Keurig 1.0 Vs. 2.0: Differences and Comparison Explained

Keurig coffee makers are one of the market’s most famous and versatile single-serving machines. From households to coffee shops, you will definitely find a Keurig coffee machine somewhere.

Like other brands, Keurig also separates its coffee machines into two different product lines; Keurig 1.0 and 2.0. As the names tell, 1.0 is an older version, and Keurig 2.0 is a newer one. But the question is, do you know the differences between these two product lines? If you still need to, this post will help you!

In this guide, I will elaborate on the differences and comparisons between Keurig 1.0 and 2.0. So, which product line has the most functional and best coffee makers? Keep reading to know!

Keurig 1.0 vs. 2.0: Our Verdict

Though I don’t find anything wrong in the two product lines, my personal favorites are the Keurig 2.0 models. They have advanced features like barcode scanning technology, auto shut-off, plenty of brew sizes, and LCD touchscreens. 2.0 models are also more quick and smooth.

Comparison Between Keurig 1.0 vs. 2.0:

Keurig History: At A Glance

The brand Keurig decided to manufacture amazing single-serve coffee makers back in 1992. However, the first coffee machine was designed in 1997 and launched in 1998. The masterminds behind the brand were Peter Dragone and John Sylvan.

In 1998, the brand also launched another merchandise, the K-cup pods! Keurig’s headquarters were only in Massachusetts initially, but now the brand is the third-largest coffee products manufacturer in North America.

The original product line of coffee makers the brand started manufacturing after launching was Keurig 1.0. This line ran successfully until 2014 when the brand launched a new product line with advanced features and technologies; Keurig 2.0.

Both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 are discontinued now, but you can still find them in the market with some good deals. Still, Keurig is providing us with state-of-the-art, high-quality coffee makers and coffee pods. You will find a Keurig coffee maker for every caffeine beverage, from coffee to tea to dairy-based drinks.

The Benefits of Buying A Keurig Coffee Maker:

A coffee maker is one of the essential pieces of equipment in every household or office. Therefore, these machines should be super convenient and functional to satisfy the needs of all coffee drinkers. Luckily, Keurig machines have plenty of features for coffee lovers to enjoy the brewing process.

If you are still not convinced, here is a complete list of benefits you can enjoy after buying Keurig coffee machines:

• All the Keurig brewers are single-serve and can brew only one cup of coffee at a time. This functionality feature is super beneficial; you won’t have to brew large pots of coffee. Brewing extra coffee will always turn bitter, stale, or go to waste. With Keurig, you will get a fresh cup after every session of brewing coffee.
• Keurig models are super quick. They can brew coffee in a matter of seconds with just one-button control. Honestly, Keurig machines are excellent for people who are always in a hurry.
• All Keurig machines are designed to look classy, sleek, and aesthetically pleasing. They will definitely look stunning sitting on your countertops and kitchen shelves.
• Keurigs are usually more affordable than Nespresso machines and other competitors. K-cups are also cheaper in price as compared to other third-party coffee pods. Similarly, Keurig coffee makers are a cost-effective alternative to buying coffee from expensive cafes every day.

Keurig 1.0: At A glance:

The Keurig 1.0 line features the original and initial single-serve coffee makers by the brand. The product line is old and discontinued, but you can still find Keurig 1.0 coffee machines with high functionality and excellent quality.

The Keurig 1.0 machines were large and bulky compared to the recent models. However, they were still aesthetically pleasing and very much affordable. Also, Keurig 1.0 models didn’t have advanced features like an LED display or a touch screen.

Features

The Kuerig 1.0 coffee machines are compatible with all K-Cups and third-party coffee pods. They usually come with a removable drip tray, the freedom to dispense hot water, and allow you to make filtered coffee. Moreover, they offer convenient programmability and interfaces. Keurig 1.0 coffee makers can also fit a travel mug if you want your coffee on the go for school or work.

Keurig 2.0: At A glance:

The Keurig 2.0 line features more advanced and new models by the brand. Keurig 2.0 machines are super quick with tons of programmable and functional features. Moreover, they are slightly more expensive than Keurig 1.0 models, but the added functionality and features are totally worth the money.

Keurig 2.0 machines also brew rich, flavorful, and silky cups of coffee. These models also come with digital screens and touch control. Moreover, Keurig 2.0 machines are compatible with K-mug pods, K-carafe pods, K-Cups, and third-party pods.

