Keurig Slim vs Mini: Who Is the Winner?

Today I’m comparing Keurig Slim and Mini.

I’m presenting a face-off between Keurig Slim and Mini, that will eventually help you in choosing the best one that fits according to your needs.

Quick Rundown

I know what you’re thinking right now!

What is the difference between the two, right? Apart from being less than 5 inches wide, both machines differed on many specs.

K-Slim has a 46-oz. removable water reservoir that lets you brew three cup sizes. But K-Mini has a non-removable single-cup water reservoir that needs refilling after each brew. K-Slim uses a multi-stream brewing technology, whereas K-Mini uses simple K-cup pod brewing.

For other breakthroughs, scroll below and keep reading.

Keurig K-Slim vs. K-Mini: What are the differences?

These are the key differences in a nutshell:

Keurig K-Slim vs. K-Mini: What are the similarities?

These are the key similarities in a nutshell:

Face-to-Face: Keurig K Slim vs K Mini

This section will put both single-serve coffee machines against each other in a head-to-head battle of Keurig K Slim and K Mini. Who will emerge as the better choice?

Keep reading to find out!

Coffee Quality:

In coffee quality, K-Slim wins.

K-Slim and K-Mini differed in their brewing quality. How?

Well, K-Slim uses Multistream technology that extracts more flavor and aroma via its five needles in each coffee mug.

On the other hand, K-Mini just uses simple pressure brewing technology in which the hot water saturates the coffee grounds and passes from the filter. With gentle pressure, you’ll get your desired coffee mug.

Because of the updated technology for extracting more taste and scent, K-Slim takes an edge in producing better coffee than K-Mini.

Brew Size options:

Here, K-Slim wins.

K-Slim offers three cup size options, i.e., 8, 10, or 12 oz. at the push of a button, whereas, K-Mini brews four cup sizes ranging anywhere between 6-12oz.

Brewing:

Here, K-Slim wins.

The K-Slim brews a cup of coffee in just over 10-15 seconds from when you hit the brew button compared to around 2 min 15 sec for the K-Mini.

A shortfall in both machines is that there is no temperature control feature. That reveals that you can’t preset brew temperatures of K-Slim and K-Slim to deliver optimal beverage taste. However, the coffee it brews has a temperature of almost 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, both coffee makers don’t serve you cappuccinos and lattes.

Machine Size:

In slenderness, K-Mini wins.

The dimensions of the coffee maker determine its size, and that’s all you are looking for in a compact kitchen counter space.

For that matter, both coffee makers come in almost the same size and are less than 5 inches wide but have a slight difference in the dimensions.

K-Slim’s dimensions are 12.14” H x 4.76” W x 15.2” D, and K-Mini’s dimensions are 12.1” H x 4.5” W x 11.3” D.

K-Slim is a bit deeper than K-Mini because of its 46-oz water reservoir.

That said, either will easily fit in even the most limited space, but we’ll give a win-win for the K - mini as it is shorter in dimensions.

Pod Compatibility:

In pod compatibility, there is a tie between K-Mini and K-Slim.

Whether it is K-Slim or K-Mini, both coffee makers are compatible with My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee filter and K-Cup pods.

K-Cup pods are already measured, and grounded chunks of coffee had placed in capsules. They include a variety of coffee beans and savor.

However, for My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, you have to refill your gourmet coffee grounds in it.

Both coffee makers are compatible with not just K-cup pods, but over 400+ pods from almost 75 brands. They both use the same strength and tech for brewing a single cup of coffee.

In the end, K-Slim and K-Mini are compatible with both of them.

Water Reservoir:

Here, K-Slim wins over K-Mini.

The actual difference between the two machines is water reservoir capacity. K-Slim has a 46-oz removable water reservoir that positions at the back of the machine.

Whereas, K-Mini has a one-time brew water reservoir with a capacity of up to 6-12 oz. This means that you need to refill the K-Mini each time before making your adored coffee mug. Its water reservoir is non-removable and located at the top of the machine.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

For the cleaning part, K-slim wins. 

Either K-Slim or K-Mini, both require frequent cleaning and maintenance.

The best part? Both coffee makers have a removable drip tray which makes it comfortable to wipe off all the accidental spills and downpours.

But because K-Slim’s water reservoir is removable, it is easy to clean it up. Now coming to the K-Mini, whose water reservoir does not remove, you’ll have to clean it with a lint-free cloth.

For water filtration, K-Slim water reservoir is compatible with Tall Handle Water Filter. But K-Mini is not compatible with any of Keurig’s water filters.

If you want more info regarding the regular cleaning of both the coffee makers, then check out the user manual guide of Keurig. It tells you about the cleaning procedure of the Brew Exterior, Water Reservoir, Drip Tray, K-Cup Pod Holder, Exit needle, Funnel, and Entrance Needle. Make sure that before cleaning, you turn off the brewer.

Descaling:

Here, K-Slim wins over K-Mini.

