Keurig K Mini vs K Slim – What’s The Difference?

If you are looking for a small coffee maker which can fit in your crammed countertop then the k-slim and k mini are going to be the perfect solution.

The k mini and k-slim are both less than 5” in width so you’re sure to find a spot for them in your kitchen. Their size, however, does not take away from their performance. They are both able to produce a perfect cup in rapid time.

But which one is better the k mini or k-slim? Well, here I have a closer look at the k mini vs k slim debate. By the end, you’ll know which model is perfect for you.

Let’s get started!

Both the Keurig K Mini and K Slim are among the smallest and most popular coffee makers in Keurig’s line up. That said, it should come as no surprise to learn they are also the best Keurig for Camper or powered camp site.

Overview

Keurig and their assortment of independent k cup makers has been the pinnacle of coffee makers for over a decade. Their machines are known to be reliable, long-lasting, and able to produce the perfect cup every single time.

These two models are by far their smallest coffee makers. They can do the same work as other coffee makers and perhaps even better than rival models despite their small size. A true example of why size is not an inhibitor in the coffee maker world.

Below are some of the differences and similarities between the two models:

Differences

Similarities

• The K Mini and K Slim are less than 5 inches wide making them perfect for use in small places. Can fit easily on a crammed countertop.
• The K Mini and K Slim have removable drip trays. This makes it easy to clean spills. It also makes the machines compatible with travel mugs that are up to 7” long because of the added clearance.
• Energy-efficient. The K Mini and K Slim come included with an auto-off feature that turns them off after idling for a given amount of time.
• The K Mini and K Slim impress with a very fast brewing time. They can produce a steaming cup in minutes.

The two models have both unique and similar features. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Keurig K Mini

Size – The device is less than 5” wide making it perfect for a small kitchen with little space. Perfectly able to fit between other devices without the need to look for more space.

Brew amount – The coffee maker can brew coffee for cups ranging anywhere between 6-12 oz. Simply pre fill your cup (6-12oz), then add that water to the water reservoir.

Auto-off – To save energy, the device switches itself off 90 seconds after the last brew. This helps reduce your electricity bill.

Cord storage – Included with the coffee maker is a small groove at the back of the device where you can fold the cable and fit it inside. This makes it easier when traveling.

One cup reservoir – The device comes with a one-cup reservoir that you will need to refill each time before making a cup of your favorite drink. The water reservoir is also not removable but can be accessed easily from the back of the device.

Environmentally friendly – By cutting down the use of virgin plastic in the production of the device, the company can keep the world cleaner by recycling used plastic.

Removable drip tray – This makes it easier to clean off accidental spills and overflows.

Travel mug friendly – The device can fill a 7″ long travel cup with ease after removing the drip plate to add more clearance.

Keurig K-Slim

Multi-stream technology – The model contains five needles that puncture the pod and spray water into the coffee grounds. This improves the saturation for the perfect cup every time.

Travel mug friendly – The model has enough clearance to perfectly accommodate a 7” travel cup. This means that you don’t have to first brew your coffee onto a mug before transferring it to your travel cup.

Multiple cup sizes – This model offers three cup size options. These include 8, 10, and 12-ounce cup choices. This lets you choose the amount of coffee you like without wasting or compromising flavor.

Water reservoir – It comes equipped with a 46-ounce water water reservoir that can produce up to four 8 ounce glasses of coffee. The reservoir is positioned at the back of the machine. It is fixed meaning it can’t be detached to refill.

Removable drip tray – This makes it easier to clean off accidental spills and overflows.

Energy-efficient – It comes equipped with an auto-off feature that switches off the device after idling for 5 minutes

Size – The device is less than 5″ wide making it perfect for a small kitchen with little space. Perfectly able to blend in with any countertop arrangement.

Both models are fairly easy to use as you’d expect from all Keurig models. Here we look at the small differences between them.

Keurig K Mini

Simple buttons – The control buttons are very easy to use a situated on top of the k mini coffee maker. The buttons also have LED backlights so you don’t have to worry about flicking on all the lights before using it.

Removable drip tray – This feature makes it easy to clean spills and overflows. You can simply remove the drip plate from the k mini and wash it over the sink instead of moving the whole machine. Removing the k mini drip tray also increases clearance between the spout and the countertop making it easy to fill a travel mug.

Small and compact – This means that the k mini can be set up practically anywhere in the kitchen or perfect for travel. The k mini is a lot shallower than the k-slim.

Reservoir – The compact reservoir placed at the back of the k mini can easily be accessed from the top easing the refilling of water. Sadly, the reservoir of the k mini is not removable.

