Keurig K50 and Keurig K55 are both very similar models. It’s practically impossible to tell them apart at a glance. However, there some differences become apparent once you take a closer look. And that’s exactly what our Keurig K50 vs K55 comparison intends.
These models are functionally similar, yet they have a clear line separating the two. These coffee makers aren’t the identical twins we saw with the Keurig 525C vs 575 comparison.
Diving Deep To Get To Know These Coffee Makers
In a hurry? In the next few sections, I’ve detailed the differences and what sets these two coffee makers apart in detail. However, if all you want is a quick answer, my pick is the K55. It is the modern Keurig Classic and the superior choice here.
Decoding The Mystery Of Aesthetics And Design
Remember how I said it’s tough to tell both machines apart at a glance? Well, there are differences when you look closely. The Keurig K55 is bigger than the K50. The difference is tiny. The K50 has dimensions of 9.8 x 13 x 13.3 inches. Meanwhile, its sibling, K 55 measures 10.1 x 13.2 x 13.3 inches.
There’s a reason Keurig went with this tiny difference. Upon launch, the K 50 consumers reported several problems. One of the most commonly reported problems was that the machine glitched. Keurig K55 was launched as a coffee maker that wouldn’t risk the same problems.
Don’t forget that the K50 performed admirably and received great reviews from the customers. This is a very successful machine that set the stage for more like it. Plus, the greater touch of simplicity surely had a role to play in the success of this machine.
Additionally, the K 55 is heavier than the K50. It brews a great cup of coffee and certainly looks worthy of being the better coffee maker. The K55 weighs 12 pounds, while the K50 weighs just 7.2 pounds. Whatever Keurig added in the K55 must have been heavy – and it pretty much fixed the complaints that plagued the K50.
See the Keurig K50 on Amazon
Check more reviews and discounts of the Keurig K55
Brewing Controls And Coffee
Both these coffee makers have a love for the entry-level. Therefore, the features available on coffee makers are fairly limited. Personally, I’m fine with the buttons. Only a limited number of options are available, and it makes much more sense.
Rather than working with the coffee control display screens or similar output, you just press the button you like, and the coffee maker will spring into action. It makes more sense when you consider that both these coffee makers have a very limited range of brew size options.
Brew size options available with these machines are 6, 8, 10 oz. No settings or touch necessary. Push the button of your choice and enjoy your coffee.
Water Reservoir And Coffee Delivery
Both machines come with a 48 oz reservoir. That’s enough to brew the usual 8 oz cup about six times once the machine’s been filled up. It’s a convenient setting and works well for the machine and the user.
Being entry level machines, neither the K50 or the K55 are quick to deliver coffee like other (more expensive) Keurig models. Once you’ve powered on the machine, give it about four minutes to warm up. Then, hit the button of your choice and you’ll walk away with your coffee in about a minute.
I’d like to think that one Keurig K50 vs K55 difference is that the latter is faster. It’s probably wishful thinking. Maybe there are a few seconds to save, but it doesn’t seem consistent or very remarkable.
The brewing temperature for both these machines is about 189 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s pretty close to the recommended brewing temperature for coffee, so the coffee makers work well on that count. There is no temperature control option on either machine.
What Is The Difference Between K50 Vs K55 Keurig?
As we’ve noticed, there aren’t all that many differences between each model. But here’s the key and the reason K55 was cooked up in the first place.
Reliability!
Yup. The K50 has the habit of giving up at random moments. The K55 keeps chugging as any good coffee maker should! Reliable and good looking, exactly what we want from our coffee maker.
Brew Quality
Another point where Keurig K55 vs K50 competition shines through is the brew quality. The K55 brews a coffee that’s smoother and better tasting than the K50. One reason for it could be the fact that K55 uses a water filter in its reservoir. The removal of impurities from water helps with the taste.
However, the real reason is likely to be that the K55 manages to maintain a better water temperature during the brewing process. Water temperature for most coffee makers usually falls once the brewing begins.
That’s true for the K55 too. However, it manages to keep the variations low and thus get a better brew, at least when compared to the K50.
The Legacy Of The K50 And K55
Keurig K50 and K55 made a great impression as Keurig 1.0 brewers. The K50 has been discontinued by Keurig. Good as this coffee maker was, it had some problems that never really went away. And so it made good sense to stop selling this coffee maker.
The K55, however, continues to live, albeit in a different form and under a new name. It got modified to be called the K-Classic. Interestingly, it’s also positioned as the new/redesigned version of K50, and sometimes sold under the name of K50 as well!
Verdict — What Coffee Maker Will We Pick
In the comparison of Keurig K50 vs K55, there is a clear winner. I think sense dictates to pick that coffee maker that survived and has continued to get great reviews over the years. The answer here is the K55, which is more reliable and brews better coffee than the K50. It’s also available under the names of K-Classic and upgraded K50!
See the Keurig K50 on Amazon
Check more reviews and discounts of the Keurig K55