Keurig 2.0 Review – K350 vs. K450 vs. K550 Comparison And the Difference Between Keurig 2.0 and Vue

UPDATE JAN 2022

If you’ve landed here while researching for a new Keurig 2.0, it is fully important to read this before you buy one:

Keurig 2.0 brewers are no longer worth it at this time. The carafe option is deemed obsolete as K-Carafe pods are no longer in production. Everything else, you can get from any other Keurig brewer.

What else can you consider? Here are a few options:

  • Keurig K-Duo dual coffee makers which use K-Cup pods for single-serve and ground coffee for carafe brewing.
  • Ninja’s DualBrew coffee maker which also brews both single-serve and carafe, using K-Cups or ground coffee.

Keurig has finally released its new brewing system, the Keurig 2.0. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new brewing system, how it works and how it’s different from other Keurig machines.

Contents Of The Post:

What Is Keurig 2.0 System and How Is It Different From Keurig K-Cup System?

Keurig K550 2.0 Brewer

Keurig 2.0 is an upgraded K-Cup brewing system that is not so different from the Keurig you already know but does offer many advanced features. The main differences that a Keurig 2.0 will deliver are:

  • An advanced brewing system that reads the bar code on the K-Cup’s lid to create the perfect brew every time.
  • New Carafe brew! Now you can brew a single cup or a full carafe, which has its own K-Cups (that include more coffee in them of course).
  • The Keurig 2.0 machines all include touch screens for easier control and customization of your drinks.

These are all great changes in the new upgrade, but there are a few downsides that you need to know of:

  • Not all K-Cups are compatible with the new Keurig 2.0. Although they are the same size, the Keurig 2.0 will only accept newer K-Cups that have the right bar code on them. There’s still a large variety of new K-Cups available, however. (note: here’s a way to use any K-Cup with the new Keurig 2.0)
  • a solution for a refillable k-cup pod for 2.0 brewers is now available. Please scroll below for more info!

**Here is our list of Keurig 2.0 Hacks that you might want to check out if you’re considering buying one.**

So, to sum up what a Keurig 2.0 system is:

It’s the same single-serve K-Cup brewer you know and love, but it now has the ability to brew different cup sizes as well as a full carafe. It uses a smart technology to read a bar-code on the K-cups to give you the optimal settings for each coffee pod. Therefore, the Keurig 2.0 cannot use old K-Cups, but has new K-Cups (available from many brands).

What’s In The Box of a Keurig 2.0 System:

  • A Keurig 2.0 brewing system
  • A Keurig Carafe.
  • Water filter starter kit.
  • K-Cup and K-Carafe variety pack, includes 4 K-Carafe packs and 6 K-Cups.

Keurig 2.0: K350 vs. K450 vs. K550 – What’s The Difference?

The main difference between these three machines is their water reservoir size and touch display:

  • The the K350 has the smallest water reservoir at 60 oz, followed by 70 oz for the K450 and 80 oz for the K550.
  • The touch display on the K350 is black and white, while on the K450 and K550 the screens are colored. The K550 has the largest screen.
  • The K350 is missing a programmable clock that both the K450 and K550 have.
  • The K550 is able to provide hot water on demand.

Cup Sizes:

  • The K350 and K450 have 9 cup sizes: 4, 6, 8 and 10 oz for K-Cup. 12, 14 oz  Travel mugs and Carafe Sizes: 2-3 cups, 3-4 cups, 4-5 cups.
  • The K550 has 10 cup sizes: 4, 6, 8 and 10 oz for K-Cup. 12, 14 and 16 oz  Travel mugs and Carafe Sizes: 2-3 cups, 3-4 cups, 4-5 cups.

Keurig K500 vs. K550 vs. K560, is There a Difference?

If you look up Keurig K500, you’ll find a choice between these three models: K500, K550, K560. Is there a difference between these three?

No, there’s not an actual difference in the machine itself. The difference is in what’s included with the machine:

  • K500 includes: 4 K-Cup Pods and 2 K-Carafe Pods
  • K550 includes: 6 K-Cup Pods and 4 K-Carafe Pods, Water Filter Handle and Cartridge
  • K560 includes: 48 K-Cup Pods and 4 K-Carafe Pods, Water Filter Handle and Cartridge

Make sure to check out the prices on each bundle, sometimes there’s only a tiny difference in price so you get better value when upgrading your bundle.

K550 vs. K575 Plus, What’s The Difference?

Keurig K575 Coffee Maker

The Keurig K575 features a few upgraded features, especially in its software:

  • It includes a new 12 oz single cup size.
  • It has 5 temperature settings.
  • Getting hot water is easier now and can be picked from the menu (instead of holding down the start button). You can also choose a cup size for hot water.
  • On the downsize, the K575 does NOT include the carafe like other models.

Every things else is the same as the K550. If you require carafe, you can buy one separately.

Keurig 2.0 K200 vs. K250, What’s The Difference?

Keurig K200 Series

The K200 Series is the latest release in the Keurig 2.0 line. The first thing you’ll notice about it is how slim and compact in size it is. Here’s it’s feature highlights:

  • 40 oz water tank capacity, so it is the smallest in size.
  • It can brew 9 sizes, including carafe size. Choose from 4 oz to 30 oz.
  • Strength control option.
  • Black and white touch screen display.
  • Available in 7 colors.
  • It does NOT include the carafe, you’ll have to purchase it separately.

Overall, the Keurig K200 is able to provide most features of other Keurig 2.0 machines. The compact size is perfect for a single user. If you’re purchasing for a family or a small office, we advice that you upgrade to a larger machine.

What Is The Difference Between K200 and K250?

