When it comes to anything that has to do with coffee, there's always the question of which machine, technique, or brew is better.
After all, your coffee maker should align with your lifestyle, while still offering convenience and a reliably tasty cup each time!
Today, I focus on the age-old conflict: Do we go with instant gratification or steadfast tradition? Keurig or Mr. Coffee?
By the end of this guide, there'll be no doubt as to which coffee maker is right for you.
Keurig Vs Mr. Coffee Machines (Battle Of The Brewers)
So, which coffee model is right for you when it comes to Keurig vs Mr. Coffee?
I will take an in-depth look at each of their features so you have a clear view as to which will be the better option for you and your household.
1. Cost & Warranty
Keurig Machines are significantly more expensive than those from Mr. Coffee, no matter the model you choose.
Mr. Coffee has a wide price range, starting at around $15 and escalating up into the hundreds.
However, that's just one small aspect to consider when looking into the cost of your coffee machine.
The breakdown has been done many times, which shows that using K-cups costs around 2 to 3 times as much as ground coffee per cup.[1]
That means if you or your household is drinking many cups of coffee per day, you could be saving hundreds or even thousands per year by opting for coffee grounds.
Both Keurig and Mr. Coffee have a 1-year warranty, which is average for coffee machines of this build quality.
2. Build Quality & Design
Both brands typically make their models with stainless steel and plastic, though Keurig does have less moving parts.
I found that both are pretty similar in regard to build quality and tend to last around three or so years.
However, I know I'm not alone when I say the Keurig does have a more modern, sleek feel to it. They tend to be more compact, making them perfect for small tables or bars.
The Mr. Coffee doesn't look bad at all, with a very homey, cozy vibe to it.
Keurig single-serve is quite attractive, though, and comes in many unique colors that add aesthetic points to any kitchen or coffee bar.
3. Versatility
When we look at both Mr. Coffee and Keurig’s K-Duo Plus, we see that they’re both able to brew a carafe and single-serve coffee.
This means you can use both ground coffee and coffee pods on either machine.
I love this because I enjoy brewing a pot of coffee for myself (I have a problem) with fresh grounds while still having the option to serve my guests a fresh, single cup of coffee without the wait.
The only real difference between the two is that the carafe feature on the Mr. Coffee only holds up to 10 ounces, while the Keurig brews up to 12.
4. Brewing Speed
When it comes to speed, nothing can really beat Keurig at the moment. When using Mr. Coffee's single-brew feature, it comes close and is very convenient.
However, using the carafe setting with coffee grounds takes a significantly longer time than a cup of coffee from any Keurig.
5. Brew Strength
I know my fellow strong coffee lovers are wondering about this one.
While some Keurig models let you control the brew strength, you still don't have as much control as you would with a Mr. Coffee brewer.
You can choose the grind of your coffee, add more or less to the filter, etc., to ensure it's customized to your preferences, making Mr Coffee a great option.
Not to mention, many let you make espresso-based drinks instead of just drip coffee.
6. Ease Of Use
Traditional coffee brewers aren't difficult to use by any means.
However, measuring out ground coffee, putting a filter in, filling the filter, filling the water, and starting the brew cycle is much more convoluted than just popping in a K-cup pod, ensuring the water reservoir is full, and pressing a button or two.
I have to say that Keurig is the more user-friendly out of the two.
While most people probably understand how to start brewing on regular machines, even someone with no experience could figure out most Keurig machines without any instruction.
7. Maintenance & Cleaning
To be blunt, Keurig machines are a pain to clean - especially if you're someone who is always on the go.
Once the machine alerts you that it needs to be descaled, it could involve pouring a cleaning/vinegar solution in and running cycles for nearly an hour.[2]
Mr Coffee machines obviously need to be cleaned regularly, but it’s much easier and requires less time. You can hand-wash the pot and basket, which literally takes less than a minute.
8. Water Reservoir
This depends quite a bit on the model that you get. Most Keurig and Mr. Coffee machines now come with a removable water reservoir, which is much more convenient and easier to clean.
