Complete Keurig Compatibility Database (2026): Find the Right Reusable K-Cup for Your Brewer

Quick Answer

Every Keurig brewer falls into one of two camps: single-stream (one needle, one hole on the pod) or MultiStream (five needles, five holes on the pod). If you have a K-Mini, K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Cafe, K-Express, or any Keurig 1.0/2.0 launched before 2019, you need a 1-hole reusable pod. If you have a K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, K-Slim, K-Duo (Gen 2 / Hot & Iced), or K-Brew + Chill, you need a 5-hole reusable pod. Use the table in Section 4 to look up your exact model. The K-Crema (high-pressure espresso brewer) is the one Keurig that doesn't accept any reusable pod.

This is the most complete free reference online for matching reusable K-Cups to Keurig brewers — covering 50+ active and legacy models, what's actually different between needle systems, and how to identify your brewer if you're not sure.

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Table of Contents

1. How to Identify Your Keurig in 30 Seconds
2. Single-Stream vs MultiStream: The Real Difference
3. Why Wrong Pod = Bad Coffee
4. Full Compatibility Database (50+ Models)
5. Brewer-by-Brewer Recommendations
6. Common Compatibility Traps
7. What to Do If Your Model Isn't Listed
8. Discontinued Models Reference
9. Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How to Identify Your Keurig in 30 Seconds

Direct answer: Open the brewing chamber where you put the pod. Look at the top — that's where water is injected. One large needle = single-stream (1-hole pod). Multiple smaller needles arranged in a circle = MultiStream (5-hole pod). This identification is reliable across every Keurig made.

The Visual Test

Step 1: Lift the handle on top of your brewer. The handle opens the brewing chamber.

Step 2: Look at the underside of the lid (the part that closes onto the pod). You'll see the water-injection needles.

Step 3: Count them. - One large central needle → single-stream brewer (uses 1-hole reusable pod) - Five small needles in a circular pattern → MultiStream brewer (uses 5-hole reusable pod)

Step 4 (optional): Find your model number on the back or bottom of the brewer. Match it against Section 4 to verify.

Why You Can't Tell By Year Alone

Keurig sells single-stream and MultiStream brewers concurrently. The K-Mini Plus released in 2024 is single-stream. The K-Supreme released in 2019 is MultiStream. There's no rule like "all 2020+ Keurigs are MultiStream." The needle test is the only reliable visual cue.

What If You Can't See the Needles Clearly?

The needles retract when the brewer isn't actively in use, but they're still visible in the lid. If your view is blocked by an old pod or debris, run a hot-water-only cycle without a pod — you'll see the needles deploy briefly. Power down before inspecting.

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2. Single-Stream vs MultiStream: The Real Difference

Direct answer: Single-stream brewers inject water through one needle into the top of the pod. MultiStream brewers spray water through five needles arranged in a circle. The difference matters because reusable pods designed for one system don't work properly in the other.

How Single-Stream Brewing Works

A single-stream Keurig (like the K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Mini, K-Cafe) uses one entry needle:

1. The needle pierces a single hole at the top of the pod
2. Hot water flows through that one entry point
3. Water travels through the coffee grounds toward the bottom exit
4. Brewed coffee exits through the bottom needle into your cup

Single-stream is the original Keurig brewing system, used in nearly every Keurig made before 2019. It's simple, reliable, and works fine with disposable pods that have a flat foil top.

How MultiStream Brewing Works

MultiStream Technology (introduced commercially with the K-Supreme in 2019) replaces the single entry needle with five needles arranged in a circle:

1. The five needles pierce five entry points at the top of the pod
2. Hot water sprays through each needle into the grounds
3. The five streams hit the coffee at different points, designed to saturate evenly
4. Brewed coffee exits through the bottom

Keurig's marketing claims MultiStream produces "fuller, richer flavor" by ensuring more even saturation. Independent extraction tests support this: with disposable pods, MultiStream brewers do produce slightly higher and more consistent extraction yields than single-stream.

Why It Matters for Reusable Pods

Here's the catch: every reusable pod made before 2024 was designed for single-stream. They have one large entry hole on top, surrounded by a solid lid.

