A Detailed Review of Keurig K-classic: The Best Selling Model

The Keurig K-Classic is the highest-rated and best-selling model of Keurig. But how well does it actually perform for the price? This no-frills review takes an objective look at the K-Classic’s build, features, and the quality of coffee drink.

Keurig K Classic Review | Our Verdict
(CoffeeAbout’s Rating 3/5)

If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use, low-maintenance, and reliable coffee maker at an affordable price tag, then Keurig K-classic is the perfect choice for you.

Keurig K-classic brews a smooth and delicious drink every time with the same consistent quality you expect from Keurig.

While the Keurig K-classic is easy to use, its limited customization options, such as no temperature or strength control and no milk frothing, are disappointing for its price.

Keurig K-CLassic Review (A Detailed Go Through)

1) Design and the Build quality of Keurig K classic (2/5)

The Keurig K-Classic has quite a bulky, utilitarian design that seems basic rather than sleek or modern. It has an all-plastic construction without any metal accents, so it does come across as cheaper rather than premium. But you don’t need to worry about the durability of K-Classic as its build quality is quite sturdy.

Despite its plasticky look and lightweight feel, the components are well-constructed without much thinness or flimsiness to them. I never get the sense that it’ll crack or easily tip over.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan aesthetically of its chunky silhouette since it takes up large counter space. The machine is quite tall (13.4 inches). When the pod chamber is open, the height rises to about 17.6 inches which is pretty high to fit under some kitchen cabinets. 

Also, it doesn’t come in any fun color. Only 2 colors are available: Black and rhubarb, so you have limited options to choose from that suit best your kitchen aesthetic.

It has a transparent water reservoir that is easily removable and the good thing is it doesn’t start brewing unless there is enough water so that’s a positive approach toward safety.

The design of Keurig K-Classic is just fine, I am not quite impressed with the design as it is way bulkier for a single-serve coffee machine.

2) Performance of Keurig Classic (3/5)

One thing that I really appreciate about K-classic is its performance.

Simplicity and convenience are two main crucial advantages of k-classic.

The K Classic takes only 2 minutes to heat up for the first cup of coffee and only 40 to 60 seconds for the subsequent cup.

Brewing time is something that I never expected. While testing I found that it hardly takes 60 seconds from start to finish for a larger cup and 40 seconds for a smaller cup.

However, the drawback is that K-classic lacks many customizable features like temperature control functionality, strength control, a strong brew option, and hot water on demand.

The temperature of the coffee drink from this machine lies in the range of 170 to 175 degrees which is satisfactory for a pod-based machine.

On the positive side, the machine is compatible with my K-cup reusable filter, so you can use your own ground coffee.

In this price range, the performance of the machine is quite satisfactory. However, I expect to have at least a strong brew feature in this range.

3) Cleaning and maintenance (5/5)

Keurigs are popular among coffee lovers because they are easy to clean. So is the case with k-classic.

Cleaning the k-classic is like child’s play. Just remove the used K cup and clean the K cup holder every time after brewing and you are good for the next brew.

One handy feature is that it includes a descaling alert light, which blinks when the machine needs to be descaled. This helps prevent you from running a clogged machine, which could lead to serious damage.

The Keurig K-classic requires little maintenance and is much easier to clean.

4) Taste and quality of the drink (3/5)

The taste mainly depends on the type of K cup pod you use while brewing coffee with K classic.

And it is also compatible with the My K-cup reusable filter so you have the freedom to use your favorite coffee grounds.

Given its simple design, the K-Classic doesn’t allow much customization over the end drink itself. Without options to adjust temperature or brew strength, you can’t really tweak flavor complexity to your liking.

However, it does nail convenience and yields a totally acceptable cup of coffee for most tastes.

The machine offers a choice of three brew sizes: 6, 8, and 10 ounces. In my opinion, only the 6-ounce brew size yields a coffee that is enjoyable to drink. The 8-ounce and 10-ounce brew sizes produce coffee that is both bitter and watery.

As someone who prefers bolder drinks, I do wish Keurig offered a 4 oz setting or a dedicated strong brew button on this model.

The taste is quite satisfactory and you will love it if you have been using k cup coffee makers for a while.

5) Ease of use (5/5)

From filling the removable water tank to cleaning and maintenance, k-classic is all about simplicity. Instead of a complex touchscreen panel, the K-Classic features a simple button control panel that is easy to use. All buttons are clearly labeled and illuminate when in use.

The brewing process is like cherry pie. In about two minutes, you will have a coffee cup in your hand. All you need to fill the water reservoir, insert your preferred K-cup pod, and press your desired brew cup size.

A few useful indicators are also present on the control panel to help you use the Keurig K-classic coffee maker optimally:

• Auto-off feature: When activated, the auto-off feature will turn off the machine after 2 hours in case of no activity to save energy.
• Descaling: This light turns on when the machine requires descaling.
• Add water: This light turns on when there isn’t enough water in the reservoir.

6) Value for money and Customer reviews (3/5)

While the Keurig K-Classic may not offer a wide range of customizable features, its simplicity and convenience make it a worthwhile investment.

True, there are better coffee makers available for under $150, but Keurig’s reputation for reliability and quality justifies its higher price tag.

Keurig K-Classic is the best-selling Keurig model and more than 90 percent of users are completely satisfied with this machine.

K-classic has almost 90k reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. This shows the popularity and reliability of this single-serve coffee maker.

There are few negative feedbacks regarding the plastic taste of coffee and limited customization options but the majority are completely satisfied with the machine’s performance.

Considering whether to buy Keurig or not and in a decision-making phase? This article can help: Are Keurigs worth it

Keurig k-classic Specs

Keurig K Classic vs K Select

The main difference between the K-Classic and K-Select is that the Select has a “strong” button to really intensify the coffee’s flavor. It makes a bolder cup! The Select also offers a 12 oz brew size, but I don’t think the extra size is that useful personally.

As far as other differences, the K-Select has a water reservoir that’s slightly bigger at 52 oz instead of 48 oz on the Classic. Other than that, the features are pretty similar between the two.

If you’re trying to decide between the K-Classic and K-Select, I’d go for the Select. That strong brew feature really takes the coffee taste up a notch in my opinion. And the bigger water tank is nice too.

Check out Keurig K Select review

Final Thoughts

Keurig classic is the best-selling model of the Keurig brand and for an obvious reason – the convenience it offers and the quality of the coffee drink.

K-Classic was one of the earliest models from Keurig and did well in popularizing the K cup pod, but now it has gotten old. I highly recommend going to check K Elite or K Supreme if your budget is flexible and going for K Select in this price range.

So that’s it I hope you find this review helpful and if you want to check reviews of other Keurig models they are linked below.

• Keurig K Elite Review
• Keurig K Mini Plus Review
• Keurig Supreme Plus review
• Smallest K cup Coffee Makers