If you like Keurig machines but want a little more than just the same cup of coffee every day, then check out the Keurig K-Elite and K-Supreme. While they still embody the ease and convenience that all Keurigs have, these coffee makers are on the upper end of the Keurig spectrum.
Beverage varieties and brewing a cup of coffee fast are the big selling points for each, but the question is: Which is better? Let’s find out. This is Keurig K-Elite vs K-Supreme.
 | Our Pick  |
Pros:
| Pros:
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Description: The K-Elite brews 5 different cup sizes, from 4 oz up to 12 oz. Featuring a 75 oz removable water tank, this machine is great for larger households or offices. It does best what it's designed to do: Brew a range of basic coffees fast. | Description: The K-Supreme's multistream technology enhances flavor and aroma, all without compromising speed and convenience. At a similar price point to the Elite, we are willing to sacrifice brew options and some water tank volume. |
- 5 different brew sizes
- Adjustable water temperature
- 75-ounce water reservoir
- Auto turn-on
The K-Elite brews 5 different cup sizes, from 4 oz up to 12 oz. Featuring a 75 oz removable water tank, this machine is great for larger households or offices. It does best what it's designed to do: Brew a range of basic coffees fast.
- 4 different brew sizes
- Uses multi-stream technology for better taste
- Multi-positional water tank
- Compact design
The K-Supreme's multistream technology enhances flavor and aroma, all without compromising speed and convenience. At a similar price point to the Elite, we are willing to sacrifice brew options and some water tank volume.
Keurig K-Elite
One of the key differences separating this machine from the Keurig K-Supreme is its variety of brew sizes and temperature control. This has five different sizes to choose from that include a 4-ounce cup which is great if you want a strong shot of coffee in the afternoon.
This range of choices is great for larger households or even small office settings. A massive 75-ounce removable water reservoir is also great for less frequent refills. This will easily get you through the workweek.
Keurig also wants you to have this for a long time. They’ve installed a calcium indicator informing you when to descale your machine. While this is great for keeping your coffee tasting fresh, it also protects the insides of your machine and keeps it looking just as good as the outside.
This system keeps it relatively simple as well. You won’t find a fancy touchscreen like on other Keurigs. There is some control over your brewing capabilities, but ultimately this machine specializes in basic coffees made fast. Or you can easily make tea, hot chocolate, and instant soup with the hot water option.
Keurig K-Supreme
This represents Keurig’s attempt to make a better cup of coffee without sacrificing speed or convenience. This is the first Keurig coffee maker to feature multistream technology to enhance the flavor and consistency of your coffee extracts.
The new system works by making multiple punctures in the K-cup pods, allowing the ground coffee to pre-soak. This allows it to brew evenly and provides a more full-bodied flavor for every pod you brew.
Another upgrade on the Keurig K-Supreme is the dual-position 66-ounce water reservoir. It can attach to either the side or the back of your coffee machine to suit your storage needs better. No other machine has this, and it’s an excellent feature for those who reside in apartments and condos where space is limited.
Despite being a bit smaller than the K-Elite, it still has many of the same functions. It has a brew over ice option and a strong brew option. The control buttons are much easier to navigate on the Supreme and represent Keurig’s goal of making delicious coffee effortlessly.
Differences And Similarities At A Glance
Let’s quickly weigh the things that make these coffee makers different.
Differences
- The K-Supreme features multistream technology, which enhances the flavor of your coffee and ensures more efficient extraction.
- The K-Elite allows coffee drinkers to adjust the temperature of the water to manipulate flavor. This is advantageous since there are so many K-cups to choose from.
- A removable water tank is nothing new, but you can choose where it goes on the K-Supreme. Depending on your countertop demands, you can attach this dual-position reservoir to the side or the back.
- If variety is your cup of tea, then the K-Elite will appeal to you because it can brew more cup sizes than the K-Supreme. It has a 4-ounce brew button for when you just want a few sips of actual coffee.
Similarities
- Both have a strong brew feature that comes in handy when you face a long day at work.
- For those summer weekends, either machine can make you an iced beverage with a single button.
- Keep these in top form by paying attention to the descaling light that both have on top. This is crucial if you want to maintain your coffee maker for a long time and continue to enjoy the cleanest coffee.