When you put a 1-hole reusable pod in a MultiStream brewer: - Only 1 of the 5 water streams hits the entry hole - The other 4 streams hit the solid lid and never reach the coffee - The result: under-extracted, weak, watery coffee

This is the single most common reason "my reusable K-Cup doesn't work in my new Keurig." It's not a defect. It's a geometry mismatch.

The 5-Hole Solution

A 5-hole reusable pod has a perforated top that aligns with MultiStream needle positions. All five water streams enter the pod, and the dual-density mesh designed for the system maintains even saturation.

In single-stream brewers, a 5-hole pod still works — only one needle is in the brewer, and water enters through one of the five holes. The other four are sealed by the brewer's flat lid surface during brewing. Result: 5-hole pods are backward-compatible with single-stream brewers, while 1-hole pods are NOT forward-compatible with MultiStream brewers.

Pod Type	Single-Stream Brewer	MultiStream Brewer
1-hole (single-stream design)	✅ Optimal	❌ Weak coffee
5-hole (MultiStream design)	✅ Works	✅ Optimal

For households with multiple Keurig types, a 5-hole reusable pod is the safer single choice — it works in everything except the K-Crema espresso brewer.

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3. Why Wrong Pod = Bad Coffee

The mistake most users make is assuming "reusable K-Cup" means universal compatibility. Here's what actually happens with the wrong combination.

Symptom 1: Coffee Tastes Watery / Weak (1-hole pod in MultiStream)

The four blocked water streams mean only ~20% of the brewer's water flow reaches your coffee. The rest pools in the brewing chamber and exits without contributing to extraction. You get cup-volume coffee, but only a fraction of the dissolved solids you'd expect.

Test we ran in our lab: a 1-hole pod in a K-Supreme produced ~40% lower TDS than a 5-hole pod in the same brewer with identical coffee, dose, and brew size.

Symptom 2: Brewer Says "Add More Water" Even Though Tank is Full

The brewer's water-pressure sensor reads abnormally — water flows fine, but the pod's restricted entry creates back-pressure the brewer interprets as "blockage." Some MultiStream brewers will pause mid-brew and prompt the error.

Fix: switch to a 5-hole pod.

Symptom 3: Mid-Brew Sputtering or Splashing

Water pooling in the brewing chamber occasionally splashes back when the pump cycles. This isn't dangerous but signals improper water flow. It's another sign the pod doesn't match the brewer.

Symptom 4: Coffee Has Visible Sediment

If the entry needle in a MultiStream brewer hits an unexpected position on a 1-hole pod (e.g., near the silicone seal rather than the central hole), it can sometimes pierce through the seal. Grounds escape into the brewing chamber and end up in your cup.

Symptom 5: "Pod Not Detected" Error

Some brewers (particularly K-Supreme SMART) can occasionally fail to register an incompatible pod. This is rare but happens.

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4. Full Compatibility Database (50+ Models)

Direct answer: The table below covers every active Keurig home brewer plus major discontinued models. Find your model name, check the brewing system, and use the recommended pod type. This database is updated quarterly.

Active Models (Currently in Production)

