Today We Are Comparing The Older Keurig Models (B-Series and K-Series)

Older Keurig Models

Older Keurig models were innovations in the coffee maker world. That is why we’re doing this comparison of some of the older Keurig coffee maker models.

We’re matching the B-series models with the K-series models to see how they compare. We also answer some frequently asked questions about Keurig coffee makers.

Comparing Older Keurig Models

To properly compare Keurig models from the B and K series, we’ll need to list them all. Let’s start with the early B-series models and work our way up to the K-series models.

Keurig B30 Coffee Makers

The first line of coffee makers from the B-series, or should we say, coffee makers, is the B31. It was the only model made in the B-series and it’s basically the Keurig 1.0.

They were Keurig’s original mini k-cup models, which were the only ones of their kind. Every measurement of the B31 was far less than 11” (27.9 cm) and had a water reserve with a max volume of 10 oz (295.7 ml).

Keurig B40 Coffee Makers

Keurig’s B40 models were the company’s original standard-sized, single-use Keurig coffee makers. It is far larger than the B31 model, with a water reservoir that maxes out at 48 oz (1419 ml).

There were six different models made in the B40 series that included:

They were user-friendly and easy to use, but they really had nothing special about them. The B40 models had rather large water reservoirs, but you could only brew a 10 oz (295.7 ml) cup of coffee.

None of the B40 models had any special features other than being able to turn them on or off. No temperature control, brew strength control, or pod scanning system like newer models have.

Keurig B50 Coffee Makers

The original third line of Keurigs were the B50 series models, which consisted of two variations. Those were the B50 and B55 lines that were the original Keurig brewers with LCD messaging.

Compared to the B40 series models, this was the only upgrade aside from having 6 and 8 oz (177.44 ml and 236.5 ml) cup size options. However, the B50 series models did not have a 10 oz (295.7 ml) size selection like the B40 models.

These models had no special features, and the only noticeable difference, aside from the LCD messaging, was that they were narrower.

Keurig B60 Coffee Makers

The B60 Keurigs consisted of three models that were the second line of coffee makers with LCD messaging. They basically made it to answer the backlash of the B50 models’ not having 10 oz (295.7 ml) cup options.

Aside from the addition of a 10 oz (295.7 ml) cup, there really weren’t any noticeable upgrades. Other than the B65 coming with a water filter starter kit and the B66 coming with a silver brewing lid, (Along with the water filter starter kit.)

Keurig B70 Coffee Makers

When the B70 series of coffee makers came out, they were some of the highest rated products on the market. The six B70 models had everything that the B50 and B60 models should’ve had.

Keurig threw everything into their last line of B-series home coffee makers. Offering everything in the B70 series brewers from:

5 brew sizes (4, 6, 8, 10, & 12oz)(118.2, 177.4, 236.5, 295.7, 354.88)
75 oz (2218 ml) water reservoir
Strength and temperature controls
Hot and cold beverage settings
High altitude setting

All of these great features are what made the B70 models the favorites of Keurig users. They were a great send off to the original Keurig B-series coffee makers.

Keurig K10 Mini Coffee Makers

After the Keurig B-series came the K-series, which still has many models being produced. The first lines of the K-series were the K10 and K15 mini coffee makers.

Descendants of the original B31 mini, with newer designs but many of the same features One of the most unique features of the K10 and K15 is that they were even smaller, with a width of 6.9 inches (17.5 cm).

Today, that seems big compared to the updated K-mini that came out with a 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) width. A coffee maker with a 6.9 inch (17.5 cm) width a few years ago was quite impressive, but not anymore.

Keurig K40 Elite Series

The first regular-sized brewers in the K-series were the K40 models. Aside from an updated look, there wasn’t anything much different about K40 brewers than B40 brewers.

Both of the K40 models had a water reservoir of 48 oz (1419.5 ml) and would brew a 10 oz (259.7 ml) cup of coffee. Neither contained any special features, strength, or temperature control settings.

Just an auto on and off switch along with a removable drip tray. Keurig basically took the B40 and rebranded it as the K40 to make it seem like it was new.

Keurig K50 Classic Series

Keurig would once again release a product with no new features and put it under a different name. This time, they made the K50 Classic Series, which feature-wise is no different than the K40 brewers.

It has the same 48 oz (1419.5 ml) water reservoir with a max 10 oz (295.7 ml) cup of coffee and no extra features—just an on and off switch and a removable dip tray.

Much like the B40 and B50, there are no noticeable differences between the K40 and 50 other than the names. But the company was able to get away with this before and make money, so why not do it again?

Keurig K60 Special Edition Series

The Keurig K60 Special Edition Series consisted of 3 different brewers that all had special features.

Keurig considers their K60 series to be their line of mid-luxury brewers. Three extra features, to be more specific.

LCD message center
60 oz (1774.1 ml) water reservoir
Temperature control from 187 to 192 degrees Fahrenheit (86.1 to 88.8 degrees Celsius)

Other than that, the K65 and K66 both had water filter starter kits. The exact same amount that the B60 brewers had before them.

Keurig K70 Platinum Series

The Keurig K70 Platinum Series is the rebranded version of the discontinued B70 series. It has most of the same features that the B70 series had.