Moreover, as far as descaling is concerned, K-Slim offers a dedicated Descaling indicator light to remind you if it needs descaling or not. This feature is not present in K-Mini. In that case, you need to make sure that you descale your brewer every 3-6 months, depending on your use.

For descaling of K-Slim and K-Mini, grab Keurig’s descaling solution.

To get hands-on experience for proper descaling, make sure to read Keurig’s descaling guide, which assists you what to do and what not. Ensure the prerequisites of the descaling procedure (mentioned in the user manual) like no beverage in the pod, access to the sink, and much more.

Descaling methods of both machines are slightly different. That’s why it’s better to check out the step-by-step guide for no further confusion.

For K-Mini, you can check out the user manual guide from here. Additionally, you need to give at least 45 minutes to this descaling method for good results.

Whereas, for K-Slim, you can check out the user manual guide from here. In addition to this, you need to give at least 15-20 minutes to this descaling method for good results.

Design and Color:

In terms of design and color, K-Mini wins.

When we talk about design, both K-Slim and K-Mini have a modish sleek look that goes well on every kitchen countertop.

For colors, K-Mini just wins our hearts by seven colors. It includes Matte Black, Poppy Red, Studio Gray, Oasis, Dusty Rose, and Evergreen.

But K-Slim comes in only three colors such Black, White, and Scarlet Red.

Single-Button Operation

As far as ease-of-use is concerned, K-Mini wins over K-Slim.

So many buttons and functionalities can be overwhelming for some of you, right! K-Mini is here for those of you who stay away from the hustle. It came up with a single-button operation that requires you to add water, insert pods or grounds, and then press a single large button on top.

However, K-Slim also tries its best to keep the buttons as simple as possible. They labeled each button including the add water one, descaling one, and the three brews.

Price:

Here, K-Mini wins. 

Cost is something that triggers your buying decision. Both machines have a slight difference when it comes to price.

The Keurig K-Slim coffee machine is $129.99. Whereas the Keurig K-Mini is $79.99.

Here, K-Mini is taking an edge with a moderate price range.

Auto-Off Functionality:

Here, K-Mini wins.

K-Slim and K-Mini offer auto-off functionality, but both have different shutdown timings. K-Slim shuts off five minutes after the last brew, whereas K-Mini shuts down after 90 sec. Both save energy in one way or another.

Auto-On Functionality:

Here, there is a tie between the K-Slim and K-Mini. 

Only K-Mini offers the Auto-On feature, not K-Slim. This feature lets you automatically turn on the coffee maker and preheat the brewer so you can right away prepare your coffee. But in contrast to the Auto-On feature, K-Slim gives us a start feature in which there is no need to wait for the brewer to heat. 

Cord Storage:

Here, K-Mini takes an edge over K-Slim.

The K-Mini has cord storage where you can fold the wire and place it inside, allowing you to keep the countertop looking tidy. But K-Slim does not offer this feature. 

Travel Mug friendly:

Here, there is a tie between K-Slim and K-Mini. 

Both machines, K-Slim and K-Mini, have enough clearance to perfectly fix a 7 inches travel mug.

High Altitude Setting:

Here, K-Slim wins. 

K-Slim offers us a High Altitude Setting option. Its function is to ensure that your brewer works properly at higher altitudes (5,000 feet). You can enable this setting on your K-Slim by pressing the brew button and 8oz buttons for 3 seconds. This spec is not available in K-Mini.

Our Advice

From our above-mentioned comparison, you probably get an idea of which one is better according to your needs. 

I suggest you choose K-Mini if you live alone because it has a single cup water reservoir. Moreover, if you want an absolute color range, then probably you should go for K-Mini.

Other than that, its compactness, moderate price, quick shut-off time, light weightedness, and cord storage give you the vibe of taking it on an adventurous journey. 

But if you’re not home alone and have a large family, then I would suggest you K-Slim due to its 46-oz water reservoir. And if you relish strong coffee, then do choose K-Slim as its Multistream tech will help to extract more aroma. 

Finally, you can choose either of them because I feel that everyone should have the freedom to choose whichever blend suits them the best.

FAQs

Do Keurig Mini and Slim use the same pods?

Yes, Keurig Mini and Slim use the same pods as any other Keurig model. Both coffee makers are compatible with all K-Cups, which means there's a nearly endless variety of flavors available to choose from. Also, these machines do not brew K-Carafe pods, K-Mug pods, Vue pods, or Rivo pods.

Does the K-Slim Need a Filter?

It depends on you. If you are already using filtered water then there is no need to install a water filter in K-Slim. But if you’re using tap water, then I recommend you to go for a water filter for a better cup of coffee. It is compatible with the Keurig water filter starter kit, which you can buy separately. 

Do Keurig Mini and Slim use ground coffee?

Yes, you can use your gourmet coffee in Keurig Mini and Slim via My K-Cup Universal reusable filter as it is compatible with both machines.  

Does the Keurig Mini have a Water Filter?

No, it doesn’t have a water filter, and it is not compatible with any of Keurig’s water filters. And because it does not have any charcoal water filters avoid using distilled and tap/hard water.