The 5 best Keurig coffee makers of 2026

The Keurig K-Elite is an upgraded and slightly more expensive version of our previous top pick, the K-Classic. We think the additional settings and larger water tank are worth the extra cost. Plus, we've tracked the prices of both models over the last year and found that the K-Elite is almost never at full price, making it much more comparable to the K-Classic.

The upgraded version of the K-Mini is the K-Mini Plus, which also includes strength control, the ability to fit a travel mug, and pod storage. But we didn't find that these extras were compelling enough to make up for the bump in price: a nearly 20% increase between the K-Mini and the K-Mini Plus. Those wanting a machine with more options are better off looking at a more comprehensive machine, like some of the other best Keurigs we've highlighted below.

The programmable setting lets coffee lovers set their preferences up to 24 hours in advance, so coffee is ready first thing in the morning. An energy-saving feature shuts the machine off after five minutes. Ultimately, the Duo is a great medium-sized coffee machine for families in smaller homes or apartment living.

Read our full Keurig K-Duo review to learn more.

The machine can make four coffee sizes and two espresso shots to facilitate drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced beverages. Brew strength can also be completely customized via a 5-setting system. A built-in milk frother streamlines the entire process, making it even easier to produce coffeehouse-style drinks in the privacy of your own (WiFi-enabled) home. WiFi is both Android- and iPhone-compatible.

The machine's removable drip tray can accommodate a 7-inch tall ice tumbler or travel mug, ideal for those looking to take their hot or iced drink on the go. The machine is also compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Coffee Filter, so you can use it with your favorite ground coffee.

Features: Keurig machines are full of extras, but some of the most important features to look for include the cup sizes for brewing, the styles of coffee the machine makes, programmable buttons, and energy-saving power controls. "I personally find that the Keurig machines that allow you to control the brew volume and/or temperature are fantastic for getting the best-tasting coffee," Meister says. The SMART line of machines, she says, is an example of machines that offer this level of control. 

Capacity: The best Keurigs we recommend range in water reservoir capacity from 42 to 60 ounces, aside from the K-Mini, which needs to be refilled every time. The 42-ounce reservoir is enough to produce four cups of coffee without refilling the tank. Larger households may require machines with larger-capacity water reservoirs.

Brewing style: Although Keurig is best known for its pod-style brewing, some machines are also compatible with ground coffee and can be used with a traditional coffee filter. Additionally, several models we recommend have stronger brewing settings, which are great for coffee aficionados who prefer to control the strength of their brew.

To descale a Keurig machine, turn the machine off, empty the water reservoir, and remove any filters. Add a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to the reservoir and run a cycle through the machine, allowing it to drain into a cup. After the cycle runs, clean the machine again by running three cycles of water to remove any residual vinegar taste. Keurig recommends descaling your machine every three to six months, depending on how regularly you use it.

"Scale is a buildup of mineral deposits that naturally occur in most tap water, like magnesium and calcium," Meister says. When water is boiled, the deposits stay behind, building up and clogging water lines in the machine. "This can cause lower-quality brews, machine malfunction, and even permanent damage to the equipment."  

Can I use regular K-Cups in all Keurigs? 

All Keurig models now use the same type of pods, and coffee drinkers can choose between hundreds of different types of the best K-Cup coffee and other beverages. If you own multiple Keurigs, pods can be used across machines. (The best Nespresso machines, for example, take different pods depending on which line the machine is from.)

If you prefer a reusable option, Meister says, Keurig offers the My K-Cup Filter, which is compatible with most models. "You can fill it with your own ground coffee and use it over and over," she says. "Standard K-Cup pods are only more recently recyclable, and only in certain places, so the reusable filter also feels good from a waste-reduction standpoint." 

Can I reuse K-Cups? 

K-Cups cannot be reused. These specialized cups contain just enough grounds for a single cup of coffee, so using them more than once would produce a weaker and entirely less delicious beverage. You can try the My K-Cup Universal Filter and fill it with your own ground coffee to reduce plastic waste.