Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker Review: Is This Popular Brewer Worth It?
I’ve been through my fair share of coffee makers over the years, and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about switching to a single-serve system. But after my ancient drip coffee maker finally died last month, I decided to give the Keurig K55 K-Classic a try. It’s one of Keurig’s most popular models, and I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. After several weeks of daily use (probably too much use, if my jittery typing is any indication), I’ve got some thoughts to share with you.
Sleek and Simple
The first thing I noticed about the K55 is that it doesn’t try too hard to be flashy. The design is straightforward but still attractive enough to earn a permanent spot on my kitchen counter. It has a clean, unobtrusive look with simple button controls on top that even my tech-resistant partner figured out without asking for help. The water reservoir sits on the left side and is transparent, which I find really helpful for checking water levels at a glance – no more surprise “add water” alerts mid-brew like my old machine.
At about 13 inches tall, it fits under most kitchen cabinets, though I had to pull mine forward a bit to open the top fully. The build quality seems decent for the price point, though some of the plastic elements don’t exactly scream “premium” – but hey, that’s not really what I was expecting anyway.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Brews multiple k-cup pod sizes: (6, 8, 10 ounce) – the most popular k-cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6 ounce brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
- Large 48 ounce water reservoir: Allows you to brew 6 plus cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to.
- Descaling: An important part of cleaning your keurig brewer. This process helps to remove calcium deposits, or scale, that can build up inside a coffee maker over time.
- Auto-off: An auto-off feature is easily programmed to turn off your coffee maker after it has been idle for 2 hours, helping to save energy.
Quick Cups, Happy Mornings
Using the Keurig K55 is about as straightforward as coffee makers get. You fill the reservoir (it holds about 48 ounces, enough for several cups before refilling), pop in a K-Cup, select your cup size (6, 8, or 10 ounces), and press the flashing brew button. That’s it.
Brew time is impressively quick – I timed it at just under a minute from pressing the button to having a full cup of coffee. This has been a genuine game-changer for my morning routine. I’m not exactly at my best before caffeine, and the simplified process means I’m less likely to make stupid mistakes like forgetting to put the carafe under the drip (which I’ve done more times than I care to admit with my old coffee maker).
The temperature is pretty good, I think – hot enough to satisfy but not scalding. I personally prefer my coffee absolutely burning hot, so sometimes I’ll use the 6-ounce setting to get a slightly hotter, stronger brew. The machine does make some noise while brewing, a sort of mechanical humming punctuated by gurgling, but it’s not offensively loud. My cat doesn’t even run from the room anymore when I start it up.
The Technical Stuff
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.8″ W x 13.3″ H x 13″ D |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Water Reservoir | 48 oz (removable) |
| Cup Sizes | 6, 8, and 10 oz |
| Brew Time | Under 1 minute |
| Auto-Off | 2 hours after last brew |
| Compatibility | All K-Cup pods, compatible with My K-Cup reusable filter |
| Colors Available | Black, Rhubarb, Patriot Blue |
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use, even when half-asleep
- Quick brewing – under a minute from start to finish
- Decent sized water reservoir that’s easy to refill
- Auto-off feature saves energy if you forget to turn it off
- Compatible with hundreds of K-Cup varieties and the reusable My K-Cup filter
- Simple descaling process helps with maintenance
- Relatively compact footprint for smaller kitchens
Cons:
- K-Cups can be more expensive than regular ground coffee
- Not the most environmentally friendly option unless using reusable pods
- Limited cup size options compared to newer Keurig models
- No strength control settings
- Some plastic components feel a bit flimsy
- Water reservoir could be larger for heavy coffee drinkers
- No programmable features or clock
What Other Users Are Saying
After digging through hundreds of Amazon reviews, the overall sentiment for the Keurig K55 K-Classic is quite positive, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 40,000 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: “I’ve had this Keurig for over two years now and it’s still working perfectly. I use it every day, sometimes multiple times, and have had zero issues. Best appliance purchase I’ve made in years.”
Another customer mentioned: “After about a month of daily use, the pump started making a loud noise and not drawing water. Customer service was great though and sent a replacement right away.”
The most common praise points to the machine’s reliability, ease of use, and quick brewing time. Common criticisms include concerns about long-term durability and the occasional complaint about the temperature not being hot enough for some users’ preferences.
Who Should Buy This Coffee Maker?
For beginners: The K55 is practically perfect for coffee newbies. The simple controls, quick brewing, and enormous variety of available K-Cup flavors make this an ideal entry point into the world of home-brewed coffee without any learning curve.
For intermediate users: Those with some coffee experience will appreciate the convenience but might sometimes miss having more control over brewing parameters. The reusable My K-Cup filter (sold separately) helps bridge this gap by allowing you to use your own ground coffee, which opens up more possibilities.
For advanced users: Coffee connoisseurs and those who take their brewing seriously might find the K55 too limiting. If you’re into precise temperature control, customized strength settings, or specialized brewing methods, you’ll likely want something more sophisticated. That said, many coffee enthusiasts keep a Keurig around for those mornings when convenience trumps perfection.
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Ready For Better Mornings?
If you’re looking for a reliable, user-friendly coffee maker that simplifies your morning routine without sacrificing decent coffee quality, the Keurig K55 K-Classic deserves a spot in your kitchen.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Brews multiple k-cup pod sizes: (6, 8, 10 ounce) – the most popular k-cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6 ounce brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
- Large 48 ounce water reservoir: Allows you to brew 6 plus cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to.
- Descaling: An important part of cleaning your keurig brewer. This process helps to remove calcium deposits, or scale, that can build up inside a coffee maker over time.
- Auto-off: An auto-off feature is easily programmed to turn off your coffee maker after it has been idle for 2 hours, helping to save energy.