Table of Contents
Update September 30, 2022: We originally recommended the K450, but since writing this, it’s become clear that a significant number of people are having problems with both models, but the K450 especially. While Keurig’s customer service is excellent, there is a significant hassle factor in dealing with even the best customer service. Therefore, we recommend that you don’t buy either model without knowing this downside.
Obviously, your average instant coffee isn’t going to make the cut for a coffee lover. But the practicality of going to your local coffee shop for your favorite beverage each time the craving hits isn’t realistic. Keurig has come up with a solution that offers variety and quality from the comfort of your kitchen.
Today, we are going to compare the Keurig K450 vs K550. We will talk about specifications such as their appearance, ease of use, and functions. Once we have gone over all the features of the two coffee machines, you will find a side-by-side chart to review the details. Before our final verdict, there will be some pros and cons of each.
The Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 are similar in certain features. We will look at these first.
Keurig K450 vs Keurig K550 – Similarities
Quick Glance
To recap on the specifications of the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550, there is a comparison chart below.
10.43 x 13.63 x 13.45 inches
|
18.3 x 12.7 x 16 inches
|
8.5lbs
|
14.30lbs
|
Black or red
|
Platinum
|
Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology
|
Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology
|
2.4” color touch display
|
Color touch display
|
70oz
|
80oz
|
400 varieties from over 60 brands
|
400 varieties from over 60 brands
|
1-4 cups
|
1-4 cups
|
Starter carafe, 2 K-Carafe pods, 4 K-Cup pods
|
Starter carafe, 4 K-Carafe pods, 6 K-Cup pods, water filter handle, and cartridge
|
Keurig storage drawer, Keurig stainless steel travel mug, Keurig 2.0 My K-Cup reusable coffee filter, Green Mountain coffee
|
N/A
|
1 year limited
|
1 year limited
|
|
|
Technology
The Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 both have Keurig 2.0 Brewing technology. The coffee machines read the caps of the coffee capsules so that they can create the perfect coffee or hot drink for the relevant capsule.
Controls
There is just one button on the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550. All of the other settings are controlled from the color touch display. The Keurig K450 has a 2.4-inch display but the size of the Keurig K550 display isn’t listed.
Coffee Size
You can brew from one cup to four cups of coffee with the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550. There are two different pod sizes, one for cups and the other for carafes.
Capsule Compatibility
There are K-cup pods and K-carafe pods for the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550. You can choose from an impressive 400 different types of drinks from more than 60 of the most popular brands on the market. Just a few of these brands include Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Maxwell House, Peet’s Coffee, and Folgers. Drinks include tons of coffees, hot cocoa, iced drinks, and specialty beverages.
Auto Brew
For ease of use, the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 have an auto brew feature. There is also a programmable clock to automatically start brewing at any time of the day.
Hot Water on Demand
For added convenience and versatility, the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 will both brew hot water on demand so that you can make tea for yourself or guests very easily.
Now, let’s go over what sets the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 apart.
Differences Between Keurig K450 and Keurig K550
Appearance
The design of a coffee machine will always be a personal choice, however, sometimes the overall size will make a difference.
Keurig K450
There are two color options, black or red. Both are 10.43 x 13.63 x 13.45 inches and weigh just 8.5 pounds.
Keurig K550
This is a platinum coffee machine, which makes it a pretty stunning machine. Nevertheless, it measures 18.3 x 12.7 x 16 inches and weighs quite a bit more at 14.3 pounds.
The Winner Is- The Keurig K450
Water Tank
The additional size can be explained by the water tank capacities.
Keurig K450
This coffee machine has a 70-ounce water tank at the back.
Keurig K550
The location is the same, but the water tank holds 80 ounces.
The Winner Is- The Keurig K550
What’s Included
What comes in the box of a coffee machine definitely makes you feel like you are getting more for your dollar.
Keurig K450
It comes with a starter carafe, 2 K-Carafe pods, and 4 K-Cup pods. Keurig offers a one-year limited warranty with the K450. For more details, you can read the K450’s manual here.
Keurig K550
You will receive a starter carafe, 4 K-Carafe pods, and 6 K-Cup pods. There is also a water filter handle and a cartridge. The warranty is the same. For more details, you can read the K550’s manual here.
The Winner Is- The Keurig K550
Optional Accessories
To finish off the coffee-making experience, Keurig has a range of accessories.
Keurig K450
We liked the Keurig storage drawer to keep your capsules organized, you can find multiple varieties on Amazon. There is also a Keurig stainless steel travel mug, a Keurig 2.0 My K-Cup reusable coffee filter, and Green Mountain coffee available.
Keurig K550
The accessories are the same, you can find lots more on Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Pros and Cons
Because of how similar the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 are, we have considered some pros and cons of the coffee machines.
Keurig K450
Pros:
- It makes flavorful coffee as well as other drinks
- The brewing time is fast
- The water tank is easy to fill
Cons:
- The carafe is not the strongest of plastic
Keurig K550
Pros:
- You can save your favorite brewing settings
- There is a night light on the water tank if you want it on
- The touch display makes it very easy to use
Cons:
- The quality control has been questionable, although Keurig’s customer service is very responsive
The Final Verdict
The amazing things about the Keurig K450 and the Keurig K550 have to be the range of drinks you can make and how easy it is to brew them all. The color touch display takes all the effort out of brewing barista-style coffees. The main features are the same, so the technology, auto brew, and programming options all make for your perfect beverage whenever you want it.
The Keurig K550 had one advantage and that was the larger water tank. However, it comes in a bigger size, so consider the available space you have in your kitchen before jumping for a nicer appearance. It also comes with a few extras, but again, there is a higher price tag, more than those few extras. For these reasons, the better coffee machine is the Keurig K450.