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- Keurig K550 2.0 vs. the Keurig K560 2.0, What’s Best for you?
Keurig K550 2.0 vs. the Keurig K560 2.0, What’s Best for you?
Since its introduction to the coffee marketplace, the Keurig line of machines has changed the way people think about coffee at home.
We love the Keurig machines because they’re just so easy to use and they offer the best variety of pods on the market.
Keurig has also fine-tuned their game to the demands of avid coffee lovers across the world with the launch of their new and updated models.
The Final Shot: The K550 is our preferred pick in this match up, not because it’s a superior machine, but because the small upgrades of the K560 just aren’t significant enough to warrant the bigger price tag. The extra pods and maintenance needle are nice, but we’re going back to basics on this one.
In this review we’ll be comparing two of the Keurig 2.0 system models: the K550 and the K560.
To the casual coffee drinker, these models will look exactly the same. I can see why.
Keurig is known for incremental upgrades and parsing out what the new feature is among a dozen others can be tricky.
We’ve broken down the similarities and subtle differences of these two models so that you can make an informed decision on your next Keurig purchase and choose a machine that will seamlessly fit itself into the rhythm of your life.
Contents
Keurig K560 2.0 vs. the Keurig K550 2.0 Head to Head
 |  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Name | Keurig K560 | Keurig 2.0 550 |
 Size (L x W x H) | 23 x 16 x 13.1 in | 18.3 x 12.7 x 16 in |
 Weight | 17.6 lbs | 14.3 lbs |
 Display | Yes | Yes |
 Amount of Brew | 4-6 | 4-6 |
 Water Tank | 80 oz | 80 oz |
 Programmability | Auto brew, clock, and favorite settings | Auto brew |
Similarities
Even looking closely at the Keurig K550 2.0 and the Keurig K560 2.0, you will probably have some serious difficulty distinguishing what differentiates the two models.
They both sport 80 oz. water reservoirs and offer Keurig’s new carafe brewing feature with the K-Carafe pods that allows you to brew up to four cups at a given time.
Both models also continue to offer Keurig’s signature quick, single brew system that they’re known for.
One similarity introduced with the 2.0 models that customers should be aware of is the K-Cup and K-Carafe pod scanner that is now included in all 2.0 machines.
So what in the world is a pod scanner?
When you insert a pod in your machine, it will scan a barcode printed on the lid to verify that it is a Keurig approved pod and then the machine will calibrate itself to the optimal brew settings of that particular pod.
It totally takes the Keurig experience to another level of automation and quality. Nespresso is also offering a similar teh experience, but with a smaller range of capsules.
Keep in mind, if it’s a non-Keurig approved brand of pod or your own refillable pod, then the machine won’t brew. Most brewing pods are Keurig certified, but this feature is still a restriction you should be aware of before investing in the 2.0 model. Although there are some tricks you can try that could let you get around with Keurig restrictions.
Overall, both the K550 and K560 offer an updated, sleek design that will continue to brew a variety of beverages with the touch of a button.
Shared Features:
- 80 oz. water reservoirs
- Quick, single brew system
- K-Cup and K-Carafe pod scanner
- brew a variety of beverages with a touch of a button
- Sleek, modern designs
Differences
If you’re a dedicated coffee machine researcher determined to buy the machine that will perfectly suit your lifestyle and your coffee preferences, then you’ll be able to pick up on the subtle differences between the K550 and K560.
As their names imply, the K550 is the original model, while the K560 is the upgrade with a few extra bells and whistles.
Size
For starters, the two models vary a bit in size. While both models manage to maintain an extra-large 80 oz. water reservoir, the K550 is a bit smaller and a bit lighter than its older brother.
The size differences aren’t extreme; the K550 is 12.7 x 18.3 x 16 inches and the K560 is 23 x 16 x 3.1 inches. The K550 is also slightly lighter at 14.3 pounds compared to the K560 at 17.6 pounds, but unless you’re planning on carrying your machine with you, this won’t make a huge difference.
When considering the different sizes of the two machines, ultimately it depends on what works for you. If you have limited counter space, then you might opt for the smaller profile of the K550.
If you have the luxury of a spacious counter or room in your kitchen for an at-home café, then opting for the premium features included with the K560 at the expense of a little more space may be worth it.
Regardless, you’ll still get that 80 oz. water reservoir, so your actual brewing capabilities won’t be affected.
Programmability and Display
Design is one of the areas where the differences between the K550 and K560 will be most notable.
The K560 is basically an upgraded version of the K550 that goes the extra mile to accommodate your daily brewing needs. This includes a sharper design and more accommodating display and features.
Both the K550 and K560 offer LED displays with night lights housed inside the water reservoirs. The night light on both is customizable so that you can change the ebb and flow of its glow to match the time of day. The K550 also offers an auto brew feature and strength brewing options, a programmable clock, as well as hot water on demand.
The K560 offers all of these features, plus a little more. It includes an auto on/off feature, in addition to its programmable auto brew.
On top of offering brew strength options for different styles of coffee and different hot beverages like hot tea or hot cocoa, the K560 also includes “favorite” settings so that you can store and access your desired features with the touch of a few less buttons.
Accessories
When purchasing either the K550 package or the K560 package, the last difference you’ll note is what’s included with it.
While both products include a new K-Carafe to accommodate the larger brew sizes of the K-Carafe pods, the K550 also comes with 6 K-Cup pods and 4 K-Carafe pods – just enough to give you a sampling of what the machine can do.
By contrast, the K560 sets you up for a longer stretch of brewing bliss.
The upgrade model includes 48 K-Cup pods as well as 4 K-Carafe pods. Along with enough K-Cup pods to accommodate a month of daily coffee drinking (or maybe a week depending on your habits!), the K560 also comes with a brewer needle maintenance accessory.
A common problem with the Keurig series is that the brewing needle gets dirty over time and contaminates the coffee.
If you’ve owned an older Keurig model or even if you have just perused a smattering of Keurig reviews, you’ll quickly discover that grounds can get caught in the brewing mechanism.
This can either leave residue, which will change the flavor of future brews or clog the nozzle and prevent your machine from brewing a full cup.
While you can purchase a maintenance accessory separately, to have it already included with your K560 purchase is a really nice bonus convenience.
If you’re committed to your Keurig, then the brewer needle maintenance accessory will be a must buy for you at some point. In keeping with its generally premium feel, the K560 preempts your need and includes the accessory.
Summary
In the end, the K550 and the K560 are ultimately pretty similar models.
They both function in the traditional quick, single brew Keurig style, and both include the new K-Carafe brewing feature. Both models feature an extra-large 80 oz. water reservoir, and both actually have the same 3.9 out of 5.0-star review on Amazon.
But at the end of the day, these machines are fraternal twins, not identical.
Our pick out of the two would be the K550. It offers all of the great features you need, it’s simple, and a great value. You’ll still get the convenience of quick, single cup brewing and some of the great bonuses like brew strength options to accommodate your particular tastes.
But, if the premium features included in the K560 appeal to your interests, then it’s still a solid option as well. The K560 can take your daily routine a step further in terms of convenience and customizability, and if this is important to you and price isn’t a main concern, then springing for the K560 might be worth it.
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!
