Keurig K-Duo vs The K-Duo Plus & Duo Essentials: They Are All Very Different Machines: Here's How

Keurig dual brew units all fall under the K-Duo product name and there are three options to choose from. The K-Duo and K-Duo Essentials are the side-by-side options with a dedicated spot for a carafe and a dedicated location for k-cup brewing. The K-Duo Plus is their fancy version that is designed vertically and has one spout which is used for both carafe and k-cup brewing.
In this video I go over all the differences you need to know about when choosing between these three machines.
You can see a full write up summarizing the differences on this page on my website: www.topoffmycoffee.com/keurig...
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BTW, I personally own every modern Keurig sold in stores and I help customers understand the differences between them all to the best of my ability. You can see the current list of Keurig brewers that I recommend to people on this page: www.topoffmycoffee.com/best-k...
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For pricing and availability check out these machines through to following Amazon affiliate links:
► K-Duo Plus: www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Duo-P...
► K-Duo: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PC7MHQ8/...
And here's a direct link to the Duo Essentials over on Walmart.com: www.walmart.com/ip/Keurig-K-D...
► And finally make sure to see the following page to learn more about me and what I do on this channel and in my real life: www.topoffmycoffee.com/brian/

[@STKST-db7kt]

After having a single Kcup maker for years we craved a pot being made on the weekends. Researched a bunch of models and choose this one. kzbin.infoUgkxL8yFdHfPF4ObeIwJ5JdM3i_9XLnbjUC2 We love it! We wanted a water reservoir for the single cup so we didn’t have to pour water in every cup but the other models it fed the water to the coffee pot to so by the time we made one pot we’d have no water left. This model has the traditional pour in feature for the pot and the reservoir for the cup which works great for us. Love how there is a bunch of holes pouring the water over the coffee, makes it taste much better. Only drawback I have is the way the lid is angled on the pot section it’s hard to get the last bit of water out of the pot into the machine without it spilling somewhere else.

[@jamesedgar3442]

I just bought the K-Duo Plus in September 2020. I have used it every single day. I use the K-cup much more often than the carafe, but I've been very satisfied with both functions. I never have to remove the reservoir; I buy 2 gallons of bottled water each week and just pour it into the reservoir when it gets low. It's been the perfect brewer for me.

[@affliction6911]

I heard you mentioned that "strong brew" works on the carafe. That is incorrect, it only works for the single serve side. Other than that, your correct on the duo and Essentials model. I use mostly the carafe because my wife takes a thermos of coffee to work. I use the single serve for coffee, but mostly for tea or hot chocolate during the autumn and winter. Thank you for your video

[@EarlPlahang]

Awesome review. This helped me with my decision making. GO A’s!!

[@lisalawson1306]

Very informative. Thank you. 👍

[@thenightporter]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@hoangunderwood4523]

Very helpful review. Thanks.

[@TopOffMyCoffee]

So glad I could help! Thanks for your comment Hoang

[@kristinalopz1623]

The Keurig Duo Essentials it's a great machine. Makes my coffee just fine whether I have a single cup only problem there is you end up drinking half a pot or more after you keep putting pods in. Its great for the carafe.💙glass; cleans easier. Yes, you can make a half a pot just press the eight cups and put in less water. The basket & filtration for the carafe is not flimsy. Nothing like the taller model you are showing there. Have had no problems 😊. As far as filling reservoir, lift lid & add water 💧. Leave lid open to keep dry. That simple. I only lift the water reservoir off when I have to wash and clean it. The tape on the lid never removed....😉. Also the pod unit on Keurig Duo essentials. placement for a cup of coffee much more convenient; not deep in the unit. Easier to clean. No complaints so far except a little temperamental ; I have to hit the on button 1-2-3 x's. before it brews. Very happy wit it so far.... having to buy the K-Cup from Keurig also the permanent basket. Will be no problem for me. I just don't like how you have to go online for everything. They could have thrown the basket in and they could have thrown the permanent kpod in. The only downfall I see with this machine is that I drink way more coffee than I ever thought I would. I wanted the K-Cup so I would drink less I just find out that I drink more. Solve this problem I unplug and don't fill up the reservoir. Also no need for preset brewing... even though I like that feature I'm glad it's not on this model. I have had it in the past on several coffee makers and didn't use it that much.

