Keurig is one of the top coffee machine brands on the market and with over 50 different coffee machines to choose from, making a decision can be a challenge. We have given you a breakdown of their two most popular models, the K50 vs. K55, to help you decide which single serve coffee maker is best.
At first glance, the Keurig K50 and K55 seem identical and they are quite similar. They are both relatively affordable entry-level models, but looking at them side by side I challenge you to tell the difference. With the exception of one being a little larger, the machines are practically twins, but in actuality, they are two separate single serve coffee brewers. So what is the difference between the K50 and the K55?
The K55, better known as the K-Classic is the newer of the two and comes with the price tag to match...but is it really all that different? Is it worth the extra money or did Keurig simply polish up the image of an old product? Are the added features of the K55 really worth the extra money?
We have given you a side by side comparison of the two single serve coffee machines so that you can decide which single serve coffee maker is best for you. Get ready for the showdown: K50 vs. K55.
What’s the big deal about single serve coffee?
Single-serve coffee machines are all about convenience. The market has been flooded in recent years with single-serve coffee makers from every brand imaginable and can vary greatly in quality of brew. Machines range from downsized regular drip brewers to coffee makers that use pods or capsules exclusively sold by the machine’s manufacturer.
The pod-based single serve machines like Keurig and Nespresso, rose to popularity because of their efficiency, consistency, and user-friendliness. These two brands work by piercing both ends of a coffee pod or capsule, and pushing hot water through the pierced pod directly into your cup.
While single-serve coffee is not going to be as good as coffee brewed from freshly roasted and ground beans from a local artisan roaster, it wins the prize for the fastest and easiest cup of coffee you can make yourself. So if you are in the market for a machine that can get you out the door quickly or brew a quick cup between meetings, read on!
Quick comparison chart
Keurig K50 | Keurig K55 | |
|---|---|---|
$$ | Price | $$$ |
$$ | Price | $$$ |
9.8 x 13 x 13.3 | Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 13 |
7.6 lbs | Weight | 12.5 lbs |
48 oz | Water Reservoir | 48 oz |
Removable drip tray | Cell | |
6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz | Cup size | 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz |
Programmable auto off | ||
Strong Brew Setting | Cell | |
Cell | Automatic descaling | |
Cell | Charcoal water filter |
The Keurig K50
- Dimensions
- 16 x 16 x 13
- Features
- Brews 6, 8, and 10 ounce cups
- Programmable auto off feature
- 48 ounce water reservoir
The Keurig K50 is the original version of the machine and is a great model if you are just dipping your toe into the ocean of single serve coffee. It offers all of the necessary functions of a single serve machine without the high price tag of some of the fancier models.
As a member of the classic 1.0 Keurig family, it can read pods manufactured by brands not associated with Keurig, making it a desirable option if you want a wide variety of coffee to choose from. You can also use your own coffee using reusable K-cups, which allows you to still enjoy your artisan small batch roast and eliminates the waste produced by the plastic K-cups.
The K50 offers three cup size settings (6oz., 8oz., and 10oz.) to allow you to choose the strength of your brew, as well as a strong brew option if you prefer your coffee to be potent. It also comes with a removable drip tray to accommodate larger mugs and travel cups.
This machine is fast! It takes 3 minutes to heat up but then brews each cup of coffee in about a minute so you can enjoy your first cup of coffee in less than 5 minutes.
It comes with a 48 oz. removable water reservoir that is easy to fill at the sink and gives you at least 5 cups of coffee before you need to refill it, an huge perk if you have multiple coffee drinkers in the house or if you prefer several cups of coffee throughout your morning.
The number one issue with single serve coffee machines is calcium build-up. The build up of mineral deposits can clog the needle on your machine and prevent your coffee from brewing properly…or at all. A clogged needle can also result in coffee grounds in your brew or all over your kitchen counter. Keurig addresses this issue by putting the descaling option front and center! You can use your own solution of white vinegar and water or you can simply buy the descaling solution that Keurig manufactures. Either way, regular cleaning will leave each cup of coffee tasting just as great as the last.
The Keurig K55
- Dimensions
- 9.8 x 13 x 13.3
- Features
- Brews 6, 8, and 10 ounce cups
- Programmable auto off feature
- 48 ounce water reservoir
The Keurig K55 brewing system, better known as the K-Classic is the upgraded version of the K50. It is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, but like the K50, it too offers all of the necessary functions of a single serve machine without the high price tag of some of the fancier models.
As a member of the classic 1.0 Keurig family, it can read pods manufactured by brands not associated with Keurig, making it a desirable option if you want a wide variety of coffee to choose from. You can also use your own coffee using reusable K-cups, which allows you to still enjoy your artisan small batch roast and eliminates the waste produced by the plastic K-cups.
The K55 offers three cup size settings (6oz., 8oz., and 10oz.) to allow you to choose the strength of your brew.. It also comes with a removable drip tray to accommodate larger mugs and travel cups.
This machine is fast! It takes 3 minutes to heat up but then brews each cup of coffee in under a minute so you can enjoy your first cup of coffee in less than 5 minutes.
It comes with a 48 oz. removable water reservoir that is easy to fill at the sink and the K55 includes a charcoal water filter to further improve the taste of your morning brew. The K-Classic also added a flashing “add water” light to alert you when the reservoir needs to be refilled.
