Keurig has pretty much become the definition of single-serve coffee. The company offers several coffee makers, coffees, and K cups to be a one-stop solution for all coffee needs. Some changes have been made to the company’s approach through the years.
And while the original models may no longer exist, some popular options continue to live on. Even as we shop for K cups, we often have to consider whether they fit the original or 2.0 line. A study of Keurig 1.0 vs 2.0 is a way to see the paths the company has taken. Plus, how these product lines remain relevant to the modern consumer.
Keurig 1.0 vs 2.0: All You Need To Know
The Origins And History Of Both Product Lines
Keurig 1.0 is the original line of the company’s single-serve brewers. They pretty much brought K cups to the position they enjoy now and created the market for single-serve coffee makers. As a direct comparison, the K cups for 1.0 line are smaller than those used for the 2.0 line.
Thankfully, the 1.0 doesn’t spend its time differentiating between K cups. If the K cup can fit inside the machine, the coffee maker will brew it!
When Keurig launched the 2.0, they intended to take a different route. Not only did the K cups increase in size for the 2.0 line, the company even announced K Mug and K Carafe pods. Both of these were designed to brew larger volumes than the single-serve K cups. The K carafe pods, for example, could easily brew 30 oz, setting for a full carafe rather than a single cup for the K cups.
But what really caught everyone’s attention (and not exactly in a good way) was Keurig taking the DRM route with the 2.0. The company set the Keurig 2.0 to only work with the K-cups (or K-mugs and K-carafes) allowed by Keurig. Customers (understandably) weren’t enthusiastic about being locked to specific coffees and made their displeasure known.
What More Did The Keurig 2.0 Line Offer?
Keurig 2.0 line was launched in late 2014 and came with a modern design language to appeal to consumers. Many models gave up on buttons to go along with touchscreen controls. Some models, like the Keurig K575, went a step further and allowed customizable wallpapers for the touchscreen.
Another great feature was the customizable night light that felt like a great personalization. Plus, it brought the machine in harmony with the decor of the kitchen or room.
Other notable features of the Keurig 2.0 line included brewing temperature control, brew strength control, and the ability to brew K cups, K mugs, and K carafes.
How Did The Keurig 2.0 vs 1.0 Story Unfold?
Keurig 1.0 sales held strong even as the company pushed the 2.0 line (and its many features). The fact that Keurig 1.0 was willing to brew coffee without the shenanigans of DRM meant businesses were happy to make K cups suited for the 1.0 line. Many sellers and roasters simply didn’t bother to switch to the 2.0. As it turns out, the consumers didn’t pick 2.0 either.
The company’s decision to lock Keurig 2.0 to DRM or RFID tags didn’t help its case. Though the machines fervently advertised their ability to brew carafe sizes, they didn’t come with a carafe. Keurig Carafe had to be purchased separately, and it wasn’t a cheap pick.
What’s worse is that even the darned carafe had DRM! Yup, the Keurig 2.0 wouldn’t brew a carafe unless you placed a Keurig Carafe with the machine.
As you can guess, customers weren’t happy with all these restrictions with the 2.0 line. The sales weren’t exactly encouraging, and the company finally decided to make amends. Keurig 2.0 coffee makers quietly ditched the DRM chip some time around 2017-18. Bigger pods like K-Mug and K-Carafe too met their end and fell out of production.
The way things stand, Keurig also seems to have ditched the touchscreen in favor of buttons. And it does make sense. Why go through menus and options on touchscreens when you can simply place a K cup and hit a button to get your coffee!
The Modern Coffee Makers For Keurig 1.0 And 2.0
The original models from the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 lineups are no longer available from the company. Although, some sellers like Amazon do have “renewed” models available for purchase. Amazon Renewed Keurig K200 is a good example of this category. However, there are models that can be considered successors to these lines. Let’s take a look!
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker can be considered as a part of the original Keurig 1.0 line, though with updates that make it fit for current use. The coffee maker has three buttons, each representing the brew size selection. Available options for brew size are 6, 8, and 10 oz.
A large 48 oz water reservoir means there’s no need for constant refills. The machine is easy to operate not just for brewing coffee, but for other functions as well. Though the water reservoir is visible an indicator light will go up to let you know that it’s time for a refill.
Indicator lights are also available for when it’s time to clean/descale the machine and for the auto-off function. For the auto-off function, the coffee maker automatically switches off after remaining idle for two hours. It’s a fairly convenient energy-saving mechanism.
Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker can be considered as the spiritual successor to the Keurig 2.0 line. Although, it does depart from the original in some ways, like there is no longer a DRM enforcing the choice of K cups. Additionally, the touchscreen has given way to the classic button-style controls.
The coffee maker offers four brew size options, viz 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. Corresponding buttons are available for each brew size, so all you have to do is put in a K-cup and hit the right brew-size button. A brew strength selector is also available. Pushing this button will have the Keurig machine brew a “strong” coffee rather than the “regular” it usually brews.
A 52 oz removable water reservoir means that you can brew a few beverages without having to refill the reservoir. While the water volume is visible in the reservoir, the coffee maker also has an indicator to remind you if the reservoir is running low. The “Descale” indicator light goes up when it’s time to clean your coffee maker.
Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker also has an auto-off timer that switches off the machine if it has been idle for two hours. There’s enough room below the dispenser to accommodate travel mugs, but if you have a very tall mug, it is possible to slide off the drip tray to make more room.
Is There A Clear Winner In This Battle?
Both of these lines may well be on their way out, but in the Keurig 1.0 vs 2.0 battle, I think the winner is the 1.0. Keurig 2.0 line benefited from the new technology and options, but they also became its undoing – thanks in no small part to the aggressive DRM and locking. The Keurig 1.0 line may have fewer features, but it remains easy to operate and continues to brew coffee as long as the K cup fits right.