Coffee Makers, Coffee Makers Reviews

Comprehensive Review: Is the Keurig K-Mini Worth It?

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

The Keurig K-Mini could be your perfect match if you’re a coffee lover with a small space. This compact machine is designed to fit snugly into tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices.

Notably:

The main draw of this brewer is not in its size, but its easy operation, maintenance, and cleaning. These are just a few of the positives you should expect if you decide to purchase a Keurig K-Mini.

That being said, let’s dive into the details of this Keurig K-Mini review.

Key Takeaways From this Review

  • The Keurig K Mini is a compact, easy-to-operate coffee machine, ideal for small spaces like tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, or office cubicles.
  • Notable limitations include a high price, lack of programmability, and occasional issues with slow brewing and splatter.
  • User experiences highlight the machine’s simplicity in operation, adaptability in different environments, and ability to deliver quality coffee.
  • The model is also marked for its aesthetic appeal, wide range of color options, and user-friendly interface that requires pressing only a single button to start brewing.
  • Cleaning and maintenance consist of regularly cleaning the non-removable water reservoir, pod holder, and drip tray. However, some users might find the fixed water reservoir challenging to clean or refill.

I made sure to keep our review of the Keurig K-Mini as objective as possible. I purchased the product from Amazon on January 23, 2024. Wanting to go beyond just my own experience, I reached out to other Keurig K-Mini users through our Facebook page, asking them to share their personal experiences with the product. This way, the review incorporates a variety of perspectives, ensuring it’s not limited to just my subjective opinion.

Summary Table

Now:

Let’s delve into the crucial parameters of the Keurig K-Mini and see how it stacks up. 

These stats should be super helpful in case you want to see how the K-Mini stacks up against similar brewers, like the K-Mini Plus.

You’ll find dimensions, weight, reservoir capacity, brew size, available settings, color options, and included accessories in the table below:

Product Name Keurig K-Mini
Price Range $78.65 on Amazon
$79.00 on Walmart
Key Features Slim and portable design
Flexible brew sizes (6-10 oz )
Single-cup water reservoir
Simple button operation
Removable drip tray for larger cups
High Altitude setting
Coffee Quality Ideal for quick, straightforward coffee brewing with a consistent taste across a variety of K-Cup pod flavors
Capsule TypesSupports a broad spectrum of K-Cup pod varieties, including espresso options for enhanced drinks like lattes and cappuccinos
Machine Size 4.5″W x 11.3″D x 12.1″H
Warranty 1 Year 
Overall Rating84%

How I Tested: My Detailed Review

Design & Features: My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Keurig K-Mini, I was immediately drawn to its sleek look. I had two color options: black and a stunning oasis

Something about the vivid blue hue of the oasis model reminded me of a day at the beach, adding a personal touch to my kitchen decor.

Additionally:

Another key feature I noticed was its compactness and portability. With dimensions of 12 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and a weight of just 4.6 pounds, it’s clear that this model is built for tight spaces or on-the-go brewing. 

Keurig K Mini Dimensions

Now:

One amazing feature was the hidden cord compartment and removable drip tray. 

Keurig K Mini Hidden Cord

These allow the machine to accommodate up to an 8-inch tall, 14-ounce stainless steel travel mug.

The water reservoir is designed to hold 12 ounces of water, with guidelines to fill it between 6 and 12 ounces. I liked the simplicity of this design because it lets you brew one perfect cup at a time.

Keurig K Mini Reservoir

However:

You should know that it isn’t detachable. This Reddit user confused their Keurig model with the K-Mini Plus, hindering their maintenance and cleaning process. Take note.

Finally, using the Keurig K-Mini is a breeze, with just two operation buttons – the power and the brew button. 

Keurig K Mini Buttons

This simplicity, coupled with the machine’s ability to accommodate a variety of K-cup pods, makes it an ideal choice even for beginners.

Naturally:

All of these features make troubleshooting your Keurig K-Mini convenient should a problem arise.

Brewing Test

When it came to brewing, I followed a straightforward process. First, I ran a water-only brew cycle for cleaning. Then, I filled the non-removable water reservoir and waited approximately two minutes. 

In that short time, I had a freshly brewed cup of coffee ready to enjoy.

Now:

To test the Keurig K-Mini’s ability to brew specialty drinks, I made a Biscoff latte

Keurig Mini Brewing Test Review

With steamed milk and cookie butter syrup, I found brewing this unique coffee drink to be as effortless as it was delicious. Moreover, its auto-shutoff feature ensures energy is saved after each brew.

Thankfully: 

There was no difference in coffee quality between this model and other Keurig machines. Even though it’s compact, it does not compromise the rich, full-bodied coffee flavor that Keurig fans love so much.

In addition:

Cleaning and maintaining the K-Mini was also a straightforward process. Regular cleaning of the non-removable water reservoir, pod holder, and drip tray helps to keep the machine in optimal condition.

Comparatively:

The K-Mini stands tall against its siblings: the Mini Plus, Supreme, and Slim. Despite its simplicity, it packs a punch in both style and quality, making it a worthy contender in the world of coffee makers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and versatile design, suitable for any kitchen.
  • Available in a variety of colors to match kitchen aesthetics.
  • User-friendly interface with simple operation.
  • Versatility in beverage and cup sizes (6-12 ounces).
  • Features hidden cord compartment, removable drip tray, and auto-shutoff.
  • Easy to clean with straightforward maintenance.

Cons

  • Non-removable water reservoir may be inconvenient for some.
  • Limited to brewing one cup at a time.
  • The flat pod holder design may make pod removal less convenient.

User Experiences: Real Feedback from Keurig K-Mini

Feedback from actual users can give an in-depth view of features not always highlighted in advertisements or product descriptions.

For instance:

One user said this about their Keurig Mini: “My Keurig Mini has been working non-stop for years. I mean, you do gotta run the cleaner through it now and then, but other than that, easy sailing.”

This shows that when properly maintained, the Keurig K-Mini is a sturdy device that will last you for a long time.

Additionally:

This particular Reddit user had this to say about the Keurig K-Mini: “The only con I see now is I have to fill up the water every time. Not a huge con for me. Wondering if there are others.”

Rightfully:

This isn’t much of a problem. You can speed up the refill process by having a designated cup matching the volume of your reservoir.

Another issue you might run into if you decide to purchase a Keurig K-Mini is difficulty finding a compatible reusable K-Cup, like this user:  “I bought these reusable pods that claim to be compatible with the Keurig mini that absolutely are NOT compatible.”

Sadly:

You might have to look a little harder to find the right accessories for your brewer, but it will be well worth it when you do.

Final Verdict

Here’s the thing: 

After weighing the pros and cons, it’s clear that the Keurig K-Mini is a strong contender in the single-serve coffee maker market. 

Its compact size, flexibility, and convenience make it a standout choice, particularly for those with limited kitchen space

Now:

While it does have its drawbacks, like slow brewing and occasional splatter, the positive aspects seem to outweigh the negatives. 

User feedback reinforces this, with many praising its ease of use and coffee quality

So:

If you’re looking for a compact, efficient coffee maker, the K-Mini is worth considering

However, if the price point or brew speed is a concern, the Keurig K-Slim may be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual preferences and needs. 

Good luck! 

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

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