The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a compact, space-saving single-serve coffee maker designed for small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. Reviewers noted its sleek design and simple operation, with the removable water reservoir and strength control being key positives. However, it brews slowly and splatters during dispensing. While it delivers decent coffee quality, the environmental impact of K-Cups remains a concern. It's best suited for those who prioritize portability and simplicity over brewing speed and advanced features.
Full review
Compact Design and Portability
The Keurig K-Mini Plus stands out as the smallest single-serve coffee maker in Keurig's lineup, measuring just 4.5 inches wide, 11.3 inches tall, and 12.1 inches deep. This compact footprint makes it ideal for dorm rooms, RVs, or any space where kitchen appliances are limited. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak noted its practicality despite its size, highlighting that it fits comfortably in tight kitchen nooks and even accommodates a 7-inch travel mug under the spout when the drip tray is removed. The unit's lightweight design, weighing only 4.6 pounds, adds to its portability, making it easy to move around. The removable water reservoir, a feature not found in the base K-Mini model, allows for precise water control and easier cleaning, with the reservoir being dishwasher-safe. This design element enhances usability, particularly for those who prefer to brew with fresh water each time.
Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau emphasized the K-Mini Plus's bright, colorful aesthetic, which comes in several vibrant options including red, minty green, teal, and neon blue. The unit's sleek appearance and chrome accents contribute to its premium feel, especially when compared to the basic K-Mini. The matching K-Cup storage container that fits neatly under the spout holds up to nine pods, keeping them within easy reach. However, the reviewer noted that virtually all components are made from plastic, which could be a concern for users seeking more durable materials. Despite its simplicity, the K-Mini Plus is straightforward to set up, requiring only the removal of tape and rinsing of the water reservoir. The compact form factor and easy storage options make it a strong contender for those with limited kitchen space.
Brewing Performance and Coffee Quality
Coffee quality in the Keurig K-Mini Plus is a mixed bag, with reviewers noting both strengths and weaknesses. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak found that while the machine brews a single cup easily, the coffee tends to be weak and under-extracted, a common criticism of Keurig machines. The K-Mini Plus does offer a 'Strong' brew setting, which helps mitigate this issue by slowing the water flow through the grounds, allowing for better extraction. However, this setting doesn't simply reduce water volume; it actually changes the brewing process to produce a more robust cup. Taste of Home's Annamarie Higley and Sheri Kaz, who tested the machine extensively, found that the strong setting gives the coffee an edge over similarly sized competitors, though the overall flavor profile still lacks complexity. Consumer Reports noted that while the machine is simple to operate, its performance is basic, with no advanced features like temperature control or customizable cup sizes.
The K-Mini Plus's single-serve water reservoir, while convenient for precise water control, also means it must be refilled after every cup, which can be inconvenient for users who brew multiple times in succession. Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau observed that the machine warms up slowly and splatters coffee while dispensing, which can be messy. The machine's brewing speed is notably slow compared to other single-serve models, and the lack of a large water tank means frequent refills. Despite these drawbacks, the K-Mini Plus delivers a decent cup of coffee for those who value convenience and simplicity over premium taste. The machine's ability to brew between 6 and 12 ounces allows for flexibility in mug sizes, though it still lacks the customization options found in higher-end Keurig models.
Ease of Use and User Experience
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is designed for simplicity, with only two main settings: regular or strong brew. This straightforward approach appeals to users who want a no-fuss coffee maker. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak praised the ease of use, noting that the machine is simple to operate and requires minimal setup. The removable water reservoir and pod storage container contribute to its user-friendly nature, allowing for easy refills and cleaning. The unit's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move around, and the storage compartment in the back keeps the power cord neatly tucked away when not in use. Taste of Home's testing team noted that the machine is easy to set up and operate, with clear instructions and minimal complexity. However, the lack of advanced features like temperature control or a large water tank may disappoint users seeking more customization options.
Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau found the K-Mini Plus to be straightforward and easy to use, but noted its quirks, including slow warming and splattering during brewing. The machine's simplicity is both a strength and a limitation. While it excels in basic functionality, it lacks the advanced features found in more expensive Keurig models, such as programmable settings or milk frothing capabilities. The K-Mini Plus's single-serve water reservoir, while convenient for precise water control, also means it must be refilled after every cup, which can be inconvenient for users who brew multiple times in succession. Despite these limitations, the machine's ease of use and compact design make it a solid choice for those who prioritize convenience over customization.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is marketed as more environmentally conscious than previous models, with Keurig claiming that the K-Mini family has reduced virgin plastic usage by over 1 million pounds since 2020. However, the environmental impact of K-Cups remains a significant concern. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak highlighted the negative environmental impact of K-Cups, which are made of plastic and contribute to waste. The machine's design does not address this issue, as it still requires single-use K-Cups for brewing. The K-Mini Plus's compact size and minimal components may reduce overall material usage, but it does not solve the core problem of K-Cup waste. Consumer Reports noted that while the machine is simple and efficient, its reliance on single-use pods continues to pose environmental challenges. The company's sustainability efforts are commendable but limited in scope, as the fundamental issue of K-Cup waste remains unresolved.
Taste of Home's testing team did not specifically address the environmental impact, but the machine's design and functionality align with Keurig's broader sustainability initiatives. The K-Mini Plus's use of recycled materials and reduced plastic usage are steps in the right direction, but they do not fully offset the environmental concerns associated with K-Cup waste. The machine's compact footprint and energy efficiency may help reduce overall environmental impact, but the single-use pod system remains a significant drawback. For environmentally conscious consumers, the K-Mini Plus may not be the ideal choice, as it does not address the core issue of K-Cup waste. However, for those who prioritize convenience and space-saving features, the machine's environmental credentials are a minor consideration.
Value and Market Positioning
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is priced at $109.99 in the US, making it a mid-tier option in the single-serve coffee maker market. It is available directly from Keurig or through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, often with sales and bundles available. Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau noted that while the machine is basic, it offers good value for its price point, particularly for those who need a compact, simple coffee maker. The unit's compact size and ease of use make it a strong contender for small spaces, though its lack of advanced features may limit its appeal to more discerning coffee drinkers. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak gave the machine a 3.3/5 rating, praising its compact design and ease of use but criticizing its weak coffee and environmental impact. The K-Mini Plus is positioned as a budget-friendly, space-saving option for those who prioritize convenience over premium features.
Consumer Reports gave the K-Mini Plus a more balanced review, acknowledging its simplicity and compact design but noting its basic performance and lack of advanced features. The machine's value proposition lies in its ability to deliver a quick, simple cup of coffee without taking up much space. However, for users seeking more customization or better coffee quality, higher-end Keurig models or alternative single-serve machines may be more suitable. The K-Mini Plus is best suited for those who want a no-frills, easy-to-use coffee maker that fits in small spaces and doesn't require complex setup or maintenance.
Who It's Best For and Not For
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is best suited for users who prioritize space-saving design and simplicity over advanced features or premium coffee quality. It's ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, RVs, or office spaces where counter space is limited. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak and Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau both noted its compact size and ease of use, making it a strong choice for those who want a quick, convenient cup of coffee without the hassle of complex setup or maintenance. The machine's strong brew setting is particularly appealing to users who prefer a more robust cup of coffee. However, the K-Mini Plus is not recommended for coffee enthusiasts who demand high-quality, complex flavors or those who are environmentally conscious and want to reduce waste. The machine's reliance on single-use K-Cups and its basic performance make it less appealing to users who prioritize taste or sustainability.