Keurig K-Slim

Simple buttons – Similar to the k mini,the control buttons are also located at the top of the device and are perfectly labeled making them easy to understand. This makes the operation of the device a walk in the park. The buttons also have led backlights enabling them to be easily visible when operating the machine in the dark.

Reservoir – The fixed 46 oz reservoir placed at the back of the machine can easily be accessed from the top easing the refilling of water. It can also produce several coffee cups without the need to refill before every brew.

Removable drip tray – This makes it easier to clean off accidental spills and overflows. The fact that it is removable also means you can get added clearance to fill your travel mug

Small and compact – Thismeans that the machine is easy to move and set up anywhere. While this is a highly compact model, it’s bigger than the Mini.

When it comes to brewing quality, the k-slim clearly outshines the k mini. It includes the new multi-stream technology that ensures that the coffee grounds are perfectly brewed. It produces results that are simply fantastic.

That being said, the k mini is still able to make an amazing cup of coffee. While not quite as rounded as the k-slim, you’ll give love the taste.

Neither the k mini / k slim models are capable of making complicated drinks like a latte / cappuccino. You do have a choice of different flavors from the various K-pods available. If you have your special blend available, be sure to get the adapter to use your own coffee grounds.

If you want to turn your 4oz shot of coffee produced in your k mini / slim into a latte or cappuccino, Keurig have you covered. Keurig sell a separate frother named the Keurig Milk Frother.

When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, both the slim and k mini are fairly easy to maintain. They have a smooth surface that is easy to wipe away any settled dust and accidental spills.

The removable drip trays in both models comes in handy here as you can just remove the whole plate after a spill and wash it over running water in the sink. Because of their small designs, there are fewer parts to keep cleaning.

Both the slim and k mini can be descaled to avoid mineral build up that occurs naturally over time (if your using tap water).

When it comes to value it all depends on how you like your coffee. If you like your coffee simple with very little alteration, the k mini is a perfect choice for you. It offers simple coffee settings that ensure you get the same quality of coffee every single time.

For a little more functionality, the K-Slim is ideal for your needs but it’s important to note that the k-slim is a little bigger. If you wanted the smallest coffee maker possible that is still able to make a great cup, the k mini is fantastic.

They are both very fairly priced, with the k mini being a little cheaper which is to be expected with the features it has. Whichever one you get, you won’t regret it.

If you are looking for the perfect coffee maker for your small apartment that will not take up a lot of space, be sure to try the k mini / k-slim. They are also ideal for those who want to travel with a high-quality coffee maker.

If a smaller size is vital for you, grab the k mini. If you want a few more functions and even better coffee, choose the K-Slim. I loved both models and I’m sure you’ll love whichever one you pick too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Keurig Mini / Slim use the same pods?

Yes, both Keurig’s K Mini and K Slim models use the same sized default pods as every other Keurig coffee maker.

The exception here is the old Keurig 2.0 coffee makes that used a different pods ( k cups ). These older systems (no longer in production) had a proprietary barcode system that locked the Keurig into using only Keurig branded pods. You can guess how well that move turned out!

So yes, both the K Mini and K Slim use the same pods as all other Keurigs (except the 2.0 brew systems).

Does Keurig Mini / Slim use ground coffee?

Yes, you can use ground coffee in both the k-slim and k mini models. Keurig sell a separate universal reusable filter basket called the My K Cup. To use it, you remove the grey adapter (for older Keurig 2.0 coffee makers). Turn the lid counter clockwise to unlock and remove the filter basket. Fill with ground coffee to the max line, replace the lid and lock it in place.

Place the now full My K Cup into your k-slim / k mini coffee maker ensuring the white arrow if facing the back of the machine and brew as normal and enjoy!

So yes, you can use ground coffee in the Keurig Mini or Keurig Slim.

Does Keurig Mini have a water Filter?

No, neither Keurig’s k slim or k mini have a water filter. You can easily get around this by filling the water reservoir in the k-slim or k mini with filtered water from a bottle or from your home filter.

Does Keurig Mini / Slim make iced coffee?

Neither the k mini / k-slim feature an over ice button. That said, you don’t really need the feature to brew over ice. The more expensive Keurig’s that have this feature simply brew a 4oz concentrated shot (from a regular k cup) – and that’s roughly what the k-slim or k mini produce.

The larger more expensive k cup pod coffee makers range anywhere from a 4 oz shot up to a 12 oz shot. The larger the shot you pull with the machine, the more watered down it will be, not to mention that then you brew over ice, it will melt the ice making the coffee more watered down.

In short, yes, the k mini and k-slim can brew over ice.

Does Keurig coffee makers dispense hot water?

The good news here is thatThe good news here is that both your Keurig Mini and Keurig Slim can dispense hot water. The machines may not have the feature, but all you need to do is brew with out a K Cup in basket.

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