Keurig K200 vs. K250/Keurig K50 vs. K55... Which one should you buy? Is there any difference? If so, which is better?
I get the confusion you have now. Those were some of my questions, too, the first time I heard about these four.
Hence, I did my research, gathered as much information as I can, and formulated my four cents. And here I’m sharing what I learned with you.
More specifically:
I’m letting you know how you can differentiate the Keurig K200 from the K250 and the Keurig K50 from K55.
Just by looking at it plus I will let you know their pros and cons.
Contents
Keurig K200 vs. K250/Keurig K50 vs. K55: Best Keurig Comparisons
Keurig K200 vs. K250: How to know the differences
 Keurig K200 Single-Serve Programmable K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker |  Keurig K250 Single Serve, K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker |
|---|---|
Keurig is probably one of the most trusted brands when it comes to coffee makers, be it for personal or commercial use. It is not surprising then that Good Housekeeping named one of Keurig’s creations, the Keurig Vue, as the best all-around single-serve coffee maker.
So what is the difference between the Keurig K200 vs K250?
Color
This criterion may not always be reliable because the two models share some colors, but at least you could still know whether you have a K200 or a K250.
Keurig K200 has six color options: black, denim, sandy pearl, orange zest, imperial red/strawberry, and white. The site, however, mentions 11 colors. But looking at the options, there are only five to six.
Keurig K250, on the other hand, has more color choices-eight in particular: imperial red, black, white, sandy pearl, turquoise, peacock blue, plum gray and oasis.
Cleaning kit
Aside from the colors, one way to know you have a K250 is when you have a cleaning kit that comes with your coffee maker.
Unlike the Keurig K50 and K55, which main difference is the filter that comes with the former, these models I am currently writing about both come with water filters.
However…
The K250 added the descaling solution with it.
I am not sure why the K200 doesn’t have one, but it could also be about the target market. You see, if you check Keurig’s website, the US version has the K250 while the Canada version has the K200.
Could it be because the tap water in Canada is potable while about 15% of the US population is at risk of water contaminants?
Whatever the reason is, at least you know that if you purchase the K250, you’ll get a descaling solution.
Keurig K200 vs. K250: Comparison
Keurig K200 | Keurig K250 | |
|---|---|---|
Pod compatibility | K-Cup Pod, K-Mug Pod, K-Carafe Pod | K-Cup Pod, K-Mug Pod, K-Carafe Pod |
My K-cup | Keurig® 2.0 My K-Cup® Reusable Filter | Keurig® 2.0 My K-Cup® Reusable Filter |
Beverages compatible | coffee, tea, hot cocoa, specialty, and iced beverages | coffee, tea, hot cocoa, specialty, and iced beverages |
Brew sizes | 4, 6, 8, 10, 22, 26, 30oz | 4, 6, 8, 10, 22, 26, 30oz |
Brewing speed | ~1 minute | ~1 minute |
Brewing method | espresso | espresso |
Water capacity | 40 oz. | 40 oz. |
Strength control | Yes | Yes |
Display screen | Black & White touchscreen | Black & White touchscreen |
Auto-off | No | No |
Auto-on | No | No |
Descaling | No | No |
Dimensions | 15 x 9 x 13.7 inches | 15 x 9 x 13.7 inches |
Weight | 7.5 lbs. | 7.5 lbs. |
Colors | black, denim, sandy pearl, strawberry, orange zest, and white | black, denim, sandy pearl, imperial read, turquoise, peacock blue, plum gray, oasis, and white |
Drip Tray | Removable | Removable |
Programmable Controls | High altitude setting | High altitude setting |
Keurig K200 and K250: Pros
There are a lot of great features in these brewers, but let me just pick the most interesting parts.
Mug and Carafe Options
For a lot of us, one coffee a day is not enough. So inventing the K-mug and K-carafe is the best thing since sliced bread. Or you may also have guests often, so brewing K-Carafe pods, which is good for about four cups of coffee, is great.
