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Home » Buying Guides

Keurig K50 vs K55: What Are The Differences?

By Walton Holcomb | Last Updated: March 10, 2022

Not everyone has enough spare time to observe the differences between the two coffee machines as I do.

This often makes it mind-boggling and frustrating, specially when two models of the same company are neither strikingly different nor they are similar. Keurig being a famous coffee maker brand, is also well-known for manufacturing a variety of models with almost the same features that may leave you a bit more confused and questionable.

And I totally understand that’s why I have already done the comparison for you so you can pick wisely.

Additionally, my expert point of view won’t let you go astray while choosing the best Keurig model as I have cleared all your confusion about which of the two kins – i.e; K50 or K55 – is the better one.

Keurig K50 vs K55 – The Final Comparison

Keurig K 50

VIEW ON AMAZON

Keurig K55

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Aesthetics

At a quick glance, both models by Keurig look identical. However, close observation reveals subtle differences in their looks, which give these machines their individuality.

While Keurig K50 is only available in one color, that is black, the Keurig K55 model offers 3 colors to pick from; rhubarb (red), white and black.

Since both the appliances are entry-level coffee makers, so they aren’t equipped with fancy controls on the exterior, instead they are simply but impressively designed, and this is probably the first thing that anyone will notice in your kitchen.

Though K55 is slightly slender in shape, both the models look super classy, considering the price tag they are available at.

Size

K50 is slightly smaller in size i.e; 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches as compared to K55’s dimensions 10.1 x 13.2 x 13.3 inches. Since Keurig K55 is equipped with more features, so it’s having a bigger size. But still, both the appliances are compact, neither they take much of the cabinet space, nor they will clutter your countertops.

Weight

Keurig K50 weighs only 7.6 pounds, whereas the Keurig K55 weighs 11.9 pounds (almost twice the weight of K50).

Keurig K50 is a much lighter, portable and compact appliance, it’s highly recommended if your kitchen counter is at the lower end of the space spectrum.

The Brew

Both these models of Keurig are equipped with an advanced brewing technology as each of the two has a K-Cup holder, this is where the pods can be placed.

Both the models can brew multiple K-cup pod sizes 6oz, 8oz, and 10oz; however, if you use the 6oz brew size, you can attain comparatively a strong cup of coffee with K55.

Both models are patterned to use a pressure-based brewing system as with every Keurig machine, however, both the machines lack pressure control.

Both Keurig K50 and K55 belong to Keurig 1.0 product line!

Means:

Both single-serve brewers allow pods from whatever the brands you prefer, which means you’re not restricted to use only Keurig pods as this was the restriction in previous models.

So, no matter which model you pick, not only can you use it to brew coffee but also tea, hot cocoa, including over 200 caffeinated beverages, allowing you to serve the needs of flavors of your family members and friends.

Water Reservoir

Both K50 and K55 feature a large 48oz water reservoir that allows you to brew up to 6 cups before having to refill again. This saves your time as you won’t have to brew a single cup individually; instead, you can brew a whole batch at once.

Control Panel

Both the models are equipped with a button control panel which makes them super easier to operate. However, the control panel buttons of K55 have a much smoother press than K50 that requires a little more finishing, maybe.

Auto Shut-off

Both K55 and K50 feature an auto shut-off feature which shuts down the appliance 2 hours after the last brew cycle. This helps to conserve energy and saves the appliance from unwanted damages.

Temperature Control and Drip Tray

Both the appliances feature a drip tray which means zero mess on kitchen counters, and they adjust any mug size as well.

However, neither of the models has temperature control, so you can’t adjust the brewing temperature.

Descaling

Both the appliances come with detachable parts, making cleaning and maintenance a lot easier than most appliances. These detachable components include; the water reservoir, the drip tray, and the K-Cup holder. Both single-serve brewers come with a step-by-step guide in the manual so you can easily figure out how to clean the appliance.

However, Keurig recommends a descaling every 3 months for the longevity and excellent performance of the appliances.


The Major Differences

Reliability

This a prominent difference between the two models of Keurig. More often, users have complained about the occasional breakdown of K50, and this is why most probably Keurig decided to launch K55 as this version promises more sustainability than its sister model.

However, K50 breakdowns can be fixed, and ingenious users have been successful in finding a solution to overcome its arising issues. But if you want to stay out of the mess, K55 is your call.

Brew time

Though both the models brew a shot in precisely the same time duration, which is one and a half minutes, K55 is 30 seconds faster when pulling a quick shot.

Taste

Taste is the main component that distinguishes one coffee maker from another, and this is what sets these two models apart as well. K55 produces richer and tastier coffee as compared to K50, which is reported to give a plastic-like taste.

This is because K55 comes with a charcoal filter basket, so the thoroughly filtered water is mixed with the tea, producing a stronger taste and delicious quality coffee. This enables you to enjoy a great-tasting cup of coffee every morning.

Quiet Brew Technology

This technology is used to lower the noise levels while the brewing cycle is ON, as it can be pretty annoying first thing in the morning. K55 is comparatively quite less noisy than K50.

This makes K55 a better choice to brew a perfect cup of coffee without experiencing the annoying noise in the morning.

Descaling Ease

Keurig K55 comes with an auto-descaling detection feature, so every time the machine needs a descale, it alerts you automatically. This feature is very helpful and makes maintaining the appliance so much easier and hassle-free.

Keurig K50 doesn’t come with this feature, so you will have to keep track of the de-scaling sessions yourself. This might make it more of a hassle to keep it clean and maintained.


Keurig K50 vs. K55: Which One Is Right For You?

The similarities and minor differences presented by these two models by Keurig make it evident that they are designed for coffee drinkers who have a similar taste and exterior selection.

Pick Keurig K50: if you’re satisfied with some downgrade features.

Pick Keurig K55: if you need a compact-sized coffee maker with advanced features that allow you to brew a full batch of coffee specialties without compromising on the quality and taste.

Certain adjustments and alterations have been done in Keurig K55 to upgrade the machine so no longer the recurrent problems faced by Keurig K50 users.

Personally, I’d pick the Keurig K55 as it’s always better to pick the latest model and wiser decision to spend your bucks on.


You may also be interested in:

  • Keurig K425 vs. K475: The Final Comparison
  • Keurig K200 vs K250: What Are Major Differences?
  • Best Single Serve Brewers – The Ultimate Buyers’ Guide

About Walton Holcomb

I'm Walton, a 29 years old barista from New York City who's been working in the coffee world for more than 8 years now. I'll be your guide to the best coffee gears and will help you make delicious and high-quality caffeinated beverages without breaking the bank.

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