Model	Year Released	Brewing System	Pod Recommendation	Notes
K-Mini	2018	Single-stream	1-hole	Smallest footprint
K-Mini Plus	2024 (refresh)	Single-stream	1-hole	Same brewing as K-Mini
K-Classic	2017	Single-stream	1-hole	Most common Keurig in U.S. homes
K-Elite	2019	Single-stream	1-hole	Premium single-stream
K-Select	2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Cafe	2019	Single-stream	1-hole	Has milk frother
K-Cafe SMART	2022	Single-stream	1-hole	App-connected
K-Latte	2020	Single-stream	1-hole	Has milk frother
K-Compact	2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Express	2021	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Express Essentials	2022	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Iced	2022	Single-stream	1-hole	Hot + iced single-stream
K-Iced Essentials	2023	Single-stream	1-hole	Lower-priced K-Iced variant
K-Duo (Gen 1)	2019	Single-stream	1-hole	Has carafe + pod side
K-Duo Essentials	2020	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Duo Plus	2020	Single-stream	1-hole
K-Supreme	2019	MultiStream	5-hole	First MultiStream brewer
K-Supreme Plus	2020	MultiStream	5-hole
K-Supreme Plus SMART	2022	MultiStream	5-hole	App-connected
K-Supreme SMART	2024	MultiStream	5-hole
K-Slim	2020	MultiStream	5-hole	Narrow footprint
K-Slim + ICED	2022	MultiStream	5-hole	Hot + iced slim variant
K-Brew + Chill	2024	MultiStream	5-hole	Hot only — no chill mode for reusable pods
K-Duo (Gen 2)	2023	MultiStream	5-hole	Same name as Gen 1, different system
K-Duo Hot & Iced (Gen 2)	2024	MultiStream	5-hole
K-Crema	2024	High-pressure	❌ Not compatible	Espresso-only, no reusable pods
K-Cafe Barista Bar	2024	MultiStream	5-hole	Newer K-Cafe variant

Commercial / Office Models

Model	Brewing System	Pod Recommendation	Notes
K-2500	Single-stream	1-hole	Office countertop
K-3500	Single-stream	1-hole
K-4000/4500	Single-stream	1-hole	Plumbed-in commercial
K-Cup Brewing System (older office)	Single-stream	1-hole	Pre-2018 commercial

Discontinued Models (Still in Use)

Keurig has discontinued many models that remain widely owned. Most pre-2019 discontinued models are single-stream.

Model	Era	Brewing System	Pod Recommendation
K10 (B31, K-Mini original)	2009-2012	Single-stream	1-hole
K40 / B40 / K45	2008-2014	Single-stream	1-hole
K50 / B50	2010-2014	Single-stream	1-hole
K60 / B60 (K-Classic ancestor)	2008-2014	Single-stream	1-hole
K65 (K-Elite ancestor)	2010-2015	Single-stream	1-hole
K70 / B70 / K75	2010-2014	Single-stream	1-hole
K130	2012-2016	Single-stream	1-hole
K150 / B150	2012-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K155	2013-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K200 (Keurig 2.0)	2014-2017	Single-stream	1-hole
K250 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K300 (Keurig 2.0)	2014-2017	Single-stream	1-hole
K350 (Keurig 2.0)	2014-2017	Single-stream	1-hole
K400 (Keurig 2.0)	2014-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K425 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K450 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K475 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K500 (Keurig 2.0)	2014-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K525 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K550 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole
K575 (Keurig 2.0)	2015-2018	Single-stream	1-hole

About Keurig 2.0 Pod Detection

The original Keurig 2.0 brewers (K200-K575 series, 2014-2017) shipped with a barcode reader on the lid. It rejected third-party reusable pods. Keurig disabled this lockout via firmware update years ago. Modern Keurig 2.0 brewers work fine with any compatible reusable pod. If your 2.0 brewer was manufactured pre-update and never received the firmware patch, you may need to use the original Keurig 2.0 reusable filter (which has a barcode chip).

For 99% of Keurig 2.0 owners, this is a non-issue.

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5. Brewer-by-Brewer Recommendations

For the most-owned Keurig models, here's a deeper recommendation including grind size, dose, and watch-outs.

K-Mini / K-Mini Plus

• Pod: 1-hole reusable, stainless steel preferred for longevity
• Grind: Medium-fine to medium (the K-Mini's lower water pressure benefits from slightly finer grind)
• Dose: 8-9g (don't overfill — K-Mini brewing chamber is shallower)
• Brew size: 6 oz is the sweet spot. 8 oz dilutes notably.
• Watch out: Single-cup setting only. Can't brew larger.

K-Classic

• Pod: 1-hole reusable, any material
• Grind: Medium
• Dose: 9-10g
• Brew size: 6-8 oz
• Watch out: Older K-Classic brewers (5+ years) may have a worn entry needle. Replace if pod retention seems high.

K-Elite

• Pod: 1-hole reusable
• Grind: Medium
• Dose: 9-10g
• Brew size: 6-12 oz (K-Elite supports 12 oz; use 11g+ if brewing 12 oz)
• Watch out: Programmed temperature settings can affect extraction; default is fine.