[@Maddiejae]

Super helpful! Thank you

[@viperomen914]

I had a keurig it only had the single cup option don’t know which model exactly but it broke down and my dad had a mr coffee for a glass pot so when I went to Walmart to pick up a new single coffee machine I ended up seeing the duo essential one for like $90 and a kuerig mini was like $60😂😂 so I got the duo one and it saved so much space and it works Great for both my dad and I I’d recommend it if both are needed but I came one here to see the full difference between the one I got and the other one and I’m still happy with my option I don’t really brew only 6oz and I’m pretty sure I can live without the strong brew option even though my old keurig had it and I always used it it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to take for the price point

[@jayp3564]

I use a Brita Water Filter Pitcher with my Keurig Single Server and has worked great for about 5 years. No descaling ever and still makes a great cup of coffee. I am wanting a new duo but just not sure of which one or if I should.

[@douglaspost5097]

You said the water tanks on the side by side models are tricky to fill and not spill. I noticed that you had a cover on the vertical tank so it wouldn't spill so easily. The side by side you carried the tank to the sink without a cover. You did however put the cover on it when you put the tank back on the unit. Couldn't you leave the cover on it when taking it to the sink to fill it thereby eliminating spills like the vertical one? I like your videos, keep up the good work.

[@TurboPikachu]

Just bought a Duo Essentials as the family's first Keurig product after a decade of having the occasional K-cup at relatives'/friends' places, hotels, offices, and dealerships. With our 3rd Kenmore brewer in 20 years finally giving up the ghost, I was able to convince the family. It's a fine enough carafe brewer, and I finally get to have fun niche latte and espresso K-Cups; and while I do question its longevity at its low price point, I'll just keep my fingers crossed since the ppl who recommended it to me already had theirs for more than 3 years. An important note for this video is that the gold mesh filter works with K-Duo and K-Duo essentials but is not designed to work with the K-Duo Plus

[@MovingToMnPro]

I like the controls on the stripped down version.

[@Boy.Wonder]

Great review

[@Timpala44]

Just an FYI that the basket that slides out of the Keurig with the stainless steel carafe is detachable. I watched a lady on another review take it out and put it back in with no problems. I think it has a hinge that kind of works like a drawer.

[@josephemsick3672]

That part does come out on the Duo Plus with the tall pitcher. It's a pinching and lift, then the whole thing comes out. Putting it back in is just doing the reverse.

[@corrine6884]

What reusable cup fits in the middle machine, for single use... and did you add water filter to yours.. thanks

[@jennbinkley8809]

I have had the Duo Plus for well over 3 years. I find that QVC runs fantastic specials on the brewers once or twice a year. I owned their original carafe brewer, the Keurig 2.0 and since then I decided that I would never own a regular coffee maker again.

[@yrinaurdaneta6853]

Hi would please show how to program them to brew automatically in the morning. Thanks

[@andrewpizzino2514]

Bought the stripped down model which is fine on most days but when I have guests would rather have that strong feature for a superior cup of coffee

[@Syl91765]

@topoffmycoffeeplease I have the middle brewer. It lasted less than a year when I receive this R error. It won’t budge. Prior to that it had been cleaned. I’m frustrated. $150 is nothing to sneeze at and it didn’t last a year

[@ral819]

I have the Essentials version and the cup sizes start at 8 oz. Which, for me , tends to make weaker coffee. I have been wanting to try a 6 oz cup setting Keurig with K=cups to see if it would be better. I rarely ever make a pot.

