Not everyone can spare the time to observe coffee machines as closely as we do.
Specially: when they’re more alike than not.
Keurig, being one of the all-time famous brands, is also famous for its coffee makers with almost similar features that may leave you confused.
So it’s only reasonable for you to turn to us for help.
And help: We are always willing to extend through our expert point of view.
In this article, we try to clear up the confusion Keurig K55/ K-Classic and K50 have stirred. They’re neither completely identical, nor contrastingly opposites, but something in between.
Scroll down and figure out what they actually are!
Keurig K50 v/s Keurig K55 – Ultimate Comparison
Here’s a quick navigation chart that’ll help you absorb everything we’ve written below!
| Keurig K50 | Keurig K55/ K-Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.6 pounds | 12 pounds |
| Water Reservoir | Removable-48 ounces | Removable-48 ounces |
| Brewing Sizes | 6oz, 8oz, 10oz | 6oz, 8oz, 10oz |
| Speed | Under 1 minute | Under 1 minute |
| Height | Approximately 14 inches | Approximately 15 inches |
| Drip tray | Removable | Removable |
| Display | Button controls | Button controls |
| Programmable auto off | Available | Available |
| Descale option | Available | Available |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Specs and Longevity
Compared to the 12 pounds of K55, K50 is relatively lighter at 7.6 pounds. It’s also about 2 inches shorter than its brother, making it more compact.
The reason could be because the manufacturers claim to have improved the interior of K55.
Meaning:
K55 has a relatively longer lifespan than K50. However, our advice would be not to wholly count on it. We firmly believe that poor maintenance and failing to de-scale between intervals is the main reason for machine breakdowns.
Aesthetics
This may not concern everyone. But if you care for the decor as much as you do for your cup, then read on!
Both K50 and K55 are aesthetically well-balanced.
Meaning: They’re probably going to be the first thing anyone would notice in your kitchen!
But that doesn’t mean they boast any fancy features.
In fact:
Both models are very basic units without any temperature or pressure controls – hence the price.
But available in jet black and red, they look classy and quite impressive for the price.
They’ve indicator lights too. These lights are meant to help you throughout the process and illuminate your countertop through a halo of light.
If you place them side by side, on your first glance you won’t be able to spot any difference and we bet you won’t know which is which either!
Variety
When Keurig first introduced single-serve coffee pods, we couldn’t help tasting them.
None of the coffeholics couldn’t, for that matter. Each day started with a new flavour, some going into our never-to-purchase list and some had a taste so addictive that they had to be tasted again.
With that in mind:
If variety is your thing, then be rest assured that all Keurig machines offer you that.
The best part:
K55 and K50 are models that allow pods from whatever the brands you prefer, which means that you’re no longer restricted to Keurig pods like in the previous models.
What’s more:
Not only can they be used to brew coffee, but also tea, hot cocoa, speciality and iced beverages – allowing you to serve the needs of every beloved member of your family.
Convenience
Both the machines come with a button-control panel and are super easy to use. The K55, having being introduced after K50, scores a tad higher in this department because the buttons are much smoother to press.
A removable drip tray and 48-ounce large reservoir are featured in both machines. This enables you to fit most mugs underneath it and brew about 6 cups before going for a refill.
Also:
They both share a record brewing-time of under 1 minute to heat and brew.
- Easy to use, quick, and consistent.
- It’s very quiet
- Excellent value at just over $100
- Fresh ground coffee pods offer barista taste without hassle.
- Good design with 4 color options.
- Largest size is small for Americano lovers.
- Tends to splatter slightly when brewing.
Who wouldn’t want a coffee-maker that needs very little effort from your part/ when you’ve just hopped out of bed and aren’t in your right mind?
Taste
Last but not least, let’s talk about the taste of the coffee in both brewers. Ideally, they taste best when they brew 6 ounces of coffee. And then the strength decreases, but we noticed that K55 brews relatively stronger coffee.
But then again:
This difference is very vague, and it seems as if Keurig hasn’t focused on changing coffee quality by updating the K50.
Bottom Line
It’s quite obvious that K50 and K55 and brothers from the same bloodline, so they share just the same set of everything.
If truth be told:
They should’ve been marketed as one, but the manufacturers didn’t want to discontinue K50 with the hopes of increasing their sales.
All in all:
We’d recommend you not to waver your purchase decision just because they happen to share two names. They are very much alike, so it’s literally up to you to weigh the difference in price and make your ideal pick!
Personally, my ideal choice would be the Keurig K55 as it’s the newer version of the K50.
