Keurig K-Mini Plus: A Petite and Portable Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig’s Path of Innovation: From K-Cup to K-Mini Plus

Keurig, a leader in the single-serve coffee maker market, has always been known for its innovative and convenient coffee solutions. Their iconic K-Cup technology revolutionized the way people enjoy coffee at home, allowing them to brew a fresh cup in minutes with just a single pod.

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is one of the newest additions to the Keurig lineup, embodying Keurig’s spirit of innovation by combining convenience with a compact design. This coffee maker is not only perfect for coffee lovers with limited space but also caters to those seeking a simple and quick coffee experience.

Overview

The Keurig K-Mini Plus was released on August 26, 2018, with an MSRP of $109.99. As Keurig’s slimmest single-serve coffee maker, it measures less than 5 inches wide, making it ideal for small kitchens or spaces with limited counter space. The K-Mini Plus utilizes K-Cup pods and can brew 6-12oz of coffee, featuring a removable one-cup water reservoir for easy refilling and cleaning.

Key Features

• Ultra-Compact Design: The Keurig K-Mini Plus is Keurig’s slimmest coffee maker, measuring less than 5 inches wide, making it perfect for small kitchens or spaces with limited counter space.
• Simple and Fast Operation: Brewing a cup of coffee is as easy as inserting a K-Cup pod, adding water, and pressing a button. Enjoy a fresh cup in minutes.
• Strong Brew Option: Customize your coffee’s strength with the Strong Brew button for a bolder flavor.
• Removable Water Reservoir: Easily refill and clean the water reservoir for added convenience.
• Travel-Friendly: Compact and lightweight, the K-Mini Plus is perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
• K-Cup Storage: Holds up to 9 K-Cup pods for easy access and storage.
• Auto-Off Feature: Automatically shuts off after 90 seconds of inactivity to save energy.

Target Audience

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is primarily targeted towards space-conscious, convenience-seeking coffee lovers. This includes young professionals living in small apartments, dormitories, or with limited office space, as well as individuals who travel frequently or enjoy outdoor activities. They seek a quick and easy single-serve coffee solution without compromising on quality and taste.

Design & Appearance

True to its name, the K-Mini Plus sports a petite frame that fits almost anywhere. The modern aesthetics come in a range of stylish matte colors to match any décor. Thoughtful touches like neatly wrapped cord storage enhance the streamlined profile. The Keurig K-Mini Plus is available in a variety of colors, including: * Matte Black * Cardinal Red * Cool Aqua * Evening Teal * Misty Green * Studio Gray * Matte White

Ease of Use

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is renowned for its user-friendly design. It features only two buttons: a power button and a strong button, making operation incredibly intuitive. For first-time use, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Plug In: Connect the coffee maker to a power outlet.
2. Add Water: Open the water reservoir lid at the top and fill it with the desired amount of water (up to 12oz).
3. Preheat: Press the power button, and the power light will illuminate, indicating it’s preheating.
4. Insert K-Cup Pod: Once preheated, lift the handle, insert your K-Cup pod into the pod holder, and then lower the handle.
5. Start Brewing: Choose your desired cup size (6-12oz) and press the brew button. In about a minute, your delicious coffee will be ready.

For daily use, simply repeat steps 2 and 5 to effortlessly brew a cup of coffee.

Coffee Quality

Users praise the K-Mini Plus for delivering flavorful, satisfying coffee. The 1500 watt heater ensures optimum brewing temperature for rich extraction. The Strong Brew setting boosts intensity to your liking. Quality and consistency will vary based on your preferred roast and grind in the K-Cup pods. But overall it competently produces delicious coffee.

The core of the K-Cup technology lies in its sealed coffee pods, which maintain the freshness and flavor of the coffee during brewing. Each K-Cup pod is designed to be opened only at the time of use, ensuring optimal coffee concentration and taste with every brew. This design effectively prevents air and humidity from affecting the coffee grounds, thereby delivering consistently high-quality coffee. Keurig is also making strides in improving the recyclability of its K-Cup pods, introducing a range of recyclable K-Cup options to reduce environmental impact and cater to the eco-conscious consumer.

Technical Specifications and Setup

The Keurig K-Mini Plus measures 4.5”D x 11.3”W x 12.1”H, weighs 6.6 pounds, and operates at 1500 watts with a single-cup water reservoir capacity. To set up for first-time use, follow these steps:
1. Power Up: Connect the coffee maker’s plug to a grounded outlet.
2. Add Water: Open the water reservoir lid at the top and fill with water up to the maximum line.
3. Preheat: Press the power button to begin preheating; the power light will illuminate during this process.
4. Insert K-Cup Pod: After preheating, lift the handle to insert a K-Cup pod, then close the handle.
5. Start Brewing: Choose your desired cup size and press the brew button. In about one minute, your delicious coffee will be ready.