For users who need a simple, reliable coffee maker for small spaces, the K-Mini Plus offers a solid option. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who brew coffee once or twice a day and don't require advanced features like temperature control or milk frothing. However, those who brew multiple cups throughout the day or who are concerned about environmental impact may find the machine lacking. The K-Mini Plus's single-serve water reservoir and frequent refills can be inconvenient for heavy users, and its basic brewing performance may not satisfy those who want more control over their coffee. The machine's design and functionality make it a good fit for casual coffee drinkers who value convenience and simplicity over premium taste or sustainability.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other single-serve coffee makers, the Keurig K-Mini Plus holds its own in terms of compactness and ease of use, but falls short in terms of coffee quality and advanced features. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak noted that while the K-Mini Plus delivers a decent cup of coffee, it lacks the complexity and flavor depth found in higher-end Keurig models like the K-Elite or Nespresso machines. The K-Mini Plus's single-serve water reservoir and frequent refills are drawbacks compared to machines with larger tanks or more advanced brewing systems. However, its compact size and simple operation make it a strong contender for those who prioritize space-saving design and ease of use. The machine's bright, colorful design and removable components offer a premium feel that sets it apart from basic models, though it still lacks the sophistication of more expensive competitors.
Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau compared the K-Mini Plus to other single-serve machines and found that while it's not the most advanced option, it's a solid choice for users who want a simple, reliable coffee maker. The machine's lack of advanced features like temperature control or milk frothing is a limitation, but its compact size and ease of use make it a strong option for small spaces. When compared to Nespresso machines, the K-Mini Plus is less sophisticated but more affordable and space-efficient. The K-Mini Plus's reliance on K-Cups is a significant drawback, as it doesn't address the environmental concerns associated with single-use pods. However, for users who prioritize convenience and simplicity over premium features, the K-Mini Plus offers a good balance of functionality and affordability.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Keurig K-Mini Plus is straightforward and functional, with a focus on simplicity and portability rather than durability. Homegrounds' Julia Bobak noted that the machine has an all-plastic build, which may be a concern for users seeking more robust materials. The plastic construction is lightweight and easy to move, but it may not withstand heavy use or frequent handling. The removable water reservoir and pod storage container are well-designed and easy to clean, but their plastic construction may be prone to wear over time. The machine's chrome accents add a touch of premium feel, but they are primarily aesthetic and do not significantly impact durability. Consumer Reports noted that while the machine is simple and easy to use, its basic construction may not stand up to heavy daily use.
Top Ten Reviews' Camryn Rabideau observed that the K-Mini Plus's plastic components are functional but not particularly durable. The machine's lightweight design and compact size make it easy to move around, but the plastic construction may not be suitable for users who plan to move it frequently or use it in high-traffic areas. The removable water reservoir is dishwasher-safe, which is a plus for cleaning, but the plastic components may degrade over time with frequent use. The machine's overall build quality is adequate for casual users who don't plan to use it extensively, but it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty or commercial use. The K-Mini Plus's design prioritizes space-saving and ease of use over long-term durability, which is a trade-off that users should consider.
Strengths
- +Very compact design measuring just 4.5 inches wide
- +Removable water reservoir is dishwasher-safe and easy to refill
- +Offers regular or strong brew settings for coffee strength control
- +Includes pod storage container for up to 9 K-Cups
Watch-outs
- −Brews extremely slowly
- −Splatters while dispensing coffee
- −Requires refilling water reservoir after every cup
How it compares
The K-Mini Plus is the most compact option, surpassing the K-Classic and K-Duo in space-saving design, but it's significantly slower and splatters more than the K-Supreme Plus. Unlike the Keurig K-Elite, it lacks temperature control and brew size customization, making it less versatile for users seeking quality over simplicity.
Who this is for
At a glance: users prioritizing portability and simplicity.
Why you’d buy the Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Very compact design measuring just 4.5 inches wide.
- Removable water reservoir is dishwasher-safe and easy to refill.
- Offers regular or strong brew settings for coffee strength control.
Why you’d skip it
- Brews extremely slowly.
- Splatters while dispensing coffee.
- Requires refilling water reservoir after every cup.
Rating sources
“The Keurig K-Mini Plus boasts a tiny footprint and big flavor thanks to strength control. We love a single-serve coffee maker that wakes you up without wasting space!”
Our 3.6 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
