We Tested the Best Keurigs for Quick, Convenient Coffee

How We Tested Keurig Machines

We purchased and tested 20 different Keurig models, using Barista Prima Italian Roast K-Cups as the standard for all brewing tests. For each model, we brewed cups of coffee in each available size, measuring brewing time, final temperature, and accuracy of volume as well as taste. We also poured samples of finished coffee through standard coffee filters to look for any sediment left in the brew.

If an iced coffee option was available, we prepared iced coffee following the included directions and rated its flavor and level of ice retention. For models with large-volume carafes, we repeated the same tests at each available carafe fill level. To test machines with milk frothers, we followed the included directions to prepare and rate lattes, as well as rate the frothed milk by itself, both hot and cold.

In addition, we made general observations and ratings for each model on design, ease of use, and cleaning. We noted any difficulties they found with setup, filling the reservoir, selecting options, or brewing coffee, and kept an eye out for other helpful features or annoying design choices. After the brewing tests, we cleaned each machine following the manufacturer's directions and noted how easy each one was to disassemble, clean thoroughly, and reassemble.

Other Options We Tested

• Keurig K-Elite: Despite the "elite" name, this is a fairly standard Keurig machine. It offers minimal customization options beyond cup size, and it makes an OK cup of coffee. It does have an extra-large water reservoir, but otherwise, the K-Elite offers the same functionality as the K-Express or K-Slim, only with a larger footprint and higher price.
• Keurig K-Classic: Our tests found most Keurig models to be remarkably consistent in brewing quality and flavor; the K-Cup brewing system does a great job in that respect. The K-Classic machine is no exception, but it doesn't offer any special features that other machines do at the same price point.
• Keurig K-Mini: This was really the only Keurig that we found mechanical issues with in our tests. We had to open and close the lid multiple times to get it to start brewing, and it left coffee grounds in the cup. There are cheaper basic models than the K-Mini that make just plain coffee effectively, as well as more expensive ones that have more and better features.
• Keurig K-Iced: This is a worthwhile option if you want a simple pod-based coffee maker and don’t fret too much about drink quality. The K-Iced is as easy to use as any Keurig device, well-priced, and impressively compact. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the coffee good enough to confidently recommend the item. We also had to fill a glass to the brim with ice cubes or else the coffee was more lukewarm than cold.

What to Look for in a Keurig

Versatility

Keurig coffee makers come with all sorts of different features. Figuring out the features that are most important to you is a great way to narrow down your options. Do you want a highly versatile machine with adjustable settings and the ability to make lattes and cappuccinos? Or would you be happy with a more basic, and likely cheaper, model that just makes black coffee?

Size

Many Keurig coffee makers are specifically designed to save space. That's what makes the brand a great option everywhere from offices to dorm rooms to cluttered kitchens. If you do have the space, however, larger Keurigs often have added features, so it may be worth sacrificing a little more room on the countertop if you can spare it.

Price

Price is an important consideration when buying any coffee maker. Luckily, it's a little easier to compare value for money when looking at products all made by the same brand. Think about the features you want in a Keurig coffee maker and see if they fall within your price range. Keurigs are generally more expensive than regular drip coffee makers, but even the top models aren't outrageously pricey.

Useful Accessories for a Keurig

Keurig My K-Cup

A reusable K-Cup is a budget pick-up with big benefits. It not only helps you save money over time, since bagged coffee is cheaper per serving than K-Cups, but allows you to enjoy any type of coffee you want. While you can likely find a reusable K-Cup in the grocery store, we recommend the Keurig My K-Cup because it works with all Keurig brewers.

Instant Pot Instant Milk Frother

Many Keurig coffee makers have built-in milk frothers, and the brand also offers bundle deals that include a separate frother at a reduced price. If you're looking for a milk frother on your own, though, the Instant Pot Instant Milk Frother received a terrific score in our testing process and it's reasonably priced. It can froth milk for a latte or cappuccino in a few minutes while you pop in a K-Cup.

DecoBrothers K-Cup Holder

Without proper storage, K-Cups can become a haphazard mess, spilling out of your cupboards and drawers. You can avoid that issue with the DecoBrothers K-Cup Holder, which we tested firsthand. It holds up to 36 K-Cups and fits inside a drawer or beneath your Keurig coffee maker. It's sturdy, opens smoothly, and doesn't cost much.

FAQs

How do I clean my Keurig?

