Brew Up Versatility with the Keurig® K-Duo PlusTM Coffee Maker

Published on Sept. 23, 2023, 4:19 p.m.

Brewing Versatility: The Keurig K-Duo Plus™ Coffee Maker - A Pioneer in Single-Serve Coffee

Keurig, a name synonymous with single-serve coffee, has revolutionized the way we enjoy coffee at home. Since its inception in 1998 with the first commercial single-cup brewer, Keurig has continuously innovated to bring convenient and delicious coffee experiences to millions worldwide.

One of Keurig’s most significant innovations is the K-Cup pod. These individually sealed pods contain freshly ground coffee, and with a simple push of a button, your Keurig brewer can transform them into a perfect cup of coffee in minutes. K-Cup pods offer not only convenience but also a wide variety of flavors, ranging from classic breakfast blends to indulgent flavored lattes.

Today, the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker takes Keurig’s innovative spirit to the next level. This versatile brewer is not only compatible with K-Cup pods but also allows you to brew a full carafe using ground coffee, offering users more choices and flexibility.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Overview

With a sleek design and matte black finish, the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker makes a stylish addition to your countertop at an affordable price of $200. Its slim frame takes up minimal space while offering maximum functionality. The 60oz removable water reservoir can be positioned on the left, right or back of the machine to optimize counter space.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Key Features

  • Brews using K-Cup pods - Pop in your favorite pod for a quick, delicious single serve cup.
  • 12 cup thermal carafe - Brew a full carafe using your favorite ground coffee to share or save for later. Carafe keeps coffee hot for 2 hours.
  • Multiple brew sizes - Single serve 6oz, 8oz, 10oz or 12oz. Carafe brews 6, 8, 10 or 12 cups.
  • 60oz removable reservoir - Can be positioned on left, right or back to optimize counter space.
  • Programmable - Set auto-brew up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Pause & Pour - Sneak a cup before carafe is done brewing.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Dual Brewing Methods

The Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker allows you to enjoy the pod-brewing convenience of Keurig K-Cup pods for single serve. Pop in your favorite pod and select your preferred 6oz, 8oz, 10oz or 12oz brew size for a delicious cup made right to order. Single serve brewing with K-Cups tends to produce a more consistent and standardized taste, as the coffee grounds are pre-measured and sealed within the pod.

For larger volumes, use the included 12 cup thermal carafe and ground coffee to brew up to 12 cups of piping hot coffee. The insulated carafe keeps coffee hot for up to 2 hours, perfect for entertaining or leisurely weekend mornings. Brewing a carafe allows for more customization and experimentation with different coffee grounds and brewing techniques, potentially resulting in a more nuanced and personalized flavor profile.

Choosing K-Cup Pods

The Keurig K-Duo Plus supports a variety of K-Cup pods, offering choices from classic black coffee to vanilla-flavored lattes. It is also compatible with the Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, allowing you to use your own coffee grounds and reduce waste. Each pod is designed to deliver consistent taste and quality, ensuring the best experience with every brew. Choosing the right pods involves trying different coffee bean origins and flavor descriptions to find the cup that suits your taste best.

The Art of Coffee Roasting

The roast level of coffee beans ranges from light to dark, affecting the coffee’s acidity, bitterness, aroma, and even caffeine content. Contrary to popular belief, lighter roasts typically have slightly more caffeine than darker roasts due to the shorter roasting time. Light roasts usually have a higher acidity and a fresher, fruity flavor, ideal for those who enjoy a lighter taste. Medium roasts offer a balanced flavor with rich caramel notes. Dark roasts present strong bitterness and smoky flavors, suitable for those who prefer a robust cup of coffee. The Keurig K-Duo Plus is compatible with K-Cup pods of all roast levels, allowing you to enjoy various coffee flavors at home.

Clever Features

With a 24 hour programmable timer, you can wake up to automatically brewed coffee. The Pause & Pour function lets you sneak a cup before the full carafe is done. An auto-off feature powers down the machine after 5 idle minutes to save energy.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Easy Peasy

Customers praise how intuitive and easy the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker is to operate. The control panel is straightforward with clearly labeled buttons for main functions like brew size (6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz), brew strength (regular or strong), and carafe size (6, 8, 10, or 12 cups). Programming features like the adjustable brew size, strength, and auto-brew timer are simple to operate even for less tech-savvy users. The removable reservoirs and parts make maintenance a breeze as well.

