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A coffee maker is becoming an essential appliance to have in our homes, so we can understand why you are interested in this topic. It’s essential that we select the right one when we buy, but that might be easier said than done.
Keurig has a product line with something for everyone so let’s review the Keurig K-Elite vs. K-Duo to see if one of them may be the right fit for your home.
Quick Comparison: Keurig K-Elite vs K-Duo
We must admit that this was not an easy choice to make as both the Keurig K-Elite and the Keurig K-Duo have beneficial features. They are very different in some ways but quite similar in others.
In the end, we decided to go with the Keurig K-Elite as it has a faster operation time and has the option to brew iced beverages to go along with a temperature control option.
What is the difference between the Keurig K-Elite and K-Duo?
Carafe
The Keurig K-Duo comes with a 12-cup carafe. The Keurig Keurig K-Elite does not have the capacity to hold a carafe.
Compatible with Keurig Gold Tone Mesh Filter
The Keurig gold tone mesh filter is used to filter the carafe grounds. Because the Keurig K-Elite does not use a carafe, it does not need this filter.
Water Reservoir
Even though the Keurig K-Duo has the carafe, the Keurig K-Elite’s water reservoir is larger. The Keurig K-Elite removable water reservoir can hold up to 75 oz, while the Keurig K-Duo’s water reservoir can only hold 60oz of water.
Smart Start
The Keurig K-Duo removes the wait time from the coffee brewing process. It heats then brews your coffee in one simple process.
Temperature control
The Keurig K-Elite allows you to choose a temperature for your brew from 187 degrees to 192 degrees. This option is not available on the Keurig K-Duo.
Programmable Carafe Auto-Brew
The Keurig K-Duo can be pre-programmed to start brewing coffee. You can pre-program the Keurig K-Duo from up to 24 hours before you are ready for your coffee.
Iced setting
If you are in the mood for an iced beverage, the Keurig K-Elite as an iced beverage feature that you can select for cold brews.
Brewer Maintenance Reminder
To prevent calcium build-up that will affect your machine and taste your coffee, the Keurig K-Elite will remind you when it is time to service the device.
Hot Water on Demand
When you need hot water for other meals such as soups, oatmeal and others, you can get hot water immediately from your Keurig K-Elite. The Keurig K-Duo does not have this option.
What are the similarities?
Brews Multiple Sizes
Both the Keurig K-Elite and the Keurig K-Duo can brew different cup sizes. Both of these coffee makers can make brews up to 12 ounces.
Strong Brew
If you would like to get a potent cup of coffee, all you need to do is select the strong brew option on these coffee makers to get a stronger than normal brew.
Travel mug compatible
The Keurig K-Elite and the Keurig K-Duo are both able to fill up travel mugs. Both accommodate travel mugs that are up to 7″ in height.
Compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
If you have beverages that are not in K-Cups, you don’t have to worry as both the Keurig K-Duo and the Keurig K-Elite are compatible with the My K-cup Universal reusable coffee filter.
Size
These two coffee makers are relatively similar in size. They are around 13″ in height, less than 13′ in width, and almost 13″ Long.
Simple Button Controls
The simple button control of the Keurig K-Elite and the Keurig K-Duo allows for easy operation. Just put in your K-cups or grounds, select your brew size, and then brew your perfect cup.
Brews hot cocoa, tea, iced beverages, and others in addition to coffee
Both the Keurig K-Elite and the Keurig K-Duo are capable of brewing other things than coffee. Any beverage that can fit in the Universal reusable filter or comes in a K-Cup will work.
The Keurig K-Elite is a compact 8lb coffee maker that produces a variety of brews. With the Keurig K-Elite, you have the option of selecting full-flavored iced beverages, a stronger than normal brew, or you can choose the temperature of your brew.
The Keurig K-Elite allows you to brew beverages in different sizes from 4 to 12 oz. These beverages can be coffee, tea, cocoa, ice beverages, or any K-Cup beverage. If you would like to brew your own ground coffee, no problem.

The Keurig K-Elite is compatible with the reusable coffee filter, which allows you to do this. The Keurig K-Elite will be able to provide you with hot water on demand for different meals.
PROS
- Can produce Iced Beverages unlike the K-Duo
- Has a temperature control option that is not available on the K-Duo
- Will remind you to service the machine
CONS
- Does not hold a carafe like the K-Duo
- Cannot be programmed to brew in advance like the K-Duo
FAQ
Can you make tea in a Keurig K-Elite?
Yes, you can make tea, hot cocoa, and other beverages
Can you use your own coffee with a K-Elite?
Yes, it is compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter.
What is the temperature of the brew?
The temperature control option allows you to select between 187-192 degrees Fahrenheit.
This coffee maker appears to be able to do it all. You can brew your favorite beverages from K-cups or grounds to a cup or a carafe with the Keurig K-Duo. The machine has a large 60 oz removable water reservoir that services both the single server and the carafe.

The carafe can hold up to 12 cups of coffee and is paired with a heating plate to keep your brew warm. The heating plate will stay on for 2 hrs after your final carafe brew and then shut off automatically to save energy. You can program your Keurig K-Duo to brew your coffee from up to 24hrs in advance.
If you are brewing to your carafe and cannot wait for a full batch, all you need to do s select the Pause and Pour button. This will give you a 20-second window to pour from the carafe. Since the machine is compatible with the My K-Cup reusable filter, you can brew any beverage that you can fit into it, and in addition to that, it is compatible with any K-Cup.
PROS
- Unlike the K-Elite, you can set your brew time in advance
- Can hold a carafe unlike the K-Elite that cannot
- Can make stronger than regular brews
CONS
- Cannot make iced beverages like the K-Elite
- No temperature like the K-Elite
- Cannot produce Hot water on demand, but the K-Elite can
FAQ
Can I make tea in the Keurig K-Duo?
Yes, you can use teas that are in k-Cups.
What colors are the Keurig K-Duo offered in?
The Keurig K-Duo is only offered in black.
Can I keep the heating plate on for longer than two hours?
You can restart the machine and the press and hold the carafe button for three seconds to turn it on for another two hours.
Conclusion
The Keurig K-Duo and the Keurig K-Elite are two feature-packed coffee makers, but the Keurig K-Elite is slightly better. It has a larger water reservoir that allows it to produce more brews faster, and in addition to that, it can make iced beverages. These are useful features that the Keurig K-Duo cannot match.