Brew Both Ways! A Keurig Duo Essentials Coffee Maker Review
I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.
I recently had the opportunity to review this newer Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker, which will let you brew either a single cup or an entire carafe with just one machine. You can use both K-Cups and ground coffee here, with multiple brew sizes available in both single cup and carafe.
How handy is that, right? I drink enough coffee that I prefer to brew up a pot in the morning, but sometimes when a friend drops by later in the day it's useful to be able to make just a single cup for her -- or to lay out a variety of choices in K-Cups, to meet people's different coffee preferences during a family gathering.
The Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker is only available at Walmart. But at $99, this is a fairly budget-friendly choice (given its dual functionality), and a great gift idea for the upcoming holidays this year.
How does the Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker work?
The Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker holds a full 60 oz of water in its removable reservoir, which is a good size and easy to refill. Simply fill the reservoir to the max fill line, then choose your brewing method (both sides pull from the same reservoir):
On the carafe side, you just insert a flat bottom paper filter into the basket, scoop in your choice of ground coffee, place your carafe on the heating plate, and select an 8, 10, or 12 cup brew. The machine unfortunately doesn't let you choose a smaller brew size than 8 cups. So, if you're making a pot of coffee for one, you might be better off just using the K-Cup side. A heating plate keeps the 12-cup glass carafe warm, and a Pause & Pour feature gives you 20 seconds to grab a cup before the machine is done brewing. Because sometimes: You just.can't.wait.
On the K-Cup side, just pop in your favorite K-Cup, place your coffee mug or travel mug on the drip tray, and choose either 8, 10, or 12 oz. This brewer is nice because, unlike with some other Keurig models, you don't have to wait for the water to heat up before choosing a cup size.
The Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker brews fairly quickly, but both the K-Cup and carafe brewing methods are on the louder side. The brewer and heating plate both have an auto-off feature.
What's the verdict?
I like my coffee strong and dark, and have always enjoyed it black. On the carafe side, the Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker seems to brew a little less strong than my usual coffee maker; on the single serve side, you get a typical K-Cup brew.
If you have a smaller kitchen, be aware that this is a bulky machine that will take up a good bit of counter space -- less, though, than if you have been devoting space to two separate machines. It brews a little noisily, but is fast and efficient. I also quite appreciated not having to let the water heat up before selecting an oz size on the K-Cup side, which is a real time saver.
My Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker Review in a nutshell
Pros: Easy to brew up a whole pot of coffee in the morning, and then just do a single cup later in the day. The Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker is easy to use, it holds a lot of water in its removable 60 oz reservoir, and you don’t have to wait until it heats up to select a brew size for your K-Cups.
Cons: This machine is bulky, and is a little bit noisy. It really does take up a lot of room on the counter, so consider your available space before purchasing. Also, if you're a fan of bolder coffee as I am, note that a pot of brewed coffee doesn’t come out as strong as with my old brewer. Lastly, you can't set it to brew fewer than 8 cups on the carafe side -- meaning that you're out of luck if you want to run a smaller pot.
Overall: A solid buy, giving you the best of both worlds in one affordable machine. It's always good to have options.
Pick up your Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker today
Kudos to Keurig for recognizing that there is a time and a place for both K-Cups and carafes. The Keurig Duo Essentials Coffee Maker allows you to enjoy both, without having to choose.
As far as brewing on the carafe side, you could always add more coffee grounds to bring it up the strength you like. We have one on layaway at Walmart and will have to experiment to determine the correct amount of grounds to use.
No, you can’t add more grounds. It will spill over and make a huge mess... I know from experience. This machine sucks.
I’m having that same issue. I was wondering if I ground my beans to fine. Do you know if that makes a diff? I can only figure the brew water flows to fast and sprays the grounds every where. Please let me know if you have found a solution. Thanks
Hey I have this machine and I can add as much grounds as I want. I love my machine!!
Agree. Itll spill over if u add more grounds. Im returning this coffee maker....it is awful. Weak coffee on both sides, coffee oot side smallest is 8 cups, no instructions on troubleshooting, and cust serv isnt informative, never brews correct amt, etc
@Shelby, try an xtra large coffee filter
I have this machine it is the worst coffee machine I ever bought. On the pot side it never brews a full pot. The burner does not come on. I have had the machine replaced 3 times same problem on each of the. Don’t wast your money.
