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Keurig 2.0 550 vs Keurig K45, What’s Best for you?
Keurig was the first company to innovate and develop the brewing system that utilizes special sealed pods of coffee grinds, originally for single-serve brewing.
The original pods were made to produce a single-serving of fresh brew, but current developments have introduced larger pods to make larger quantities of coffee from a single pod.
And they haven’t stopped there. Now you can choose from a whole range of different hot beverages, from various flavors and roasts of coffee, to hot chocolate, special tea, chai latte and so on, for more than 500 choices.
The Final Shot: The 2.0 550 is the clear upgrade model. It allows for large quantity brewing, up to six cups at once into a provided carafe, a doubly large water tank and auto brew optimization based on the pod selected. The K45 is half the price, without the bells and whistles, but is still a quality entry-level model.
In this article we will compare two of Keurig’s top-performing machines that can make a delicious cup in less than a minute – the Keurig 2.0 550 vs. K45.
Contents
Keurig 45 vs Keurig 2.0 550 Head to Head
 |  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Name | Keurig 2.0 550 | Keurig K45 |
 Size (L x W x H) | 18.3 x 12.7 x 16 in | 13.3 x 9.8 x 13 in |
 Weight | 14.3 lbs | 12.4 lbs |
 Display | Yes | No |
 Amount of Brew | 4-6 | 1 |
 Water Tank | 80 oz | 48 oz |
Similarities
These machines have all essential brewing features in common. Both the Keurig 2.0 550 and the Keurig K-45 offer a sleek modern design with easily-cleaned, plastic outer shells.
Although coffee is the primary focus, a number of different beverages can be made using these machines, including tea and hot chocolate. Operation is simple, by placing a cup under the pourer, selecting a pod and placing it in the receptacle, starting the brewing operation and waiting less than a minute to enjoy your beverage.
Variations in cup size can also be selected on both machines, including 6oz, 8oz and 10oz sizes. For those who prefer to use a travel mug, the drip trays can be removed to allow the taller mugs to fit under the pourer; something that can be frustrating with other coffee machines.
A water filter kit is supplied to ensure you start off with quality water from the get-go for the best possible brew. Both machines have easily removable water reservoirs to make it simple to keep the machines topped up, ready to brew.
Shared Features:
- Both manufactured by Keurig
- Utilize the single-cup pod system
- Various beverages available
- Rapid brewing in less than a minute
- Brews 6oz, 8oz, 10oz sizes
- Removable water reservoir
- Water filter kit included
- Removable drip tray
Differences
The Keurig K45 is an earlier model than the Keurig 2.0 550. It has a few less convenience features and not as many upgrades as the 2.0, which was designed with some advanced technology.
Display + Settings
The on/off system is generic on both machines, however the K-45 has a push button system with limited selections to the three sizes of cups.
The Keurig 2.0 has a color LCD touch screen with a multiple of features that include a programmable clock, which allows for auto start and auto off programs. It also features variable cup sizes, along with variable strengths – from normal to strong. The LCD screen is customizable with wallpaper and color too.
Size
The Keurig K-45 is the more compact of the two machines, with dimensions of 14.9 x 12.2 x 14.2 inches. The 2.0 550 measures a bit larger at 18.3 x 12.7 x 16 inches. Both machines are relatively compact and fit comfortably on any kitchen counter.
However, the lower profile of the K-45 might be a better fit for smaller spaces, such as offices or dorm rooms.
Water Reservoir
The Keurig K45 has a removable water reservoir and filter kit holding 48 oz while the Keurig 2.0 550 has a substantially larger water reservoir and kit holding 80 oz.
For any regular coffee drinker, the larger tank is a major plus, not having to top it up so often is a great feature.
Pod Choice
The K-45 is designed to work with the K-Cup single cup pods, which contain gas flushed coffee grinds for sealed in freshness. The machine will happily accept other pods from other companies of the same size. It is also compatible with reusable K-cups that can be loaded with fresh grinds of your choice.
The Keurig 2.0 system is designed a little differently. It is primarily designed to accept Green Coffee Pods, as the machine reads the barcode to select a specific brewing system for each individual beverage with variations for flavors, roast levels, and so on.
Green Coffee produces pods from many other companies, so you are not just restricted to Green Coffee; for instance Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Laughing Man are all options.
In fact there are over 500 different beverages available for the Keurig 2.0 system. You can also use the reusable K-cup system if you wish to grind and use your own favorite coffee.
The 2.0 550 does not work directly with other company pods however; there are a couple of methods to use other pods but be aware that you would void the warranty of the machine.
For the convenience of preset program for each chosen pod, I think the Keurig 2.0 system is a winner; especially with such a range of choice.
Amount of Brew
The K-45 is primarily designed for making single cups of coffee, which it does well. It is capable of making different sized cups, but not larger amounts for multiple cups or a carafe.
The Keurig 2.0 was designed with a modern family in mind that might want to share a single pot, the way you can with traditional drip-coffee systems, so the possibility of brewing larger sized pods has been incorporated.
This machine can brew 10 different amounts of coffee, ranging from 4oz through to 30oz, including the 4 and 6 cup carafe amounts. A standard double layered plastic 4 cup carafe is included with this machine and an optional thermal carafe can be purchased for those who like to keep their coffee hot a bit longer.
For a family or office setting who likes entertaining, the Keurig 2.0 has to be a favorite. If you only ever make one cup at a time the K-45 would be perfectly sufficient.
Accessories
The K-45 is supplied with a sampler pack of 12 pods for you to taste some favorite brews. The Keurig 2.0 comes with 6 x K-Cup pods and 4 x 4-Carafe pods.
Lights
The Keurig 2.0 550 has a subtle night light feature behind the water reservoir, which can be turned on or off. This is a nice welcoming bonus to a kitchen area in the evening when main lights are turned off. It also alerts you when the water level is low.
Price
The Keurig 2.0 550 typically retails for about double the price of the K45, mainly due to the added features, and the age of the K45.
Summary
Both of the K45 and 2.0 550 machines are popular among users and fan favorites. K-45 is a great value for basic brewing for one or two users at a time.
The Keurig 2.0 550 has been developed for a reason. It offers significantly more options regarding programming, timing and convenience in a busy kitchen with a much larger water reservoir, requiring fewer trips to the sink. Both are solid options, but the 2.0 is definitely the upgrade.
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about coffee is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better.
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About the Author Michael York
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!