However: Please note that the carafe is not part of the package. You have to buy it separately.
Strength control
One thing missing from other Keurig brewers is the strength control. Good thing the K200 and K250 included this feature so you have a say in how strong your coffee should be.
The high-altitude setting is also a plus if you live in high-altitude places. The brewer automatically adjusts the brewing temperature to fit the environment.
Easy installation
This may not be a big deal for some, but for the newbies having a brewer that can be set up in seconds is a bliss.
Luckily, Keurig understands that so they made sure you can start brewing right out of the box. All you need to do is clean the water reservoir, fill it with water, add the water filter, and you can start brewing.
But: You have to soak the charcoal filter first for about 5 minutes before using it.
Slim feature
For us who don’t have enough counter space, the K200 and K250’s narrow width is a plus. I was able to fit it in the small space between my microwave and broiler, and it blends perfectly.
The former coffee makers I had the water reservoir on either or both sides making it a bit bulky, but these models have them at the back so they’re truly a space-saver.
Keurig K200 and K250: Cons
K-cup pod compatibility
Perhaps the most disappointing feature of these models is their being compatible only with the upgraded, branded Keurig K-cup pods.
Although there are still plenty of flavors to choose from, 170+ on the average, it’s still better to have a lot more options.
There are hacks, though, according to some users so your unbranded pods may still be accommodated.
Missing descaling feature
Even though descaling is something you do only once in how many months, it’s still better if your brewer has it as a feature.
Unfortunately, K200 and K250 don’t have it onboard, so you have to descale it manually using the descaling solution that comes with the K250 (or buy it separately if you have the K200).
Final Note: Keurig K200 vs. K250
If it isn’t obvious yet, there is no clear winner in the Keurig K200 vs. K250 battle. Whichever you choose, you’ll get the same exact features only for a different price.
Perhaps your only point of comparison would be the color you prefer as the K250 has more hues available.
Aside from that, both the K200 and K250 are a good way to brew your daily cup of joe.
Confused with the Keurig K50 vs. K55? I got you. Read on to find out more about these two.
It is also not surprising then that you want to learn more about this coffee maker, especially the models under its Classic Line: the Keurig K50 and K55.
Keurig K50 vs. K55: Comparison
I presume you’re planning to get either one of them as your first brewer or as a replacement for your recent one. Hence, you’d like to know more about them before making that purchase.
So here’s a quick yet informative rundown of their features and differences.
Plus: In the end, I’ll share with you my pick from the Keurig K50 vs. K55 rivalry.
 Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker |  Keurig K55/K-Classic Coffee Maker |
|---|---|
Before discussing how they’re different from or similar to each other, let’s look first at their specifications as enlisted on various websites.
I gathered as much information as I can to give you the most comprehensive list possible. And here they are.
Keurig K50 | Keurig K55 | |
|---|---|---|
Pod compatibility | K-Cup Pod | K-Cup Pod |
My K-cup | Yes | Yes |
Beverages compatible | coffee, tea, hot cocoa, specialty, and iced beverages | coffee, tea, hot cocoa, specialty, and iced beverages |
Brew sizes | 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. | 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. |
Brewing speed | ~1 minute | ~1 minute |
Brewing method | espresso | espresso |
Water capacity | 48 oz. | 48 oz. |
Strength control | No | No |
Display screen | Button controls | Button controls |
Energy saver | Yes | Yes |
Auto-off | Yes | Yes |
Auto-on | No | No |
Descaling | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions | 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches | 13.3 x 10.1 x 13.2 inches |
Weight | 7.6 lbs. | 12 lbs. |
Colors | Black, Rhubarb | Black |
Drip Tray | Removable | Removable |
Indicator lights | Yes | Yes |
The similarities
Note that based on the table above, these two have plenty of similarities. For the purpose of being brief, I’ll concentrate on what I think you’d be most interested in.
One-minute brew
As mentioned, both the K50 and K55 are under the Classic series or the K50 series. These are marketed to give you the freshest brew in just one minute or even less.
