Product Name	Keurig K Mini Plus
Price Range	$77.75 on Amazon $84.97 on Walmart
Key Features	Compatible with all K-cup pods, including the ability to use your ground coffee with a Keurig filter.
Coffee Quality	Good, comparable to other Keurig machines for a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot cocoa
Capsule Types	Compatible with all K-cup pods, including the ability to use your own ground coffee with a Keurig filter.
Machine Size	12″H x 4.5″W x 11″D
Warranty	1 Year
Overall Rating	82%

How I Tested: My Detailed Review

This review was based on my extensive setup and hands-on testing. It covers the initial setup of your brewer, what you can expect from a brew, and how difficult it might be to troubleshoot or maintain your Keurig.

Design & Features: My First Impressions

So:

When I unboxed the Keurig K Mini Plus its size and portability instantly caught my eye. 

With dimensions of 12H x 4.5W x 11.3D inches and a weight of only 5 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to carry and store.

Now:

This neat unit comes with a removable 12-ounce water reservoir that’s not just easy to clean but also guarantees the amount of water you add is the amount dispensed.

Further enhancing the machine’s portability is the handy cord storage tucked away at the back. With a 24-inch cord, storing this unit is no hassle at all.

Also:

The drip tray holds up to 8 ounces of overflow, and it easily accommodates a 6-inch mug with the tray in place and up to a 7-inch mug without it.

This can be incredibly useful if you have an unusual coffee mug size, or if you intend to brew a large pot of coffee.

Conveniently:

The Mini Plus scores high on aesthetics as well. Available in a range of color options, it’s an appliance that won’t just serve you a good cuppa but also amp up your kitchen-style game! 

Functionality-wise: 

This machine boasts hidden K-Cup storage, a removable water reservoir, and a cord storage compartment. 

With a removable drip tray as an added feature, brewing directly into a travel-sized mug won’t be as inconvenient as it typically is.

Brewing Test

There are two ways to power the machine – via the power button or by simply opening and closing the machine head with a K-cup inserted. 

Do this, and you’re all set to start brewing!

Notably:

I enjoyed the simplicity of the brewing process, and a must-mention is the strong brew option that makes for a more intense cup of coffee.

The Mini Plus brews full-bodied coffee strong enough to kickstart your day. 

What I love about this machine is its compatibility with a wide range of K-Cup pods—from hot chocolate to chai lattes: some exceptional specialty drinks! 

Sadly:

It lacks a milk frother. But a strong cup of coffee brewed from a specialty pod provides its own unique experience.

Now:

Initial setup and cleaning are child’s play. You just need to run an initial water cycle to clean the unit before your first brew. 

I managed to brew an eight-ounce cup of coffee in about two minutes, with the temperature between 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Unfortunately:

The noise level of the Mini Plus certainly exceeded that of the other Keurig models I’ve tried. 

Cleaning post-brewing was fairly simple, with the pod holder, drip tray, and water reservoir all being removable and cleanable. 

Even better?

The auto-off feature is the cherry on top which ensures energy efficiency and safety.

Pros & Cons

User Experiences: Real Feedback from Keurig K-Mini Plus

I noticed that there are a lot more positive and helpful reviews of the K-Mini Plus compared to its predecessor. Does this mean it is a significant step up from other brewers?

Well:

This user seems to think so. “I replaced a malfunctioning Supreme Plus with the Mini Plus. Coffee tastes just as good. One of the reasons I chose it was that the Mini Plus has been out a few years and has a good service record.”

You can tell that this user appreciates functionality and longevity. In this regard, the Keurig K-Mini Plus stands out.

And there’s more!

This particular user prefers the smaller reservoir size! In their words, “What I like most about this particular Keurig, is that there is no standing water to sit and get gross as there is no large reservoir to fill.”

However:

Not all reviews were completely positive. The next user provides a great example of a near-perfect ownership scenario marred by a malfunction.

“So I’ve had this for about three to four months now, and in that time, it had an issue where it stopped sucking the water down from the reservoir.”

This user needed to get creative with a solution, opting to run hot water through the system to clear any clogs stopping the flow. 

It worked, but having a concise manual expressing how to troubleshoot some common errors would have been nicer.

Overall:

The Keurig K-Mini Plus has delivered a generally acceptable user experience. It offers great convenience, saves counter space, and makes a good cup of coffee 

However, improvements in certain features, such as speed, temperature, and maintenance, would elevate it even further.

Final Verdict

I’ve found the Keurig K Mini Plus to be an ideal choice for those needing a compact, portable coffee machine. 

You see:

Its size and design make it perfect for small spaces, while the hidden cord storage and removable water reservoir add to its convenience. 

The strong brew option is a nice touch for coffee lovers who prefer a cup of coffee that hits the right spot. However, it’s far from flawless. 

Sadly:

The noise level and slower brewing time may be a turn-off for some, and the reported issues with water pumping and subpar brewing temperature are areas Keurig could improve upon. 

All things considered, the machine’s overall performance, ease of use, and the quality of coffee it brews make it a worthy contender in the single-serve coffee machine market. 

Just remember, regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping this little machine running smoothly.