OMG. We are having the same issue. Third machine is being mailed as we speak. Pod side works great but carafe won't brew more than 3 cups and times out.
I got the same trouble heatplate doesn’t heat brews only third o pot can turn heatplate in manually
We received our third replacement last Friday, and the pot side stopped working Saturday. Customer care was very nice and are sending me a regular keurig, not the duo, as I requested. Something is not right with that duo.
I just got this as a Xmas gift and the carafe part doesn’t seem to work at all!! I’m super disappointed!!! Bought from amazon.....what do I do now? I don’t want to have to replace it multiple times as all of you seem to have done. Any suggestions? Thanks!
I have the same problem as well. Carafe side will not brew properly and shuts off. Having read all the reviews with the same issue I will try to get a refund.
I am having the same problem, carafe side will not brew at all.
I am on my THIRD Duo - each has had the exact same problem: the carafe side does not work properly. Warmer does not turn on after brewing and machine instead turns off completely.
On my second machine and its a piece of shit with the same problem .i hope they do a recall so i can send this junk back to them..
I’m on my 2nd one and experiencing the same problems. Won’t brew a full carafe and heat plate won’t come on. This is ridiculous!
We just got our replacement Duo because our first did the same thing. Only brewed 2 cups into the carafe at a very slow rate and then shutoff with no hot plate on.Now, in less than a week our replacement is doing the same thing only worse. When brewing on the single cup side it also dispenses water into the carafe at the same time. The single cup doesn't give the selected quantity and takes at least 5 minutes to brew an 8 oz cup. We are going to return this one as well and my guess is the 3rd machine they send us will do the same thing.
I have the same problem this is my second coffee maker.
How do you fix the k-cup side that over flows the the cup. My cups hold 10pz no problem with my old Keurig . It over flows so much it fills half of another cup. I have a large 20oz cup that the 12pz setting over floes. I really don’t like the the pot side either , coffee not very strong or good tasting...Very disappointed how do o get a replacement k-duo
Having the same problem with the cup over flowing... Contacted Keurig and they are sending a replacement...
We just started having the same problem. It started over filling on 12 oz, so I switched to 10 and it still overfilled a 16 oz cup.
I bought the newer version and it stopped brewing a pot within 2 weeks. They sent me a new one and it stopped in a week. They are now sending me a third one. I asked for my money back and they said I had to take it back to Best Buy for a refund but there's a catch. The one I have now has a different serial number as the one i originally purchased and Best Buy has a time limit on returns.
I had the same result, no refund, I have to take it back to Walmart. No box, no receipt and not the same one I purchased at Walmart. My first one was purchased last spring. I kept it working for about 5 months, received another under warranty which lasted 2 month. Not a dime more to Keurig. I just bought another Bunn which we have used over the years before getting sucked into Keurig. I am now researching buying a small single cup machine, something other than a K. I wish I had the means to start a class action lawsuit! I don't know what is going on at Keurig other than Green Mountain Coffee bought them out.
I posted earlier that I was on my third unit. It stopped working before I had a chance to send the old one back. I'm calling them tomorrow. I'm not trying a 4th unit. I'm going to demand my money back from them.
I had the same problem but keurig has replaced it 2 times already....
I am having the same issue.
Same problem. I’m about over it
Does it require specific water to he purchased to use? We had that issue before & I refuse to buy water when we have a filtration system at home.
Thanks!
I just used regular tap water in mine.
I have the newer version of this machine, brewed full pot and has a setting for stronger brew as well.
Available at our grocer Fred Meyer, Best Buy, and Target locally.
First machine wouldnt brew a fill pot after using the single cup side. Replaced that one and this morning there was water all over the counter. Still havent received my shipping label to send the first one back. Overall not a happy customer!
Bought this after my regular pot broke. On the pot side, coffee grounds overflow out of the basket and all over the place. Seems like the water isn’t going thru fast enough. Otherwise I think it’s a great idea!
I am having the same overflow issue. Like the troubleshooting guide says, I am using less grounds than I would have in my old mr coffee but it still overflows everytime I try to brew a carafe.