[@debbielewis3682]

We have the K-Duo Plus and we would love if you can tell us which reusable K-Cup works with this machine. Thank you 😊

[@petuniagranny2758]

The duo Keurig water reservoir is not annoying if you use a large measuring cup to refill, instead of taking the reservoir to the sink and filling.

[@ac7384]

When using a kcup. I have the supremes plus. Is there suppose to be left over mix in the kcup ?

[@chrisshore9000]

I connected the tank to a 1/4” water supply line. I’m looking for a new one because sometimes the k cups doesn’t brew unless I beat it on the side lol. Early in its life the de-scale light came on and never turned off, even though i have soaked vinegar inside. I’m researching to see if they did an upgrade on them.

[@taragibson5994]

Which model is the one on the left? Excellent video.

[@yousuckbigtimebaby]

I own the K Duo Plus and after one year and two months of gentle everyday use the K cup door does not lock as of Christmas Eve. It was a waste of $230. Would never buy this model again and would not recommend it to anyone. I too press the K-cup down on the needle before closing it (I always did that with previous models as well) so added pressure was not the issue. I just think the design is just faulty and apparently won't last long. I also think coffee was never hot enough (always about 160 degrees before adding cream). I just ordered the K-Select brewer from Keurig, hopefully it will last me longer then the K Duo Select.

[@volcanisty]

Do the 2 on the right use charcoal filters?

[@LastHumansGarage]

i bought a K5100 that just wont power on. i replaced the main circuit board with a prayer but still has zero power. ill prob have to part it out.

[@jgclarkunc]

Hi thanks for the review. I read the chart about the 3 machines you just went through on the video. You said the Essential did not have the ‘strong button’ but the chart showed that all 3 machines had it. So the chart is wrong?

[@dbschwartz330]

I just got the duo essential..thecarafe brew light will only show red. The plate heats but how to get to brew cycle

[@francisbrady2313]

Is the pod holder interchangable between the duo models. I have the center model and the inside pod holder cracked. They all looked the same in the video. When ordering this part, is simply says it is for the K-Duo.

[@MerlinEvePi]

How does the taste of the K-cup coffee from the K Duo Plus compare to taste of the K-cup coffee from the Multistream K-Supreme Plus? I like the idea of having the full carafe but will rarely use it. I certainly don't want it if the k-cup that it produces is not as good. I use the k-cup multiple times a day and have a regular coffee maker that I pull out when we have lots of guests. Advice?

[@ellydash7]

Do all three have a hot plate for the carafe? Do you need to buy extra filters? How often to change filters if so

[@charlieplanb8513]

FYI,,,if you havent figured it out ,the whole thing does come out (9:23).Pull straight out ,tilt up, and move to the left.(I never tried moving to the right so that might work also?)=)

[@laurao48]

I fill mine with bottled water and just dump the water straight in. I don’t have to remove the reservoir that way. Also, our tap water is hard city water and it will scale quickly.

[@marylynnefabas5413]

How do I get the DESCALE wording off my Keurig Duo even after descaling?

[@Jackytubela1]

Can I use a reusable k cup filter? If so which one?

[@LichaSF67]

The Duo Plus filter basket does come all the way out, you can get in there and take apart the cup brew pieces. ;-)

[@robertboyd4656]

So does the k-pod re-usable single cup filter fit the duo plus ???

[@rashasarandah1695]

What other brand drip machines do you like for a very smooth cup that doesn’t taste burnt or watered down? I love my nespresso but would like a pot that brews a smooth cup too. I’ve tried ninja and Cuisinart and I just can’t drink it. Not matter what grounds and methods. Is a moccamaster really worth it?

[@bdagmar11]

i have the duo essentials and have owned it for almost 4 years. been very happy with it, but it finally burned out. I was wondering...do you know if the water reservoir is the same as the newer version of the duo? in other words can it be interchanged? I had bought a replacement recently and it was very expensive... i would like to purchase the newer version but would like to have the back up reservoir...

