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Keurig 400 vs. Keurig 450, What’s Best for you?
When it comes to coffee, the Canadian brand Keurig is a favorite among consumers for the major convenience of being able to use pre-packaged coffee K-Cups in a variety of different flavors.
The dynamic innovation Keurig has brought to the world of quick coffee making with both the Keurig 400 and Keurig 450 machines is changing the way we think about our morning routines.
The Final Shot: When it comes to these two models, unless you are deadset on an integrated water filter, save yourself the extra cost and go with the K400, on all other points these machines are pretty much identical.
If you’re considering these two models, you may be asking yourself, is the new Keurig K450 worth upgrading for? Or is it smarter to stick with the older K400 model? Is there even much of a difference, aside from cost?
I can see why it’s a tough call.
They look almost identical, so unless you really dive into the product specs and how they work, it can be tough to figure out which model to buy.
This review will break both the 450 and 400 down by similarities and differences so you can pick the best option for the features you need.
Contents
Keurig 450 vs Keurig 400 Head to Head
 |  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Name | Keurig K450 | Keurig K400 |
 Color Options | Black, Sandy Pearl and Vintage Red | Black and Vintage Red |
 Size (L x W x H) | 10.4 x 13.6 x 13.4 in | 10.4 x 13.6 x 13.4 in |
 Weight | 8.5 lbs | 9.5 lbs |
 Water Filter | Yes | No |
 Frothing Wand | No | No |
 Water Tank | 70 oz | 71 oz |
Similarities
Since both the machines are from the same series, it’s obvious that there are a large number of similarities when it comes to their key features.
The 400 and 450 are both basically the same in appearance and design, even possessing the exact same dimensions.
Both Keurigs also come with a carafe for brewing a higher volume of coffee, unlike the previous machines from Keurig that do not include the coffee pot. The carafe inclusion is a great convenience addition, especially if you have friends over or a big family.
The K-Carafe cups also come in a huge selection of flavors, just like the originals pods.
Both the machines are programmable using a color touch screen. They have included different color codes for convenience. You can program the clock for either digital or analog and have customizable language settings.
If you’re big on convenience, both Keurig models offer the ability to brew your cup of coffee with the touch of a button. You can even program your brewing time using a programmable auto on/off option. This means you get to enjoy the luxury of waking up to a cup of freshly brewed coffee, like you can with most traditional drip machines.
Both the 400 and 450 will automatically turn on and will maintain the brewing temperature so you can come back for another round. When your coffee machine maintains a brewing temperature, you can have your coffee instantly without having to wait for it to reheat.
There is also an energy saver option. If you’re like me and find yourself forgetting to turn off the machine for any reason, it will automatically turn itself off after the preset time limit. The time limit can be set up to three hours for the automatic shutoff feature.
I am pretty particular about the strength of my coffee and so I really like the fact that you can specify the brew size for your beverages as well as brewing strength.
There is a specific K-carafe button for the carafe when you want to brew a whole pot of coffee. You can also program your favorite brewing system in the setting menu for repeated use.
Both machines also feature settings that you can adjust for your optimal brewing temperature. The highest temperature is 193 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you the ability to select the temperature from low, low-medium, medium, medium-high, and high.
The 400 and 450 both have removable drip trays that make them easy to clean. So that even if you accidentally leave the brewing option turned on, the spilled coffee will collect inside the tray, limiting spillage and mess.
Another similar feature between the two machines are the color options. Both the machines are available in three great colors, including black, sandy pearl, and vintage red.
Shared Features:
- Keurig carafe for multiple cup brewing
- Large water reservoir that lights up at night
- Color touch display for easier control and customization of your drinks
- Strength control
- Customizable settings
- Special program setting for mocha, hot chocolate, lattes
- Predetermined auto- brewing
- Brew size control
- Programmable clock
- Removable drip tray
- 250+ varieties with 40+ brands of flavor options
- Same dimension of 10.4 x 13.6 x 13.4 inches
- Available in black, sandy pearl, and vintage red color
Differences
Water Filter
The major difference in between these two machine is the presence or absence of the water filter.
The Keurig K450 model is equipped with a water filter while the Keurig K400 just isn’t.
The filter comes with a long plastic tube that locks into the base of the water tank. At the base of the K450, you will find the activated carbon filter. At the top of the filter, there is a monthly installation reminder and you can also utilize an automated reminder in the machine.
When you want to enjoy your favorite beverage, you certainly don’t want to compromise the flavor with bad water. This is one of the cornerstones of good coffee brewing. The filter on the 450 prevents scale building up inside your water reservoir and the coffee machine.
It also balances the pH to limit corrosion and provides superb purity in the meantime. While the Keurig 400 doesn’t include a water filter, you can either purchase one separately or be a little more proactive with cleaning and maintenance.
Reservoir
There is a slight difference in the water reservoir’s capacity in the two brewers.
This is not a big difference, but when you’re comparing two machines with so many similarities, it is worth noting every difference, no matter how small.
Basically, the water reservoir of the K400 can contain 71 ounces of water. On the other hand, the K450 water reservoir can hold up to 70 ounces. I don’t think this makes any difference in how many cups you can realistically get out of the machine, but it is there.
Accessories
The K450 coffee brewer comes with 6 K-Cup Pods, 4 K-Carafe Pods, Water Filter Handle and Cartridge, while the K400 comes with only 4 K-Cup Pods and 2 K-Carafe Pods.
This isn’t a significant difference as you will eventually end up purchasing more K-Cups to brew your favorite flavors.
Weight
Interestingly, even with having the same dimensions the two machines greatly differ in terms of weight.
The K450 is more lightweight, compared to K400 2.0 model. The exact weight of K400 is 12.7 pounds. The item weight of K450 is just 8.5 pounds.
Weight can be an important factor if this is a machine you will be moving or shifting around frequently. If it will be a stationary countertop fixture it won’t make much of a difference.
Price
When it comes to pricing, the K400 version 2.0 clearly wins out with a lower price point than the Keurig 450. In the case of the K450, it costs about $40-$50 more for just a few small upgrades.
Summary
The Keurig K400 and Keurig K450 machines have significantly more similarities than differences.
The only real point of divergence that has any bearing on the functionality and use of the machine is the included water filter of the K450. This can be purchased separately for the K400 if needed, and so in my analysis, isn’t a significant enough advantage to warrant the extra cost. This is especially true if you live in an area known for high water quality.
I prefer having the cost savings than the bonus of a water filter in this instance. If you’re looking for an upgrade, I would look more to the Keurig 550 or other models with more significant advantages.
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!