I bought the gold reusable filter and it stopped overflowing! I love my coffeemaker and feel bad for those of you having so many issues. Guess I got lucky.....but I will keep my fingers crossed just in case!!
Update: I bought the Kuerig Gold reusable coffee filter and it solved my overflow issue. It is brewing perfectly!
We have the same problem. It’s a messy clean up every day! So disappointed. My husband HATES IT!
It doesn’t come with a piece to hold the filter? What that all about? The once off of the two Keurig I have had do not fit. That seems strange too. I don’t know how it works I haven’t tried it yet.
It should come with a filter basket for the carafe side.
It does. I put in the filter, then put the coffee in the filter, and it overflows.
Mine did NOT come with a basket. I went to Target and bought a basket. I tried the pot side and though the (empty) pot got hot, no coffee! It won’t brew coffee.
I just got my Duo today. After washing and rinsing brew basket I cannot get it back in the Brewer. Is there a secret to doing it? Also had some trouble getting it out in the first place.
I had the same problem and got terribly frustrated because there was no instructions to tell you how to do it. I thought I broke it! Center the metal clip and it should go in. Mine is getting easier with time. I also noticed that you have to let it sit for a while after the brewing noise stops to get your full put of coffee. Liking it more after several uses.
I think it's very poor design, I have to use a lot of force to remove and insert the drawer to brew a carafe. The plastic of the coffee maker flexes each time and I see serious scuffing on the drawer mechanism - I will be taking this piece of junk back... they only had to do a hinged lid or a properly working drawer...
The single side does not work!! It pours water, but not with coffee in it, anyone else have this issue ? I threw the box away, but I have insurance on it from WalMart
I've only used the carafe side one time. Now, the cups won't illuminate so I can choose 8, 10, or 12. It won't brew on this side due to buttons not lighting up. Has anyone had this issue? Any helpful tips to fix this issue?
I did too. I unplugged/replugged it in and then it worked just fine.
The same thing is happening with ours. The lights won't illuminate so I can choose which size.
This is my first Keurig. When inserting a pod how do you know what size brew it is....how do you determine if you should press the 8,10 or 10 oz button?
I usually go with the 10oz. size, unless I am filling a large travel cup. Most regular coffee mugs will take the 10oz. Why don't you try it out without a pod - just letting it brew water through to give you a bit of an idea?
Where does the water filter go? I can’t figure it out.
We just bought new k-duo and trying to run the first rinse cykle and cannot get carafe back in at all? It’s like it a little to y’all n won’t push in past the filter basket button? We have used keurig for years but this one is frustrating us? Feels a bit cheaply made as well? May jus return it and get the plus one or something?
Had same problem. Directions would be helpful. You must put center guide of filter above- not below fork like structures to insert.
Mine won't n as ke a pot of coffee very disappointed not her plate either
How do you brew a 12 cup carafe, which is 96 oz. when the reservoir only holds 60 oz. ?
Because coffee maker "cups" aren't actual 8 fl oz cups -- but are generally 4-6 oz "cups," as defined by the coffee maker manufacturer. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coffee-cup-is-6-ounces_n_5819db10e4b07c97c1c571d6 for instance.
Wanted to like this machine but ended up returning it today. Carafe side kept overflowing leaving a huge mess to clean up. Heating plate would not stay on so the coffee would end up only being lukewarm. Would not recommend.
I'm having problems with ours turning off after 6 cups. Returning it today hopefully the replacement works better.
One word sums it up JUNK!!! Unable to pour from coffee pot without coffee running down side of pot onto floor ,counter top or in my white enamel sink which has become coffee stained. Junk do not buy it.
Having the same problem, replaced first one and the second one does the same! Tried different methods of putting fast then slow still the same putting my coffee over the sink now!
This machine is poorly designed and is JUNK. I am on my second one replaced under warranty and it did not last as long as the 1st one. Carafe side of the brewer is the problem. Stops brewing early or does not brew at all. Very intermittent. Will not respond with proper cleaning, single cup seems to work ok although it does overflow sometimes. Going back to a Bunn for full pot brewing.
Have had this k duo for a few weeks it overflowed and now all the lights stay lit and will not make coffee from the pot or cup. I am going back to mr coffee, never had a problem with it.