[@joeparpart5752]

Are the glass carafes identical between the two or are they different as well?

[@jfer928]

Are there any other coffee makers that offer a coffee pot and a cup feature like the Keurig duo but extract water from one reservoir? I noticed that some of them ask you to put water into a separate cup reservoir

[@ginaperez-kelly6894]

I have an issue with my duo plus not turning on after about two hours. If I unplug the machine it’ll work again but such a hassle for what I paid for. The time will always display but the power button just seems to be dead (after two hours).

[@helenmiller3195]

Where can I purchase the ground coffee accessory for the pod side.

[@RyanGill86]

Not having the 6oz for the Kcup size is a deal breaker for me. The K cup and reusable K cups only hold about 10 g of coffee, meaning that making a cup more than 6oz will result in watered down coffee.

[@wrenettaghent4682]

I have the duo essential and have a problem it’s coffee grounds in the coffee in the basket and over the edge so they go everywhere. What can I do to prevent this???

[@bobky11]

If I have either coffee maker set to program on at a certain time, can I brew a K Cup without having to reset the program?

[@stevejohnson2946]

I've owned two of the Duo units on the right. BOTH have had bad issues where it will not fill the cup. It grunts and groans like its plugged up. It is NOT scaled up because the 2nd unit did it on the 3rd cup. I have found ZERO answers to why this happens. Yes, I have run the cleaning pods....no help. The needle on the bottom is not plugged either. I'm about ready to toss it. FED UP!!

[@barbarahuckins1533]

How do you make a single cup without using a Kcup? I like a coffee that doesn’t come with ready make Kcup. I have a universal One but don’t fit. Which one do I get or how do you make one?

[@AXXXXA]

Does the stainless steel pot stay warm as long as the one with hot plates?

[@mikemilam525]

You cannot pour from the carafe without spilling coffee all over the counter. Annoying having to put a dish cloth there to catch the spillage.

[@ndttech]

The glass or the stainless steel one?

[@MrDaneis]

​@@ndttechthe glass. The stainless steel one you pour the water right into the reservoir itself not the carafe.

[@susanward6719]

a question i never to see addressed does one of these have a better motor or output i have one of the original platium machines and still works great but keep thinking any day it must be close to leaving me ha ha

[@mikewalters8361]

The plus i am like you, what i do with my pot if somebody wants k cup? No warming plate is a thermal carafe. I dont like esentual for that flimsy drawer and plus pull drawer.

[@anthonygallo3576]

I saw the thermometer sitting on the counter and was really hoping u would say waht temp the coffee comes out. Unless u said it in the last 60 seconds , i missed it

[@Pat19997]

I only take the back reservoir off to clean it, I use a picture to fill it

[@brooke86]

How much water does the middle one store in the back? Great video!

[@spursfanhawaii]

12 cups

[@williamhooper5311]

Costco selling K-Supreme Plus for $35 off in the US and $50 off in Canada. Pass it on.

[@helpmeget100subs]

I only came here to see you make coffee. my single cup water reservoir makes a loud and weird noise when pumping water. I want to make sure these are quiet

[@Tafoyalin]

What is the material inside the thermal carafe, is it a plastic or also stainless steel?

[@smitastic7030]

Are the glass carafes interchangeable?

[@NJSixOneTwo]

For the Keurig with the water reservoir on the back instead of taking that off just user the coffee carafe.

[@suetowler1019]

I have to use a Britta filtered pitcher so that works for me. We have hard well water.

[@spence8056]

Using the coffee carafe will adversely affect the water being poured into the coffee maker. We learned the hard way because it happened to us.

[@marbrook1962]

If it shuts off in hours can you turn it back on

[@lavignajackson4615]

Hello, I got the one on the far right as a gift and just looking it over I took the carafe basket out and now I can't get it back in HELP Thanks!!

