Keurig 2.0 Coffee Maker – Complete Review and Buyer’s Guide
As technology continues to make our lives more convenient, it only makes sense that brewing great coffee has become easier than ever.
So many everyday tasks are becoming automated and only need the push of a button.
From Rumbas to clean your floor and Teslas to drive you to work and back home, surely something is happening in the coffee world, right?
The answer is YES! In the form of the Keurig 2.0. With its new technology, it’s considered one of the best at-home automated coffee makers.
Now, maybe you’ve only used a Keurig at work or saw one in the store and thought to yourself, “What’s the hype? Is a Keurig worth it? What about the Keurig 1.0?”
Well if you have asked any of those questions, then you’re in the right place for our Keurig model 2.0 review and Keurig buyers guide.
There are several 2.0 Keurig models, each with their own unique design and features, all made to brew you a delicious cup of hot java. This review will help current owners of the Keurig 1.0 models and those seeking to be first time owners.
The Keurig utilizes 2.0 technology to add some helpful features. Each has a water reservoir and a digital screen for monitoring and for user input. There is also an option to choose the cup size for those who want a little less or a lot more.
One other change to note is the new K-cup. The 2.0 K-cup has a special code and has been in production and sale since July 2014.
These new features make the Keurig 2.0 effortless for anyone to use and make a delicious bold cup of coffee, though these new models do need a small amount of maintenance and cleaning for consistent taste.
Keurig 2.0 Model
Features
Price
Keurig 2.0 K200
- Compact
- Several brew sizes
- 40-ounce water reservoir
Keurig 2.0 K250
- Brew strength adjustment
- 40-ounce water reservoir
- Compact
Keurig 2.0 300
- 60 ounces water reservoir
- Multiple brew settings
- 2.4-inch touch screen display
Keurig 2.0 K350
- Brew strength control
- K-cup and K-pod friendly
- Includes 4 Carafe packs
Keurig 2.0 K450
- Large water reservoir with flip lid
- Various color options
- Touchscreen display controls and settings
Keurig 2.0 K575
- Large water reservoir
- K-cup, K-mug, and K-carafe friendly
- Usable with 500 pods from 75 different companies
Keurig 2.0 Thermal Carafe
- Stainless steel
- 4 Cup capacity
- Airtight seal to preserve heat
Top 7 Keurig 2.0 Models
The Keurig 2.0 comes in several models! The K360, K450 and K560 are close to the K300, K400, and K500 model. They come with different arrangements of K-Cups packaged inside.
The K300, K400 and K500 do not have the water filter. Other than that they are very similar to their counterparts. The new K Keurig models are similar to their B Keurig counterparts.
If you have a B model Keurig that you love but it may be on its last leg, then look for the same model number after the K. The B models may be discontinued so finding the exact model to replace it may be difficult.
Now let’s take a look at our favorite models in detail.
Keurig 2.0 K200
The Keurig 2.0 K200 Model is the smallest and most affordable of the models. So if you have limited space and are on a budget, but want the luxury of making coffee at home this may be the choice for you.
This model is equipped with a 40-ounce reservoir for minimal refills. You have the option to choose from various brewing settings that can be controlled and monitored with the 2-inch touch display.
There are 9 brew sizes to choose from, plus carafe sizes. It is also multifunctional as it has settings to make hot chocolate and some other hot beverages. For a personal touch, the model also comes in several different colors; red, sandy pearl, black, turquoise, strawberry, white, and cashmere grey.
Keurig 2.0 K250
Like the Keurig 2.0 K200, the K250 is compact in size and still affordable. It comes with a 40-ounce water reservoir that is removable. It features the same user-friendly 2-inch touch display for control and monitoring.
This model has a nice feature that allows you to control the brew strength of your coffee – letting every caffeine connoisseur find the perfect brew to match their taste.
The K250 also has a water level window such that you can keep track of when to refill your water reservoir. So you’ll always be ready to brew a full cup of coffee.
Keurig 2.0 300
The Keurig 2.0 K300 takes your brew game up a notch, equipped with a 60-ounce water reservoir to fill even the largest mugs without needing to be refilled.
The K300 model also has a larger touch display at 2.4 inches for monitoring and managing settings, including brew strength and customizable drinks. From the touchscreen, you have options to choose the brew strength for your coffee.
For those who want to explore the world of brewed drinks beyond coffee, this model also has options for brewing other drinks such as hot chocolate, mocha, and chai.
With the included thermal carafe and the latest technology and the ability to use both the k-cups and pods, the K300 is a great addition to just about any home.
Keurig 2.0 K350
The Keurig 2.0 K350 shares many of the same features as other Keurig 2.0 models, including a removable water reservoir.