After reading all your issues, I returned it after one day of it not working and purchased a Cuisinart “duo” and it works great!! The carafe side is programmable, the coffee is always hot. Best of all....it works!!
I've had one for 2 weeks or so it stopped brewing a full carafe and the k cup side wouldn't work right either. I remembered my mom always ran distilled white vinegar through her coffee pots when they was slow or stopped. So I tried about half vinegar and half water and a bunch of white calcium scale came out but it stopped. I turned it off and tried to run it through again and got it to fill the carafe. I done this twice and then done two cleansing runs and so far it works. The k cup side was done as well. Brewed a pot of coffee and will use filtered water from now on.
Not saying this is a 100% fix but I hate dealing with companies and it seems to have fixed my issue.
I recently got the machine as a gift. The recommendation is to use 1tbsp of coffee for every cup, however this measurement is giving me an extremely bitter coffee. I am using the Tim Hortons medium roast coffee for brewing. Could you please recommend what would be the right amount of coffee to use for brewing 8 cups?
I use about 3 or 4 tbsp for 12 cups or a full carafe. So for the 8 cup setting I'd start by using 2 tbsp and if it's too strong or weak adjust to taste.
I tried this and works perfect!! Thank you so much!!! 😀
Oh boy... I am in shock now after reading all of these reviews. We are on our 3rd machine now 🙁 and I'll be calling them tomorrow. This one is about a week old and was working fine until last night. I wanted to brew 10 cups on the pot side, and after 1/2 an hour, there was only 4 cups brewed and the machine shut off. Tonight, exactly the same thing, only this time, the descale button is now stuck on. At first, I started thinking that it was me doing something wrong, but after seeing here that so many others have the exact same issues, I know it's not me!!!
Really thought I would love the duo Keurig because I like the K-cups and my husband likes the carafe. Unfortunately, you cannot brew less than 8 oz. on the K-cup side and less that 8 cups on the carafe side. That really sucks. The 8 oz. on the K-cup side is watered down and if you add more grounds to the carafe side it spills over. Good concept, but doesn't work for me. Keurig, please study this more and make a duo that works for both the carafe side and the K-cup side with a choice to brew less that 8 oz. I will return my duo and go back to using my old single cup Keurig.
My Duo has lasted a good couple months but suddenly this morning it stopped brewing the pot and all the lights are lit and won’t go off. I have clean and rinsed the lines and everything but it will not woke 😭 and of course customer service is down !!
how do you put the basket back in the slot? I just got this kduo and thought I just slid it out.
Same problem here. They are mailing us our third machine. Cannot brew a carafe! Stops at 6 cups and shut down. What a pain!
I solved the problem of spill over coffee grounds by using the Bunn brand of coffee filters. They are taller than the regular ones. I purchased them online. No more coffee ground mess.
I try to make a carafe pot full I turn it on the right button for it but water comes out of Krupp side instead of a full pot
Worst machine ever.every day is a fight to get pot coffee.cheap machines much more reliable 🤬😡
I got mine 2 days ago. I tried to make a single serve cup today and the add water light keeps flashing. I’m not sure why because the reservoir is full. Any suggestions? I might take it back already.
I'm having the same issue. The carafe side doesn't brew a whole pot and the water isn't hot. The heating plate doesn't work either. Looking into going back to a Bunn.
I’m on my second one they sent me because the first one brewed more than 8 ounces of coffee on k cup side Leaving me with weak coffee that I had to keep throwing away. The second machine is doing the same thing, so I assume all of them water down your coffee. I live alone so I can’t make 8 cups +, only bought the duo if I have company. I’ve wasted so much money, throwing coffee out. Both machines are going in the trash.
How to brew a stronger cup of coffee on the pod side of the Kuerig k-cup essentials coffee?
Can make tea on the cold brew
So, if you want to brew less than 8 cups; just set it to eight and turn off the machine at your desired amount. I wouldn’t do less than four cups to allow a long enough brew to obtain correct strength aka it may be too weak on less than 4 cups. Again turn the pot off at your desired amount. The plug it back in turn the warmer on manually
In trying this now
I just got one and the light just stay lit it won’t let me click on anything