Features

The main highlight of the Keurig 2.0 coffee brewers is that they offer more advanced features and brewing functions. 2.0 coffee makers also have an auto shut-off feature to save energy. Moreover, you will get a variety of brew sizes, along with the freedom of brewing plenty of drink options; milky and non-milky. Their water tanks are also larger compared to Keurig 1.0 models. Also, Keurig 2.0 introduced pod-scanning technology. Not to forget, the brew strength and coffee quality are remarkable.

Keurig 1.0 vs. 2.0: Side-By-Side Comparison

Now that we have gone through a quick tour of the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 product lines, it’s time to dive deep into some details. There are plenty of coffee makers divided into these two product lines. Therefore, it is essential to understand the differences and similarities between Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 lines to identify which one is best.

Now without making you wait any further, let’s dive right in!

1. Keurig Models

Here is a complete list of coffee makers of Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 to help you distinguish between the two product lines:

Keurig 1.0 Models:

All the original models before 2014 fall under the Keurig 1.0 category. Here are some of those:

• K10
• K15
• K40
• K45
• K50
• K55
• K60
• K65
• K70
• K75
• K79
• K130

Keurig 2.0 Models:

Here are some models of the Keurig 2.0 series:

• K140
• K145
• K150
• K155
• K200
• K250
• K300
• K350
• K425
• K450
• K475
• K525
• K545
• K550
• K575
• K3000SE

2. K-Cup Pods Usability

All the coffee makers in the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 product lines only use pods. They can not brew ground coffees directly. Apart from that, both product lines are compatible with K-cup pods.

However, Keurig 2.0 comes with a little something extra. Keurig 2.0 models are also compatible with K-mug and K-carafe pods. This means you can brew more coffee simultaneously with 2.0 models. You won’t be able to enjoy this feature with Keurig 1.0 coffee machines.

3. Third-Party Pods Compatibility

Do you know what the best thing about Keurig 1.0 models is? They are not only compatible with Keurig pods but also third-party and non-brand coffee pods. Not only this but Keurig 1.0 also supports refillable and reusable coffee pods. All you need to do is put your ground coffee in and use the pods a hundred times! This freedom is cost-effective and allows you to enjoy plenty of coffee flavors.

While on the other hand, Keurig 2.0 is only compatible with Keurig pods. In fact, you can’t use Keurig 1.0 pods with 2.0 models because of the size difference. The reason for this limitation is the bar code scanning technology in 2.0 machines. However, some Keurig 2.0 models are compatible with reusable My K-cups pods, only from the brand.

I think Keurig 1.0 models are a winner in this department. They are compatible with every coffee pod in this world!

4. Control Options

Keurig 1.0 models have a very convenient and user-friendly interface. The models usually have 3 control buttons; one to start the machine, a second to select the brew sizes, and a third one to start the brewing session. Though Keurig 1.0 is super easy to use, the Keurig 2.0 models made brewing more effortless and convenient. They feature large LCDs with touchscreens and zero buttons.

Similarly, Keurig 1.0 models are equipped with indicator lights to indicate when to refill the tank, when the coffee is ready, etc. Keurig 2.0 models also have indicators, but they are all inside the LCD touchscreen.

Moreover, both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 have some programmability features for users’ convenience. For example, the machines can automatically turn on and off and start brewing at a specific time. You can also select your brew sizes and control the strength of your brewing session. However, Keurig 2.0 models are more advanced in terms of programmability. Since 2.0 machines feature barcode scanning technology, you won’t have to make any effort. The machine will automatically adjust to the settings of Keurig pods; K-cups, K-Mug, or K-Carafe pods.

If you are looking for more advanced features, Keurig 2.0 models are the best options! They can provide hot water of your preferred quantity on demand. Moreover, you can change the language of Keurig 2.0 models to Spanish. You can even switch to the ‘high altitude’ option to operate the machine even when in the mountains. Cool, isn’t it?

5. Design

Design is a very visible difference between the Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 models.

The Keurig 1.0 models have a classy look with bulky designs. However, Keurig 2.0 models are compact and slim, and their designs are more modern and aesthetically pleasing. Another appearance difference between the two product lines is the presence of LCD touchscreens in 2.0 models.