However, I noticed that Keurig does tend to have slightly larger reservoirs, which means you don’t have to add water as often.
9. Filter Basket
Mr. Coffee makers are the clear winner here, with their filter baskets being reusable and most being dishwasher safe.
Keurig machines have disposable filter baskets, which is obviously less environmentally friendly and also adds up to you spending more money on them than you would with other coffee makers.
10. Temperature
As Keurig can have a drink ready in under two minutes, it's quicker to heat up than the Mr Coffee. However, the difference isn't a big one here.
Mr. Coffee can have your full pot of coffee ready in about five minutes.
Who Should Buy A Keurig?
You should buy a Keurig machine if you find yourself only drinking one cup or two a day, have a very busy lifestyle, and are mainly focused on convenience.
Your coffee maker doesn’t have to make the strongest or most flavorful cup of coffee, but it should make it fast and consistently.
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
Who Are Keurig Machines Best For?
If you have multiple people in your home who all prefer their coffee differently, a single-serve coffee machine like Keurig is perfect.
K-cup pods branch out to drinks in the tea industry, which is nice if you want a change-up from coffee. You can get K-cups for tea and even hot chocolate K-cups.
A Keurig machine is a lifesaver for anyone with a chaotic schedule who doesn’t have time to wait around for a pot of coffee to brew.
Who Should Buy A Mr. Coffee Machine?
You should buy a Mr. Coffee maker if you often use coffee grounds, prefer brewing a whole pot of coffee over single-serve coffee, want to save money, or are environmentally conscious.
Mr. Coffee specializes in entire pot drip coffee brewing but also has single-serve coffee maker models available.
If there are multiple coffee drinkers in your household, or you find yourself drinking multiple cups a day, the brewing capabilities of Mr. Coffee are likely better suited for you.
What I Liked
What I Didn’t Like
Related Keurig Vs Mr. Coffee Questions
Is Mr. Coffee made by Keurig?
Keurig does not own Mr. Coffee. Mr. Coffee is under Newell Brands out of Cleveland, Ohio.[3] However, the brand was the first coffee maker to be compatible with Keurig's K-cups!
What kind of water should I use in my Keurig?
You can use just about any safe water in your Keurig coffee maker, from tap water to purified or high-alkalinity.[4]
Will Keurig work without a K cup?
You can only use a Keurig coffee brewer without a K-cup if your coffee maker has the carafe ability. If yours is a single-serve coffee maker, then you cannot use it without a K-cup.
How many scoops of coffee for Mr. Coffee?
If you're planning on brewing a pot of coffee with your Mr. Coffee coffee maker, try adding 9 tablespoons of coffee grounds to the filter basket. Of course, you may add more or less, depending on if your perfect cup of coffee is stronger or weaker.
How do you make the best coffee with Mr. Coffee?
To make the best coffee with Mr. Coffee makers, try adding 1 scoop for every 6 ounces of water. I recommend only using fresh, good coffee, and regularly cleaning out your coffee maker. A pot makes around 10 to 12 ounces.
How much water do you put in Mr. Coffee?
For your Mr. Coffee coffee maker, remember that a cup of coffee is just 5 ounces. If you're not planning on making more than one cup, you may choose to just fill it to the line (usually 10 or 12 ounces).
Which Brewer Comes Out On Top? (Our Verdict!)
Single-serve coffee makers are all the rage right now, and understandably so.
While both Keurig and Mr. Coffee have models with this option, the latter is more notorious for brewing larger quantities at a time.
However, based on affordability, ease of use, control over flavors, and recyclable accessories, I have to say that Mr. Coffee is the winner here.
Still, if convenience is your number 1 priority, Keurig machines are the better option for you.
References:
- https://money.com/k-cups-price-cost-comparison-coffee/
- https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-clean-a-keurig
- https://www.newellbrands.com/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-the-healthiest-water-to-drink
