Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker Review

We purchased the Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker so our reviewer could put it to the test in their kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

We recently tested the Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffee Maker to see if a single-use coffee maker is worth the price and the downside of using non-recyclable pods. We put it through the wringer brewing cup after cup for weeks on end. So is it worth it? Read on to find out.

K-Cups: It’s easy to make a cup

You won’t need a lot of accessories—or even coffee knowledge—to use this coffee maker. It doesn't require you to buy any additional filters or figure out how to measure enough coffee for your water ratio; it's very simple.

To make your morning brew, just pour water into the 48-ounce removable reservoir and pop in a pod. In less than a minute, you’ll have a cup of coffee in hand and there are endless choices when it comes to the available K-cup pods on the market. The machine comes with a four-count K-Cup Variety Pack to give you a head start in picking your favorites and this model is compatible with every type of K-cup on the market.

Brewing: Failed to deliver

We kept experiencing what Keurig calls a "short cup," which means the brew size selected on the display panel is not the amount that poured into our cup. Keurig claims that the machine may become clogged with grounds or needs to be descaled if that happens. Since we just bought this machine, we were concerned that these problems arose during the first few weeks of the coffee maker's lifespan.

Besides the issue with the amount of coffee provided, we found time and time again that this machine didn’t make consistently good coffee. Plus, the liquid from the machine splashed a little too erratically while dripping into our mug and we found the whole contraption quite loud compared to your standard coffee maker.

Cleaning: Super easy with a built-in feature

You’ll need to regularly descale your Keurig K55 every three to six months to help remove deposits that can clog up the mechanics of the machine. Of course, Keurig suggests rinsing a few times using the Keurig Descaling Solution. You can also use white vinegar by filling the reservoir and brewing using the normal process.

See more reviews of our favorite coffee tools available for purchase.

Travel Mug Feature: Easy to take a cup on the road

Simply remove the drip tray and place the mug on the machine’s base, where the drip tray once was, for an easy way to fill a travel mug for the road. And, if you forget to turn the machine off and you’re already far from home, no worries: The coffeemaker is equipped with a programmable on/off switch that turns off after two hours

Price: Not worth it

While we loved how quick and easy the Keurig is to use, the $84 price tag is just not worth it. The biggest downside to the Keurig is its ability to make only a single cup of coffee per pod. For the same price, you can get more value out of other coffee machines.

Competition: A great cup of coffee comes at a price

While there aren't many coffee makers on the market that replicate the ease and simplicity of a Keurig, the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is an easy to use alternative that produces a great cup of morning brew. While the Keurig only can produce one cup per pod, this Cuisinart makes 14, which will make up for the time and energy you spent re-loading your Keurig.

Because the Cuisinart works like a traditional coffee maker, you won't have to worry about pods, which is a lot more eco-friendly. For only a $16 price difference, the Cuisinart is a clear and better investment.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best coffee makers to buy.