- You are here:
- Home »
- Product Comparison »
- Keurig K350 vs. Keurig K45, What’s Best for you?
Keurig K350 vs. Keurig K45, What’s Best for you?
Both of the machines in this match-up are made by Keurig, which began producing machines that utilized coffee pods in the 1990’s.
Single-serve pods are the perfect way to ensure coffee lovers enjoy fresh coffee throughout the day without the hassle of messy grinders.
They also give every user the choice of their own personal style of beverage and cut down on waste from brewing a full pot.
The Final Shot: The K450 edges out the K350 on only one count: convenience. If you prefer a little more automation, including auto-start and auto-off, maintenance alerts and a slightly larger water tank and aren’t on a strict budget, go for the 450. If you are more concerned with price and don’t need the frills, the 350 delivers the same when it comes to quality.
Initially partnered with the successful Green Mountain Coffee brand, Keurig now also produces pods with many other coffee brands so that its machines can accept 530 beverages in the Keurig system from 75 brands, including the top ten in the USA.
Now that is a lot of choice from one machine!
For this comparison, we will take a look at the K350 and K450, two similar models that differ in a couple small, but meaningful ways.
Contents
Keurig K450 vs Keurig K350 Head to Head
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Keurig K450 | Keurig K350 |
 Color Options | Black, Sandy Pearl, and Vintage Red | Black |
 Size (L x W x H) | 10.4 x 13.6 x 13.4 in | 18.3 x 12.7 x 16 in |
 Weight | 8.5 lbs | 13.9 lbs |
 Water Tank | 70 oz | 60 oz |
Similarities
Both of these machines are from the Keurig 2.0 family, which is a slightly more advanced range with some modifications and improvements to the already successful original pod system.
For both machines, the preferred ground coffee or other beverages are sealed in a single serve container called a “K-Cup” pod, made from a tiny plastic cup covered in an aluminum lid and inner paper filter. Each pod is nitrogen flushed before sealing in these airtight, lightproof moisture proof containers to ensure long shelf life.
The K350 and K450 are designed for use with Keurig pods only. The Keurig 2.0 brewing system technology reads the bar code on the lid of each K-Cup or K-Carafe pod to determine exactly how to optimally brew each beverage, making automatic adjustments.
One common feature these machines share is the ability to not only make a single cup of coffee using a single K-Cup, but there are also larger pods designed for multiple cups. Both the K350 and K450 fit larger 4-Cup and 6-Cup K-Carafe sized pods, which is great if you’re having a dinner party or group study session.
Operation is uniformly simple on both. Select the beverage pod you prefer, place the pod in the machine with your cup under the pourer, depress the lid, then selecting the strength on the easily operated touch panel and push start.
The K350 and 450 both have an easy to read digital display that allows you to program personal variations through simple one-touch controls.
To brew stronger coffee, the machine brews longer, starting with about one minute for regular to over two minutes for stronger – it releases the heated water in bursts rather than a long pour to maximize flavor.
The K350 and K450 vary programs for 9 different cup sizes from 4 to 10 oz, a 14oz larger travel mug and 3 carafe sizes.
There are also a couple of ways the machines can be adjusted to accept other products, including personal ground coffee. There are refillable K-Carafe baskets available which accept all grinds, so you can still enjoy a coffee from your favorite local roaster.
The refillable water reservoirs on these machines are transparent, so you can always see when it is time to top up. A filter starter water kit with one filter is included with the purchase.
Both the K350 and K450 machines are supplied with 4 x K-Carafe packs, 6 x K-Cup packs to get you started.
These machines also include a 4 cup, 32 oz.Keurig 2.0 Carafe, designed to work exclusively with the Keurig 2.0 systems. The rim of the Keurig 2.0 carafe is designed to lock into each machine and the brew fills through the lid for convenience.
The 4 cup carafe is constructed from double wall plastic, and is pretty durable, but does not keep coffee hot for long. If you’re looking for a more insulated option, there is an optional purchase of a thermal model Keurig carafe.
Shared Features:
- Manufactured by Keurig
- Designed for use with Keurig pods
- Digital screen
- Refillable water reservoir with filter kit
- 530+ different beverages available
- Four-cup and six-cup K-Carafe pods
- Simple one touch operation
- 9 programmable strengths
- 4 cup carafe included
Differences
Both these machines are made by Keurig to be reliable and high-quality, but a few upgrade-type differences may sway you as to which is the better purchase for your needs.
Display + Settings
The K350 has a grayscale, 2 inch touch control display for simple and intuitive operation with one step. However, there is no clock or the possibility of programming time operations.
The K450 also has 2 inch touch screen display, but this model offers brilliant color. The K450 also has a programmable clock for various auto-functions, including a preset start up time and auto-off setting. There is also the option of changing background wallpaper for a fun, customized look.
This model also has brewer maintenance alerts, so that you find it easy to clean and keep your machine working in tip-top condition and know exactly when you’re out of water.
With the K450 being able to pre-program time functions you can make sure the machine is ready before you get up in the morning or get home at night. You can also be assured it will switch itself off when you rush out the door. The colors of the K450 also make it easier to read and suit you personal color choice and décor.
Water Tank Size
The size of the water tank on the two machines also varies. The K350 has a 60oz water reservoir. The K450 has a slightly roomier 70oz reservoir.
The extra ounces in the K450 mean you don’t have to top up water supply so often and is a really nice convenience feature.
Color Options
The different color options also set these two machines apart. The K350 is only available in the standard black color option, while the K450 has a color range of three choices – Black, Sandy Pearl, and Vintage Red.
Size
The K350 is the smaller of the two machines, measuring 13.45” H x 10.43” W x 13.63”D, while the K450 has dimensions of 16” H x 12.7” W x 18.3” D and weighs 13.7 pounds.
The slightly more compact K350 will take up less counter space in a small kitchen.
Price
Retail prices do vary, but the K350 is generally less expensive than the K450 by about $60. With the 450, you’re really paying the extra for the convenience options, not for quality of the coffee.
Summary
I have to say, there are more similarities between these two Keurig products than there are differences, which is not surprising since they are both from the same reputable manufacturer.
The K450 is really more of a big sister model, an upgrade on the K350. The overall brew quality and process is the same, but the convenience features of the K450 improve the experience, and add on to the price.
Both machines fulfill the same basic functions, operate on the latest Keurig 2.0 technology and facilitate making various beverages for single cup and for multiple cups. They are both supplied with the same starter kits of product and carafe.
So unless price point is a make or break issue, I would opt for the K450. The lack of timed programming on the K350 would be the dealbreaker for me, especially the auto brew, which is really nice to have when you’re getting ready for work each morning.
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.
4-Week Free Espresso E-mail Course!
Week 1 - Home Espresso Machines
Week 2 - Coffee Beans
Week 3 - Types of Drinks
Week 4 - Advanced Brewing
Join Mike (me) and learn all the basics of making great tasting espresso!
You have Successfully Subscribed!
4-Week Free Espresso E-mail Course!
Week 1 - Home Espresso Machines
Week 2 - Coffee Beans
Week 3 - Types of Drinks
Week 4 - Advanced Brewing
Join Mike (me) and learn all the basics of making great tasting espresso!
You have Successfully Subscribed!
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!