[@willowdaisysisters474]

I had trouble too - line up the two prongs(or pieces that stick out at the back of the carafe with the slot on under side of the place it goes and slide in. The “teeth” slide in the very top part of the under side of the carafe area

[@user-vg3mf9ex1g]

Have owned a couple different K systems. My complaint on the last sysyem is that the carafe leaks while pouring the coffee from under the ring. Lots of money to spend for the sloppy outcome!

[@johnartzberger2624]

Is there a difference in Temperature of coffee?

[@stennex]

I spoke with Keurig today. They state that the strong button works for both the single and the carafe only on the K-Duo Plus. All other models only the single serve that it works for Not even the special K-Duo edition has it. That sucks.

[@HootieBootie]

I read that the K Duo plus has “pod scanning technology” that will only allow K cups, not off brands. Will my favorite Sams club pods work?

[@herbshivers2351]

cut a kcup label out and lay it on any other cup and it works bc of the scan, or permanently fix one in the top so it is always there. I did that with an original Keurig but the duo essential has worked with every type pod I have used.

[@Rherz2]

I have the Duo Essentials-Is there anyway to get 6oz or 4 cups of coffee with this machine?'

[@eliort25]

What is the name of the coffee pot in the middle and price

[@mikewalters8361]

Which model u have in middle?

[@johnhill484]

The cheaper one of those units does it have a auto off feature

[@aunkster]

Bad problem with the glass carafe,the black ring around the top loosens due to the heat of the plate ,then when you tip the glass carafe to pour the coffee goes under the black ring and on the floor ,,poor desighn,im going to order the one wuth the stainless carafe ,,thanks

[@debbiesturznegger4309]

The coffee doesn't stay hot in the pot. Don't know if it's the burner or the temperature when it brews

[@gerardoaguilar4150]

Which one of these brews the hottest?

[@dmarie517]

Thank you for the tutorial. I use a 16oz Contigo travel mug. Which one of these would be the best fit. I also see that I like the front pull out for easy cleaning as well as the side water container for easy fill. Lastly, I do not buy k cups, is there the option to use coffee grounds. Thanks!

[@lilstarduke4119]

The only answer I know but you may have already figured this out, you can use coffee grounds instead of the pods. But you have to buy an accessory, that is the reusable plastic k-cup. I see a two pack in the coffee aisle for about $5.

[@Trevorj2728]

what would happen if you want a 6 cup pot on the basic model and only fill 6 cups of water in the tank but click 8 cups? would that work as a hack?

[@kristinalopz1623]

👍 yes

[@jaybeedori]

Which model is the latest ? I’m trying to buy one ASAP but want to get the latest model lol

[@TopOffMyCoffee]

Hey Jaybee, the newest is the Keurig K-Supreme Plus, I actually just released a video on it a couple hours ago if you want to learn more. It's not their most expensive unit either, cheaper usually then the K-Cafe units and the K-Duo Plus.

[@CaliRose2020]

What size grind would you use in the my kcup?

[@TopOffMyCoffee]

From my usage I would say a medium to medium coarse grind filled to the max-line is best to prevent water backup. If you are putting a smaller quantity of grind in the My K-Cup then you could go possibly medium-fine but only if your machine was able to brew slowly, like the K-Supreme Plus. The finer the grind the slower the water will go through the mesh screen. I will have a video on this topic coming out very soon; hope you catch it.

[@CaliRose2020]

@@TopOffMyCoffee What about the grind size when you're brewing a carafe? I have a k-duo plus.

[@back2aguilera]

Can I ask you a general Keurig question? I've bought 3 or 4 Keurigs and had to return them all because the coffee made my eyes hurt. Sounds crazy, I know. But I figure it's chemicals left behind from the Keurig being made. The cleansing brews with water, even when I do like 10, do not help. Will doing cleansing brews with vinegar and letting the vinegar stay in the unit for several hours, like you demonstrated, help with this? I bought a new K-Mini Plus and want to try again.

