Coffee lovers like me are passionate about Keurig machines that offer them a reliable, easy way to get their fix.
This coffee machine uses single-serving coffee pods known as K-cup pods, so you don't have to deal with waiting around for a whole pot to brew!
However, these coffee makers come in many different models, with the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 being some of the most popular.
When I first started looking into an upgrade, I couldn't quite tell the difference. A higher number version is always better, right? And what is all this controversy I was hearing about?
I now have all the details so you can know exactly what sets Keurig 1.0 and Keurig 2.0 apart.
Keurig 1.0 Vs 2.0: Similarities & Differences Explained
1. Overall Design & K-Cup Differences
I'd say both Keurig coffee makers look good. However, the Keurig 2.0 does look a bit more modern than the classic Keurig 1.0.
The 2.0 has a slightly more sleek design, coming in a variety of colors to suit your kitchen perfectly. Despite the slim design, though, it doesn't lack in functionality.
One of the main differences in Keurig 2.0 vs 1.0 is the K-cup compatibility.
All the Keurig brewers use K-cup pods for brewing, though the Keurig 2.0 does not accept third-party coffee pods (you can only use Keurig brands).
Keurig 1.0 accepts all kinds of K-cup pods, even if they are third-party pods.
The 2.0 does not work with non-brand coffee pods as it uses “pod scanning technology” to determine whether they’re K-carafe pods or regular K-cups.
2. Pod Types: Reusable Pods & Compatibility
I’m a bit biased as I really enjoy using fresh coffee grounds in the reusable coffee pods, which you’re not able to do with the Keurig 2.0.
Many of the universal filters and reusable My K-Cups do not fit, but there is a special Keurig 2.0 reusable K-cup you can purchase.
It also accepts K-mug pods and K-carafe pods, which the 1.0 does not.
3. Keurig Got In Trouble With This Change!
Needless to say, this strategy prohibiting the use of third-party pods was not a popular one amongst consumers.
They faced a ton of backlash by limiting the drinks Keurig brewers could make.
Consumers could no longer use the same K-cups, so if you hadn't used them, you had to drink those K-cups before making the switch to the Keurig 2.0.
You may have also been like me and confused about what you could and couldn't buy while in the store, adding to the frustration!
This is easily the biggest difference between the two models and is likely why the Keurig 2.0 was ultimately discontinued.
4. Water Reservoirs
Each model has a removable water reservoir, though the Keurig 1.0 brewer is significantly smaller than the Keurig 2.0.
The 1.0 holds 48 ounces, while the 2.0 can hold up to 70-80 ounces!
This larger water capacity is perfect if you’re entertaining bigger groups, want to brew a carafe, or simply have a bigger coffee addiction.
You don’t have to fill the water reservoir as often, which is a nice little convenience.
5. Ease of Use & Control Features
To be honest, the Keurig 1.0 couldn’t be easier to use. You can have a cup of coffee brewing with just one push of a button.
In terms of user friendliness, I don’t know how they could possibly simplify it more.
However, with the Keurig 2.0, you do have a lot more customization options and control over your brew, including adjustable carafe settings.
The model's strength control setting, or the Keurig strong button, lets you select how strong each cup is, so everyone's tastes are satisfied.
You can even control the temperature of the water if you don't want to wait for it to cool down to start sipping!
Not to mention, it has a cool touch screen that's intuitive for just about anyone already used to using smartphones and tablets.
With the Keurig 1.0, you can brew 6, 8, and 10 ounces of coffee at once. With the Keurig 2.0, you can brew from 6 to 12-ounce cups, a travel mug, and a 4-cup carafe.
You can also save specific brew and temperature settings so your favorite drink is already ready to go at a moment's notice!
Take advantage of the Keurig auto-brew time setting, and it will start making your coffee automatically, so you have a cup ready by the time you wake up! How's that for an alarm clock?
6. Brew Quality
With Keurig coffee makers, you don’t have to worry about the brew quality, regardless of the model. You just pop in a K-cup, brew the coffee, and you’re ready to go.
However, the Keurig 2.0 definitely allows for more control over the strength and temperature of the brew. This can create a tastier drink for coffee enthusiasts.[1]
Both the 1.0 and 2.0 are of average durability and will last 3-5 years, depending on usage and how often well you maintain the machine.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance
If you're always on the go and don't have much time to wait around for your coffee, you may not pay attention to the regular cleaning of your Keurig coffee maker.
With the Keurig 2.0, this isn't a big deal, as the digital touch screen lets you know when it needs to run a cleaning cycle.
This cleaning is done automatically, so you don't even have to go out of your way to do so.
With the Keurig 1.0, you also get a cleaning indicator, but it’s not done automatically.
Who Should Buy A Keurig 1.0? (Benefits & Drawbacks)
Pros
Some people just don't want all the bells and whistles. They want something simplistic and straightforward, with no learning curve.
Not to mention, the Keurig 1.0 offers you a greater choice in coffee pods as you aren't limited to just specific brand name K-cups.
You can choose to use ground coffee in the reusable pods, too. The unit is quite affordable, and the button interface will likely hold up longer than a touchscreen.
Cons
The Keurig 1.0 coffee maker has a slightly bulkier design, which may not be ideal if you are tight on counter space already.
It has minimal features when it comes to customizing your brew strength, size, and temperature, too.
The manual cleaning does mean you'll have to take time to keep things running properly, but no more than regular coffee machines.
Who Would Prefer A Keurig 1.0 Model?
