In this article, I’ll compare the Keurig K50 vs K55 (also known as Keurig K-Classic), and tell you exactly why the K55 has some advantages over the K50 that make it a better choice for most buyers in 2023.

You’re a coffee lover, right? So am I. That’s why I understand your interest in Keurig machines. They offer a fast and easy way to brew your favorite coffee. And the best part? You can choose from hundreds of pods with different flavors and strengths. But there’s a catch. Keurig machines come in different models with different features and functions. And you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best. 

That’s why I did all the research for you so you don’t need to waste your time. I’ll weigh the pros and cons of each model, and also show you how they look, how they work, how long they last, and what extra features they have. So grab a mug and let’s get started!

Why Keurig?

First, let’s talk about what the Keurig brand is all about. Keurig is a well-known brand of single-serve coffee makers that use K-cup pods to brew various kinds of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and other beverages. Keurig coffee makers are convenient, quick, and consistent. They also let you pick from hundreds of flavors and brands of K-cup pods, or use your own ground coffee with a reusable filter.

However, not all Keurig models are the same. Some have more features, functions, and options than others. Some are more reliable, durable, and eco-friendly than others. And some are more affordable, attractive, and popular than others. That’s why comparing different Keurig models can help you make a smart decision when buying a new coffee maker.

Keurig K50 vs K55: Aesthetics

How do you like your coffee maker to look? Do you prefer a classic or a modern style? A black or a colorful one? A pointy or a rounded one? Ill, these are some of the questions you might want to ask yourself when choosing between the K50 and the K55 models. Because they have some noticeable differences in their appearance and design that might affect your decision.

Both models have a sleek and elegant design that can fit any decor. They have a simple but attractive shape, with a curved front and a rectangular back. They also have a large water reservoir on the side, a control panel on the top, and a drip tray on the bottom.

But here’s where they differ. The K50 is only available in black, while the K55 comes in three color options: black, white, and rhubarb (a reddish hue). So if you want to spice up your kitchen with some color, the K55 might be a better choice for you. Another difference is that the K55 has slightly rounded edges, while the K50 has more pointy ones. This gives the K55 a more modern and refined look, while the K50 looks more classic and chunky.

As for their size and weight, both models have identical dimensions: 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches. However, the K55 is heavier than the K50, weighing 11.9 pounds compared to 7.6 pounds. This means that the K55 might be harder to move around or store away, while the K50 is more portable and compact.

Want to see what they look like? Here is how they look side by side:

Keurig K50

Keurig K55 / K-Classic

Pros and Cons

So what are the pros and cons of each model’s aesthetics? Let’s sum it up: The K50 has a classic design that looks good in any kitchen. It’s also lighter and smaller than the K55, making it easier to move and store. The downside of the K50 is that it’s only available in black, which might limit your color choices. It also has pointy edges that might look out of place in a modern kitchen. The K55 has a modern design that fits a contemporary kitchen perfectly. It comes in three color options: black, white, and rhubarb, giving you more variety and personality. The downside of the K55 is that it’s heavier and bigger than the K50, making it harder to move and store. It also has rounded edges that might look too soft or bland in some kitchens. As you can see, both models have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to aesthetics. If you ask me, I like black and I love things that look a bit ancient, so I personally prefer the look and feel of the K50. However, ultimately, it depends on your personal taste, the style of your kitchen and preference which one you like better.

Keurig K50 vs K55: Performance

When it comes to brewing features and functions, the Keurig K50 and K55 models have a lot in common, but also some differences. While espresso machines use high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee beans, coffee makers such as the Keurig K50 and Keurig K55 use low pressure to steep coarsely ground coffee beans, resulting in a stronger and more flavorful drink. Let’s compare them on four aspects: brew sizes, brew strength, brew speed, and brew variety.

Brew sizes

Both models allow you to choose from three brew sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz. The smaller the size, the stronger the coffee. However, the K55 has a removable drip tray that can accommodate travel mugs up to 7.1 inches tall, while the K50 does not have this feature.

Brew strength

Both models use the same K-cup pods that come in different roasts and flavors. However, the K55 has a water filter that can improve the taste and quality of your coffee by removing chlorine and other impurities from the water. The K50 does not have a water filter, so you may need to use filtered water or descale your machine more often.

Brew speed

Both models have similar brewing times, with both models taking around one minute to brew a cup of coffee. However, the K55 is slightly more powerful, with a 1500-watt heating element compared to the K50’s 1400-watt element. This means that the K55 may be slightly faster when it comes to heating up the water.

Brew variety

Both models are compatible with hundreds of K-cup pods from different brands and flavors. You can also use reusable filters to brew your own ground coffee. However, the K55 has a descaling feature that alerts you when it’s time to clean your machine and removes calcium deposits that can affect the performance and taste of your coffee. The K50 does not have this feature, so you need to manually descale your machine every few months.

Based on these aspects, I can see that the Keurig K55 has some advantages over the Keurig K50 in terms of performance. The K55 has a better water filter, a more powerful heating element, and a descaling feature that can enhance the flavor and quality of your coffee. The K50 is still a reliable and convenient coffee maker, but it lacks some of the features that make the K55 stand out.

Therefore, I declare the Keurig K55 as the winner in terms of performance. It offers more functionality and convenience than the Keurig K50, while still being affordable and easy to use.