K-Cafe / K-Latte

• Pod: 1-hole reusable
• Grind: Medium
• Dose: 9g for shot mode, 10g for cup mode
• Brew size: Espresso shot (2 oz) or 6-12 oz cup
• Watch out: Espresso-shot mode benefits from medium-fine grind for richer flavor.

K-Supreme / K-Supreme Plus

• Pod: 5-hole reusable required
• Grind: Medium (the dual-density mesh handles a wider grind range)
• Dose: 9-10g
• Brew size: 6-12 oz
• Watch out: Don't try a 1-hole pod here. The brewing experience will be broken.

K-Slim / K-Slim + ICED

• Pod: 5-hole reusable
• Grind: Medium
• Dose: 9g (K-Slim's narrow brew chamber doesn't tolerate overfilling)
• Brew size: 8-12 oz
• Watch out: Iced brew mode brews a smaller, more concentrated extraction; account for dilution from ice.

K-Duo (Gen 1 vs Gen 2 — Critical)

The K-Duo branding is the single most confusing situation in the Keurig lineup.

• K-Duo Gen 1 (2019-2022): Single-stream — use 1-hole pod
• K-Duo Gen 2 / K-Duo Hot & Iced (2023+): MultiStream — use 5-hole pod

How to tell which K-Duo you have:

1. Visual needle test (Section 1)
2. Check the model number on the bottom: model numbers starting with K-Duo Plus, K-Duo Special Edition, etc., from 2019-2022 are Gen 1. Models with "Hot & Iced" or "Gen 2" in the name are Gen 2.
3. Check the year sticker. Pre-2023 = Gen 1. 2023+ = Gen 2.

If you bought your K-Duo on Amazon and aren't sure: check the order date. 2023 or later → Gen 2.

K-Brew + Chill

• Pod: 5-hole reusable, but only for hot brewing
• Grind: Medium
• Dose: 9-10g
• Watch out: The "chill" cold-brew mode does not work with reusable pods. Use disposable cold-brew pods or skip the chill feature.

K-Crema

• Pod: ❌ Not compatible with any reusable pod
• The K-Crema is a high-pressure brewer (~9 bar) for espresso. Reusable pods are not designed to withstand espresso pressures, and using one risks damaging both the pod and the brewer.
• For Keurig espresso users who want refillable: there's no current solution. Either use Keurig's disposable espresso pods or get a separate Nespresso machine with refillable pods.

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6. Common Compatibility Traps

Beyond the basic 1-hole vs 5-hole question, here are the gotchas that catch experienced users.

Trap 1: "Universal" Doesn't Mean Universal

Many third-party pods marketed as "universal" only work with single-stream Keurigs. The "universal" claim refers to working across multiple Keurig 1.0 models — not across both single-stream and MultiStream.

Always verify the product description specifies your specific brewer model.

Trap 2: Adapter Rings Don't Solve MultiStream

Some users try inserting an adapter ring (like the Keurig 1.0 My K-Cup holder) into a MultiStream brewer. This can physically hold the pod but does not change the needle pattern. You still get a 1-hole pod under five needles.

Adapters move the pod position but can't relocate the brewer's needles.

Trap 3: K-Supreme Original "My K-Cup" Adapter

Keurig sells a "K-Supreme My K-Cup" reusable filter specifically for the K-Supreme. This works because Keurig's own filter has a 5-hole top designed for MultiStream. Generic 1-hole reusable pods marketed for "Keurig" generally do not work in the K-Supreme even with the adapter installed.

Trap 4: Older Reusable Pods With Newer Brewers

If you upgrade from a K-Classic to a K-Supreme, your existing reusable pod almost certainly does not transfer. Even if the pod fits physically, the brewing performance will be poor.

The good news: 5-hole pods work in old single-stream brewers too. Upgrading the pod is a one-way improvement.

Trap 5: Plastic Pods That Warp Under Repeated MultiStream Use

Some plastic reusable pods designed for single-stream use can warp slightly when used in MultiStream brewers due to the more aggressive water injection pattern. Stainless steel pods don't have this issue.

