The Cuisinart Soho and the Keurig Mini are both compact single-serve coffee makers, but they cater to very different priorities. The Cuisinart Soho is a more stylish and feature-rich option with a premium build and multiple brew sizes, while the Keurig Mini is an ultra-compact, budget-friendly machine that prioritizes speed and portability above all else.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which coffee maker belongs on your counter.
Cuisinart Soho Single-Serve Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Soho single-serve brewer is designed for coffee drinkers who want a reliable, stylish appliance for their kitchen or office without taking up too much space. It blends Cuisinart's reputation for durable kitchenware with a sleek, modern design, offering more brewing versatility than many ultra-compact models.
- What it is: A compact single-serve coffee maker with a modern aesthetic and multiple brewing options.
- Key features: Multiple brew size settings, compatible with various coffee pods (including Keurig K-Cups), and an easy-to-use interface.
- Price: Typically ranges from $80 to $120.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8 inches wide x 6 inches deep x 11 inches tall.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a combination of durable plastic and stainless steel accents, giving it a sturdy and premium feel.
- Style: Features a sleek and minimalist design with stainless steel details that fit well in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Stylish and modern appearance, durable construction feels substantial, offers multiple brew sizes for more control, works with different pod types.
- Cons: Has a larger countertop footprint than the Keurig Mini, comes at a higher price point, not as light or portable.
This brewer is an excellent choice for someone who wants a permanent countertop coffee maker that looks good, feels durable, and offers more control than a basic one-button machine.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/tea-coffee/single-serve-coffee-makers/
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini is famous for its incredible convenience and microscopic footprint. Designed for speed, simplicity, and portability, it's the go-to choice for students in dorm rooms, people with tiny kitchens, or anyone who wants a no-fuss cup of coffee brewed in under two minutes at the touch of a single button.
- What it is: An ultra-compact and portable single-serve K-Cup coffee maker.
- Key features: Extremely slim design (less than 5 inches wide), simple one-touch operation, brews multiple cup sizes (6 to 12 oz) by adding water for each cup, cord storage for portability, auto-off feature for energy savings.
- Price: Generally priced between $60 and $100, and frequently on sale.
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.5 inches wide x 9.2 inches deep x 12 inches tall.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily of lightweight, durable plastic.
- Style: Simple, no-frills, and practical, with a focus on its small size. Available in several colors to match different decors.
- Pros: Extremely compact and fits nearly anywhere, very affordable, incredibly fast and easy to use, portable design is great for travel or small spaces.
- Cons: Requires adding a fresh cup of water for every brew, construction feels less premium than the Soho, limited functionality with no brew strength settings.
The K-Mini is for the person who values speed, counter space, and affordability over brewing features and a high-end look.
Shop this product: keurig.com/coffee-makers/k-mini-single-serve-coffee-maker/
Cuisinart Soho vs. Keurig Mini Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The difference in size is the most noticeable distinction between these two models. The Keurig Mini is impressively slim, measuring less than 5 inches wide. This makes it an ideal choice for squeezing onto a packed countertop, a workspace cubicle, or into a suitcase for travel. Its one-cup reservoir means a simple, streamlined process: you pour in the amount of water you want (from 6 to 12 oz), and that’s what it brews.
The Cuisinart Soho is also compact but has more of a traditional appliance presence, at around 8 inches wide and 11 inches tall. While it still fits comfortably in small kitchens, it's designed to be a permanent fixture rather than a portable device. Its larger size accommodates a more robust internal system and a more substantial water tank, meaning you don't have to fill it up for every single cup of coffee.
Materials & Construction
The Cuisinart Soho is constructed with durable plastic but is accented with stainless steel, giving it a much more solid and premium feel. This speaks to Cuisinart’s reputation for quality kitchen appliances and suggests better longevity with daily use. It's built to withstand a busy kitchen environment.
The Keurig Mini is made almost entirely of lightweight plastic. While it feels sturdy enough for its purpose, the construction is clearly optimized for portability and keeping the cost down. It doesn't have the same weighty, substantial feel as the Soho, which may be a consideration for those looking for a long-term daily driver.
Price & Value
The Keurig Mini almost always has a lower price point, often found for under $100. For shoppers on a tight budget or those looking for a secondary coffee maker for an office or RV, its value is hard to beat. You get the ultimate convenience of the Keurig system for a minimal initial investment.
The Cuisinart Soho typically costs more, landing in the $80-$120 range. While the upfront cost is higher, it can offer better long-term value. Its superior build quality may mean a longer lifespan, and its added brewing features provide a more versatile experience. The choice here comes down to whether you prefer to save money now or invest a bit more in features and durability.
Style & Versatility
This is a clear win for the Cuisinart Soho. Its sleek, modern design with stainless steel details looks like a purpose-built kitchen appliance that complements other contemporary decor. It's designed to be seen and adds a touch of style to a coffee station.
The Keurig Mini is purely functional in its aesthetic. It isn't trying to make a style statement, its goal is to be as small and unobtrusive as possible. While it does come in various colors, its simple plastic body has a utilitarian look. Its versatility lies not in its style but in its ability to fit absolutely anywhere.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both coffee makers brew a good, quick cup of coffee, but they are built for fundamentally different lifestyles and spaces.
Choose the Cuisinart Soho if:
- You want a stylish coffee maker that enhances your kitchen's look.
- Durability and a premium, sturdy feel are important to you.
- You value having multiple brew size options selected from a simple interface.
- The coffee maker will be a permanent fixture on your countertop.
Choose the Keurig Mini if:
- You have extremely limited counter space, live in a dorm, or need a machine for a small office.
- You are on a tight budget and want the most affordable option.
- You want a coffee maker that you can easily pack up and travel with.
- You prefer extreme simplicity and just want a machine that makes one cup at a time with a single button press.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the Cuisinart Soho and Keurig Mini?
The biggest difference is in their design philosophy. The Cuisinart Soho is a stylish, durable countertop appliance with more features, while the Keurig Mini is an ultra-compact, portable, and budget-friendly machine prioritizing convenience and small size above all else.
Which coffee maker is smaller?
The Keurig Mini is significantly smaller. At less than 5 inches wide, it is one of the slimmest single-serve brewers on the market and is designed to fit in very tight spaces.
Can both models use Keurig K-Cup pods?
Yes, both machines are compatible with Keurig's standard K-Cup pods as well as other pod brands designed for this system. They also typically work with a reusable filter cup if you want to use your own ground coffee.
Do I have to refill the water tank after every cup?
On the Keurig Mini, yes. It has a single-use reservoir, so you add 6-12 oz of fresh water for every coffee you brew. The Cuisinart Soho has a larger, multi-cup water reservoir so you can brew several cups before needing to refill it.
Which machine is more durable?
The Cuisinart Soho is generally considered more durable. Its construction includes stainless steel components and has a more substantial-feeling build, consistent with Cuisinart's reputation for long-lasting kitchen appliances.
Can I fit a travel mug under these coffee makers?
Yes, typically both brewers allow you to remove the drip tray to accommodate taller travel mugs.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both are quite easy to clean. They have removable drip trays and require periodic descaling to keep them running smoothly. Because the Keurig Mini uses fresh water for every cup, it is less prone to letting water sit in a reservoir for long periods.
Which coffee maker is better for someone on a budget?
The Keurig Mini is the more budget-friendly option, with a lower upfront cost and frequent discounts available from retailers.
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