We’re going to look at and compare two popular coffee makers from Keurig. It’s going to be the Keurig K50 vs K55 models done in a way so you can make the most informed purchasing decision.
By now most of us are aware of Keurig as one of the most reputable brands in the coffee industry. As we review the Keurig K50 and K55 models we’re going to try and give apples to apples comparisons without bias. The K55 is the newer model of the two, and many features are similar between the two coffee machines. But there are some major differences between the Keurig K55 and K50.
However, although in many ways the Keurig K55 is the newer and improved model it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right machine for you. The K55 comes in at a higher retail price so you’ll need to decide whether you need to spend the money for the features.
So let’s dive into everything we know about these machines so you can decide the best machine for you between the Keurig K50 and Keurig K55 models.
Keurig K50 vs K55: Comparison With Pros And Cons
Performance
Keurig K50
Like other Keurig machines the K50 is a reliable machine. After all, this model falls within the classic series and is one of Keurig’s best sellers. You’ll get a really good tasting cup of coffee from this machine. However, this model doesn’t come without some quirks.
Unless you got a complete lemon with proper maintenance your K50 model should last you for years. There are some instances where complaints came in that the coffee maker stopped working after a few weeks. This shouldn’t be the norm. If this happens to you we encourage you to contact the store where it was purchased or Keurig directly.
Most of the problems encountered with the machine happen over time. Usually, after years of using the machine. You might experience the pump starts to wear down and your brewed cup of coffee is only half full then what you thought it would be. Also related to the pump is that the K50 model is a little bit louder than the K55 model.
Another quirk is that the auto-off setting might suddenly stop working. This is very uncommon but is possible. Lastly, Keurig says that you should have a brewed cup of coffee in one minute. We’ve found that it takes about 30 to 40 seconds to warm up and then another 40 to 45 seconds to brew a large cup of coffee. So we’re approaching a minute and a half. The one minute brew time is a little ambitious.
Overall, I think if the proper maintenance is given to this coffee maker you should be happy for years to come.
Keurig K55
There’s a lot of similarities of the Keurig K55 to the K50, but like a lot of newer model items there are improvements to the older model. One of the real big added features is a descaling function. This feature allows easy descaling of the machine to clean calcium deposits from all the water lines in order to keep your coffee maker running smoothly. We’ve also found that the K55 model is a little bit quieter than the K50.
But now let’s talk about some of the complaints you come across. They are a little different then the K50.
The time to brew is also advertised at one minute, and for the Keurig K55 it’s a little more realistic. So that’s definitely a positive for this coffee machine. But there are some other potential issues you might come across. You might experience coffee grounds getting into your cup of coffee. Obviously, this is something you don’t want and can quickly ruin a cup of coffee.
The other major complaint is actually similar to the K50 model. And it’s when the K55 just shuts off in the middle of a brew. Worst case there is you don’t get as much coffee as you want and it’ll be a stronger cup.
All in all, these complaints are by far the minority compared to the number of happy customers that exist for the K55. We think you’d also be happy with this machine.
Design
Keurig K50 Vs K55
When you look at the K50 versus K55 and sit the models side by side you’d probably struggle to notice a difference. Overall it’s the same design. The main difference is that the K55 is half an inch wider and about a quarter of an inch deeper. Also, it’s about two and a half pounds heavier.
These coffee machines were designed with the user in mind. The button controls are intuitive and very easy to use. After you insert your K-cup all you need to do is hit the button to select your coffee size. There’s an indicator light to let you know when the coffee maker is heating and shuts off when the coffee is brewing. Lastly, there’s an indicator with the auto off feature on both models. The difference in the display on top of the machine where you select the brew size is there’s also an indicator for the descaling feature on the K55 model.
The available colors for the Keurig K55 has also been expanded to keep up with the latest trends. This will help you match a color to your style or decor.
What Is The Difference Between The Keurig K50 and K55?
As we mentioned earlier Keurig is one of the leading brands in the coffee industry, and the K50 and K55 are among the top selling machines for Keurig. Within these models you have thousands of satisfied customers and two highly rated machines.
So what is the difference between the K50 and K55 keurig coffee makers? If you set them next to each other you would struggle to find a difference. In fact, both coffee makers are part of the K-Classic series which is Keurig’s entry level coffee maker. Like other manufacturers and brands they’re always looking to improve their product. Maybe one day they’ll even put out a version with a grinder! But as they can improve upon a model as they try to compete with other brands like Nespresso they will release an updated model.
Feature Comparison Chart
| Features | Keurig K50 | Keurig K55 |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Cup Size (Ounces) | 6, 8, 10 Ounces | 6, 8, 10 Ounces |
| Item Dimensions (Length x Depth x Height) | 9.8″ x 13″ x 13.3″ (17.6″ High When Open) | 10.1″ x 13.2″ x 13.3″ (17.6″ High When Open) |
| Item Weight | 7.6 Pounds | 10.0 Pounds |
| Available Colors | Black, Rhubarb (Red) | Black, Patriot Blue, Coconut White |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 48 Ounces | 48 Ounces |
| Brew Time | Under 1 Minute | Under 1 Minute |
| Descaling | No | Yes |
| Fits Travel Coffee Mug | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Off | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Drip Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Strength Control | No | No |
| Light Indicators | Yes | Yes |
| My K-Cup® Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Keurig K50 and K55 Unboxing And Installation
Both the Keurig K50 and the K55 are very easy to unbox, setup, and use within minutes. And like other areas where we discussed similarities the unboxing and installation is also very similar between the two coffee machines. So as we talk through this area we’ll be referring to both models. In fact, on the Keurig website they even list the same instruction manual for both models.
There’s hardly any assembly required for either of these coffee makers. After unboxing it’t not much harder than filling the reservoir with water, plugging the coffee machine in, and then adding your favorite coffee to brew. Both coffee makers are designed for a quick single cup of coffee from a machine that’s easy to use.
Keurig K50 Unboxing
Keurig K55 Unboxing
Keurig K50 Review And Verdict
The Keurig K50 is the older of the two models we’re talking about today. However, just because it’s older doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the better. In the end, you’re going to get a great cup of coffee from a reliable brand with a reliable coffee maker. Thousands of users have purchased the Keurig K50 and loved it.
Like we said earlier it isn’t without some issues, but none are so significant that you should outright steer clear from this coffee maker. It’s up to you to decide if the key features and changes are worth the money which we’ll recap below. So keep reading!
But the Keurig K50 is for you if the following applies to you.
- If Price is an Issue – the K50 is less expensive than the K55
- Smaller Size and Weight – the size is a little bit smaller. Not by much, but it will save you a little bit of counter space. It’s significantly lighter than the K55.
Keurig K55 Review And Verdict
This is the newest model in the Keurig Classic series of coffee makers. And there are some good improvements that the K55 makes on the K50 model. In the end, it also makes a great cup of coffee and also has thousands of positive reviews and satisfied customers.
So here’s the deal. When it comes down to brass tax when you look at the Keurig K50 versus the K55 there are a couple of things to look at. If these improvements are important to you then you should purchase the K55.
- The Descaling Feature – this will make maintenance much easier so your machine lasts longer.
- Additional Colors – if you like the additional colors to fit better in with your decor than you’d need to go with the K55
- Faster Coffee – If you want a cup of coffee that truly brews under a minute than you want the K55.
No matter which of these two coffee makers you choose we think you’ll be happy with your purchase.