Keurig K-Mini vs K-Slim: Compact Coffee Makers, But Which One Is Better?
Naila Syifa
Updated April 2025
When you want a coffee maker but don't have a lot of counter space, the Keurig K-Mini and K-Slim are two great compact options to consider. Both are single-serve pod coffee makers that allow you to brew a fresh cup quickly. But how do they compare? Let's take a closer look.
Key Takeaways
While both are compact coffee makers with minimalist features, the K-Mini is better suited for solo users with minimal space, while the K-Slim works better for households brewing multiple coffees throughout the day. The K-Slim also features MultiStream, making it the better choice for coffee aficionados seeking a richer, more flavorful brew.
Keurig K-Mini
Compact Coffee Maker
✓ 6-12 oz. Cup
✓ One Cup Reservoir
✓ Space-Saving Design
✓ Travel Mug-Friendly
Keurig K-Slim
Small but Mighty
✓ 3 Cup Sizes
✓ 46 oz. Reservoir
✓ MultiStream Technology
✓ Travel Mug-Friendly
Design
Keurig K-Slim
While both the K-Mini and K-Slim are good for small spaces, the actual dimensions show that the K-Mini is the more compact option between the two.
These are the key size differences:
Keurig K-Mini: 12.1” H x 4.5” W x 11.3” D
Keurig K-Slim: 12.1” H x 4.7” W x 15.2” D
The K-Slim not only takes up more space horizontally, but also to the back with its deeper design. That's because it puts the water reservoir behind the brewing area, while the K-Mini keeps the water reservoir integrated into the main body.
The K-Mini also has a lighter overall weight of 4.6 lbs, which is considerably less than the 6.22 lbs of the K-Slim. While weight may not be your primary concern, the lighter weight of the K-Mini could make it easier to move or store.
Another design advantage that the K-Mini has is its cord storage on the back. You can pull the power cord out to the length you need and tuck any extra out of sight, which helps keep your countertop organized and free of excess cord.
Controls
Keurig K-Mini
Keurig K-Mini features a very simple control interface. On top of the machine, you'll find a power button, an indicator light, and a brewing button with Keurig's K logo. That's it! While this simplicity makes the K-Mini very easy to use, it also means less customization.
Keurig K-Slim also lacks much customization. There are no buttons for adjusting the brew strength or temperature, for example. However, it does let you choose the brew size – 8, 10, or 12 oz.
With no brew size button on the K-Mini, how do you control the amount of coffee? You have to fill the water reservoir with the amount you want brewed, from 6 to 12 oz. It is more flexible than preset brew sizes on the K-Slim, but not as convenient because you have to measure it each time.
Brewing Features
Keurig K-Slim
Both models are compatible with Keurig K-Cup pods, so you'll have a huge variety of coffee, tea, and other beverage options to choose from.
The brewing process is also quite similar – both require you to insert a Keurig K-Cup pod, then press the brew button. The difference is then how the brewing process plays out.
The Keurig K-Slim features MultiStream technology, which uses 5 needles instead of one to extract more flavor and aroma, producing a richer coffee. This is a notable advantage over the K-Mini, which uses a single-needle system.
Keurig K-Mini
The brewing features are also directly related to the button controls present on both machines, which we have talked about in the previous section.
None of them comes with buttons for adjusting brew temperature or strength, so these features are missing. They also lack a feature to brew over ice, which may disappoint some coffee aficionados.
Neither comes with a built-in milk frother, but you can use a separate milk frother if you want to make specialty drinks.
Lastly, both coffee makers allow you to brew a different cup size, but in different ways – the K-Mini through water volume, and the K-Slim through button options.
This is because the Keurig K-Mini features a very small water reservoir that can only accommodate a single cup's worth of water at a time. Meanwhile, the K-Slim has a much larger 46 oz. removable water reservoir, which can supply multiple cups before needing a refill.
Keurig K-Mini vs K-Slim
Final Thoughts
Keurig K-Slim
The Keurig K-Mini and K-Slim offer different advantages for small-space coffee brewing. The K-Mini wins on compactness and portability with its lighter weight and smaller footprint, plus convenient cord storage.
However, the K-Slim provides greater convenience with its 46-oz water reservoir that serves multiple cups and preset brew size buttons. The MultiStream brewing technology also produces a richer coffee.
So in summary, we recommend choosing the K-Mini for maximum space-saving and occasional use, or the K-Slim if you prefer a richer coffee flavor or if you want to brew multiple cups without constant refilling.
If you'd like to read more about Coffee Makers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Keurig K-Supreme vs K-Supreme Plus
Keurig K-Mini vs K-Express
Keurig K-Express vs K-Slim
Keurig K-Classic vs K-Elite
Keurig K-Select vs K-Elite
Author
Naila Syifa
Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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