Tips to Enhance Coffee Quality

To brew the best coffee, choosing the right water quality is crucial. It is recommended to use filtered water to reduce impurities, maintaining the pure taste of your coffee. Additionally, the correct amount of coffee is also important. For every 6 ounces of water, it is recommended to use 2 tablespoons of coffee beans. This ratio ensures that the concentration and aroma of the coffee are optimal.

Java Joy

Users highlight that the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker brews consistently great tasting coffee that surpasses many competing coffee makers. Single serve K-Cup pods retain their intended flavors while the carafe offers full-bodied ground coffee. The water reaches an optimal brewing temperature for rich extraction. Many reviewers comment it makes the best home-brewed coffee they’ve had, with some even preferring it to their local cafe’s offerings.

Caffeine and Health

The diverse beverage options of the Keurig K-Duo Plus allow users to adjust caffeine intake based on personal health needs. For instance, you can opt for low-caffeine K-Cup pods or make a full carafe with half-caff beans. Moreover, with the Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, you can fill it with your choice of low-caffeine or decaffeinated coffee beans for better health control.

In addition to satisfying your cravings, moderate coffee consumption has also been linked to potential health benefits, such as improved cognitive function, increased metabolism, and reduced risk of certain diseases.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Keurig K-Duo Plus, it’s recommended to regularly descale it every 3 months using a specific descaling solution. Descaling prevents buildup that can affect machine performance. Ensure that the exterior and removable components, such as the water reservoir and drip tray, are cleaned after each use to maintain hygiene and machine efficiency. To clean the K-Cup pod holder and the needles, use a straightened paper clip to remove any coffee grounds. Regularly cleaning the filter basket and gold tone mesh filter is also essential for maintaining the coffee’s flavor.

Hush-Hush

The brewing process itself runs quietly, especially compared to many single serve machines. While not totally silent, the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker operates at a noise level of approximately 55-65 decibels, similar to a normal conversation, so it won’t disrupt conversations or wake sleeping family members when powering on. Owners are pleasantly surprised that noise is minimal and unobtrusive.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Rave Reviews

With over 6,000 reviews on Amazon, the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker earns an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction amongst owners.

The versatility of being able to brew both single serve and carafe coffee ranks as the most praised feature. Customers love the convenience of popping in a K-Cup pod for a quick cup just for them or making a whole pot to share when company comes over. Many say it’s like getting two coffee makers in one sleek machine.

In terms of coffee flavor, users happily report the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker consistently delivers “delicious”, “robust”, and “smooth” tasting brews. Both the single serve and carafe options provide rich, quality coffee that rivals your local cafe or coffeehouse. The optimal water temperature and specialized brew settings extract maximum flavor from grounds.

For ease of use, owners describe the interface as “intuitive”, “straightforward”, and “user-friendly”. Programming features like the adjustable brew size, strength, and auto-brew timer are simple to operate even for less tech-savvy users. The removable reservoirs and parts make maintenance a breeze as well.

In terms of design, customers say the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker looks “sleek”, “modern”, and “compact” on the counter. Its slim profile fits well even in small kitchens. The black stainless steel finish gives it an elegant, sophisticated look. The backlit display adds a nice touch too according to users.

Of course not every customer experience is perfect. Some report issues with the carafe like coffee cooling too quickly or leakage. However, Keurig’s stellar customer service earns praise for quickly resolving problems. Overall, the vast majority of feedback indicates the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker is a phenomenal, versatile coffee maker well worth the investment.

Pros

  • Brews single serve and carafe
  • Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot
  • Multiple brew size options
  • Programmable auto-brew
  • Removable reservoir for placement flexibility
  • Energy saving auto-off

Cons

  • Carafe may require trial and error to master full pot brewing
  • Coffee left in carafe over 2 hours loses heat

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Value

With the ability to brew single serve and full carafe, the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker eliminates the need for two separate coffee machines. Reviewers find its versatility and performance make it well worth its $200 price tag. The thermal carafe alone often costs over $100, so getting both functions for this reasonable price makes the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker a great value buy.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Conclusion

Whether you need your daily solo fix or are pouring cups for a crowd, the Keurig® K-Duo Plus coffee maker delivers exceptional results with the ultimate in coffee brewing flexibility.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue you might encounter with the Keurig K-Duo Plus is the coffee machine starting to drip slowly or stopping altogether. This is often due to coffee grounds clogging the dispenser. To resolve this, use a thin needle to clean the dispenser holes. Additionally, if the machine makes noise upon starting, it could be due to insufficient water in the reservoir or it not being properly installed. Ensure the reservoir is full and correctly positioned. If your coffee maker doesn’t turn on, check if it’s plugged into a working outlet and that the power switch is on. If it’s still not working, try resetting the machine by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 7.68” x 15.88” x 14.9”
  • Item weight: 15.97 lbs
  • Watts: 1500 watts
  • Voltage: 240 volts
  • Brewer type: Drip coffee machine
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Capacity: Single serve - 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz. Carafe - 6 cups, 8 cups, 10 cups, 12 cups.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 60oz
  • Auto-off: 5 minutes
  • Carafe keep warm time: 2 hours

