REASONS TO BUY
Brews pods and ground coffee
Detachable water tank
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor water distribution
Weak coffee
Confusing interface
Keurig K-Duo Review
Access the convience of pod brewing or drip coffee making with this convertable-style brewer
Credit: Keurig
RELATED: Best Coffee Makers of 2023
Our Verdict
If you cannot choose between a pod-brewer or a drip coffee maker, the Keurig K-Duo gives you the flexibility to do both. However, we found the brew quality is compromised in this convertible brewer. Proper brew temperature and effective water distribution are key elements in preparing a good cup of coffee. The K-Duo does not reach the industry standard for water temperature, nor is it capable of an even water distribution from its spray head. This brewer makes subpar coffee at a high price.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Keurig K-Duo | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $190 List $151.65 at Amazon | $75 List $69.99 at Amazon | $100 List $99.93 at Amazon | $40 List $32.99 at Amazon | $160 List $149.25 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Brews pods and ground coffee, detachable water tank | Easy cleaning, simple design, can use pods | Large brew capacity range, good water distribution, coffee filter included | Inexpensive, automatic brew feature | Easy to use, almost no cleaning, barcode reader, water tank swivels |
| Cons | Poor water distribution, weak coffee, confusing interface | Small water tank opening, fill to brew volume | Bulky, confusing interface | Hard to fill, bulky | Pods are expensive, requires specific pod, lacks brew quality |
| Bottom Line | Access the convience of pod brewing or drip coffee making with this convertable-style brewer | The combination of features and affordability make this a great budget option | A great option for coffee drinkers looking to brew larger batches of coffee | The most affordable and straightforward coffee maker that consistently brews decent coffee | An excellent choice for those who appreciate an appliance with single-button simplicity |
| Rating Categories | Keurig K-Duo | Hamilton Beach 2-Way | Cuisinart 14-Cup Pr... | Black+Decker 12-Cup... | Nespresso VertuoPlus |
| Brew Quality (35%) | |||||
| User Friendliness (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (20%) | |||||
| Consistency (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Keurig K-Duo | Hamilton Beach 2-Way | Cuisinart 14-Cup Pr... | Black+Decker 12-Cup... | Nespresso VertuoPlus |
| Cup Capacity | 12 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 1 |
| Single Serve | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Automatic Brewing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brew Temp | 160 °F | 166 °F | 177 °F | 162 °F | 168 °F |
| Preinfusion | No | No | No | No | Yes, not adjustable |
| Filter Shape | Flat, pod | Flat | Cone | Flat | Pod |
| Energy Usage | 1470 watts | 950 watts | 1050 watts | 975 watts | 1350 watts |
| Measured Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13" x 11" x 12.8" | 13.9" x 12.2" x 11.1" | 14" x 8" x 9" | 8.2" x 12.2" x 11" | 12.8" x 8.7" x 12.7" |
| Measured Weight | 10.7 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 4.8 lbs | 10.1 lbs |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Above all else, the Keurig K-Duo provides the flexibility to brew with pods or ground coffee. However, brew quality is compromised in this convertible model. We were disappointed that the Duo seemed to underperform in most metrics compared to the best coffee makers in our lineup. However, we did find that it was just slightly above average in its ease of use, although it should be noted that one must read the manual thoroughly before diving in headfirst.
Performance Comparison
The Keurig K-Duo convertible brewer with the option of the pod or batch brewing.
Credit: Laura Casner
Brew Quality
The flexibility of brewing with the K-Duo means you do not have to choose between a pod brewer or drip brewer, and it does both. The Keurig K-Duo brews at the default temperature of 179 degrees. This temperature is much lower than the industry standard. Precise brewing temperature is essential for proper extraction and cup quality. Equally as important is an even water distribution. After examining the brew basket post-brewing, the grounds appear to be pulled inward and away from the side of the brew basket. Without pre-infusion or an effective spray head, the K-Duo cannot produce an even saturation or, otherwise — a decent cup of coffee.
Unfortunately, the K-Duo spray head does not do an effective job of evenly saturating the coffee.
Credit: Laura Casner
User Friendliness
Pod-style brewers are typically easy to use; however, we found the interface of this brewer quite confusing. The Keurig K-Duo is programmable and even makes an adjustment for high altitude brewing. Additional features include a strong brew button, pause & pour, and a brew & pause setting that actually stops the brewing process. If you brew an entire pot of coffee, you can take your time drinking it because the K-Duo efficiently keeps your coffee warm even two hours after brewing.
The Keurig-Duo interface is slightly confusing at first.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ease of Cleaning
Generally, pod brewers are easy to clean and keep clean. However, the K-Duo isn't the best. Unlike some other coffee makers, none of the Keurig K-Duo components are dishwasher safe. The brew filter is easy to rinse and clean but the carafe and filter basket need to be cleaned by hand. The pour assists on the carafe also limit accessibility for cleaning. Cleaning the outside of the K-Duo is straightforward at least. The smooth and dark exterior hides fingerprints and is super easy to wipe clean.
Without any difficult little crevices, the K-Duo is straightforward to wipe down.
Credit: Laura Casner
Consistency
The K-Duo did not do well when it came to consistency. Our testing shows that this coffee maker is not designed to brew multiple batches of coffee consecutively. This brewer could satisfy a single person or a household that does not consume more than one pot a day. The Keurig K-Duo is not capable of back-to-back brewing without significantly losing water temperature. If you are making multiple batches of coffee in the morning, give the brewer some time to warm back up between brews.
To test the consistency of the K-Duo brewer we consecutively brewed five batches of coffee and measured the results.
Credit: Laura Casner
Value
The Keurig K-Duo is quite pricey. If cost suggested quality, then we could justify buying this machine. However, due to the low quality of coffee made with this brewer, we suggest looking at some of the other top-rated coffee makers in the review.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
The Keurig K-Duo provides the convenience of a pod brewer or drip coffee maker in one appliance. However, K-Duo lacks the temperatures and proper water distribution required to brew great coffee. This model makes below-average coffee at a high price. If you are looking for a convertible brewer with better cup quality, we suggest looking at other higher-quality coffee makers in our review.
—
Liz Nelson
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