How to use a keurig k duo coffee maker

The latest addition to the k cup system, new Keurig with coffee pot uses both k cups and ground coffee to brew a cup and a carafe.

DESIGN

The $229 Keurig K Duo Plus is great if you want to brew single cups and a carafe without having two appliances.

The new brewer is a lot more compact than its predecessor K Duo. This model has a single spout, and it’s taller than it is wide. The machine is 14.19″ tall when it’s closed and 17.5″ tall with handle open, so make sure it fits first if you want to slide it under kitchen cabinets.

What I love about this model is its multiposition reservoir. You can move it to the sides or behind the machine based on where you want to put it on the counter. The water reservoir holds 60 fl ounces and it’s removable which makes refilling and cleaning easy.

The k cup holder is placed on top, and you slide out the filter basket drawer when you want to add ground coffee. The machine uses all types of k-cups (branded and non-branded). It’s also compatible with universal reusable k cup filter. The K Duo Plus comes with one gold tone mesh filter, and you can also fit flat bottom 8 – 12 cups paper coffee filters. The drawer can be completely removed from the unit, so keeping it clean isn’t a problem.

The machine comes with a stainless steel thermal carafe. The glass carafe on the previous model is pretty bad quality and it spills coffee every time you pour, so this model is much easier to recommend. It even has a pause & pour option so you can get the carafe and fill a cup in the middle of a brewing process. You can pull it out for up to 20 seconds. It might be more expensive, but it’s so much better than regular K Duo.

KEURIG K DUO PLUS CUP SIZES

When using k cups, you have 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounce cups to choose from. You can also brew 6, 8, 10 or 12-cup carafe. An additional option for brewing 4 oz would be nice since it’s perfect for iced coffee, but 6 oz is fine too.

As mentioned, this model allows you to use all types of k cups – branded and non-branded, and you can also use a refillable k cup if you want to reduce waste or save money.

PERFORMANCE

When preheated, the brewer needs about a minute to do a single cup. The carafe takes 5-6 minutes for 6 cups and about 10 minutes to finish a 12 cup carafe which is really long compared to other drip machines. But, you can set the auto brew option for the carafe so you don’t wait for coffee in the morning.

As for the taste, there is no notable difference between Keurig coffee makers. Just like other models, it makes an average cup of joe. Since Keurig brewing temperature is below optimal the coffee isn’t too hot, so if that’s important to you, you might want to choose a different system. To make your coffee slightly stronger, you have the STRONG brew button.

The K duo plus is designed to automatically power off 5 minutes after your last brew. Once it is powered off, it will need to heat back up for your next brew. This feature cannot be disabled.

How to set auto brew on Keurig K Duo Plus
1. Fill the water reservoir to MAX fill line and place the coffee filter and ground coffee into the filter basket. Close filter basket drawer.
2. Press AUTO button and use H/M buttons to set the time, then press the blinking brew button to confirm the time.
3. Choose your size and press the blinking brew button to confirm the size. A clock icon will appear on the screen and the AUTO button will be illuminated to confirm auto is ON.
Once the auto is on you won’t be able to brew k cup or a carafe. To disable auto brew, press AUTO button once.

Accessories

It appears that Keurig didn’t think about accessories and customer convenience a lot this time. Depending on the seller, different accessories may be included, but normally you’ll only receive coffee maker with a carafe, and gold mesh coffee filter. So, you will most probably need to buy accessories separately. Keurig K Duo Plus is compatible with universal reusable k cup and Side Reservoir water filter kit. They also have a really cute new coffee station for $30 that pairs perfectly with K Duo Plus.

Also, if you didn’t get a manual, you can download Keurig K Duo Plus manual online.

MAINTENANCE

The filter basket, gold tone mesh filter, carafe, and carafe lid should be cleaned after each use. Rinse the carafe and the lid, and wash the filter with warm soapy water and rinse well. From time to time wipe the unit with a soft, damp cloth, clean the drip tray and clean the k cup holder. The brewer should be descaled every 3 months.

All removable parts of the K-Duo Plus are not dishwasher safe. Hand-wash only.

Should you buy this coffee maker?
If you want a Keurig and you want a model with carafe, the K Duo Plus is by far the best. But, priced at $229, it is far from inexpensive. For $300 you can get Technivorm Moccamaster – it’s a classic design, hand-built in the Netherlands, it makes an excellent cup and it’s fast. Those who’d rather own one coffee appliance that’s ready for anything, you should also check this Ninja’s super versatile coffee maker.

KEURIG K CAFE REVIEW

Keurig k cup brewer with a built-in milk frother. The $179.99 Keurig K-Cafe makes regular coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos on your kitchen counter.

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