And true enough, your coffee is hot and ready in less than a minute. It takes about 15 seconds to heat up your water then about 30 seconds to brew your coffee.
K-pod and My K-cup
Another interesting similarity they have is the K-pod and My K-cup compatibility. Now I’m saying this is interesting because with the other brewers I tried, looking for a compatible pod is a challenge.
But with the Keurig K50 and K55, that’s no longer a problem because they’re compatible with a wide range of K-pods.
And if you can’t find the taste you desire, you can scoop your favorite coffee ground then place it in the My K-cup.
Descaling
Every coffee maker accumulates residue. Either from the water or the coffee itself. So saying that the descaling feature of the K50 and K55 is helpful is really an understatement.
Without this feature, your machine will break down often and perhaps stop working in no time. But thanks to this, you can extend the life of your brewer and enjoy a fresh cup of joe every time.
Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker
The Differences
Dimensions
For one, there’s the difference in dimensions. K55 is about 3-4 inches taller than K50 yet it’s about 3 inches slimmer.
So if you have a limited space in your counter, you have to check either the K50 or the K55 would fit.
Don’t worry about the brew sizes because according to the manufacturers, they can both brew 6, 8, or 10 oz. of coffee or your other favorite drink.
Weight
Aside from the size, the weights of these coffee makers are also different. For obvious reasons, the dimensions are different, so it’s not surprising that there would be the weight difference.
Another reason they vary in weight, according to some users, is they are made of different materials. This, though, has not been verified because even the makers themselves did not mention the difference in materials.
But then again, this factor should not affect its performance. Whether you get the heavier K55 or the lighter K50, your expressed coffee should still come out rich-tasting.
Keurig K55/K-Classic Coffee Maker
The Real Difference
There’s another difference not listed on the table that I found out thanks to Google and YouTube.
You see, these two models are marketed for different areas. The K55 is the US version while the K50 is the Canada version.
Let me rephrase that.
The K55 is mostly sold in the United States while the other is in Canada.
Why bother to create two different versions?
The water source.
You see, tap water in Canada is perfectly safe to drink according to CBC unless, of course, you live in an area where there’s not enough water treatment facility.
In the USA, however, that’s a different story. Although 85% of the US households have access to clean, potable tap water, 15% are at risk of drinking contaminated water. One that may have lead, copper, HHAs, and others according to Tapp Water.
Although it is not specifically mentioned, I have a hunch that this differing feature in the Keurig K50 vs. K55 dilemma is based on the water potability in these countries.
You see, the K55, which as mentioned earlier is marketed mostly in the US, has a water filter that comes with it. There’s also a water filter holder not found in the K50.
Here’s the video as proof:
Keurig K55 Unboxing and Demo with My K cup
See, the latter does not come with water filters.
Keurig K50 & K55 Series Coffee Maker: Review & How To Use
The Verdict: K50 vs. K55
Obviously, choosing the K55 over the K50 is not a matter of which is superior or something. It’s not even about which is the latest model.
What is it then?
It depends on your needs.
Get the K55 if you:
Get the K50 if you:
So again, neither of these two are superior to the other. Both function the same way and perform better than expected.
Conclusion
Don’t believe what others are saying about the K55 being the successor of the K50 or the winner in the Keurig K200 vs. K250; hence, it is more reliable. That’s not true at all.
Four models are great coffee makers in their own ways as evidenced by high ratings and a significant number of positive reviews; they are just designed for different markets in mind.
So to answer the question “Keurig K200 vs. K250/Keurig K50 vs. K55: is one superior to the other?”, it is definitely a no.
I hope by now you have made up your mind whether you’re getting the K50 or the K55, the K200 or the K250.
If you haven’t, please share this article so your friends can help you decide. If you already have, share this article nonetheless because “sharing is caring, right?”
Also:
If you have feedback, questions, or suggestions, feel free to comment below. I may have missed some important points.
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