Keurig K-Duo vs K-Duo Plus full Comparison Which should you buy?
Are you having trouble choosing between the K-Duo and the K-Duo Plus? You’re not the only one. People throughout the U.S. who love coffee are comparing these two popular dual coffee makers to see which one works best for them.
In this article, we’ll compare the features, pros, and differences between the Keurig K-Duo vs K-Duo Plus. This will help you choose the best coffee maker for your morning brew.
What makes the Keurig K Duo and K Duo Plus different?
The Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus models appear very similar at first glance. Both machines have:
- Brewing in a single serve or a carafe
- Works with both ground coffee and K-Cup pods
- Different sizes of brews
- Brewing that can be programmed
However, the main distinctions lie in the design, the type of carafe, the space-saving features, and the strength of the brew.
| Feature | Keurig K Duo | Keurig K Duo Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | Fixed | Multi-position (Left, Right, or Rear) |
| Carafe Type | Glass Carafe with Hot Plate | Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe |
| Brew Strength Option | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Footprint | Wider | Slimmer |
| Iced Coffee Setting | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Price Range | Lower | Slightly Higher |
Which one looks better in your kitchen? The design differences.
The K-Duo looks like a regular coffee maker, but it’s broader and thicker. The K-Duo Plus, on the other hand, features a sleeker vertical form that saves room. Its water reservoir can be changed, making it even more useful in small kitchens.
Note: Choose the K-Duo Plus if you have limited counter space or care about the modern aesthetic.
Glass vs. Thermal Carafe
The carafe is one of the most significant distinctions.
A glass carafe comes with the K-Duo, but it needs a warming plate to keep the coffee hot. It works, but if you leave it out for too long, the coffee can burn or go bad.
The K-Duo Plus has a thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm for up to two hours without needing a hot plate.
Note: Choose K-Duo Plus if you want your coffee to stay hot for longer without compromising its taste.
Strong Brew Option: This feature is exclusive to the K-Duo Plus.
The K-Duo Plus offers a Strong Brew setting for single-serve cups, allowing you to enjoy your coffee intense and creamy. This isn’t in the normal K-Duo.
Choose K-Duo Plus if you prefer stronger coffee or use K-Cups with a lighter roast.
Brewing Quality
Both versions brew quickly. It takes around a minute to make one cup. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to fill a 12-cup carafe.
You can steal a cup before the pot is done with both of them.
What is the best Keurig Duo model?
It all depends on what you need:
- If you’re looking for a more affordable machine and don’t mind the glass carafe, consider the Keurig K-Duo.
- Choose the K-Duo Plus if you want a sleeker design, a heated carafe, and stronger coffee.
Best for Families:
If you make full carafes often and don’t mind a fixed water tank, the K Duo is the best choice.
Best for Small Spaces and Strong Coffee:
If you want to minimise counter space, crave strong coffee, or need your coffee to stay hot for an extended period, the K Duo Plus is perfect.
Does the Keurig Duo Plus work with ordinary K-Cups?
Yes! The Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus both use regular K-Cup pods to make one cup of coffee at a time. They also work with ground coffee for carafes, utilizing the reusable filter that comes with them.
You can also use a reusable K-Cup filter to make single cups of coffee with your preferred grounds.
How long does it take to make a full pot of coffee?
- Keurig K-Duo: It takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to brew a full 12-cup carafe.
- K-Duo Plus: About 8 minutes, thanks to its insulated carafe design and quick brewing capabilities.
Both machines heat up quickly and make one cup in about a minute. However, the K Duo Plus brews a single cup slightly faster due to its design, making it a better choice for those who value speed.
Which is simpler to clean, the Keurig K-Duo vs K-Duo Plus?
The K Duo Plus is the clear winner in this category.
- It’s easier to fill and handle the removable reservoir.
- You don’t need a hot plate to clean the thermal carafe.
- Both feature a gold-tone filter that is compatible with the carafe.
To keep them working well, you should describe them every 2 to 3 months. Descaling is a simple process that involves running a descaling solution through the machine to remove mineral deposits, ensuring your coffee always tastes fresh and delicious.
The good and bad things about each model
Pros and Cons of the Keurig K-Duo
Pros:
- Low cost
- Glass carafe with a warming plate.
- Great for families.
Cons:
- It’s big and bulky.
- No way to control the strength of the brew
- It’s hard to fill a fixed reservoir.
Pros and Cons of the Keurig K Duo Plus
Pros:
- The slim design fits in tiny kitchens
- The thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours
- The brew strength slider allows you to choose the desired strength
- Water reservoir that may be moved for convenience
Cons:
- Costs a little more
- No warming plate (but you don’t need one with a thermal carafe)
Is it worth paying more for the Keurig Duo Plus?
Yes, the K Duo Plus is worth the investment if you care about its quality, flexibility, and ability to keep coffee hot for a long time.
For coffee lovers who won’t settle for less in terms of taste or warmth, the thermal carafe and strong brew setting make a significant difference.
Final Decision: The K-Duo and K-Duo Plus
The Keurig K Duo is a good and popular alternative if you don’t mind a glass carafe and are on a budget. The Keurig K-Duo Plus is a better investment if you want more control over the strength of your brew, a compact design, and a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for longer.
💡 What We Suggest:
For families and people who use a carafe every day → Pick K Duo
For people who prefer strong coffee and have small kitchens → Choose K Duo Plus