Torn between the Keurig Vue and K-Cup brewers for your caffeine fix? Spoiler alert: Vue machines and pods were discontinued in 2014. Yet, whispers in the coffee realm hint at Vue’s supremacy over K-Cup brewers, though it never took off.
Now, as we spill the beans on taste, variety, and eco-friendliness, we’re stirring up a caffeine-fueled saga to jolt your coffee choices into action. Mugs at the ready, coffee sleuths, we’re diving into the steamy deets!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Vue machines & cups are discontinued in 2014.
- Vue machines can still be bought on Amazon and eBay, but not original vue cups.
- In leu of vue cups (that rhymed), you can use reusable pods for ground coffee.
- Standard K-Cups are what we use and love today.
Keurig Vue vs. K-Cup Machines
Keurig Vue Machines were released in 2012 as an attempt by Keurig to improve upon the design and capabilities of their original brewers. The Vue series introduced new features like the ability to brew stronger coffee and change the brew temperature, among others.
Also, the Keurig Vue machines had a two-pod system, allowing for coffeehouse-style beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, or mochas, by combining a regular Vue Pack with a dry milk Vue Pack.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Vue machines also came equipped with a barcode reader that scanned the barcode on each Vue pod! This feature automatically adjusted the brewing settings to match the specific requirements of the pod.
Despite its advanced features, Keurig discontinued the Vue machines and pods in 2014, making way for the Keurig 2.0 system. This new system broadened the brewing options, including the ability to brew full carafes (sounds like Giraffes but with a C) of coffee.
And while Keurig 2.0 is a blanket term that can be applied to modern K-Cup Machines, it specifically denotes models with carafe brewing capability.
The Main Differences
☕ Pod Design & Functionality
K-cups feature a simple design with punctures at both ends for water flow, while Vue cups boasted a more intricate structure, manipulating water and air to enhance taste and potentially add a foamy layer on top. Additionally, the Vue pods’ design resulted in fewer cracks and breaks compared to K-Cups.
🏋🏿 Coffee Strength
The Keurig Vue machines were capable of producing a stronger and larger coffee brew owing to their larger pods. This allowed for a more robust flavor and more coffee per brew compared to the standard K-Cups.
🍃 Eco-Impact
K-cups are not recyclable. Vue cups offered a more eco-friendly option as they could be recycled.
👙 Availability & Variety
Vue cups are scarce since their discontinuation in 2014. K-cups are widely available, offering an extensive range of flavors and brands.
In summary, Vue cups generally offer a richer, more consistent coffee experience but are hard to find and specific to one system. K-cups provide more variety and are the gold standard for single-serve Keurig coffee makers.
Having explored the distinctions between K-Cups and Vue Cups, let’s now delve into the variations in machines capable of brewing each type.
Comparison of Keurig Vue Machines and K-Cup Brewers
As an illustration, let’s compare the discontinued Keurig Vue V700 with the most popular, modern Keurig Brewer, the Keurig K-Elite.
The Keurig Vue V700 features a color touch screen, various brewing options, and uses recyclable Vue packs that are larger than K-Cups, offering up to 18 oz. of coffee. It’s bulky and has a less durable plastic design1.
On the other hand, the Keurig K-Elite is compact, offers multiple brew sizes, a strong brew option, and a hot water on demand feature. However, it utilizes non-recyclable K-Cups.
The Vue V700 is more environmentally friendly and versatile in brewing, while the K-Elite is more compact and convenient with a stronger build quality.
Here’s a comparison table of the Keurig Vue V700 and Keurig K-Elite based on the available specifications:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Keurig Vue V700 | Keurig K-Elite |
| Pod Type | Vue Pods | K-Cups |
| Brew Sizes | 8 brew sizes | 5 brew sizes |
| Reservoir Size | 74 oz | 75 oz |
| Brew Time | < 1 minute | < 1 minute |
| Weight | 17.30 lbs | 4.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 16 x 16.3 x 13.7 inches | 13.1 x 9.9 x 12.7 inches |
| Recyclable Pods | Yes 🍃 | No ⚰️ |
| Special Features | Color Touch Screen | Iced Beverage Setting |
| Price Range | $168 on Amazon, +/- on eBay | Check Price on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Keurig Vue machines use K-Cups?
It’s important to note that Keurig Vue machines are not designed for direct compatibility with K-Cups. However, there are adapters like the K2V Refillable Pod that can be used to brew K-Cups in a Vue machine.
Do K-Cup devices support the Vue packs?
Unfortunately, K-Cup devices cannot support the Vue packs without any modifications. The two systems are distinct in their designs, making it difficult to use a Vue pack in a K-Cup machine.
Why did Keurig discontinue the Vue system?
Keurig discontinued the Vue system primarily because of the limited availability and higher price of Vue packs compared to K-Cups. Also, with the introduction of the Keurig 2.0 system, Keurig shifted its focus to streamline and improve the K-Cup system.
Which system has a wider variety of coffee options?
The K-Cup system has a wider variety of coffee options compared to the Vue system. The popularity of K-Cups has led to a large assortment of flavors and brands supporting the system, which can be found here.
Is it possible to make hot cocoa or tea using Keurig Vue or K-Cup?
Yes, both Keurig Vue and K-Cup can make hot cocoa and tea. Various brands and flavors of tea and hot chocolate are available as Vue packs and K-Cups, making it simple to brew these beverages in your Keurig machine.