The number one issue with single serve coffee machines is calcium build-up. The build up of mineral deposits can clog the needle on your machine and prevent your coffee from brewing properly…or at all. A clogged needle can also result in coffee grounds in your brew or all over your kitchen counter. Keurig addresses this issue head on by including a maintenance reminder feature on the K55 that gives you a flashing light when it’s time to descale your machine. You can use your own solution of white vinegar and water or you can simply buy the descaling solution that Keurig manufactures. Either way, regular cleaning will leave each cup of coffee tasting just as great as the last.
The Showdown: K50 vs. K55
When it comes down to decision making time it’s best to look at the features you want a single serve coffee machine to have so let’s look at the K50 and the K55 side by side.
Ease of use
Both the K50 and the K55 forgo the LCD screens of the fancier single serve coffee machines and instead opt for more reliable buttons. The K 50 gives you a power button, three brew size buttons (6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz.) as well as a strong brew button. The K 55 has the exact same setup except it omits the strong brew option.
In both cases, the simplified control panel makes both of these machines very simple to use. Turn the machine on, pop in a K-cup, press your preferred brew size and you have a cup of coffee in a matter of minutes.
Performance
Both models are designed to be quick and efficient but in the performance category, the K55 wins by a nose. Each machine takes a few minutes to heat up but then the K50 brews in about a minute while the K55 will let you have your coffee in hand in just under a minute. The difference is mere seconds but if you are looking for real speed, the K55 wins the race on performance.
Customization
Both models offer the same 3 cup sizes and are compatible with hundreds of different K-cups, but the K50 wins in the category of customization because it offers an extra strength feature. Pressing the Strong Brew button results in a bolder and more potent cup of coffee. If you need an extra caffeine kick, you may want to try to get your hands on the K50. If you want a machine that will truly customize each beverage, you may want to check out the K-Select.
Water filter
A water filter will remove excess minerals from your tap water that can alter the taste of your brew. The K55 wins this category hands down, mainly because it comes with a water filter and the K50…well…doesn’t. Great tasting water brews great tasting coffee and the charcoal water filter in the K55 ensures that each cup of coffee is filled with pure coffee flavor, without the added minerals. The filter can also extend the time between cleanings by preventing the build up of scale in the machine.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance for both machines is pretty much identical. Remove the drip tray and reservoir to manually wash them, then run the descaling program. The K55 wins in this category because it comes with an auto-descaling feature and needs cleaning indicator light. Descaling the K50 however, is not a big deal. Just as with any coffee maker, brew a few cups with a descaling solution. The user manuals for each machine also come with instructions for cleaning the pod holder, needles, and funnel.
Aesthetics
When it comes to looks these machines are virtually identical. The K55 is a bit larger and heavier than the K50 but that’s about it. Both machines come in a both black and red options and feature buttons rather than an LCD screen so when it comes to aesthetics, we are calling it a tie.
Why choose a Keurig?
The popularity of Keurig coffee makers has exploded in recent years. With a wide variety of machines to choose from, Keurig coffee machines have found homes in kitchens and offices across America and for good reason.
The Keurig brand
Keurig was created in the early 1990s and was initially marketed as a machine for small offices and company break rooms. Soon however, they expanded into the home market. The exposure to the home market exploded the brand.
The result of this explosion was the development of a wide variety of Keurig models designed for both home and office use. As the machines grew in popularity, other brands got on board creating K-cups of their own to be used in the popular Keurig brewer.
Now the Keurig brand offers coffee machines to suit every budget, from bare bones “makes a cup of coffee” brewers, to single serve coffee machines loaded with bells and whistles.
Ease of use
Keurig gets five stars when it comes to ease of use. You simply add water, pop in your coffee pod of choice, close the lid, and press the button of your desired brew size. Your freshly brewed coffee will be ready in a matter of minutes. You don’t even have to clean up the leftover grinds in the brew basket, you simply remove the coffee pod and you are ready to brew your next cup.
Variety
With the explosion of the Keurig coffee machine, other brands wanted to claim their place in the market producing coffee for these machines. The result: K-cups took over the coffee aisle at the grocery store. You will be hard pressed to find a grocery store that doesn’t offer a wider variety of K-cups than bagged coffee. Whether you prefer regular coffee, flavored coffee, or Kona coffee, there is a K-cup for you. You can even find tea and hot cocoa in K-cup form to please every member of the household.
Convenience
Keurig also gets five stars when it comes to convenience. Whether at home or in the office, Keurig machines make brewing your morning…or afternoon…cup a breeze. Please a wide variety of guests with the coffee of their choosing in a matter of minutes. If the office doesn’t stock the brand or flavor of coffee you prefer, just pop a couple of pods in your purse or briefcase. Keurig has taken the work out of modern coffee making and made it a quick and easy part of everyday life.
Taste
Lets face it, you simply aren’t going to get the same coffee flavor from a K-cup than with freshly ground artisan beans brewed in a traditional coffee maker, french press, or pour-over, but with thousands of K-cups to choose from, you will definitely find a coffee that works for you. If you aren’t sure where to start, check to see if your favorite brand offers a K-cup version or test out a variety of flavors with the convenience of a sampler pack. With K-cups the flavor possibilities are endless and you should be able to find a coffee pod to please even the most discerning palates.
Our final verdict
While the K50 and K55 coexisted for some time, the K50 has now been discontinued, but can still be found on amazon at the time this article was written.
Frankly, the Keurig K55 is a fantastic coffee maker that surpasses its predecessor in every major aspect. It offers more features, capability, flexibility, and it does not disappoint. It will meet – or maybe even exceed – your expectations in a quality single serve coffee machine.
