The Keurig K-Duo Plus marks a departure from the single-serve coffee makers of the past. In previous reviews in the category, much of our coverage exclusively dealt with brewers that deliver a single hot cup of coffee. With the flexibility of a full-size carafe and multiple cup sizes, the K-Duo Plus provides more value than many other brewers in the single-serve coffee category.

Included in the K-Duo Plus is the brewing machine, a 12 cup thermal carafe, mesh reusable coffee filter and 12 cup capacity water reservoir with water filter. Absent from this machine is a milk frother, coffee grinder and single-serve mug, but these are not givens in this category. There is no replacement water filter or reusable single-serve cup (i.e. my K-CUP®). The brewer itself measures ‎40.34 x 19.51 x 37.85 cm and weighs in (empty) at 7.3 kilograms. This machine supports programmed and on-demand brewing in addition to brews of sizes of 6, 8, 10, or 12-cups (carafe) or 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. (single serve).

Setup

Setting up the K-Duo Plus for the first time takes about five minutes. From unboxing to setup, it’s quick and easy. The adjustable water reservoir can be positioned on the right, left, or rear, making it adaptable for tight kitchen spaces. For the first brew, follow the same steps as any other brew unless you use the included water filter, which needs to be soaked and rinsed first. After that, you’re ready to brew.

Design and Build Quality

One of the things that we pay attention to with single-serve brewers is the choice of materials in the machine’s construction. This machine is primarily constructed with durable plastic components, but these components, particularly with heavier usage, begin to show signs of wear. Of note was the K-Cup basket insert, whose clips began to soften. That being said, despite the device being almost entirely built from plastic, it held up remarkably well, but we would prefer higher quality materials in a machine entering into this price range.

Operation and Use

To make a single-serve cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is very simple. You begin by turning on the machine, selecting the brew type (pod or carafe), selecting the cup size, inserting the pod and pressing the brew button. Honestly, the operation could get much simpler. The programmed brewing options allows you to pre-program the brew cycle up to 24hrs in advance.

Brew Quality

The K-Duo Plus may not impress coffee aficionados, but it brews a quick hot cup. However, reports show that its coffee is often under-extracted, making it somewhat bland. In contrast, brewers like the Nespresso Vertuo Line offer more full-flavoured coffees with easily distinguishable blends. Although Nespresso machines take longer to brew, their coffee is more thoroughly extracted and flavourful.

Features

This machine covers the essentials without extra features. It lacks WiFi, Bluetooth, and custom brew settings. There’s no milk frother or attachment, although you can buy a Keurig frother separately. While it offers timed brewing, it only schedules within 24 hours. The “strong” button enhances brew strength and is highly recommended for better flavor. It can brew both single cups and full-size carafes, with the thermal carafe keeping coffee warm for over 2 hours.

Brand Reputation

Keurig has been manufacturing brewers since 1992. The company has changed hands a few times and is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper. The brand is the third-largest beverage company in North America and boasts an unlisted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company has had its share of public follies, most notably with its K2.0 brewers, which were inevitably axed. As a whole, the company is a well-established and generally well like company with a good reputation.

Verdict

We recommend this machine to current Keurig customers and loyalists because it opens more flexibility where other models have lacked. Coffee aficionados should give all Keurig machines a miss, but less decerning customers will find this machine does just well. This is the most viable brewer from Keurig at this time.

Update 24 SEP 2024: Rewrites for clarity and editorial correction.