This is our expert side-by-side comparison of the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus.
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use coffee maker, the Keurig Mini and Keurig Mini Plus are two great options to consider. Both models are compact and efficient, but they have some differences that can impact your coffee-making experience.
As a former barista and organic coffee farm worker, I have tried and tested various coffee makers over the years. From the classic drip machines to the more advanced espresso makers, I’ve tinkered with them all.
My love for coffee and the machines that make it has led me to become quite knowledgeable in this area. I have a good sense of what features make a coffee maker great and what to look out for when choosing one.
I take pride in sharing my experience and knowledge with others, especially those who are looking to purchase their first coffee machine. With my expertise, I can help guide you toward the perfect coffee maker that meets your needs and preferences.
When it comes to Keurig’s Mini and Mini Plus models, I’ve put them both to the test and have some thoughts to share. So, let’s dive in and spill the beans on the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus At a Glance
As you can see, the Keurig Mini Plus has some additional features such as brew strength control and a removable water reservoir. It is also compatible with Keurig accessories, which the Keurig Mini is not.
However, these additional features also make the Keurig Mini Plus more expensive than the Keurig Mini – drawing an invisible, but probably very intentional line between the two.
The question, I think, comes down to: is the Mini Plus worth it for you?
Let’s take a look at each of the machine’s features to figure out what if anything will make the difference between the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus for you:
Comparing the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus
Design and Build Quality
Both models are sleek and will fit well in any kitchen. The Mini Plus has a slightly larger (removable!) water reservoir, which means you can make more cups of coffee before having to refill it. The Mini Plus also features a removable drip tray, which makes it easier to clean and accommodate taller cups.
The Mini Plus is available in two colors: black and red, while the Mini comes in six colors, including black, red, blue, white, green, and pink. Maybe you’re like me and think pink coffee makers are rather tacky, but the truth is that the more options, the better. So in this aspect, I do think the Mini comes out on top.
But it’s not really enough – the removable feature is actually huge. It can be so awkward and uncomfortable to refill and clean your machine without this little (big) thing.
In terms of build quality, both machines are made of good materials which feel rather sturdy, don’t break or scratch easily, but still feel light, which is exactly the point of these mini-sized coffee makers.
Functionality and Features
The Keurig Mini and Mini Plus both have basic features that are easy to use. Both models brew coffee in under two minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings.
They both have a single-cup reservoir, so you can make one cup of coffee at a time, which is ideal if you’re the only coffee drinker in your household.
The Mini Plus has a few extra features that make it more versatile. For example, it has a strong brew option, which allows you to brew a stronger cup of coffee if you prefer. It also has a temperature control feature, which lets you adjust your coffee’s temperature to your liking.
The strong brew is a quality-of-life upgrade, sure, but it’s also not something that’s hard to figure out how to work around if you wanted to.
In my case, I would simply have a bag of dark roast whenever I want a “strong brew”. So while a helpful feature, it’s not something that you can only get if you have this coffee maker, is what I’m getting at.
The temperature control is where the treasure is actually hiding.
Being able to tweak the temperature is an amazing feature not just for coffee geeks like us at Coffee Hex, but simply for those who want to get a different flavor out of the same coffee.
Price Range
The Keurig Mini and Mini Plus are both affordable coffee makers, but the Mini Plus is slightly more expensive due to its additional features.
The Mini Plus usually costs around $20 more than the Mini, but the price can vary depending on the retailer, or the country. I travel around a bit and it still surprises me how much the prices for things like these vary from one place to another.
All in all, the Mini tends to be cheaper, although not by so much. But in regions where the Mini Plus is significantly more expensive, then the added features wouldn’t really justify the spike in price.
Winner: Tied, depends on external factors as well as personal preference.
Customer Support and Warranty
If you encounter any problems with your Keurig Mini or Mini Plus, don’t worry! Both models are backed by a one-year limited warranty to give you peace of mind. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, which is pretty standard across the industry.
But here’s the good news: Keurig’s customer support team is known to be incredibly helpful and responsive. So, if you do have an issue, just give them a shout and they’ll take care of you.
Trust me, having a good customer support team is crucial when it comes to investing in a coffee maker. You want to feel like you’re in good hands if anything goes wrong.
And the internet is full of horror stories of people buying a coffee maker, which turns out to be defective, only for the customer support team to ghost them. Keurig won’t ever do that to you.
Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: The Winner
My professional opinion? The Mini Plus is way, way better.
Just a couple of features and it transforms into a really interesting coffee maker. But, if you ask me for my personal opinion on the Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus, I’m not really sure the Plus is worth it.
It all comes down to what exactly you’re looking for.
So, to summarize the bottom line on Keurig Mini vs Mini Plus: The Keurig Mini is a basic coffee maker that is perfect for someone who just wants a quick cup of coffee without all the bells and whistles. It’s easy to use, affordable and doesn’t take up much counter space, making it ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. You can get a great deal on that here:
On the other hand, if you like experimenting with different brewing techniques and flavor profiles, the Keurig Mini Plus is the way to go.
With its strong brew and temperature control features, you have more control over your coffee-making process and can customize your coffee to your liking. Whether you prefer a strong, bold cup of coffee or a milder, smoother blend, the Mini Plus has got you covered:
Think on it, have a cup of coffee while you do, and head over to the nearest store where you can find one of these two marvels. Or, if you’d rather save time and effort, you can easily find them on Amazon (likely for less):
BTW: If you want a Keurig, but the mini size isn’t a must-have, check out our Keurig Elite vs Supreme comparison.
