SUMMARY: Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus Single
- Great entry-level machine with perfect combination of features
- Affordable, Simple to use and eco-friendly
- Made of durable materials, Compact and elegant design
This Keurig is beautiful, but beyond it’s beauty is it functions flawlessly. The coffee maker is super easy to use and makes a great cup of coffee. – Steve H
Are you thinking of buying a Keurig coffee maker but wondering if the K200 is the one for you? With so many on the market, it’s hard to know which one has that perfect combination of features. Our Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus review will walk you through the pros and cons of this compact entry-level brewer so that you can trust that you’re making an informed decision.
A Quick Review of the Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus
The Keurig K200 plus is a great entry-level machine, with a variety of useful features packed into a small footprint at a low price point. This practical little coffee maker can brew 4, 6, 8, and 10-ounce cups as well as 30-ounce K-carafes, and the brew strength is adjustable for when you need that extra jolt. It also has a special mode for brewing hot chocolate and can deliver a beautiful cup of tea.
Keurig machines, designed for K-cups, were conceived to be quick and easy to use, and this one is no exception.
As with Keurig’s whole 2.0 line, this machine requires you to purchase specific compatible pods. Although there are now over 100 flavor options, not all consumers appreciate this limitation, and the 2.0 pods might cost you more than your favorite discount brand. Of course, using the My K-cup with fresh coffee grounds is always an option.
Pros:
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Customizable drink options
- Small footprint
- Large water reservoir
Cons:
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Slower than other Keurig’s
- No power-off mode
- Plastic construction
Full Review of the Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus
Brewing – 4/5
Keurig’s 2.0 line was released to meet the demands of consumers who felt some features were lacking in the previous models, including more control over brewing strength and the ability to brew larger cup sizes and carafes. Despite being an entry-level machine, the Keurig K200 has addressed both issues.
It can make four brew sizes of single-serve coffee (4, 6, 8, and 10 oz) and can accommodate K-carafe pods, designed for brewing 30-ounce carafes. At 40 ounces, the water reservoir is surprisingly large for such a compact machine, convenient for brewing carafes or multiple cups in a row. Note that, to brew carafes, you will have to purchase the Keurig brand carafe separately, so adjust your budget accordingly.
You can choose between two brewing strengths, regular and strong, and there is a special mode for brewing hot cocoa. With the variety of available K-cup pods, you can also brew hot cider, tea, and even cold beverages like lemonade. Brewing temperature is nonadjustable, and hot drinks register about 180 F.
This machine also comes with a water filter, an excellent addition for such a value-priced product. Purified water keeps your machine cleaner and gives you better-tasting coffee (1). A sensor even lets you know when your filter needs replacing.
User-Friendliness – 4.5/5
Keurig has built its brand on being user-friendly, and the K200 certainly fits the bill. The 2-inch touch screen display is easy to navigate, and brewing is as simple as inserting the K-cup and choosing your brew strength.
The Keurig K200 has a small footprint, measuring 15″ x 9″ x 13.7″, and it comes in a variety of fun colors so that it will fit nicely in nearly any home or office kitchen.
Cleaning is equally straightforward. Using K-cup pods means there is a minimal mess, with no dry coffee grounds to spill or used grounds to discard.
The only maintenance unique to Keurig models is cleaning the needle that pierces the pods. However, a special tool is included for this purpose, making it as quick and easy as the rest. Clearly, like all coffee makers, you’ll need to descale this one on occasion. But, to make things even more convenient, the K200 lets you know when that is required.
Energy Efficiency – 3/5
As a general rule, single-serve coffee makers like Keurigs are energy efficient, as they heat and brew very quickly. This one clocks a little slower than the older models, taking about two minutes to brew versus one minute in previous versions. Also, the time to heat the water varies from one to three minutes, depending on how large a coffee you’re making. Overall, it’s still speedy compared to a drip coffee maker, even at the carafe size.
According to the company, Keurig home brewers use the most power during the initial start-up. (2)
When heating for the first time after being off, peak usage is 1,500 watts. (…) While idle and not maintaining heat, the brewer will use the average electricity of a 60 watt light bulb.
Keurig
Truthfully, K200 loses a point here, as it doesn’t have an auto shut-off feature like some of the pricier options. Still, a lack of shut-off feature won’t increase power consumption, as long as you don’t forget to turn it off after brewing.
Value – 4/5
Keurig K200 price is very reasonable. While it may not be the fanciest machine available, the value for money is undeniable. It’s built of plastic but is very durable as its straightforward design and smooth operation leave very little to break.
If you don’t want to use a reusable K-cup, you will have to factor in the cost of the mandatory 2.0 version K-cups, or you can turn to the internet for a simple work-around (3). If you plan on using this machine to brew carafes, bear in mind that the carafe is sold separately and will increase the upfront cost.
Is this really for you?
This machine is great if you’re looking for an affordable pod-style coffee machine that can brew more than a single serving. The 40-ounce water tank and the ability to brew K-carafes while maintaining a small footprint are the main highlights of the K200.
It’s also an excellent buy if you want to use your coffee machine for more than just a cup of coffee. For such a value-priced machine, it is well-equipped with features, like a special hot chocolate mode, a hot water dispenser, and a cold brew option.
If you want variety, consider the Keurig K-Cafe. This model delivers concentrated shots of coffee to use in your favorite espresso drinks.
Don’t buy this IF…
One of the premium features of this machine is the ability to brew K-carafes. If you’re looking for a compact machine to make single-serve coffees, an inexpensive option like the K15 might fit the bill. Read our Keurig Mini K15 review. Or you can also check our Keurig K50 vs K55 review.
Nor is this machine the best choice if you’re looking for a lot of control over brewing. You can only choose between two brew strengths, and you can’t adjust brewing temperature or factor in altitude. If these Keurig 2.0 features are essential, this coffee maker might be more to your liking.
The Bottom Line
The Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus single-serve coffee maker delivers a lot of bang for your buck. While not the fanciest Keurig on the market, this entry-level machine sports several useful features and produces a beautiful tasting cup or carafe of coffee. All this while fitting comfortably in any small kitchen.
Whether you want a strong dark roast or a toasty mug of hot cocoa, the Keurig K200 will deliver with the ease and convenience for which Keurig is known. Plus, its price is quite hard to beat.
- What Kind of Water Makes the Best Tasting Coffee? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.purewaterproducts.com/articles/water-and-coffee
- How much power does the brewer use? (2017, June 28). Retrieved from http://support.keurig.com/article?id=kA036000000CJgY
- Rachel. (2019, March 19). Top Four Ways to Hack Your Keurig 2.0. Retrieved from https://www.mashupmom.com/top-four-ways-to-hack-your-keurig-2-0/
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
