Keurig has made reliable and exceptional coffee makers for three decades now. They have also created a knack for confusing their customers. In the most recent confusion, using different model numbers for their machines that customers can’t tell apart. The K525c and K575 are two such models.
What is the difference of the two machines? We will look into that in this article as well as discussing their similarities and taking an in depth look at their features. After the dust settles, who will end up on top? Read the article below to find out. If you are in a hurry today then you should just know that the Keurig K525c is my choice for the best model.
Contents
The Differences
Let’s get right into it, shall we? What is it that sets these machines apart?
- The Keurig 575 comes with six K-cup pods where the Keurig 525c comes with twelve.
- The K575 comes with a filter handle and two water filters; the 525c has the handle and one filter.
- The 525c includes a reusable My K-Cup pod where the 575 does not.
- Also included in the K525c is the brewer needle maintenance accessory that isn’t included with the K575.
What They Have In Common
The coffee makers themselves are identical. Here is what they have in common:
- Both have an 80 ounce reservoir that is removable for filling.
- Each will take multiple pod types and styles.
- They have a 2.8 inch color display with many features and menus.
- Strength and temperature controls are available on each model.
- Both the K575 and the K525c have programmable clocks.
- The two models feature an auto-on and auto-off feature.
- The Keurig 525c and 575 have a built in night light.
- Neither model comes with the Keurig Carafe.
- Both the K525 and the K575 will brew 10 ounces in less than one minute.
Comparison Chart
Sometimes you just need to see the items side by side. Well, here you go:
| Keurig K525c | Keurig K575 | |
| Series | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Color Options | 2 | 1 |
| Carafe | No | No |
| Display | 2.8 inch color touch | 2.8 inch color touch |
| Water Reservoir | 80 ounces | 80 ounces |
| Automatic Shut Off | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Automatic Start | No | No |
| Brew Sizes | 4, 6, 8, 10 12, 14, 16, 22, 26, 30 ounces | 4, 6, 8, 10 12, 14, 16, 22, 26, 30 ounces |
| Compatible Pods | 2.0 K-cup, K-mug, K-Vue, K-carafe and reusable My K-cup | 2.0 K-cup, K-mug, K-Vue, K-carafe and reusable My K-cup |
| Brew Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| High Altitude Settings | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Drip Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Brew Time | Less than 1 minute | Less than 1 minute |
| Water Filters Included | 1 | 2 |
| Other Includes | 12 K-Cup pods, Reusable My K-Cup, Brewer Needle Maintenance Accessory | 6 K-Cup pods, 2 water filters, water filter handle |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Features and Options Details
Lets take a closer look at some of the features of the K525c and the K575.
1. Display
Keurig added touch displays to the late models of the legacy series and continued to improve upon them throughout the 2.0 and Plus series. The K525c and K575 both have the largest display available.
The LCD touch screen is 2.8 inches square and uses full color. The display features all of the settings for each of the different pod sizes, allowing you to brew the exact amount based on the cup and pod size being used.
Using th panel you can select which pod you are using, how many ounces to brew and the strength, temperature and if you prefer, just hot water. You will also notice there is an alert section,. This will tell you when the water in the reservoir is ready to brew, when maintenance needs to be performed and when the brew is complete.
It also comes with a programmable clock that will not only tell you the time, but will also allow you to auto start a brewing session whenever you prefer. You will also see that there is an option for energy saving. This is used to brew iced beverages, like tea, or drinks that don’t need to brew as long or as hot as coffee, like hot cocoa.
Lastly you will be able to turn o or off the built in night light that illuminates quite well in dark kitchens.
Bottom Line: This round is a tie. Both machines use the same display panel.
2. Automatic Start and Automatic Shut Off
The Keurig 525c and 575 models offer a feature that has become standard in the 2.0 and Plus lines: automatic shut off.
This setting is on by default and will turn the machine off to conserve energy when it has been unused for two hours. You can safely wake up in the morning, brew your cup of coffee and leave for work. If you happen to forget to turn the coffee pot off, it will do it automatically for you, after two hours of inactivity.