The Keurig 1.0 is best for those who like to brew coffee at home by grinding their own beans or using the same Keurig K-cups that have always been available.
Who Should Buy A Keurig 2.0? (Benefits & Drawbacks)
Pros
These slim and sleek brewers are perfect for the average coffee enthusiast.
The removable drip tray and water reservoir make it very easy to clean, with a great power-saving feature that turns it off after 90 seconds.
I can't tell you enough how much I've benefited from the programmable features.
The automatic cleaning function and automatic brew function are ideal if you have a busy schedule, and who doesn't love waking up to a freshly-brewed cup of coffee?
The large capacity offers more brew sizes and is perfect for serving many people at a time. The coffee strength control and temperature control make for a delicious beverage every single cup.
No more drinking "coffee water" when you can use these additional features to create a more concentrated drink with rich flavors.
Cons
The Keurig 2.0 is more expensive than the Keurig 1.0 and does not work with third-party K-cups (or those that accept freshly-ground coffee).
Avid coffee drinkers may be turned off by this feature of the single-serve brewer. Fresh coffee grounds offer tons of health and eco benefits, so it's worth considering.[2]
Who is This Product Suitable For?
Keurig 2.0 is a great model for those who have a big family, often host parties or want more control over the brewing process.
You get to choose the temperature of the hot water and can relax with the automatic brewing feature that will have coffee drinks ready for you without even having to be in the same room.
This one can't be beat if you drink coffee in large quantities.
History Of Keurig Coffee Makers
I didn’t personally hear about Keurig until around maybe 2007 or so, so I was surprised when I heard that the company had been around since the late 90s![3]
College roommates John Sylvan and Peter Dragone worked collaboratively to solve the timeless issue of office coffee.
For decades, office workers had to suffer through drinking the stale, bitter coffee that was left sitting on the burner all day long.
How could they ensure coffee stayed fresh, no matter the time of day?
By creating single-serve coffee makers, no coffee would go to waste or have to be chugged down.
Understandably, they first released commercial models. After the incredible success of those, they followed it up with a coffee maker model for home use.
How Exactly Does The Keurig Machine Work?
The coffee maker shoots pressurized hot water through the coffee grounds contained in K-cups.
As each K-cup comes premeasured with a certain amount of coffee grounds, consistency is never an issue.
The top foil of the pod is punctured by a little metal point in the machine, which lets this hot water in, while the bottom is punctured to allow the coffee to flow through and into your cup!
We also recently came to realize that single-use coffee pods aren’t nearly as wasteful as originally thought.[4]
Our Top Picks In Each Keurig Category!
Once you decide between the Keurig 1.0 and the Keurig 2.0, there are still plenty of models to narrow down your final choice.
Here's a quick guide to my favorite in each category, and my favorite features.
Keurig K-Classic K-50 (1.0)
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker (2.0)
What Are Some Good Keurig Machine Alternatives?
There are plenty of coffee brewers out there that don’t require K-cups or the Keurig brand name. However, some of these coffee makers are actually compatible with K-cups, which is pretty cool.
The Nespresso Vertuo uses a patented Centrifusion tech that makes everything from espresso-based drinks to a regular cup of coffee.
I love the Breville-Nespresso Essenza Mini, which boasts a very affordable price, offers 2 cup sizes, and makes espresso and lungo drinks.
However, you could ramp things up with their USA Creatista, which is a more advanced coffee machine that completely replaces that local coffee shop visit.
It makes other drinks like cappuccino, latte, flat white, and so on.
The additional features are impressive, and if you like milk-and-coffee-based drinks, it can't be beat for the price and versatility.
Not to mention the beautiful elegant appearance that will look great in any kitchen or coffee bar.
Related Keurig 1.0 Vs 2.0 Questions
How many versions of Keurig are there?
There are currently 24 in-production Keurig coffee makers.
Will there be a Keurig 3.0?
Keurig does continue making new coffee maker models but has not released any information about a Keurig 3.0 at this point.
When was Keurig 2.0 released?
The Keurig 2.0 was released in the fall of 2014, which was also the release of the brewing pods scan tech.
Why is the Keurig 2.0 so expensive?
The streamlined design definitely makes the Keurig 2.0 more expensive, along with the more advanced touchscreen technology and pod-scanning.
How long should a Keurig 1.0 last?
Each Keurig 1.0 coffee maker comes with a 1-year warranty, but you can expect the 2.0 to last around 3 to 5 years. Most Keurig brewers last 3 years, in my experience.
How long should a Keurig 2.0 last?
The Keurig 2.0 usually lasts around the same amount of time as a 1.0. It may last even longer due to the more advanced cleaning and maintenance settings, even.
Can you adjust Keurig 2.0 temperature?
Yes, you can adjust the Keurig 2.0 temperature when brewing coffee! The robust brewing controls offer a tastier drink at a more affordable price, so you don’t have to empty your wallet for a good cup of coffee.
Which Keurig Model Comes Out On Top?
While both the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 have a lot to offer, the Keurig 2.0 does come out on top - UNLESS the only pods you use are third-party ones.
The Keurig 2.0 is perfect for making travel mugs and carafes of delicious coffee in your favorite flavor.
It has more customization options than most coffee machines, and cleaning is simple with the removable drip tray and water reservoir.
Overall, if you're looking for a convenient, good cup of coffee, both the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 are fantastic options.
References:
- https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/keurig-coffee-4-tips-to-make-it-taste-better/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/uses-for-coffee-grounds
- https://www.keurig.com/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/01/18/coffee-pods-sustainability-environmental-impact/
