Keurig is synonymous with ease and versatility, which are two great ways to describe their line of coffee brewers. Thanks to some new product launches in 2012, Keurig has become a household name.
People love Keurig coffee brewers because they are user-friendly and have a huge variety of choices when it comes to the pods. If you’re looking to buy a new brewer from Keurig, look no further than the K50 and K55. These are some of the company’s top-rated models, with tons of positive reviews. They are the quintessential, classic Keurig systems that you’ve probably seen in tons of kitchens already.
Introduction
The Keurig K55 is the newer, more shiny version of the old reliable K50 coffee machine, coming with a price tag to match. If you’re looking to pick between the two, which one is the way to go?
While they’re nearly identical in everything, from appearance to the taste of the actual coffee, there are some differences.
Let’s take a look.
Taste
Okay, so this is probably the most important question to ask: which machine brews better coffee?
In several blind tests, no noticeable difference in taste or quality could be noted in cups brewed from the K50 and K55, except that maybe the K55 brews slightly stronger coffee. So if you like your coffee strong, that is something for you to consider while you decide between the models.
Performance
Other than taste, the most important thing about a coffee maker is how fast it can make your coffee.
The K50 can get your coffee made in about 1 minute and 30 seconds. The K55 can do it in 1 minute. It’s only a difference of 30 seconds, so the machines compare pretty similarly in this aspect.
As for the filter that each model uses, the K50 has a mesh filter that will need to be replaced fairly often, depending on how much you use your brewer. The K55 uses activated charcoal filters, which, while more expensive, will improve the quality of your coffee (and doesn’t need to be replaced as often).
Features
Both machines provide numerous features you’ll find useful. Each has a 48-ounce water reservoir, auto on/off, and easy-to-clean parts that come apart with no trouble.
The K50 is a great model and could work well for your kitchen, but it is important to know that some users have reported issues with it shutting off unexpectedly or just plain not working after just a short period of use. The K55, as the newer counterpart, does not have these issues.
One of the best features of the K55 (and one of the largest differences between the two brewers) is the descaling feature. This built-in function makes it super easy for you to make sure your Keurig stays clean and runs well for years to come. The K50 model is still easy to clean, but it needs to be done manually by adding a descaler and ran through with hot water.
Both machines brew the same amounts of coffee: 6 ounces, 8 ounces, and 10 ounces. Customers usually note that the more coffee you brew on a Keurig, the weaker it tends to taste. With that, it may be more practical to purchase the K55 since taste testers did comment that it had a stronger brew strength.
Versality
The K50 and K55 are both able to brew pods from other brands, which is super convenient as a customer. With these handy little brewers, you aren’t just limited to coffee. You can make cider, lemonade, chai tea, basically whatever pods are out there (and there are a lot!).
If you want hot water on the fly, just run a cycle through the machine to clear the spout, then press the button for hot water again to make yourself a nice cup for tea.
Design and Appearance
Both models are made to fit in any kitchen and blend in with the existing decor. Keurig understands the importance of having an appliance that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, and they incorporated that notion while making these two coffee makers.
The two are nearly identical in appearance. The K50 is about 14 inches tall and weighs 7.6 pounds, and the K55 is about 15 inches and weighs 12 pounds. The K55 feels more durable than its older counterpart.
Both models come in black and red, but the Keurig K55 has a wider range of colors. Besides red and black, you have the option of picking blue or white.
The Keurig K50 and K55 both have a built-in light that casts a soft glow on the countertop at night. The buttons glow, making it easy to pick what you need in the dark.