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Keurig K50 vs. K55: Why the Advanced Model is Worth It

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Updated June 22, 2020

The best Keurig coffee maker is very popular. Looking for a great single-use Keurig coffeemaker for your home or office? If you don’t mind investing in pods, then most people would suggest a Keurig model. You can also check out the best coffee pods to learn more. The problem, in our opinion, is deciding between the Keurig K50 vs. K55.

These two are the most popular, best-selling Keurig models; the K50 and the K55 “Classic”. These two models have a lot of similarities, but what are the important differences? Let’s take a look at several key comparisons to help you make up your mind and learn more about these Keurig Models.  With your breakfast covered, you’ll just need the best pasta maker for the perfect lunch.

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve,…
Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker, Black
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve,...
Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker, Black
$129.99
$159.50
Auto Descaling
Reservoir Size
48oz
48oz
Brew Sizes
6, 8, 10 oz.
6, 8, 10 oz.
Auto Off
Two Water Filters
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve,…
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve,...
$129.99
Auto Descaling
Reservoir Size
48oz
Brew Sizes
6, 8, 10 oz.
Auto Off
Two Water Filters
Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker, Black
Keurig K50 The All Purposed Coffee Maker, Black
$159.50
Auto Descaling
Reservoir Size
48oz
Brew Sizes
6, 8, 10 oz.
Auto Off
Two Water Filters

First, The K50 and K55 Similarities

Both Keurig machines are single serve options with water reservoirs that can hold 48 ounces and options for 6, 8 and 10-ounce pours. Or, if you’d rather have a latte in the morning, take a look at our Krups xp5280 Espresso machine review too.

They both offer auto-on controls, high altitude settings, and compatibility with the same coffee pods (K-Cups are preferred, but unlicensed versions of K-Cups will also fit these machines). Both prep and pour a cup of coffee in about the same amount of time, and neither natively makes stronger coffee than the other.

In fact, with their jet black design, they look remarkably alike too, since the Keurig K55 is primarily an updated K50 model. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily better in every way.

K50 and K55 Controls

Both the K50 and K55 offer the same basic options for turning on and choosing your pour size (no customized temperature control here), so the controls are also more or less the same.

However, this is one of those times where the updated design of the K55, while still quite similar to the K50, improves the coffee-making experience.

The buttons on the K55 are just a bit better designed, with smoother functionality. No one gets up in the morning looking forward to pressing a button on the coffeemaker, but it is a slightly more enjoyable experience on the K55.

Durability of the Keurigs

You might expect the K55 to be the more durable model since it has updated materials. But here’s the thing: Keurig durability depends almost entirely on maintenance and how well you take care of it.

The most likely problem is scale build-up from repeated use. This scale can be cleaned by running a vinegar solution through the Keurig, but you have to do it regularly (every several months or so is a good idea).

You can also clean the removable drip tray regularly.  The durability of inside parts doesn’t matter in this situation and isn’t something to be worried about with proper maintenance and cleaning.

Descaling the K50 or K55

Since we just mentioned scale issues, let’s talk briefly about descaling options (there’s not significant water filter built into the unit).

The K50 has no descaling control at all so you have to do it manually – in this case, that simply means commanding the machine to pour cups of vinegar solution so that you can run a tank or two of cleaner through the system, followed by pure water to rinse everything out.

The K55, on the other hand, does have an auto-descaling process, but you still have pour descaling agent and handle most of the work. However, if you’ve never descaled before, the K55 is better at holding your hand while you work it out.

K50 vs K55 Specs

 Keurig K50Keurig K55
Display TypeButtons onlyButtons only
Pouring Options6, 8, and 10 ounce6, 8, and 10 ounce
Reservoir Size48 ounces48 ounces
DescalingNoAuto-descaling included
Height14 inches15 inches
Weight7.6 pounds12 pounds
Check Price
Check Price

The weight of the K50 and K55

Weight is a surprising spec where the two coffeemakers differ significantly. Despite being roughly the same size and with a similar design, the K55 is made with different materials and construction that make it heavier.

The K50 is only 7.6 pounds, while the K55 is 12 pounds. That makes the K55 more difficult to move around, which may be a factor if you need a highly mobile coffeemaker.

Using Keurig
Maintenance is an important consideration for any Keurig.

Keurig Energy Efficiency

Keurig touts the K55 as having an energy efficiency boost, which means that it probably uses less electricity for heating and pouring than the K50.

Keep in mind, we are talking about coffee makers, not furnace units, so the amount of energy this saves remains…minor. But every little bit helps, and if you care how green your coffeemaker is, check out the K55.

Price Points of Both Models

Both the K50 and the K55 have an MSRP of $100 and can be found for $89.99. However, the K55 model tends to have better availability, which means that in some cases – like on Amazon – you can only find the K50 for a higher price. This gives the K55 a small edge.

Final thoughts

The K55 is almost always the better choice in coffee machines. The exception may be if you are frequently moving a coffeemaker from place to place, perhaps as a catering component or event setup. In that case, the lighter K50 may be easier to move around.