Assuming you have decided on Keurig, you will quickly discover that there are over 50 different Keurigs on the market and each has its own merits.
In this article we have a showdown between two, the Keurig K50 vs K200. Many of the models are just updated versions, for instance the K50 had a predecessor, the K40, other models have much more variation in their features.
The K50 and K200 aren’t too far away in price, but have some fairly big differences. This quick summary will give you a good idea of some key differences between the two models.
Differences between the Keurig K50 and K200
| Model | K50 | K200 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 13 x 9.8 x 13.3 in | 9 x 15 x 13.7 in |
| Type of Compatible Pods | K-Cup | K-cup, mug or carafe |
| Per Brew | 6-10 oz. | 4-30 oz. |
| Water Held | 48 oz reservoir | 40 oz reservoir |
| Automatic Turnoff | Yes | No |
| Water Filter Reminder | No | Yes |
| Controls | Button Panel to control Brew Size and Power. LED lights to show when water needs replacing and descaling, Heat indicator. | Touch Screen to control drink type (coffee or other hot drink), choose between cup and carafe, brew size and strength. Displays when water filter needs changing and also when water is low. |
| Price | Low Range Check Price | Mid-Range Check Price |
Coffee lovers all tend to have their own preferences and it is likely that one will suit your needs better than the other depending on which size of coffee you like to make, pod capacity and controls.
In the case of the K50 and the K200, which pods are compatible will probably play a part, and whether you can use unlicensed pods or different K-Cup sizes is all explored in the individual reviews below.
Of the two, if we’re looking at features alone, the K200 is our recommendation.
As well as having a more modern design and controls via a touch panel, the K200 has the ability to make larger amounts of coffee including Carafes up to 30 Oz, great for those who regularly make batches of coffee for groups such as in a workplace.
It can also take the K-Mug pods which provide a larger single-serve coffee, it even has strength control, allowing you to set it to make a stronger coffee if you wish.
It is slightly larger than the K50 and the weight is almost exactly the same. You will pay more for the extra features, but for those who love coffee the K200 may well be the best option. You can also have a look at our comparisons of their modern counterparts the Keurig k55 and the k250 models.
Keurig K50 Reviews
Although we have already recommended the K200, that isn’t to say that the K50 doesn’t have its merits, and it could even be the best choice for you depending on what you’re looking for.
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The K50 is from the Keurig 1.0 range and works with both licensed and unlicensed K-Cups, you can also use reusable K Cups.
The K50 is suitable for single cups, and as such takes only the ‘K-Cup’ pods. As the range has expanded, Keurigs offer K-Mug options for larger individual servings, and K-Carafe for batch coffee, but these will not work with a K50.
It does not come with a water filter, which is something many modern Keurigs do, but one can be purchased and attached at a later date.
Of course one big plus point is the price and a lot of people are looking for a good, budget Keurig machine.
This could be the answer if you just want something affordable for a simple cup of coffee and aren’t too worried about larger batches of coffee.
PROS
- Large capacity, this can have up to 48 Oz reserve of water which means less refilling.
- One of the most affordable Keurig models available.
- Easy controls via a button interface.
- Automatically detects when it isn’t needed and turns itself off.
- Always ready, the K50 can make a cup of hot coffee within 60 seconds of being turned on.
- Can brew a variety of different hot drinks including tea and hot chocolate.
CONS
- Only compatible with the traditional K-Cup pods, not the K-Mug or K-Carafe.
- Can only brew between 6 and 10 Oz at a time. No batch brewing.
- Doesn’t come with water filter.
If you are a coffee drinker who is content with just one medium sized cup of coffee at a time and aren’t worried by the touch screen, plus if you want an option that is better for your budget, the K50 could be a great choice in spite of not having quite as many features.
Keurig K200 Reviews
The K200 has a more modern feel to it, mainly due to the touch screen control. On top of this, it makes much larger amounts at any one time, so is wonderful for groups of people sharing a coffee!
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This can also do the job for one cup at a time and has a lot of flexibility, making it one of the more popular Keurig models.
The ‘strong’ mode included also serves to make a stronger cup of coffee, giving you that extra choice to suit your coffee to your own tastes.
It is worth mentioning that this product is from the 2.0 range of Keurigs and, as such, is only compatible with licensed K-Cups and pods. You can use a reusable cup, but it has to be Keurig’s own “My K-Cup” model.
PROS
- Make up to 30 Oz of coffee at a time in Carafe mode.
- Touch screen control.
- Strength control to choose how strong you want your drink.
- Comes with a charcoal filter to improve the water quality and also reduce the chance of coffee impurities and variations.
- Water filter reminder when you require a refill.
CONS
- Carafe not included, you will have to buy one for using this mode.
- Doesn’t have as big a water reservoir as the K50 which has 48 oz.
- More expensive than a lot of other models.
- Doesn’t have automatic switch-off when not in use.
It can make a huge range of other drinks including hot chocolates, teas and some speciality flavored coffees depending on the K-Cups you can get.
You can also use a refillable cup easily with the K200 which means you can use your own ground coffee.
Without wanting to confuse things further, there is another model in the Keurig range which is similar. The K250, which is slightly upgraded on the K200, has some more modern features.
Conclusion
With any coffee maker comparison, there isn’t going to be a clear ‘winner’ for which is better. Of course, we can easily turn it into a straight shootout and tell you that the K200’s features are better, which they definitely are.
In spite of this, it still may be the case that you are looking for a simpler, more affordable product, in which case you may opt for the K50.
This is a ‘horses for courses’ scenario and you need to consider exactly what you need before deciding which works for you.