[@TopOffMyCoffee]

I sure wish I could give you good advice but I don't think I can; the Keurig branded cleansing solution is supposed to be stronger than using vinegar but I'm not a chemist; I have no idea what's in it. I do know that I feel like all the Keiurig plastic and tubing is safer than some of the super cheap k-cup coffee makers I've experimented with but again, I have no basis for that other than the flavor I get from a Keurig. A long vinegar soak helps to descale and disinfect; you could try it or you could just bite the bullet and go for some non-Keurig option like a glass coffee dripper and a stainless steel stovetop kettle; not as convenient but it's hard to go wrong with glass and steel.

[@back2aguilera]

@@TopOffMyCoffee Thank you!

[@jamesdeluca3468]

Could be your water. try bottled?

[@williamromanishin]

How do you manually turn off the Duo? There is no on/off button

[@lilstarduke4119]

You may have already found the answer to this or this response may be irrelevant at this point in time, but, the directions that come with the machine tell you how, by holding down the corresponding button. For instance, to turn off the single cup hold down the "oz" button, for a few seconds. And likewise for the large carafe, hold down the "cups" button for a few seconds. The directions also say to always unplug your machine when not in use.

[@kennethmartin9451]

Had our k duo essential (far right) for 4 years it's giving us problems with brewing a full pot. 12 cups gives us 3.5-4 cups in the pot.. if I spend this much money on a coffee maker I want it to last for years.. .

[@anthonyspada1176]

Why remove the Reservoir to add water ? Get a big cup and add water to it in place , hello

[@SYoung-bt6cf]

The Keurig side by side is a terrible machine. They say it should work 3-5 years. Our first one lasted only 1 year with only 1 use per day. It stopped brewing the full number of cups we pushed, then the buttons stopped working altogether. We cleaned it per instructions and yes, it was plugged in properly. We bought another and it only lasted 6 months, the next one only lasted 3 months until the buttons stopped working, and the last one we bought, the buttons never worked at all and we had to return it!! The company must be taking mfg shortcuts or something. We called to troubleshoot, and all we got was a ton of advertising emails. Also, the number of "cups" stands for very small cups of coffee, like teacups. Even all the way to 12, it only provided 3 full mugs when brewing a pot.

[@andrewgallardo4075]

Why don't COffee Pot stay on it goes off after it's done so it doesn't stay hot

[@orinorious]

I just got them duo plus machine for Christmas. However, my machine shuts down with just eight cups brewed. The entire machine shuts down. And will leave the warm to keep the coffee. I have not had any problems with the one cup. What am I doing wrong? It worked correctly for two days. Need your help. Thanks Mary.

[@cristhianalvarez2600]

Is the metal carafe compatible with the other two keurig devices ?

[@TopOffMyCoffee]

No it isn't, Keurig doesn't make a metal/insulated carafe for the Duo or the Duo Essentials, only the Duo Plus

[@cristhianalvarez2600]

@@TopOffMyCoffee okay thank you so much !

[@Mrg-tz7yj]

Totally confused now.

[@crystalcaskenette1679]

Put lid on water before carrying back to machine 🙃

[@baileykrause7005]

with the way the water container has to sit on the machine the top doesn’t just fit the container. only fits container+machine 🙃

[@crystalcaskenette1679]

My lid fits on container without the machine (keurig duo )

[@matthewcarmack171]

I hate when I want a cup of coffee I have to wait for the kcup water to heat up

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

I have tried the K-Duo Essentials and the K-Duo Plus. The problem I had with both machines is neither of them could come anywhere close to brewing coffee at the recommended temperature for proper extraction. Coffee is consistently under-extracted: thin and sour. I don't recommend any of the K-Duo machines.

[@tommahmood9019]

The k-Duo essentials is a piece of junk I bought it like a year ago, and they had to warranty it 5 times already, so I don't recommend this model to anyone