Keurig made five brewers within the K70 series that included the K70, K71, K75, K77, and K-79.

Just like the B70 series, the K70 series contains:

Five brew sizes
Strength control
High altitude setting
Hot & cold modes
Quicker Brewer Speeds

These features were revolutionary but have now become standard in home brew coffee makers.

The Special Edition of K79 Brewers

One thing that Keurig did with the K70 series was make a few Keurig limited edition models with the K79 brewers. Some of the limited edition models included hot water and rinse buttons, which the other K-series brewers didn’t have.

B-Series & K-Series Commercial Brewers

Keurig not only changed the game when it came to home-brewed coffee machines but also commercial coffee machines. Their B-series commercial brewers changed how coffee was made at hotels and offices.

There were four different lines of B-series commercial brewers made.

B130: Created for guest hotels and motels that were easy to use.
B140: The model designed for heavy use within an office setting.
B150: A medium-traffic brewer that was customer facing and common in gas stations.
B3000SE: Required a direct water hook up and could be used with a coin charger.

After the rebrand, all of the B-series commercial brewers would have their names changed.

B130 changed to K130
B140 changed to K140
B150 changed to K150
B3000SE changed to K3000SE

What’s The Difference Between The B-Series And K-Series?

The only big difference between B-Series and K-Series brewers is the letter used. Keurig did a rebrand and changed next to nothing, aside from the name, and a few different looks and features.

They wanted to rebrand from B to K, so the K would stand for Keurig. Both models have been discontinued and replaced with more modern brewers.

What Replaced the B and K Series Brewers?

Both the older B and K series were replaced with a new line of K-series brewers. Each style is updated with more modern looks and extra features.

The Current Mini Keurig Model

There are currently two different mini models that are still being made by Keurig. Those are the K-Mini and the K-Compact.

The K-Mini is one of the smallest home brewers ever made, with a width of just 4.5 inches (11.43 cm). It also has a water reservoir with a 12 ounce (354.8 ml) max that is bigger than both the older B and K models.

Then there’s the K-Compact that’s a little bigger with an 8.2 inch (20.8 cm) width but a 36 ounce (1064 ml) water reservoir.

Current Mid Tier Keurig Brewer

Keurig combined the B and K 40/50 brewers into just one machine. The K-Classic has the exact same features as the older models.

It does, however, have some updates that include more cup sizes, along with better brewing technology and newer K-cups. They make better and stronger cups of coffee than the original brewers. Read our article and find out Do K-cups Expire?

Keurig K-Select

The Keurig K-Select is the current brewer that replaced the B and K 60 series. Although it has a smaller water reservoir of 52 ounces (1537.8 ml), there are more features compared to the older ones with none.

Four brew sizes
Button control panel
Strength control
Quiet brew technology
High altitude setting
Brewer maintenance reminders
Removable dip tray

Keurig K-Elite

The Keurig K-Elite is what replaced the B and K-70 lines of brewers. It has many of the same features as its predecessor, with a few extras thrown in, and a sleek look.

Some of the extra features added include:

1 minute brew time for hot or cold coffees
Updated button panel
Energy Saver Mode

The Latest Keurig Commercial Brewers

Not only were the home-brewed machines replaced, but so were the commercial brewers. There are currently five commercial Keurig machines that are still being made and sold.

K-Suite: Replaced the K130
K1500: Replaced the K140 and K150
K3500: Replaced the K3000SE
K4000 Cafe: Replaced the Vu series commercial brewers
Eccellenza Momentum: The most technologically advanced commercial brewer with an interactive touch screen

The Total Number of Keurig Models

The Keurig company started in 1992. In that time, they have made 87 different Keurig models and counting.

This includes:

The B-Series
The K-Series
Vue Series
Rivo Series
Keurig 2.0

Out of those 87 models that were made, there are maybe only a dozen Keurig models that are still being sold. Keurig is always looking to innovate and isn’t afraid of discontinuing old Keurig models.

How to Tell Which Keurig I Have?

Since there are so many different Keurig types, you may wonder what Keurig do I have? Depending on the type of Keurig you have, the serial number will be placed in at least one of three places.

Behind the water reservoir
Behind the dip tray
At the bottom of the machine

You may have to either take off the water reservoir or dip tray to see the serial numbers on certain models. The serial numbers on a Keurig coffee maker consist of 14 digits and are alphanumeric.

Do Keurig Coffee Machines Expire?

Keurig coffee machines don’t necessarily have an exact date when they expire. They could last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, or even longer if you take care of them.

That isn’t to say that the company doesn’t routinely discontinue models. There are several discontinued Keurig models that have come and gone for one reason or another.

Maybe because the company wanted to make more technologically advanced models or because one of the discontinued models wasn’t selling well.

Final Thoughts

The B-series Keurig models were, at one point, the most innovative coffee makers on the market. As time moved on, they were eventually discontinued and replaced by the K-series models.

Then later, the K-series models were replaced with an updated version of the K-series. Even though these lines of Keurig brewers have been discontinued, they are still a part of history.

None of the modern Keurig coffee machines would have been made if the early B and K-series machines hadn’t been developed first.