Best Keurig Coffee Makers of 2021 – Comparisons and Ratings

Keurig coffee makers have been a staple in American households since the launch of their home brewers in 2004. Today, there are so many Keurig machines to choose from, which is why we’ve reviewed the top models for you.

No one can deny the convenience and speed of a Keurig coffee machine. Whether you’re on the run or need your next coffee right away, these coffee machines produce a smooth cup of coffee in a jiffy. 

Use our buying guide, reviews, and pro tips to find the best Keurig coffee maker for your home in 2020.

How to Choose the Best Keurig Coffee Maker: Top Considerations

Keurig coffee makers have evolved from simple brewers like the Keurig K-Mini to appliances able to handle a myriad of beverage types. 

Since not all Keurig brewers boast the same features, it’s important to determine which you’ll need for your morning cup.

Water Reservoir 

Keurig coffee makers use a refillable reservoir of water to brew the coffee. To determine what size you need, consider your daily coffee consumption and routine. Are you able to refill the reservoir each time you make a drink or would you rather refill it every few cups or so?

Hot or Iced?

Some of the best Keurig coffee makers on the market have the ability to brew both hot and iced beverages. If you’re someone who loves hot coffee/tea and iced coffee/tea, look for Keurig brewers with both temperature capabilities. 

Cup Size

Before buying a Keurig coffee maker, identify what size drinks it brews. While some machines can only produce a single 8-ounce cup, others can make drinks up to 12 ounces (or more.) Do you need a machine that can brew a large quantity of coffee at once? Search for Keurig models capable of producing a full carafe of coffee.

Physical Space

Some Keurig brewers are small and quaint, perfect for a college dorm room or home office. Others take up a great deal of space. 

Before purchasing a Keurig K-cup coffee maker, make sure your desired space can fit the dimensions of the brewer.

Best Keurig Coffee Makers - Top 9 Reviews (2020 Update)

Before we delve into the in-depth reviews, here’s a look at our top Keurig coffee makers of the year. 

See a Keurig that sparks your interest? Check it out below!

In 2019 alone, Keurig added two million households to their ever-growing market (2), with new products like the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker to thank. 

When Keurig says that its new machine delivers "the most beverage customization in any Keurig single cup coffee maker model," it’s telling the truth. - Business Insider

This premium Keurig coffee maker boasts programmable features, a sleek brushed finish design, and an iced beverage setting for the ultimate brewing versatility.

Choose from five brew sizes along with Strong Brew technology to achieve your desired flavor. Best of all, the maintenance reminders tell you exactly when to descale your machine. The removable drip tray, hot water on demand function, and quiet brew technology offer additional brewing convenience.

What's the Bottom Line?

If you want a single device to grind coffee, pull shots, and steam milk, make it the Breville Barista Express. This all-in-one latte machine is a stellar pick for most people getting into espresso at home, thanks to its sturdy construction, built-in grinder, and reliable mechanics.

With the Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker, you can brew four different cup sizes—6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce cups—of your favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. And, with a removable drip tray, you can fit your travel mug for a cup on-the-go.

Those who prefer a bold cup of coffee with a hefty body will love the Strong Brew feature. For those who need to brew at the early morning or late night hours, Keurig’s Quiet Brew technology will come in handy, too.

With a 52-ounce water reservoir, you can brew up to 5 cups of coffee before needing to refill. Plus, the 1-minute brew time is perfect for those needing coffee in a pinch.

What's the Bottom Line?

Those who need a strong cup of Joe and travel mug capabilities will find the Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker is the perfect addition to their morning routine.

With a slim design, this energy-efficient brewer fits in the smallest of counter spaces (and budgets!). The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a minimalist’s dream come true thanks to the 9-cup container and cord storage.

Even though this brewer boasts a tiny build, it still packs the brewing power you expect from Keurig coffee maker. The K-Mini brews up to a 12-ounce cup of coffee in under a minute and features a removable drip tray to accommodate a travel mug up to 7 inches tall.

What's the Bottom Line?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is ideal for those looking for a quick brewing solution that meets their budget without sacrificing taste.

Calling all coffee shop fans! On top of coffee and tea, the Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker lets you craft lattes, cappuccinos, and more right from your home.

Use your favorite K-Cup pod and make your favorite espresso-based beverage using the Coffee Shot feature and dishwasher-safe milk frother. Select the cold setting for cold-foam milk, too!

With the 60-ounce water reservoir, you can brew several 6, 8, 10, and 12-ounce drinks before needing to clean and refill. The handy Brewer Maintenance Reminders will let you know when it’s time for a deep cleaning long before it causes any performance issues. This keeps your Keurig in top shape.

For the energy-conscious consumer, the Keurig K-Cafe coffee maker also includes Smart Start technology and an auto-off feature for energy efficiency.

What's the Bottom Line?

This versatile Keurig coffee maker is great for those who want a tasty cup of coffee one day and a foamy cappuccino the next.

Whether you need to brew an entire 12-cup carafe for party guests or a single cup for a cozy morning, the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker has your back. With several size options, you can brew the right amount of coffee for every situation.

The Keurig K-Duo Plus also features advanced functions such as Pause & Pour, Strong Brew technology, Auto-Brew programming, and Simple Start heating. And, your Keurig coffee maker will fit perfectly on your counter space with the multi-position 60-ounce reservoir. 

For those concerned about the environment, use the included Gold Tone Mesh carafe filter to sustainably brew your favorite coffee. The auto-off energy-saving feature is also a plus!

Wha't the Bottom Line?

The Keurig K-Duo Plus is the right coffee maker for customers who often fill the role of party host but also want a cup all to themselves.