 Keurig® K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Box Contains

  • K-Duo Plus coffee maker
  • 12 cup thermal carafe
  • Reusable filter
  • Water filter handle
  • Descaling solution
  • K-Cup pod holder

Keurig® K-Duo Plus™ Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker User Manual

Before You Brew

  1. Optimal Water Reservoir Placement:

    • The water reservoir can be positioned on the right, left, or back of the coffee maker to best suit your counter space.
  2. Plug & Place:

    • Plug the coffee maker into a power outlet.
    • Place a large mug (at least 12oz) on the drip tray.
  3. Rinse & Fill:

    • If you have a Keurig® Water Filter, install it now (refer to the Water Filter Starter Kit).
    • Fill the reservoir with fresh water up to the MAX fill line.
  4. Power On & Set Clock:

    • Press the POWER button.
    • Use the H/M buttons to set the clock.
    • Press the blinking brew button to confirm the time.
    • NOTE: The clock must be set to use the Auto Brew feature.
  5. Cleansing Brew - Single Cup:

    • Press the POD button (do not insert a K-Cup® pod).
    • Press the 8oz button (brew indicator light will blink).
    • Press the brew button to start.
    • Discard the hot water after brewing.
  6. Cleansing Brew - Carafe:

    • Fill the carafe with water to the 12 cup line and pour it into the reservoir.
    • Insert an empty filter basket.
    • Press the CARAFE button.
    • Press the 12 cup button (brew indicator light will blink).
    • Press the brew button to start.
    • Discard the hot water after brewing.

Brewing Your First Single Cup

  1. Place Mug & Pod:

    • Place your mug on the drip tray. For travel mugs, remove the drip tray.
    • Lift the pod holder door, insert a K-Cup® pod, and close the door.
    • High Altitude Brewing: If you’re above 5,000 feet, puncture the bottom of the K-Cup® pod with the exit needle before brewing.
  2. Brew & Enjoy!

    • Press the POWER button.
    • Select POD, then your brew size.
    • For stronger coffee, press the STRONG button before brewing.
    • Press the brew button to start.

Brewing Your First Carafe

  1. Place Carafe & Fill Basket:

    • Place the carafe on the warming plate.
    • Add coffee grounds to the filter basket (max 15 tbsp regular or 12 tbsp decaf).
  2. Brew & Enjoy!

    • Press the POWER button.
    • Select CARAFE, then your brew size.
    • For stronger coffee, press the STRONG button before brewing.
    • Press the brew button to start.

Coffee Maker Features

  • Smart Start: Heats and brews in one process.
  • Auto Off: Turns off 5 minutes after brewing.
  • Auto Brew: Programs carafe brewing up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Multi-Position Reservoir: Reservoir can be placed on the left, right, or back.
  • Strong Brew: Increases coffee strength for both single cups and carafes.
  • High Altitude: Adjusts brewing for altitudes above 5,000 feet.
  • Pause & Pour: Pauses brewing for 20 seconds to allow pouring from the carafe.

Caring for Your Coffee Maker

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, filter basket drawer, filter basket, and gold tone mesh filter regularly with warm, soapy water.
  • K-Cup® Pod Holder and Needles: Clean the K-Cup® pod holder and entrance/exit needles with a straightened paper clip.
  • Descaling: Descale the coffee maker every 3 months using Keurig® Descaling Solution.

Troubleshooting

  • Grounds in Coffee: Clean the entrance and exit needles.
  • Coffee Maker Won’t Brew: Ensure the pod holder door is closed, the water reservoir is full, and the coffee maker is plugged in.
  • Partial Cup/Carafe: Check water level, clean the exit needle, or descale the coffee maker.
  • No Power/Shuts Off: Ensure the coffee maker is turned on and plugged into a grounded outlet.

Helpful Hints

  • Use bottled or filtered water for better taste.
  • Don’t exceed the maximum coffee grounds capacity for the carafe.
  • If not used for a few days, run a rinse brew before use.

For More Information

Visit keurig.ca for videos and additional support. You can also call Keurig Customer Service at 1-800-361-5628.