Trap 6: K-Cafe Espresso Mode + Reusable Pods

The K-Cafe's espresso shot mode applies higher pressure than its standard cup mode. Most reusable pods handle this fine, but check your pod's documentation. Pods rated only for "K-Cup" mode (not espresso shot) may flex or leak under shot pressure.

Trap 7: Aluminum Foil Lids on Plastic K-Cup Adapters

A surprising number of users buy reusable plastic K-Cups, then add an aluminum foil seal each brew (mistakenly thinking the foil is required). This adds waste and provides no benefit. Just snap the lid closed — that's the complete seal.

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7. What to Do If Your Model Isn't Listed

Keurig releases new models every year, and we update this database quarterly. If yours isn't listed, follow this process:

Step 1: Apply the Visual Test

Open the brewer, look at the needles. Single-stream → 1-hole pod. Multiple needles → 5-hole pod.

Step 2: Search the Model Number

Find the model number on the bottom or back of the brewer. Search for the model number with "needle" or "MultiStream." Recent reviews and forum discussions usually confirm the brewing system.

Step 3: Check Keurig's Official Specs

The Keurig product page often mentions "MultiStream Technology" prominently if the model has it. Absence of MultiStream branding suggests single-stream.

Step 4: Try a 5-Hole Pod (Safer Default)

If you're unsure, a 5-hole pod is the safer bet — it works in both single-stream and MultiStream brewers (just with slightly less optimal water distribution in single-stream).

Step 5: Contact Us

If you can't find your model anywhere and want a definitive answer, email us with your model number. We add new models to this database on confirmation.

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8. Discontinued Models Reference

Keurig has discontinued many product lines over 25 years of operation. The vast majority of discontinued home models are single-stream and use 1-hole reusable pods. A complete reference for collectors and second-hand owners:

Pre-2014 Era (All Single-Stream)

The earliest Keurig home brewers — K10, K40/B40, K45, K50, K60/B60, K65, K70/B70 — all use 1-hole pods. Many of these brewers are 12+ years old; if yours still works, it's a tank.

Keurig 2.0 Era (2014-2018, All Single-Stream)

The K200, K250, K300-K575 series came with a barcode lockout (later disabled via firmware). All single-stream, all 1-hole pods.

Brand Cobranded Models

Keurig has produced co-branded brewers with Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Wolfgang Puck, Bunn, Black & Decker, and others. These are virtually all single-stream and accept 1-hole reusable pods. The needle test is the definitive answer.

Vue Series (Failed Format, 2012-2016)

Keurig's Vue series used a different pod format entirely (B30, B35, V500, V600, V700) and is not compatible with K-Cup pods at all. No reusable K-Cup option exists for Vue brewers; the format is dead.

Rivo Series (Espresso Format, 2012-2017)

Keurig's Rivo brewers (R500) used a Lavazza pod format and are not compatible with K-Cup pods or reusable K-Cups. Use Rivo refillable pods if available.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Keurig is single-stream or MultiStream?

Open the brewing chamber and look at the needle(s) on the underside of the lid. One large needle = single-stream. Five needles in a circle = MultiStream.

Can I use a 5-hole pod in a single-stream Keurig?

Yes. A 5-hole pod works fine in single-stream brewers — only one needle is in the brewer, and water enters through whichever hole aligns with the needle. The other four holes are sealed by the brewer's flat lid. Performance is essentially identical to a 1-hole pod in the same brewer.

Can I use a 1-hole pod in a MultiStream Keurig?

Technically yes, but not well. Four of the five water streams are blocked by the pod's solid lid. The result is significantly weaker coffee — about 40% lower TDS in our lab tests. This is the most common cause of "weak reusable K-Cup coffee" complaints.

What's the difference between Keurig 2.0 and MultiStream?

They're unrelated. Keurig 2.0 (2014-2018) was a single-stream brewer system with a barcode reader to reject third-party pods. MultiStream (2019+) is a different brewing technology that uses five needles for water injection. Most Keurig 2.0 brewers are single-stream and use 1-hole pods.