If you ask me, Keurig 2.0 models will look more aesthetic and sleek sitting on your kitchen countertops.

6. Cup Sizes

Keurig 1.0 models are only compatible with three cup sizes; 6, 8, and 10 oz. While on the other hand, Keurig 2.0 coffee machines offer a total of 12 cup sizes to choose from, ranging from 6 to 30 oz coffee beverages.

7. Coffee Strength Control

Both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 models allow you to adjust and control the coffee strength. However, the procedure is a little complicated with 1.0 machines. You will need to manually decrease the cup size to brew a more concentrated drink.

While on the other hand, Keurig 2.0 models have everything pre-programmed. With 2.0 coffee machines, you can control and adjust your coffee’s strength and temperature.

8. Water Tank

Both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 models feature removable water tanks. However, the water tank capacities of Keurig 1.0 models are less than 2.0 coffee machines. The maximum water tank capacity of Keurig 1.0 models is 48 ounces–which means you can brew six cups of coffee with one refill.

On the other hand, the water tank capacities of Keurig 2.0 models can go upto 70 to 80 ounces. Clearly, Keurig 2.0 coffee machines save you from the hassle of constant refills.

9. Types of Drinks

We already know Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 product lines have single-serve coffee machines. You can brew plain espressos with both machine types with the right type of coffee pods. If you want to play with milk, you can also enjoy milky beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, etc.

10. Water Filter

Both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 models come with water filters to eliminate chemicals and foul odor from the water.

11. Auto Shut-Off Feature

Auto shut-off is an advanced energy-saving feature common in single-serve coffee machines. This feature automatically allows coffee machines to turn off after a specific time of inactivity. Honestly, this feature also prevents mishaps apart from saving energy.

You will find the auto shut-off feature only in Keurig 2.0 coffee machines. All 2.0 models will turn off after 90 seconds of inactivity. That’s not it; you can also set a specific time to start the brewing session in the morning. Keurig 2.0 machines will automatically start preparing the coffee before you wake up.

12. Cleaning and Maintenance

Both Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 will require a regular cleaning and maintenance routine. Keuring 1.0 models will indicate you through lights when it’s time to descale. However, you will have to do the cleaning manually.

Fortunately, Keurig 2.0 models come with automatic descaling cycles. You will get an indicator on the LCD touchscreen when it’s time to descale. All you have to do is pour a descaling solution into the water tank and turn on the descaling cycle, and the machines will do the rest!

13. Durability

Keurig is a well-known brand, and both its 1.0 and 2.0 product line models have a high-quality and durable construction. On top of that, the brand offers a 1-year warranty covering repairs and replacements. Still, the machines are made of BPA-free plastic. So, their average lifespan will be 4 to 5 years maximum.

14. Recalling Your Favorite Brewing Settings

The Keurig 2.0 machines allow you to save the settings of your favorite brewing sessions and recall them for the future. However, this feature is not available in Keurig 1.0 models.

15. Price

As briefly mentioned above, Keurig 2.0 coffee makers are more expensive than Keurig 1.0 models, considering the extra features and functionality. Still, the coffee makers won’t be too heavy on your pockets.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have gone through the entire post, we hope you understand the differences and similarities between Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 models. Both product lines are nearly the same, but the minor differences play an important role too. The 1.0 models are super basic, while 2.0 coffee makers offer more features, cup sizes, and functionality.

The decision of which product line to choose totally depends on your personal preferences, needs, and requirements. If you are ok with compromising on extra features, opt for the Keurig 1.0 models. If you want more functionality, Keurig 2.0 models are still there!

FAQs

Why was the Keurig 2.0 discontinued?

The Keurig 2.0 product line was discontinued because of consumer backlash. They wanted the freedom to enjoy third-party compatible capsules.

When did Keurig 2.0 come out?

Keurig 2.0 was launched in 2014.

What is the average lifespan of a Keurig?

The average lifespan of Keurig machines is 5 to 6 years.

Which model of Keurig is the most reliable?

The Keurig K-Elite Brewer is the brand’s most reliable and functional coffee maker.

Should I run vinegar through my Keurig?

Yes, you can use white vinegar instead of a descaling solution to clean your Keurig machines.

Can I use tap water in my Keurig?

Yes, using tap water in your Keurig machine is completely safe.