Regularly cleaning your Keurig device is the best way to ensure consistent long-term performance. Lack of upkeep can cause everything from grounds ending up in your cup to the water not getting hot enough to the machine dispensing too much or too little coffee. Undiagnosed clogs or leaks can quickly ruin your Keurig permanently, so it's important to follow the unit's individual directions for cleaning. In general, you'll need to take apart and thoroughly rinse tanks, tubes, and filters. Most Keurig parts are not dishwasher safe, but they are easy to clean with dish soap and running water.

Descaling is a more thorough cleaning process for a coffee maker that only needs to be done every three to six months. This removes mineral residue (aka “scale”) that slowly builds up inside the machine wherever it's in contact with water. The first step in descaling is to empty the water reservoir and refill with a mixture of water and descaling solution—this can be a product specifically sold for coffee makers or just vinegar you have at home. Next, run the brew cycle until the reservoir is empty and the “add water” light turns on. (Some models have a descaling mode explicitly for this purpose.) After descaling, it’s important to thoroughly rinse and hand wash all parts of the machine to remove any leftover descaling solution.

Why are there coffee grounds in my cup?

Coffee grounds in your Keurig cup are often the result of a clogged exit needle. The fix is quick and easy, but keep in mind that the needle is extremely sharp and should be handled cautiously. To clean the exit needle, first remove the pod holder from your Keurig device. Second, detach the funnel from the pod holder and locate the small tube underneath the exit needle. Third, use a paper clip or small brush to loosen and remove leftover coffee grounds inside the tube. Finally, rinse the pod holder and funnel in the sink before reassembling and placing back in your device. You can also run a brew cycle with just water afterward as a final measure to ensure the exit needle has been completely unclogged.

Are coffee pods as fresh as regular coffee?

We asked Logan Allender, the Head of Coffee for Atlas Coffee Club, if coffee pods are as fresh as regular coffee. "Typically, no," he says. "But with good seals and usage of a nitrogen purge to displace oxygen, pods should be able to last up to one year. That said, I wouldn't recommend waiting that long to drink it."

Why is my Keurig leaking?

The most common source of a leaky Keurig is the water reservoir. This can be verified a couple of different ways. First, remove the reservoir and inspect the well underneath; if there’s a buildup of water, the leaking is likely caused by a faulty nozzle at the bottom of the reservoir. You can contact Keurig’s customer service for a replacement reservoir, or try to repair it at home by placing an O-ring (also called a toric joint) around the nozzle. The second test is to fill the reservoir with water and hold it over the sink. If it leaks, chances are the reservoir has a crack in it, which is also an issue to contact Keurig’s customer service about.

Does Keurig offer a warranty?

Yes! Keurig offers a limited one-year warranty for all of its brewing devices. The warranty covers issues that arise from general home use, but it does not cover “consequential or incidental damages.” Depending on the defect, Keurig will either replace individual parts or the entire brewer, both free of charge.

Can K-Cups be used twice?

No, K-Cups are not designed to be used more than once. Allender explains that "during the brewing process, the pod is punctured to allow water to both enter and exit. Nearly all of the fun flavors will be extracted during that brew, so future brews would be incredibly weak and watery and a big mess."

Allender adds that a reusable K-Cup is a great alternative—albeit a little more time-consuming—if you're tired of tossing away K-Cups after one use.

What grind size should I use for a reusable K-Cup?

Reusable K-Cups can save money and lead to fresher, tastier coffee, and Allender recommends a medium-fine grind for reusable K-Cups.

"If you are grinding your own coffee, we want to aim for as fine a grind as possible without creating impedance in the cup," he says. "Typically a slightly finer grind than what you use for drip is pretty successful, but if you have your own grinder I would encourage you to find what works best."

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a freelance food writer who specializes in product reviews and recipes. Her work has appeared on Serious Eats, Fine Cooking, and her own recipe blog, Cookistry.com. She's also the author of "Make Ahead Bread," a cookbook meant to simplify the bread-baking process.

This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He typically uses non-electric coffee makers at home, alternating between the Bialetti Moka Express and the Bodum Brazil French Press.

The Spruce Eats commerce writer Jason Horn updated this story with insights from Lab testing. He drinks iced coffee when it's hot out where he lives in Los Angeles, so almost all the time.

Sources

Logan Allender, the Head of Coffee for Atlas Coffee Club, was interviewed for this piece. He joined Atlas Coffee Club in 2018 and has over a decade of experience in the coffee industry. Logan is certified by the Coffee Quality Institute as a Q Grader and Q Processor. Founded in 2015, Atlas Coffee Club is a subscription-based coffee company that roasts and distributes coffee from around the world. The brand also offers Keurig-compatible coffee pods.