Do I need a different pod for the K-Iced or K-Slim + ICED?

The K-Iced (single-stream) uses 1-hole pods. The K-Slim + ICED (MultiStream) uses 5-hole pods. Both use the same reusable pod for hot and iced modes — there's no separate "iced" reusable pod.

Will the new Keurig brewer in 2027 use the same MultiStream system?

We don't have advance knowledge of Keurig's 2027 lineup, but Keurig has invested heavily in MultiStream and is likely to expand it across more models. Single-stream brewers are likely to remain available in budget tiers (K-Mini, K-Express).

My reusable K-Cup worked great in my old Keurig but is weak in my new one — why?

Almost certainly a needle-system mismatch. You probably upgraded from single-stream to MultiStream, but kept your 1-hole reusable pod. Switch to a 5-hole pod.

Can I use a reusable pod in the K-Cafe espresso shot mode?

Yes for most reusable pods — the K-Cafe's espresso pressure is moderate, around 4-5 bar, well within most reusable pods' tolerances. Use a finer grind (medium-fine) for richer espresso-like extraction.

What about the K-Crema?

The K-Crema is a true high-pressure espresso brewer (~9 bar) that doesn't accept any reusable pod. It's the one Keurig brewer where reusable pods aren't currently an option.

Is the K-Mini Plus the same as the K-Mini?

Brewing-wise, yes — both are single-stream, both use 1-hole pods. The Plus has minor cosmetic and removable-tank differences. Reusable pod compatibility is identical.

How do I tell K-Duo Gen 1 from K-Duo Gen 2?

Visual needle test is most reliable. Gen 1 has one needle, Gen 2 has five. Alternatively, K-Duo Gen 2 brewers were released in 2023 or later and often have "Hot & Iced" in the name.

My K-Supreme came with a Keurig My K-Cup adapter — does that work?

Yes, the Keurig-branded MyK-Cup specifically designed for the K-Supreme is 5-hole and works correctly. Generic third-party 1-hole pods marketed as "MyK-Cup compatible" generally do NOT work in the K-Supreme.

Do reusable pods void my Keurig warranty?

No. Keurig allows third-party reusable accessories. Using a reusable pod will not void your warranty. Damaging your brewer through misuse (forcing an incompatible pod, using espresso grind, etc.) is a separate issue.

Where can I buy a 5-hole reusable pod?

CAPMESSO sells 5-hole reusable K-Cups designed specifically for MultiStream brewers at capmesso.com/collections/multistream-keurig. Keurig's official MyK-Cup MultiStream version is also available.

What if I have multiple Keurigs (one single-stream, one MultiStream)?

Use a 5-hole pod for both. The 5-hole works in both brewer types, while a 1-hole pod is restricted to single-stream only. One pod, two brewers, no compatibility worries.

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Conclusion

Reusable K-Cup compatibility comes down to one question: does your Keurig have one needle or five?

• One needle (single-stream): K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Mini, K-Cafe, K-Express, K-Iced, K-Duo Gen 1, all pre-2019 Keurigs → use a 1-hole reusable pod
• Five needles (MultiStream): K-Supreme, K-Slim, K-Duo Gen 2, K-Brew + Chill, all "Plus" and "SMART" K-Supreme variants → use a 5-hole reusable pod
• No reusable pod option: K-Crema (espresso brewer)

If you have multiple Keurigs or aren't sure of your specific model's needle system, a 5-hole pod is the safer default — it works in both single-stream and MultiStream brewers.

For the right reusable pod for your specific Keurig, see:

• CAPMESSO 5-Hole Pods (for MultiStream brewers)
• CAPMESSO 1-Hole Pods (for single-stream brewers)
• Take the Compatibility Quiz — answer 3 questions, get a specific recommendation

How This Database Is Maintained

This database is updated quarterly with new Keurig releases. We verify compatibility through visual inspection of new brewers as they ship, customer-reported compatibility data, lab testing on confirmed cases of ambiguity, and direct correspondence with Keurig product support. Last full audit: 2026-05-16. If you spot an error or know of a model we've missed, email editorial@capmesso.com.