Another feature the coffee makers share is the ability to auto start and brew. You can set the timer to brew a carafe (which is sold separately) at any time. Once you ensure the reservoir is full of water and the K-Carafe pod is in the cup holder.
When the clock reads the set time, the machine will come on, heat the water and brew a pot of coffee. Combined with the automatic shut off, you may never have to touch the power button on the machine again.
Bottom Line: Another tie. Both machines use the auto start and auto off features.
3. Package Contents
Unboxing the coffee makers will lead to a slightly different experience. Depending on which model you chose you will open a few different items. Let’s have a look:
Unboxing the Keurig K525c
After years of being a complete mystery, we have finally learned what the “c” in the model number stands for. This particular model comes with the addition of a 12 pack trial k-cup pods as well as a My K-Cup reusable pod. This package was made exclusively for Costco stores in the United States. Costco is what the “c” stands for. Now you know. What’s in the box:
- K525 coffee maker
- Two-piece drip tray
- 80 ounce water reservoir
- Cup holder assembly
- My K-cup reusable coffee filter
- 12 pack K-Cup pods
- Brewer needle maintenance accessory
Unboxing the Keurig K575
Unlike the K525c, there isn’t a letter distinguishing model difference. However there is a little kit of its own included in the box. Let’s see what you get:
- K575 coffee maker
- Two-piece drip tray
- 80 ounce water reservoir
- Cup holder assembly
- 6 pack K-cup pods
- Water filter kit: filter handle and two charcoal water filters.
Bottom Line: The K525c is the winner. While a personal choice, the larger pod pack and needle maintenance outweigh the water filters, which will have to be purchased anyway.
4. Carafes, Reservoirs and Drip Trays, Oh my!
The K525c and the K575 both brew a multitude of different pod sizes and range between 4 ounces and 30 ounces. To get the 22, 26 and 30 ounce brew sizes though you will have to purchase the Keurig Carafe. They have two available, a stainless steel insulated model and a less expensive plastic version. The carafe does not come with the machines.
You will get a giant reservoir though. The removable reservoir holds up to 80 ounces of water. Easily filled and placed on the machine it will brew eight 10 ounce cups of coffee, or two full 30 ounce carafes.
You will also get a two-piece removable drip tray. You can remove the grate and the base for easy cleaning, and leave them off to allow filling of travel mugs and taller containers up to 7.5 inches in height!
Bottom Line: This is a tie also. You won’t get a carafe with either and both have the same reservoir and drip tray.
What I Like About The Keurig K525c
- Removable drip tray for taller mugs
- Huge 80 ounce reservoir
- Brewer Needle maintenance accessory
- Brews in under a minute
- Automatic start and shut off
What I Like About The Keurig K575
- Giant 80 ounce reservoir
- Ability to brew multiple sizes using various pods
- Programmable clock
- Water filter kit
- 2.8 inch color touch display
In Conclusion
When deciding which Keurig machine to purchase the K525c and K575 should jump to the top of your list. These top of the line coffee makers have all the bells and whistles you could hope for, including a night light!
Which one, though, is right for you? Well it really all comes down to the accessories. Because both machines are the exact same, you could go by price. However you should take a deeper look at it. You will get the same great single serve coffee maker anyway.
The K575 has the water filter kit which is something you will need to purchase anyway. The water filters will need to be replaced, but getting the 575 will delay your next purchase of them. You will also get a sample pack of six different K-cup pod flavors.
On the other hand, you will get a 12 pack sample kit of the K-cups with the K525c. What you will also get though, is the brewers needle maintenance accessory. This little thing will keep your Keurig running top notch for years to come. It will also allow you to clean the needle so that your coffee doesn’t mix with your wife’s tea.
So which one is better? It really is up to you. All of the accessories can be purchased separately and you will eventually need them all. For me though, the needle kit wins. It is an often over looked secondary purchase and to have it from the get go is a huge bonus. Therefore, the Keurig K525c wins.
