Keurig K50 VS K55: Which is Better? [Comparison and Review]
Have you ever been looking at two machines, two tech things, two anythings and been unable to tell the difference? Well, get ready to see double. The Keurig K50 and the Keurig K55, at first glance, look like the exact same machine.
At second glance and a side-by-side comparison, you’re still pretty sure they’re the same machine. Keurig even directs you to the same exact users guide, the K-Classic User Guide, to learn how to use and clean the machines. If you haven’t gotten that far in making the decision between the K50 and K55, we’ve caught you in time!
Keurig K50 | Keurig K55 |
|---|---|
 |  |
$$ | $$$ |
Brews 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. sizes | Brews 6, 8, or 10 oz. single cups in under 2 minutes |
Size: 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 in | Size: 16 x 16 x 13 in |
Weight: 7.6 lbs | Weight: 12.5 lbs |
48 oz reservoir | 48 oz reservoir |
Indicator light guides process | Indicator light guides process |
Programmable Auto Off feature | Programmable Auto Off feature |
We’re going to make this real simple for you: one’s bigger than the other. The K50 clocks in at less than 8 pounds, whereas the K55 is a solid 12 pounds. Despite the weight difference, though, there’s only a one-inch height difference between the two, the K50 standing at 14 inches and the K55 standing at 15 inches.
What gives?
To understand that, we’ll have to take a closer look at the K50, the older sibling in this pair.
The Keurig K50
The Keurig K50 is a great entry model for getting into the single-serve coffee machine world. It offers all of the necessary function without excessive dollar signs on the price tag. As a member of the Classic 1.0 family, it can read even non-Keurig single-serve pods, making it a really desirable option if you want the full spectrum of coffee at your fingertips, like these from Donut Shop, Solimo, or Green Mountain.
The 2.0 models are fussy (and more often refuse to work entirely) with non-Keurig brand pods, which is one of the most aggravating things Keurig has ever done, to be frank. It’s one of the reasons the 1.0 Classics still make a decent chunk of change on the market, which is definitely worth taking into consideration.
Granted, on either type, 1.0 or 2.0, you can also use non-pre-made pods by utilizing reusable k-cups, which eliminates the only undesirable thing about single-serve coffee makers: the waste.
Moving on, though, the K50 comes with three cup size settings, 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz, so you can choose the strength of your brew. One of the most desirable aspects of this machine is the speed with which it gets the job done—from entirely off, it heats up in three minutes and brews in only 1 minute. That means you can have your java in less than five minutes after catatonically making your way into the kitchen.
It isn’t high maintenance either. The 48 oz. removable water reservoir means you can enjoy, at minimum, four of the largest cups available (plus one 8-ouncer) before having to refill, a massive perk when you have multiple coffee drinkers in the house or want to leisurely enjoy fresh brewed cups all morning.
All single-serve machines need to be cleaned, primarily using the descaling option available directly on the machine, though the holder for the pods can need a wiping out now and again, too. Calcium build-up is one of the top killers of single-serve machines, which may be why Keurig has the descaling option front and center on the majority of its models. You can use white vinegar or you can buy the special descaling solution from Keurig. To learn more, check out our guide on how to descale a Keurig.
The Kuerig K55
I thought of a thousand different ways to put this section without it seeming redundant, but the fact of the matter is that, for every single feature listed on the K50, the K55 specs just say: “ditto.”
The differences are only visible if you pull out the scale and measuring tape. As stated before, the K55 has some extra something-something to its pounds, but it also takes up space differently. The Keurig K55, despite weighing more, is actually the slimmer of the two, clocking in at 7.5” wide and 10.5” deep, while the K50 is 10” wide and 13” deep.
The general consensus is that the K55 is the K50, but with better interior workings(?), though refrain from immediately deciding to get the more expensive version because…
The Problem May Not Actually Be A Problem
One of the more common complaints regarding the K50 (really, the only prominent complaint) is that after a year it just stops working, and everyone turns into the shrugging emoji. Nobody has any idea how or why it’s happened.
However, most coffee aficionados are calling BS on the problem being with the machine and are more apt to say it’s a user error. The fact of the matter is, nobody likes cleaning their coffee pot, but it’s super crucial with single-serve machines. That calcium build-up is killer. Literally. Loyal Keurig users insist that, when they’ve descaled their machine as instructed (once every three months) they can easily last years.
As a Keurig user, and as one who descales on a somewhat consistent basis, I can confirm that one of the machines I use (now discontinued) has been working for three years and is still kicking, but I’ve seen the same sorts of complaints about it. What I’m saying is that I would definitely not count out user error as one of the primary reasons users have decried the machine itself.
The Dollar Amount Differences
What this all gets down to is this—the K50 and K55 walk, talk, and act at the same level. The K55 has some parts added in with a little extra weight, but there aren’t any extra features to enjoy for the extra moola on the price tag. They both have identical functions—removable drip trays, 2-hour auto-off, aesthetically-pleasing exterior. It’s all there.
In all reality, no one’s going crazy, these machines are the same with slightly different dimensions and weights. I’d lean towards getting the K55 just because it’s the newer of the two, but I’d spend some time thinking about just getting the K50 and setting hard due dates for descaling to save the extra cash. It ultimately will come down to whatever you want to spend.
Regardless of which one you choose though, you absolutely need to descale it every three months. Now enjoy your coffee!