Keurig K40 vs K45: What's The Difference?

Keurig K40 vs K45: What's the difference?

Both the Keurig K40 and K45 are the single-serve giant’s low-end brewers.

Pop in a pod and choose one of three serving sizes.

That’s all there is to it.

There are no bells, no whistles, and no fancy display panels. They don’t even have a large water reservoir (just 48 oz).

But are these two models exactly the same?

Not quite.

There’s actually just one difference between the K40 and K45.

Do you know what it is?

This is The Coffee Maven’s Keurig K40 vs K45 Showdown.

Keurig K40 vs K45: The Differences

The Keurig K45 comes with a water filter starter kit. The Keurig K40 doesn’t.

That’s the difference.

Whether you need a water filter is dependent upon your water source. If you use tap water, you really should use the Keurig water filter kit to remove ions from the water, which would otherwise build up on the brewer’s internal components as limescale.

If you use Brita, Purr or another water filter to fill your Keurig, you don’t need the water filter.

Water filter starter kits go for about $12 (as of this writing), so factor that into your decision if you decide you need one and want t to purchase the K40. I’ve seen times where the K45 (with the water filter) is actually less expensive than the K40, so make sure to price shop and get the best deal possible!

Keurig K40 vs K45

The Coffee Maven's Official Comparison
Keurig K40
Overall
78

Keurig K40

Machine Only
The K40 is one of Keurig's most iconic brewers. It's simple and easy to operate with a solid 48 oz reservoir, but it has just a 10 oz max brew size and no special features. Now discontinued, check out the K-Classic instead.
Keurig K45
Overall
78

Keurig K45

Machine + Water Filter Starter Kit
The K45 is one of Keurig's most iconic brewers. It's simple and easy to operate with a solid 48 oz reservoir, but it has just a 10 oz max brew size and no special features. Now discontinued, check out the K-Classic instead.

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About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!