Keurig K50 vs K55: Durability

Another important factor to consider when choosing a coffee maker is durability. You want a machine that can last for a long time and perform well without breaking down or requiring frequent repairs. In this section, I will compare the reliability and longevity of the Keurig K50 and K55 models based on their warranty, customer reviews, common issues, and maintenance requirements.

Warranty

Both models come with a one-year limited warranty from Keurig that covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, the warranty does not cover damages caused by improper use, neglect, abuse, or unauthorized modifications. To claim the warranty, you need to contact Keurig customer service and provide proof of purchase.

Customer reviews 

Based on online customer reviews, the Keurig K50 has a higher rating than the Keurig K55 on average. Many customers praised the K50 for being a simple and reliable coffee maker that brews great coffee. However, some customers also reported issues with leaking, clogging, malfunctioning, or stopping working after a few months. The Keurig K55 received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers loved the K55 for its descaling feature, water filter, and fast brewing time. However, others complained about the K55 occassionally breaking down, not heating up, not pumping water, or making loud noises.

Common issues

Both models are prone to some common issues that can affect their performance and durability. Some of these issues are:

Calcium buildup

This can cause the machine to brew slowly, inconsistently, or not at all. The K55 has a descaling feature that alerts you when it’s time to clean your machine and removes calcium deposits. The K50 does not have this feature, so you need to manually descale your machine every three to six months depending on your water quality.

Water filter

This can improve the taste and quality of your coffee by removing chlorine and other impurities from the water. The K55 comes with a water filter that needs to be replaced every two months or 60 tank refills. The K50 does not have a water filter, so you may need to use filtered water or descale your machine more often.

– Needle clogging: This can prevent the machine from brewing properly or at all. Both models have a needle that punctures the K-cup pods and allows water to flow through them. Sometimes, coffee grounds or debris can clog the needle and cause it to malfunction. To fix this issue, you need to unplug the machine and use a paper clip or similar tool to clear the needle.

Maintenance requirements

Both models require regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition. Some of the maintenance tasks are:

Cleaning

You need to clean the exterior of the machine, the drip tray, the pod holder, and the water reservoir with a damp cloth and mild soap every week or as needed. You also need to rinse the water reservoir with fresh water before each use.

Descaling

You need to descale the machine every three to six months depending on your water quality. The K55 has a descaling feature that alerts you when it’s time to descale and guides you through the process. The K50 does not have this feature, so you need to follow the instructions in the manual.

– Replacing water filter: If your machine has a water filter, you need to replace it every two months or 60 tank refills. The K55 comes with a water filter that needs to be replaced regularly. The K50 does not have a water filter.

Based on these aspects, I can see that the Keurig K55 has some advantages over the Keurig K55 in terms of durability. Although the K50 has a higher customer rating, fewer common issues, and less maintenance requirements than the K55, the K55’s water filter and descaling will give you a better overall experience.

Therefore, I declare the **Keurig K55** as the winner in terms of durability.

Keurig K50 vs K55: Other Features

Besides performance and durability, you may also want to consider the extra features and benefits of the Keurig K50 and K55 models. These features can enhance your user experience and make your coffee making more convenient and enjoyable. In this section, I will compare some other features of the Keurig K50 and K55 models to help you decide which is the best buy for you.

Auto-off feature

This feature helps you save energy and prevent overheating by turning off your machine automatically after a period of inactivity. Both models have an auto-off feature that can be programmed to turn off after 90 seconds or two hours. This feature can lower your electricity bill and protect your machine from damage.

Indicator lights

These features help you monitor the status and operation of your machine by displaying different colors or flashing patterns. Both models have indicator lights that show when the machine is on, heating, brewing, or ready. HoIver, the Keurig K55 has an additional indicator light that shows when it’s time to descale. These features can make your coffee making more intuitive and easy.

Removable drip tray

This feature helps you accommodate different cup sizes and prevent spills by catching any excess drips or overflow. Both models have a removable drip tray that can hold up to 8 ounces of liquid. However, the Keurig K55 has a removable drip tray that can also fit travel mugs up to 7.1 inches tall, while the Keurig K50 does not have this feature. This feature can give you more flexibility and convenience in choosing your cup size.

Based on these aspects, I can see that the Keurig K55 has some advantages over the Keurig K50 in terms of extra features. The K55 has a descaling feature, a water filter, and a removable drip tray that can fit travel mugs. These features can make the K55 more convenient, functional, and versatile than the K50. The K50 still has some basic features that make it a decent coffee maker, but it lacks some of the features that make the K55 stand out.

Therefore, I declare the **Keurig K55** as the winner in terms of additional features. It offers more benefits and options than the Keurig K50, while still being affordable and easy to use.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about the Keurig K50 and K55 models.

So which model is superior based on these criteria? Well, it depends on what you value more. If you value simplicity, reliability, and portability more, then the Keurig K50 might be the best choice for you. It has a classic design that looks good in any kitchen. It’s also lighter and smaller than the K55, making it easier to move and store. It’s a simple and reliable coffee maker that brews great coffee.

However, if you value functionality, convenience, and versatility more, then the Keurig K55 might be the best choice for you. It has a modern design that fits a contemporary kitchen perfectly. It comes in three color options: black, white, and rhubarb, giving you more variety and personality. It’s a more functional and convenient coffee maker that has some extra features that make it stand out. It has a descaling feature, a water filter, and a removable drip tray that can fit travel mugs. 

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