Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup vs Keurig Mini Plus: Which Single-Serve Coffee Maker Wins?
Quick Summary
Best overall: Keurig Mini Plus Single Serve — verdict 4.2/5 (tied on score, but wins on convenience and pod versatility). If you want a no-fuss, pod-based coffee maker that brews in under two minutes, the Keurig Mini Plus is the smarter buy for most people. But if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a bit of manual measuring, the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup delivers solid value at nearly half the price.
When you’re staring down the coffee aisle of life, the choice between a pod machine and a traditional drip brewer can feel bigger than it should. Two popular contenders in the single-serve space are the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup and the Keurig Mini Plus Single Serve. Both promise a quick cup, but they approach the job very differently.
We’ve dug through thousands of real Amazon reviews (44,478 for the Mr Coffee, 39,272 for the Keurig) to give you an honest, no-nonsense comparison. This isn’t about specs on paper—it’s about what it’s like to live with these machines. Let’s settle it: which one is the smarter buy for most people?
Key Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup | Keurig Mini Plus Single Serve |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$54.98 | ~$94.99 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Our Verdict | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Brew Method | Ground coffee (manual filter) | K-Cup pods |
| Brew Time | ~5 minutes | ~2 minutes |
| Capacity | Single 12 oz. cup | Single 6–12 oz. cup (adjustable) |
| Water Reservoir | None (fill cup directly) | 12 oz. removable reservoir |
| Ease of Cleanup | Rinse basket and cup | Discard pod, rinse drip tray |
| Pod Versatility | None (ground coffee only) | Works with all K-Cup brands, plus reusable filter (sold separately) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Where the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup Wins
1. Price: Almost Half the Cost
At roughly $54.98, the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup is significantly cheaper than the Keurig Mini Plus. For budget-conscious buyers, that’s a big deal. You could almost buy two Mr Coffees for the price of one Keurig. And because it uses ground coffee, you’ll save money on pods over time—ground coffee is generally far less expensive per cup than K-Cups.
2. No Pod Waste
If you’re eco-minded, the Mr Coffee is the clear winner. It uses a permanent mesh filter (included) and your own ground coffee. There’s no plastic or aluminum pod to toss after every brew. That’s a sustainability win that many reviewers mention as a key reason they chose it.
3. Full Control Over Your Brew
With the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup, you control the strength and flavor by choosing your own coffee and adjusting the amount of grounds. You’re not locked into a pod’s preset flavor profile. Coffee enthusiasts who like to experiment with different roasts or grind sizes will appreciate this flexibility. Our full review of the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup dives deeper into brew quality.
Where the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup Falls Short
1. Manual Measuring and Fiddling
This isn’t a set-and-forget machine. You have to measure coffee grounds, fill the filter basket, and pour water directly into the cup. It’s a bit more hands-on than a pod machine. If you’re groggy at 6 a.m., that extra step might feel like a chore.
2. Longer Brew Time
Reviewers note that brewing takes around 5 minutes—double the Keurig’s time. For a quick morning rush, that can feel like an eternity. The water isn’t heated in a reservoir; it’s heated as it drips through, so there’s a natural delay.
3. No Customizable Cup Sizes
The Mr Coffee brews a single 12 oz. cup—that’s it. You can’t choose a smaller 6 oz. cup for a stronger espresso-like shot. The Keurig lets you adjust brew size, which is a nice perk.
Where the Keurig Mini Plus Wins
1. Speed and Convenience
The Keurig Mini Plus Single Serve is the undisputed king of convenience. Pop in a K-Cup, press a button, and you have a fresh cup in about 2 minutes. No measuring, no mess, no guesswork. This is the number one reason people choose Keurig—and it shows in the reviews.
2. Pod Versatility
K-Cups are everywhere. You can find them in any grocery store, and the variety is staggering—from Starbucks to Dunkin to dozens of specialty brands. Plus, you can buy a reusable K-Cup filter and use your own grounds if you want the best of both worlds. That option doesn’t exist on the Mr Coffee.
3. Adjustable Cup Sizes
The Keurig Mini Plus lets you brew 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. cups. Want a quick, strong pick-me-up? Go with 6 oz. Need a larger mug to get through a meeting? Choose 12 oz. This flexibility is a huge plus for households with different preferences.
4. Compact, Modern Design
The Mini Plus is sleek and small, designed to fit under low cabinets. It has a removable 12 oz. water reservoir, so you can fill it exactly as needed. It’s a genuinely attractive countertop appliance.
Where the Keurig Mini Plus Falls Short
1. Higher Upfront Cost
At ~$94.99, the Keurig costs roughly $40 more than the Mr Coffee. That’s a meaningful gap for budget shoppers. And that’s before you factor in the ongoing cost of K-Cups, which run about $0.50–$1.00 per pod. Over a year, that adds up.
2. Pod Waste (and Pod Cost)
While some K-Cups are now recyclable, most still end up in the trash. If you’re environmentally conscious, that’s a real downside. The convenience of pods comes with an environmental price tag.
3. Can’t Brew a Full Pot
Like the Mr Coffee, this is strictly a single-serve machine. If you often need to brew for a crowd, neither of these will cut it. But that’s not the point of this comparison—both are for solo drinkers.
Who Each Is For
Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup is for:
- Budget shoppers who want a low-cost entry into single-serve brewing.
- Eco-conscious users who want to avoid pod waste.
- Coffee purists who prefer their own grounds and full control over strength.
- Minimalists who appreciate a simple, mechanical device with no complex settings.
Keurig Mini Plus is for:
- Busy professionals who need a fast, no-fuss cup before work.
- Variety seekers who love trying different pod flavors and brands.
- Tech-savvy users who want adjustable brew sizes and a modern design.
- Gift givers—a Keurig is a universally recognized, crowd-pleasing present.
The Verdict: Which Is the Smarter Buy?
So, which one wins? It depends on your priorities, but for most people, the Keurig Mini Plus edges out the Mr Coffee. Here’s why:
- Convenience is king. The Keurig’s 2-minute brew time and pod system are unbeatable for busy mornings. The Mr Coffee requires more hands-on effort and patience.
- Versatility matters. The adjustability of cup sizes and the massive variety of K-Cup pods give the Keurig broader appeal. You can always use a reusable filter to get the ground-coffee experience if you want.
- The extra cost is justifiable. Yes, it’s $40 more upfront, and pods cost more per cup. But the time saved and the ease of use are worth it for most people. If you drink one cup a day, the pod cost difference is roughly $150–$300 per year—but you’re paying for convenience, and many find that worth it.
That said, if you’re on a tight budget or you’re committed to zero-waste coffee, the Mr Coffee Simple Brew Cup is a perfectly capable machine. It brews a decent cup and is about as simple as it gets.
For a deeper dive, read our full Keurig Mini Plus review to see how it performs in daily use.
Final Verdict
Our pick: Keurig Mini Plus Single Serve. It’s faster, more versatile, and easier to use. The higher price is justified by the convenience and flexibility it offers. If you want a coffee maker that fits your busy life without sacrificing quality, this is the smarter buy.
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