The Keurig single-cup brewing technology is well-known among consumers of single-cup coffee makers. Many individuals appreciate this style of coffee maker since it allows them to prepare a cup of coffee quickly and simply by pressing a button.
Nespresso is one of the most popular single-serve coffee makers. The rivalry between Nespresso vs Keurig continues, but for now, let’s see how this little coffee maker produces such excellent coffee.
There are many distinct versions of Keurig coffee makers on the market. You can check out our comparison of the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus if you aren’t convinced by the end of this Keurig Mini review. Now, let’s find out what allows this little brewer to make such great coffee at an affordable price!
Keurig K Mini Review
Feature Breakdown
This simple coffee maker is straightforward, yet it still possesses some wonderful features. The following are the technical details of this model:
- Small enough to fit anywhere
- Built in water reservoir
- Makes up to 12 ounces of coffee
- Brew coffee in about 90 seconds
- Uses K-Cup pods for brewing
- Removable drip tray
Body Style
The Keurig Mini features a more durable design than the original Keurig, with a stylish and slim black finish. We all remember the original Keurig design. While it is still aesthetically attractive, the huge frame takes up unnecessary room in a small apartment or at the workplace. The Keurig K-Mini is so small that it can fit almost anywhere.
Keep in mind that you will need to make sure there is room to fill the water reservoir. So, don’t stuff it back into a hiding spot that may prevent you the ability to easily add water.
The K-Cup Pod holder works like other Keurig brewers. Just flip open the lid on the front, pop in a pod, add fresh water, and press the big silver button!
Auto Shut Off
Almost all Keurig coffee makers have an auto shut-off function. When the machine is left alone for 90 seconds after the previous brew, it will turn itself off automatically. The auto-shutoff function is intended to save money while also serving as a safety precaution if you have children in and around the house.
Brewing Options
The Keurig Mini is a simple machine to use. On top sits a huge silver button that can be easily pressed to start the aromatic brewing process. Because the machine takes about 90 seconds to make a full cup after the heating cycle is finished, you won’t have to wait long. The freshly brewed coffee has a temperature of around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temp to drink right away.
Like other coffee makers, it does take a couple minutes to fully heat up. I’d suggest turning on the machine and then going about grabbing your desired K-Cup pod and your favorite mug while you wait.
Brewing Size
The Keurig K-Mini brews works slightly different than the larger Keurig coffee machines. It uses the full amount of water in the reservoir to determine how much coffee is brewed. This means that if you only add 6 ounces of water, then you will get a 6 ounce cup of coffee. The brewer mill make up to a 12 ounce cup of coffee if you add 12 ounces of water to the water reservoir.
There are fill lines etched into the machine’s water reservoir to indicate how many ounces of delicious coffee you can expect to make with each K-Cup inserted into your machine.
It does, however, imply that you must add water between each brew cycle. This may be inconvenient if you are hosting an event, but it will spare you the trouble of hauling large quantities of water back and forth.
Water Reservoir
The Keurig K-Mini has a built in water reservoir. The brewer requires that you to add water before each brewing cycle. In our Keurig K-Mini Plus review you will notice that it has a removable water reservoir. That is one of the biggest differences between these amazing little brewers.
Removable Drip Tray and Coffee Mug Size
With the drip tray in place, you can only fit 6-inch coffee cups. You may accommodate 7-inch travel mugs beneath the detachable drip tray if you remove it.
The drip tray can be easily removed to accommodate larger mugs (up to 7 inches), Making it convenient when you want to fill up a tall travel mug for your morning commute.
Cord Storage
The power cable can be kept in the Keurig Mini. The power cord has a pivot point, allowing you to store it in tight locations. This also means that you may take it with you on vacation to the beach or ski resort.
Coffee Maker Size
As mentioned before, this is not a big brewing machine. This small Keurig machine is 4.5 wide x 12.1 tall x 11.3 deep inches. This implies it’ll fit in with most kitchen designs (at home or in an RV).
The flip-up lid on the water reservoir adds another 5 inches to the height. If you put it in a low cabinet, you’ll have to lift it out each time you want to make that perfect cup of coffee.
What Coffee Can You Use?
The Keurig brewer is recognized for its wide variety of K-Cups. Starbucks coffee pods, for example, are readily available at your local grocery store. Dunkin Donuts, Folgers, and Maxwell House are just a few of the many companies that offer Keurig products. When brewing, you may add a reusable filter basket for fresh ground coffee.
There are also a lot of specialty coffee roasters who make specialty pods like Real Good Coffee Company and Black Ink Coffee. Coffee drinker of every kind will find something to enjoy.
Is the Keurig K Mini Coffee Machine for you?
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordable Keurig Coffee Maker | Requires you to add water before each cycle |
| Small size fits anywhere | Water reservoir cannot be removed |
| Brew delicious coffee at the press of a button | Max 12 ounce brew size means it won’t fill large tumblers in a single brew |
| Auto-off function |
If you’ve ever thought about getting a Keurig machine but didn’t want to buy the larger version, then this is the right choice for you. You might not get as many options as with a full-sized model but it is still perfectly sized single serve coffee maker. The Keurig K-Mini Plus does have few extra features, like the strong brew options, but those come at a slight increase to cost.
For coffee lovers who want more from their Keurig brewer, I recommend checking our our Keurig K-Elite vs K-Supreme review. They have a removable reservoir and other features that may make your daily coffee drinking experience just that much better.