Throw your office’s ancient coffee pot in the trash. The Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial coffee maker is here to ensure your company has excellent coffee around the clock. 

With so many staff members making coffee, you need a water reservoir that can handle the mass quantity. The 90-ounce water reservoir allows your office to make up to 18 cups of coffee before needing to refill.

And, no one wants their work to be disrupted by a noisy coffee machine. Keurig’s Quiet Brew technology lets you brew a cup of coffee without interrupting your coworkers.

When summer hits, there’s nothing better than iced coffee at your desk. The K155 Office Pros brews iced beverages, too!

What's the Bottom Line?

If your office wants convenient and delicious coffee, add the Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial coffee maker to your break room.

What's the Bottom Line?

As the name itself suggests, Keurig K15  is a space-saving unit, ideal for studio apartments and kitchens with limited space. It can be used to brew not only coffee, but also tea, hot cocoa and iced beverages super fast. The price is well-balanced too - and will leave you nothing more to ask for.

For a no-frills coffee machine that makes a great cup of Joe, choose the Keurig K15 Coffee Maker.

What's the Bottom Line?

The Keurig K250 is ideal for those looking to accommodate multiple brew sizes for every occasion.

There’s a reason the Keurig K-Classic is among the best Keurig coffee makers. This simple, yet efficient, coffee maker produces a fresh cup of coffee every time—from your first cup to the 100th cup and beyond.

Choose from a 6, 8, or 10-ounce cup of coffee, push the button, and it’s ready in under a minute. And, with the programmable auto-off feature, you’ll never worry about wasting energy after you’re done brewing.

The removable water reservoir also offers easy fill-up convenience and the removable drip tray lets you brew into your favorite travel mug. 

This classic Keurig coffee maker is a reliable brewer sure to satisfy the home coffee drinker. You may also check out our detailed review on the Keurig K-Classic (previously known as K55).

What's the Bottom Line?

If you enjoy a good cup of coffee, without having to waste unnecessary time, then Keurig K-Classic is a great option worth considering. It takes only about 30 seconds to heat up, and 30 more to get coffee into your cup - leaving hardly anything to complain.

Top Keurig Coffee Makers: Additional Considerations

Before you buy, be sure to consider the following Keurig features:

Brew Strength

If you prefer a stronger cup of coffee, certain Keurig coffee makers offer a “Strong Brew” feature. On others, this is possible by selecting a smaller cup size such as 6 ounces. 

Maintenance

Even the best Keurig coffee makers need regular cleaning and maintenance to operate efficiently. Descaling is the process of removing build-up from the machine. Some Keurig machines offer maintenance notifications while others will require manual inspection and care. 

Programmable Features

Want to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Who doesn’t? Select Keurig coffee makers have the ability to schedule your brew up to 24 hours in advance. Plus, you can also program specific machines to automatically shut off after a certain period of time to save energy.

Specialty Beverages

If you can’t get enough of your regular lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, or other specialty coffee beverage, the type of Keurig coffee maker you buy is vital. Only certain models such as the K-Cafe Coffee Maker have the capability to produce near espresso-like coffee and milk. 

Be aware that K-Cups labeled as “Latte” or “Cappuccino” are coffees blended to replicate the flavor of these drinks rather than the texture.

Here is a video with some additional tips on using a Keurig machine.

FAQs for Top Keurig Coffee Makers

Here are some questions and answers to further help you in your purchase decision.

Which is the best Keurig coffee maker to buy?

While the Keurig coffee makers listed here are all top models, the true answer depends on your brewing goals. Are you looking to craft at-home lattes? Choose the Keurig K-Cafe. Just need a single-serve brewer without the frills? The Keurig K15 will suit your needs.

Out of the best Keurig coffee makers on our list, we recommend the Keurig K-Elite as the top choice.

What is descaling? How often should I descale my Keurig coffee maker?

It is recommended that you descale your Keurig coffee brewer every 1-3 months depending on the frequency of use. Descaling cleans your Keurig machine and ensures that your cup is brewed consistently every time. Use the descaling solution included with the Keurig model you purchase.

Can Keurig brewers make iced beverages?

Certain Keurig models have the ability to control the temperature of the brewed beverage, which leads to higher quality iced beverages. But you can always brew a cup of coffee using your Keurig and pour it over ice!

How much do K-Cups cost?

The cost of K-Cups ranges based on:

• The number of K-Cups in the box
• The brand you select
• The beverage you select

Generally, K-Cup coffees cost more per cup of coffee than if you were to use a traditional drip machine. However, Keurig coffee makers provide coffee drinkers with more consistent beverages and overall convenience.

How many cups can I brew with a Keurig?

Most Keurig coffee makers are single-serve coffee machines, meaning they brew one cup at a time. However, other models such as the Keurig K250 Coffee Maker utilize a carafe for multiple cup brewing.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re interested in a compact, single-serve brewer or a consistent coffee maker that can produce multiple ounces for a party, Keurig has a coffee maker for you.

Which of the best Keurig coffee makers suits your brewing needs? Sound off in the comments!

References:

1. A Brief History of Keurig. https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/a-brief-history-of-keurig

2. Keurig Dr. Pepper Reports Strong 4th Quarter and Full Year Results. http://news.keurigdrpepper.com/2020-02-27-Keurig-Dr-Pepper-Reports-Strong-4th-Quarter-and-Full-Year-Results

3. This new Keurig is the company's most modern coffee maker yet — with a setting for iced coffee https://www.businessinsider.com/keurig-k-elite-iced-coffee-maker-review-2018-3