Simple Operation, Fast Brewing

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is incredibly easy to use. Simply insert a K-Cup pod, add the desired amount of water, and press the brew button. The coffee maker will preheat and brew your coffee in just a few minutes.

K-Cup Pods: Innovation and Variety

K-Cup pod technology is one of Keurig’s core innovations. Each pod is packed with pre-measured, finely ground coffee, ensuring that every brew delivers freshness and flavor. This single-use design not only offers convenience but also provides a variety of flavors and blends to meet the personalized tastes of different consumers. The introduction of K-Cup pods has significantly changed coffee consumption habits, enabling the enjoyment of high-quality coffee anytime, quickly. Moreover, with increasing demand for environmental sustainability, Keurig has introduced recyclable K-Cup options to reduce environmental impact.

Brewing Technology Explained

The Keurig K-Mini Plus utilizes a high-pressure brewing method similar to traditional espresso machines. When the brewing process is initiated, the machine forces hot water through a pressure pump into the K-Cup pod. Both the top and bottom of the K-Cup have fine openings; as pressure builds, the top is punctured by a needle, allowing hot water to enter the pod, pass through the coffee grounds, and extract the flavors and aromas of the coffee. The brewed coffee then flows out from the bottom, directly into the cup. This process is not only quick but also ensures consistent quality in every brew, maintaining the taste and aroma of the coffee.

Adjustable Coffee Strength

For coffee lovers who prefer a bolder brew, the K-Mini Plus offers a “Strong” button option. When pressed, the coffee maker slows down the flow of water through the coffee grounds, extracting a more intense flavor.

Removable Water Reservoir, Easy Cleaning

The K-Mini Plus features a removable water reservoir, making it easy for users to refill and clean. Simply remove the reservoir from the coffee maker and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

Removable Drip Tray for Travel Mugs

The drip tray of the Keurig K-Mini Plus is removable, making it easy to clean. Additionally, removing the drip tray allows you to place travel mugs up to 7 inches tall under the coffee maker, so you can brew your coffee directly into your favorite travel mug.

Travel-Friendly, Enjoy Coffee Anywhere

Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the K-Mini Plus is perfect for travel or outdoor use. You can easily pack it in a suitcase or backpack and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee wherever you go.

K-Cup Storage, Convenient Access

The K-Mini Plus has a built-in storage compartment that can hold up to 9 K-Cup pods. This design not only saves space but also allows you to conveniently access your favorite coffee flavors.

Auto-Off, Energy-Saving

To conserve energy, the K-Mini Plus is equipped with an auto-off feature. The coffee maker will automatically shut off 90 seconds after the last brew, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Noise Level

The brewing process emits some expected noise from water heating and pumping, but it’s not excessively loud. The streamlined design keeps noise levels reasonable. You can carry on a conversation nearby. Some users note it’s slightly noisier than previous models but not a dealbreaker.

Cleaning

Keeping the K-Mini Plus clean is quick and hassle-free. The removable reservoir allows easy access for rinsing and cleaning. Drip tray and pod holder come out for washing too. Descaling every 3-6 months maintains performance. With no carafe or brew basket, cleaning is simple. To maintain optimal performance, it is recommended to descale the machine every 3-6 months.

Sustainability

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is designed with not only ease of use in mind but also environmental considerations. This model features an auto-off function that automatically shuts down the machine 90 seconds after the last brew, effectively saving energy. Additionally, Keurig is working to enhance the recyclability of its K-Cup pods, supporting consumers in more easily recycling these pods after use, thus reducing environmental impact.

Origin & Release

Designed and engineered in Vermont, USA, the K-Mini Plus first launched in July 2018.

Usage Scenarios

The K-Mini Plus is a perfect personal coffee maker for individual use in compact, crowded spaces like tiny kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, RVs or campers. It’s easy to toss in a suitcase or bag for traveling or bring to the office or classroom. The quick on-demand brewing is great for serving guests too.

User Feedback Analysis

With over 36,000 customer reviews and a 4.4/5 star rating on Amazon, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is clearly a beloved single serve coffee maker. The vast majority of users are very satisfied with their purchase.

Many reviewers rave about the slim size fitting perfectly on cramped countertops and small spaces. They love that it doesn’t hog precious real estate in their tiny kitchens, dorm rooms or RVs. Users say it looks sleek and stylish on display.

A common refrain is how easy the K-Mini Plus is to operate. Reviewers appreciate the simple one-button interface and quick brew time. Many highlight the convenience of single cup brewing and being able to enjoy fresh hot coffee in under 5 minutes. The strong brew setting is praised for delivering robust flavor.

Customers are consistently impressed with the great tasting coffee produced by the K-Mini Plus. They note the hot temperatures and well-saturated grounds ensure rich, aromatic coffee every time. Many adore the portability for enjoying their daily cup whether at home, work or vacation.