- If you like to experiment with ground coffee that doesn’t come in pod-form, both machines are compatible with the reusable K-cup pods.
| Feature | K-Elite | K-Supreme |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 9.9″D x 13.1″W x 12.7″H | 10.12″D x 14.84″W x 14.41″H |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs. | 5.78 lbs. |
| Water Tank Size | 75 oz. | 66 oz. |
| Removable Water Tank | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-position Water Tank | No | Yes |
| Custom Temperature Control | Yes | No |
| Multistream Technology | No | Yes |
| Brew Sizes | 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. | 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. |
Feature Comparison
Still unsure which one suits you better? Let’s dig even deeper and get all the information on these two pod coffee makers.
Features
Keurigs are known for lacking features in lieu of speed and convenience. Still, the K-Elite is bucking that trend by offering temperature control options so you can customize your flavor. While the K-Supreme doesn’t have this, it has its own beneficial features headlined by an adjustable water reservoir. You can place it on the side or back, depending on the demands of your countertop.
In terms of programming, don’t expect much from any Keurig in this department either. However, I liked to see that the K-Elite is equipped with an auto turn-on. While both have an auto-off feature, only the K-Elite will be able to greet you in the morning with a full coffee cup that’s hot and ready.
Winner: K-Elite
Brewing
The K-Supreme delivers a knock-out punch with its new multistream technology. Keurig has also started using it in other models because it produces better cups of coffee. Pre-soaking the coffee grounds helps them heat evenly, so they are more willing to release their delicious flavors when water is applied.
Both coffee makers feature two particular brewing options: A strong brew option and an iced coffee brew option. These come in really handy early in the morning and on a hot summer day. In terms of brew sizes, the Elite has a slight edge with its 5 sizes, whereas the Supreme brews 4 different cup sizes.
Still, the Supreme wins here with its advanced brewing technology.
Winner: K-Supreme
Ease of Use
With all these add-ons that separate themselves from other Keurig machines, it’s hard to believe how easy they both are to use. However, the K-Supreme is more simplified and sticks to Keurigs unwritten mantra of a one-touch brew button option. Due to the options that the K-Elite offers, you will have to put a little more effort into getting the delicious brews you’re promised.
Winner: K-Supreme
Price & Value
Prices are also very similar, but the K-Supreme seems to be listed slightly cheaper in most forums. This is probably due to the smaller water tank and lack of temperature control options. If either of those two things isn’t important to you, then definitely go with the Supreme. Considering their similar price tag, I would go with the Supreme every time and happily sacrifice water tank capacity and temperature control for a better cup of coffee. It seems like we have a clear winner here.
Winner: K-Supreme
Customer Reviews
The amount of reviews for these two Pod coffee makers is in the tens of thousands. On average, these coffee makers have good ratings with 4.7 and 4.4-star ratings on Amazon for the Elite and Supreme, respectively.
‘Boston’ agrees with a lot of what I’ve covered regarding the K-Elite but has this to add;
“It makes a cup of coffee in less than a minute from turning it on to brew time. You can set it to different temperatures; the ice coffee function is good if you like iced coffee. I can taste the difference in the iced coffee taste compared to when I made one with my other Keurig.”
There are a lot of happy customers who bought the K-Supreme as well. ‘Paul’ pointed out the convenience of its accessible water reservoir.
“I’m the only coffee drinker in my house and I contemplated purchasing a small pot coffee maker to replace my original Keurig machine. I ended up with this Keurig instead – brews stronger coffee and has a more streamlined design than the original clunker. Best of all, the water reservoir is easily accessible.”
When there are this many reviews, there’s bound to be some unhappy customers, but sometimes, they make a good point. ‘Lori & Glen’ share a common problem I’ve noticed with many Keurigs, not just the K-Elite. Luckily, customer service is on the ball.
“This model Keurig (k-Elite) I originally bought lasted 29 days before we woke up and the Keurig had leaked water from the brewing spout all over the counter, down the cabinet, and on my wood floors. Amazon was great and replaced immediately with the same model overnight. The replacement leaks off and on. […] Very disappointed!”
Winner: K-Elite; it has a higher average rating
Final Verdict
Both coffee makers deliver on their promise: Make a range of decent coffee drinks fast. Whereas the Elite features some more bells and whistles and has more water capacity, the K-Supreme makes better coffee. That’s what matters most to me, so I have to tip my cap to the K-Supreme. The multistream tech is excellent if you like to try different types of coffee grinds, as it will extract them more evenly.
The K-Supreme's multistream technology enhances flavor and aroma, all without compromising speed and convenience. At a similar price point to the Elite, we are willing to sacrifice brew options and some water tank volume.
