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Keurig’s range of coffee machines is impressive and continues to grow all the time. In this article we are reviewing one of the newer products, the K-Select, and looking at how it compares to possibly its most similar competitor from the older range, the K50. Below you will find our review of the Keurig K select vs k50.
Differences between the Keurig K Select and K50
| Model | K50 | K-Select |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 13 x 9.8 x 13.3 in | 12.5 x 9.2 x 11.6 in |
| Type of Compatible Pods | K-cup (licenced and unlicensed) | K-cup (licenced and unlicensed) |
| Per Brew | 6, 8, 10 oz | 6, 8, 10, 12 oz |
| Water Held | 48 oz reservoir | 52 oz reservoir |
| Automatic turn off | Yes | Yes |
| Strength Control | No | Yes |
| Controls | Button controls for starting brew and selecting size. | Also controlled via a button panel. |
| Water filter | No (can be added) | No (can be added) |
| Price | Affordable Check Price | Affordable Check Price |
The K50 is one of the most popular coffee machines made in recent years, but many would argue that it has now been superseded by the Keurig K-Select, a product very similar in terms of size and even cost, but with a few very important additions in terms of functionality.
Neither of these are huge products and whereas a lot of Keurigs are starting to accommodate for large batch brews with their K-Carafes, these are more focused on the single serve coffee that Keurig made its name providing.
Not only is the K-Select newer than the K50, it is definitely superior. Keurig continue to take on feedback and add new features to their coffee machines, and the K-Select is a perfect example of this.
The Keurig K2.0 generation stopped people from using pods not made by Keurig, but it seems the brand have gone back to their roots and just like the 1.0 generation, Keurig are allowing people to use other compatible pods again made by all sorts of different brands.
This frees up your choice and means you don’t have to go back to a 1.0 model to get the benefits of being able to use other pods.
As well as this, the K-Select ties in a lot of the features which have previously been on the more expensive and large models in the market.
A perfect example of this is the strength control function which lets you choose a stronger brew of coffee should you wish. This is something not on offer with the K50.
It also has a much improved design, and looks far more modern and slick. Though this isn’t what we use to judge coffee machines on it is a nice bonus.
With a bigger capacity in the water reservoir, four different brew sizes and the aforementioned brew strength control, the K-Select is a great addition to most kitchens or even workplaces.
Keurig K50 Reviews
The K50 is certainly not a poor option in spite of not being as modern as the K-Select. It has a lot of positive features which have made it one of the top selling Keurigs historically.
Realistically, the K50 is only suitable for single servings, 6 oz, 8 oz and 10 Oz sizes are available. One negative is the fact that it doesn’t have the strength control option that comes with a number of the modern Keurigs and has proved very popular.
We all have our different preferences when it comes to coffee as you can see when you go to a coffee shop, so Keurig have started to try and offer similar options.
PROS
- 48 Oz water reservoir.
- Simple button controls.
- Auto turn-off which is programmable.
- Can also be used for tea, hot chocolate and hot water.
CONS
- Only brews 10 Oz maximum.
- Doesn’t ship with a water filter.
- No strength control function.
Whilst not a bad option it is fair to say that this is a more dated model of Keurig. Being from their 1.0 generation it is natural that it has been replaced with more advanced products and it is fair to say that the K-Select is exactly that. You can also have a look at the more advanced Keurig k55 model.
K-Select Reviews
As already alluded to, these two products are very similar in terms of size, and even in terms of price.
They are well and truly in the middle ground between the elite models of coffee machine and the mini options without a reservoir.
The best features of the K-Select show how the brand is making improvements. It has more room for brewing into travel cups up to 7.4 inches high, and offers some of the more modern features such as strength control.
Design isn’t the priority, but is a nice bonus. This design is available in multiple colors and is even made with materials that don’t leave fingerprint marks. It certainly looks good in your kitchen.
The 52 Oz reservoir is only a tiny difference from the K50 but the extra brew size of 12 Oz is very useful. This is the size a lot of travel mugs come in and it means you can properly fill your cup if you choose.
This also incorporates quiet brew technology which means that in spite of being able to brew in just a minute, it doesn’t make lots of noise in the process. To see ow the K select compares with the more advanced Keurig k55 click here.
PROS
- Strong brew option for more intense flavor.
- Can brew 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz
- 52 oz reservoir for water.
- Compatible with water filters.
- Drip tray cleverly designed so that travel mugs fit.
- Quiet brewing
- Reminder when your product needs to be descaled to avoid limescale build-up.
- Compatible with all K-Cup pods whether made by Keurig or not.
CONS
- Not the biggest brews, no batch brewing or Carafe compatibility.
- Doesn’t ship with water filter.
Conclusion
A lot of the models in the Keurig range are very similar, for instance they may just have one or two extra features or accessories.
These two have clear differences not only in design but features, and it is clear that the K-Select offers more. Unless you can buy the K50 for significantly less, we definitely recommend that you opt for the K-Select for its bigger reservoir, strength control and extra size option.