The interactive touch screen display “gives you total control over your brewing experience. For instance, it lets you brew anywhere from a single cup to a full carafe – depending on how many coffee lovers are in your household. There’s also an option to control brewing strength to perfectly match your tastes.
As with all Keurig 2.0 models, the K350 model is compatible with a wide selection of 400 k cups from many different brands.
As an added bonus, the K350 comes with four carafe pods and six k cups to help start your at-home coffee brewing journey. No wonder this model is the most popular on Amazon.
Keurig 2.0 K450
Like the previous models, The Keurig 2.0 K450 has a large water reservoir and touch screen display for choosing settings.
On this model, it is better lit making it easier to check the water level. This reservoir unlike the others has a flip lid to minimize the risk of spills.
It’s also offered in a variety of colors so you can make sure your coffee maker perfectly matches your taste and kitchen.
Overall the K450 delivers a smooth and flavorful coffee when and where you need it. This unit is great for any home.
Keurig 2.0 K575
The Keurig 2.0 K575 is the last but certainly not least on our list Keurig 2.0 models. This model offers the same ease of use and clean up as the other models. Removable water reservoir, touch screen display, and the ability to brew a single mug or 4 cup carafe – it’s all here.
The 2.0 brewing technology the K575 model can read lids of the K cup, K carafe, and K mug pods, ensuring a perfect brew each time. Since it can brew all Keurig pod sizes it is compatible with 500 flavors from 75 brands. With that many options, you could try a different one every day for a year and still taste test well past the new year. And surely this list of flavors will keep growing.
Keurig 2.0 Thermal Carafe
The Keurig 2.0 Thermal Carafe is a bonus on our list of the best Keurig 2.0 coffee makers – an add on accessory to go with whichever 2.0 models you choose. The design has an airtight seal ensuring that your coffee is always warm and ready when you are, from your first cup to your fourth (It’s maximum capacity).
This handy guy is a great addition to any Keurig 2.0 setup.
Keurig 2.0 Features and FAQs
What exactly makes a Keurig 2.0 coffee maker different from the original series? Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the 2.0 line.
- Great single cup or 4 cup carafe coffee makers
- Large user-friendly touch screen display for monitoring and control
- There is the option for up to 10 brewing sizes
- You have control over your coffee’s brew strength
- They have large water reservoirs to allow for minimal refilling
- Auto ON/OFF feature for convenience is available on some models
- Versatile use with K-Cups, K-Carafe, and Vue packs
- The dripper can be easily removed to adjust for larger mugs or the thermal carafe
- Option to change the language setting between English, French, and Spanish
- Comes in a variety of sizes to fit any kitchen
Keurig 2.0 Coffee Size Options
For small cup sizes of 4, 6, 8, and 10 ounces K-cups produced after July 2014 may be used. These K-cups have a special code that allows them to be compatible with the Keurig 2.0.
For large cups sizes of 12, 14, and 16 ounces Vue packs must be used instead of K-cups to provide the proper amount of coffee to water ratio.
Small K Carafes are only necessary if you are producing enough coffee for a small carafe. You can now choose from 10 different flavors to brew for entire carafes.
Types of Keurig 2.0 Coffee
There are a ton of roasts and flavors available from popular coffee brands to choose from, including
- Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
- Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Coffee
- Newman’s Own Organics Special Blend
- Victor Allen’s Coffee
- Krispy Kreme Classic
- Eight O’Clock Coffee The Original
Using Your Keurig 2.0 for Hot Water
Without a K-Cup or K-Carafe, the Keurig 2.0 can be used to make hot water for other beverages such as tea and hot cocoa. To take it a step further you can use that same hot water to make oatmeal or even noodles if you want. To make hot water with the system fill the water reservoir and brew without a K Cup or K Carafe.
The K550 is the only model that comes with a button specifically used to distribute hot water. All the other models require you to do the method of brewing without a K cup or K carafe as mentioned before.
Using a K-cup you can make coffee, tea, espresso, lemonade, and even hot chocolate. To prevent the needle from clogging you should run a cleaning brew on the machine. This is especially after making hot cocoa, as some of the milk-based hot beverages are more prone to causing clogging.
This should be done regularly to keep up the maintenance of the machine and have it performing at tip-top shape so that each brew is perfect every time. Be sure to check the instructions on how to run the cleaning brew as the process varies from model to model.
Keurig 2.0 Filters
A coffee or water filter is not a requirement for the Keurig 2.0. For Models K550/K560, K450/K460, K350/K360 there is an optional filter kit for water that can be turned on or off depending on your preference.
While it is not necessary it has been suggested to improve the flavor of the coffee. Either with or without the filter, with regular maintenance it will provide a delicious cup of coffee.