Some users experienced splashing or overflowing especially when using larger travel mugs. Care should be taken to position the mug properly. A few reviewers wished the water reservoir was slightly larger but found it adequate for single servings.

A small number of users faced issues like defective units or malfunctions. However most praise Keurig’s responsive customer service for promptly addressing problems.

On the whole, customers widely agree the Keurig K-Mini Plus is an economical, well-built single serve coffee maker that delivers convenience, quality brews, and reliable performance in a supremely compact package. An overwhelming majority of users rate it a smart, worthwhile purchase for any small space coffee drinker.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Ultra compact design
- Simple and fast operation
- Strong flavorful coffee
- Portable and travel-friendly

Cons:
- Occasional splashing
- Cost of K-Cup pods over time
- Not ideal for brewing large quantities

Value

With an MSRP of $109.99, the K-Mini Plus offers solid value given its performance, durability and versatility. While pricier than some basic drip coffee makers, it’s an affordable entry point for single serve convenience. Per cup costs compare favorably to coffeeshop drinks. Overall, an excellent value purchase.

Conclusion

With its space-saving design and straightforward operation, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is an ideal personal coffee maker for small settings and on-the-go use. Its diminutive size belies its mighty brewing capabilities, making it a smart choice for tiny kitchens or travel bags alike.

Specifications

• Brand: Keurig
• Color: Matte Black (available in other colors such as Cardinal Red, Cool Aqua, Evening Teal, Misty Green, Studio Gray, White)
• Product Dimensions: 4.5”D x 11.3”W x 12.1”H
• Special Features: Portable, Timer, Removable Tank
• Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
• Capacity: 0.75 Pounds (not a standard capacity measure for liquid; likely refers to weight capacity for coffee pods)
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 6.6 Pounds
• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Filter Type: Reusable
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Model Name: K-Mini Plus
• Unit Count: 1.00 Count
• Water Reservoir: Removable, one-cup capacity (exact volume unknown)
• Auto-off Feature: Yes, turns off 90 seconds after the last brew
• Pod Storage: Holds up to 9 K-Cup pods and fits in the brewer for ultimate portability and saves counter space
• Cord Storage: Yes, for easy transport and tidy countertops
• Travel Mug Friendly: Yes, accommodates travel mugs up to 7.0 inches tall without drip tray
• Brew Sizes: Brews any cup size between 6-12oz with Keurig K-Cup pods (exact sizes depend on the amount of water added to the reservoir)

Box Contains

The K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker box includes:

• K-Mini Plus single serve coffee maker
• Pod storage unit (holds 9 K-Cup pods)
• Instruction manual

Keurig K-Mini Plus User Manual

Getting Started

1. Unboxing and Setup: Carefully remove the packing tape and unpack your K-Mini Plus. Find a suitable spot for it on your countertop, ensuring it’s near a power outlet.

2. Power Up: Extend the cord from the storage compartment at the back and plug it into a grounded outlet. Press the power button, and the power light will illuminate.

3. Initial Rinse: Lift and lower the handle without inserting a K-Cup pod. The brew indicator light will blink, signaling it’s ready. Press the brew button to run a cleansing brew. Discard the water.

Brewing Your Perfect Cup

1. Fill the Reservoir: Lift the water reservoir lid and fill it with your desired amount of water (6-12oz). Don’t overfill past the MAX line or underfill below the MIN line.

2. Choose Your K-Cup: Lift the handle, place your favorite K-Cup pod in the holder, and lower the handle to close.

3. Brew and Enjoy: Press the brew button to start brewing. For a stronger brew, press the “Strong” button before brewing. The indicator light will pulse while heating and turn solid when brewing starts. Your coffee will be ready in about 2 minutes.

Helpful Tips

• Strong Brew: Use the “Strong” button for a bolder, more intense coffee flavor.

• Travel Mugs: Remove the drip tray to fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall.

• Pod Storage: Store up to 9 K-Cup pods in the convenient storage unit that fits in your brewer.

• Auto-Off: The brewer automatically turns off 90 seconds after brewing to save energy.

• Cord Storage: Neatly wrap the cord for storage or travel.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Exterior: Wipe with a damp, non-abrasive cloth.

• Drip Tray: Empty and clean regularly.

• Water Reservoir: Clean periodically with a damp cloth and rinse thoroughly.

• Descaling: Descale every 3-6 months with Keurig’s Descaling Solution to maintain optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

• Grounds in Coffee: Clean the exit and entrance needles with a straightened paperclip.

• Not Brewing: Ensure there’s enough water in the reservoir (at least 6oz).

• Partial Cup: Descale the brewer or contact customer service if the issue persists.

• No Power: Check the power button and outlet.

For detailed instructions and more troubleshooting tips, please refer to the complete Keurig K-Mini Plus User Manual.

Enjoy your Keurig K-Mini Plus and the endless possibilities of delicious coffee!