We have spent a lot of time researching the difference between the two names K200 and K250 and were not able to find any. What we were able to find that on the box, it is labeled K250 but on its manual and start guide, it is named K200. So it is safe to assume that both are the same. Or that “K200” is the name of the series and K250 is the model name of the machine.

The Keurig 2.0 K-Cups and K-Carafe vs. Original:

The fact that you cannot use any of the old K-Cups or a refillable K-Cup will not be to many people’s liking. But many will still be pleased to know that the Keurig 2.0 has a large variety of coffee and other specialty drink pods available from brands like Green Mountain, Starbucks, Tully’s, Lavazza, Dunkin Donuts and many more. Here’s how you can tell the difference between the new and old K-Cups:

Keurig 2.0 vs Original K-Cups

As you can see in the photo, although the size and look of the pods are the same, the new Keurig 2.0 K-Cup features  a lid with a labeled rim which the machine can scan once you’ve inserted it. If you insert an old K-Cup (the one on the right), the machine will not find any info to scan on the lid and will not brew the pod.

Keurig K-Carafes Donut Shop

As for the K-Carafe pods, as you can see, they’re noticeably larger than a K-Cup as they contain enough coffee for a 4 cup Carafe.

Keurig 2.0 Refillable Coffee Pods:

Eco-Fill 2.0 Deluxe for Keurig 2.0

Looks like a solution to Keurig 2.0 not able to accept refillable pods is now available. The Eco-Fill 2.0 is reported to work very well with old and NEW 2.0 Keurig machines. It should work with all new Keurig machines: K350, K450 and K550. However, there’s only a single-cup pod and carafe pods are not available yet.

Eco-Carafe for Keurig 2.0, K300, K400, K500 Series

eco-carafe is a reusable K-carafe pod for Keurig 2.0, so it brews 4 cups carafe at a time. It is compatible with all Keurig 2.0 brewers, K350, K450 and K550.

How To Use Any K-Cup In a Keurig 2.0:

please note that we have not personally tried this, but all customers report that it works perfectly.

K-cup 2.0 Freedom Stickers for Keurig 2.0 Series Brewers

While browsing Amazon, I came across this thing called K-Cup 2.0 Freedom Stickers. Basically, what it is is this small orange sticker you see in the photos above. Sticking thing small label on your old K-Cups will somehow trick the machine and it will unlock all menu options and brew the K-Cup as if it’s a brand new one. What you’ll get a 96-count of stickers, each can be reused until the adhesive no longer works.

K-Mugs vs. K-Cups, What’s The Difference?

Keurig K Mug Pods

K-Mug pods are a new type of pods made for Keurig 2.0 brewers. These pods allow you to brew sizes 12oz, 14 oz and 16 oz, making them perfect for larger mugs and travel mugs.

Keurig 2.0 vs. Keurig Vue, What Is The Difference?

Keurig® Vue® V700 Brewing System

We’ve written a detailed post about the difference between K-Cups and Vue Keurig Machines and found them to be quite different as they also use their own pods. But how does the Vue differ from the Keurig 2.0? They’re also entirely different machines when it comes to the pods they brew, but do have similar features. Both have color touch displays and offer higher number of cup sizes than the original k-cup, the major difference however is that the Keurig 2.0 is able to brew a 4-cup Carafe, which is a totally new thing to the Keurig line of machines.

Other Keurig Machine Comparisons:

We know as more options become available, your decision becomes harder. That’s why we’re already breaking down the features of popular Keurig machines to help you with your decision. Here are some posts that will provide you with information on other Keurig systems:

Should I Buy The Keurig 2.0 System?

You might come across a lot of angry reviews towards the Keurig 2.0 system. These are not aimed at the features of the machines or how it works, but mostly because of Keurig’s new compatibility limitation. Existing users of Keurig machines are not happy they won’t be able to use their old and favorite K-Cups right away as they might not be available for the new system, and they’re not happy the refillable K-Cups are not an option anymore. So when making your decision, these are things that you need to keep in mind.

If this purchase will be your first Keurig machine, you shouldn’t have any issues. You’ll be starting fresh with a new system and new pods. However, I will recommend you look at the available pods to make sure you can find your favorite ones.

Can Keurig Coffee Makers Make Cappuccinos and Lattes?

Many people wonder whether a Keurig machine can make them a nice cup of Latte or Cappuccino, especially when it is usually compared to Nespresso machines. A Keurig machine can make you a Latte, but it’s VERY different from a Latte than a Nespresso machine can make you. In a Keurig, the Latte ingredients are all in inside the K-Cup, so it would be similar to one of those Instant lattes or cappuccino packets. But in Nespresso or other espresso makers, you’ll be making your latte from a shot of espresso and freshly frothed milk, the way it is supposed to be made.

So should you buy a Keurig if you want to make Lattes or Cappuccinos? No, you shouldn’t. Keurigs are best as coffee makers, including flavored coffee. You’ll be better off with a Nespresso or a Keurig Rivo.

What To Buy With Your Keurig 2.0 Brewer:

Here are a few recommendations of some must-have accessories for your new Keurig 2.0 brewer…

Mind Reader "Anchor" Coffee Pack Drawer for Keurig K Cups

Mind Reader Anchor Drawer Organizer for K-Cups: This neat drawer allows you to organizer your K-Cups neatly in three separate drawers and you can even place your machine on top of it. If you prefer a different design for a pod organizer, see more suggestions here.

Eco-Carafe for Keurig 2.0, K300, K400, K500 Series

This reusable pod allows you to use your own favorite coffee ground with your Keurig brewer. This is one of very few available refillable pods for the Keurig 2.0, and it’s available for carafe size and single cup size.

Keurig Entertainer Variety Pack

Keurig Entertainer Variety Pack includes 48 K-Cups of single-serve cups. This variety pack includes a good selection of K-Cups to try out, it included coffee, tea and hot cocoa.

Save