Keurig 2.0 Water
It is recommended to use bottled or filtered water. This is especially something to consider if your tap water has an unnatural taste due to chlorine or mineral deposits.
While there is a water filter kit for some of the models, the filter does not remove minerals. The filter can only improve the taste of the water. It is not suggested to use soft, distilled, hard water, or reverse osmosis water.
Overtime use of the Keurig will result in mineral deposit buildup that can impact the performance of the machine. To prevent this it is best to clean often to remove any build-up for optimal performance and taste. If you can maintain consistent cleaning then, the Keurig 2.0 will last for a while.
Keurig 2.0 Brewing Controls
Controls for Keurig’s are on the touch screen display, which is standard on all the models. The time varies depending on if you make a cup or a carafe. To brew a cup of coffee it typically takes 1 minute and to brew for the 4 cup carafe takes about 3 minutes.
What’s In the Keurig 2.0 Box?
When unboxing the Keurig 2.0 it should come with a coffee maker, carafe, easy to follow user guide, a quick start guide, and K-cup variety pack. There should be a water filter except for the K300, K400, and K500 models as they do not have that option.
Keurig 2.0 Warranty and Customer Service
These Keurig’s have a one year warranty. This warranty is only valid for any problems that occur while under normal usage in the United States and Canada.
If you have questions about the machine, customer service is operational every day of the week. They can be reached by phone during hours of operation or by email during any time. The seller should be contacted if you want a refund or want to place a replacement request.
Before replacing the whole machine, reach out to the manufacturer, as they may have advice on fixing the issue with your current model.
Be aware that if you fix the machine by yourself then that will void the warranty. So please be cautious and avoid tinkering with the machine without the proper guidance.
What are the Pros of Keurig 2.0?
Now that we have reviewed each of the Keurig 2.0 models in detail, let’s summarize all the positive features of the coffee brewers.
- Easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly touch display
- Provide hot and fresh coffee in home
- Low maintenance for cleaning and care
- Variety of coffee flavors to appease any palate
- Multifunctional use to brew other drinks such as hot water for tea or hot chocolate.
- Controls to adjust the strength and flavor of the coffee
- Option to fill either cups or carafes
- Programmable carafe for convenient automated brewing at a preset time.
- No mess while operating
- Large water reservoirs for minimal refilling in-between brews
- The convenience of auto on and off feature when using
- The option to choose from 8-10 different brewing sizes
- Compatible with Vue packs for those who like a larger cup of coffee
- The option to choose coffee strength in order to brew an extra bold cup of java
- You can brew up to a 4 cup carafe container of coffee
- They are compatible with the My K -cup reusable coffee filter and they can be used with alternatives for brewing ground coffee
What are the Keurig 2.0 Cons?
- K cups made prior to July 2014 are not compatible
- Vue packs are for larger cups and carafes
- Some of the Vue packs are still not compatible with the new technology
- Regular cleaning to keep the machine at optimal performance
Keurig 2.0 Customer Reviews
Reading the reviews of other consumers they all seem to share the same sentiment for the easy to use and convenience of the machine. Some consumers can not find their favorite brand of coffee in K-Cup form, but as the technology continues to develop more brands may be introduced.
There are positive reviews when it comes to the great taste the Keurig provides due to the option of controlling the brew strength. Additionally, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to work with. The design allows it to be easily monitored while in use and clean while not in use.
Hopefully, with this review and notes from the reviews of others you can choose the right Keurig for your home.
If you are curious about which Keurig models we consider to be the best out of Keurig 1.0 vs Keurig 2.0 models, then check out our Top 5 Keurig coffee makers list.
Keurig 2.0 Tips and Tricks
Here are some pro tips to help you along your Keurig coffee-making journey.
- To get rid of undesired taste or smell, run the Keurig with a cup of vinegar and brew some water
- If you are using a mug or thermos that does not fit into the machine, simply place the machine on another stable item such as a book or box, such that the drink may dispense without any mess and cleanup.
- To prevent clogging remove the K-Cup once it is used.
- If making hot cocoa or any milk inclusive drink, make a cleaning brew as mentioned in the first step.
Final Thoughts
The Keurig 2.0 has a variety of models to suit any household or office space. The updated technology provides a better tasting brew than its predecessor.
It also allows for versatility with the number of K-cups, Vue Packs, and K- carafes that can be used. It’s compatible with the K-cup reusable coffee filter.
Having a larger water reservoir adds the convenience of less refills between uses. The option to fill a carafe to serve multiple cups of coffee is a great addition to the set.
Hopefully this review provides you with all the information you need to make a decision on which Keurig 2.0 model is best for you!