Using a Keurig Machine: 14 Easy Steps (with Illustrations)

1. 1

   Connect the Keurig to a grounded outlet. Check your Keurig for any lingering adhesive tape or protective films before using it for the first time. Plug the Keurig into a grounded outlet, set it on your counter, and enjoy your coffee in the morning. [1]

   There are three holes in grounded outlets; two are for the live wires that supply electricity to your appliances, and the third is for a ground wire that shields them from potentially harmful surges. The Keurig can only be used with grounded electrical outlets for safety.

2. 

   2

   Rinse the water tank with fresh water after removing it. The water reservoir can be found either on the side or the back of your Keurig, depending on the model you have. Before you can move the reservoir away from the Keurig, you must first remove the lid and set it aside. Do a quick sink rinse with some clean, cold water. [2]

   • Not all Keurig reservoirs are designed to be taken out of the machine. Cleaning a Keurig with a built-in water reservoir is as easy as filling it and letting water run through it.

   Advertisement

3. 

   3

   Put in clean water into the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with clean water until you reach the maximum fill line. You should replace the reservoir and secure it before replacing the top. [3]

   A separate container should be used to fill the reservoir if it is not integrated into the Keurig.

4. 

   4

   To begin heating water, please press the power button. After filling the Keurig's reservoir with water, you can switch it on and start brewing. After a while, the water should begin heating on its own. [4]

   • While your Keurig is heating, it may show a red "Heating" light, but this varies by model. As soon as the appliance is heated to the proper temperature, this indicator will turn off.
   • You should wait for the heating sound to stop if your model doesn't have a heating light.
5. 

   5

   To make coffee without a K-Cup, run a brew cycle and then dump the water. Unless you want your first cup of coffee to taste like old coffee grounds, you should run a cleaning brew through the Keurig. Put a cup on the drip tray and use the K-Cup holder's opening and closing motions to simulate the brewing process. When the machine is ready, the brew buttons on the control panel will begin to flash. To begin brewing, select the "Small Cup" option. Brew the coffee as usual, then discard the water from the cup. [5]

   • When doing a cleaning cycle, don't use a K-Cup pod.
   • Unless your user's manual specifies otherwise, use a cup that holds at least 10 ounces (300 mL) of water for the cleansing brew.
   • For instance, the K-Elite requires the "Hot Water" button to be pressed before the brewing button can be chosen. You should also refer to your manual to determine the ideal cup size for the brew cycle that removes lingering flavors.

Advertisement

1. 1

   Put a coffee cup in the drip pan. Select a mug and set it on the plate that serves as the drip tray before you brew your first drink. Several different mug and cup sizes should be compatible with your Keurig, though this will depend on the specific model you have.

   • For instance, the K-Elite is compatible with a wide variety of cups, from a small 4 fl oz (120 mL) cup up to a large 12 fl oz (350 mL) travel mug.
   • For some models, you'll need to remove the drip tray and set the mug down on the base without the tray to use a travel mug.
2. 

   2

   Raise the machine's top and place a K-Cup inside. Choose your preferred K-Cup pod and raise the machine's top handle to reveal the K-Cup storage area. The pod should go into the holder foil-side up. [6]

   • The K-Cup should be inserted into the machine with the foil still on top. During the brewing process, the Keurig's built-in needles puncture the foil.
3. 

   3

   To seal the lid, press the handle all the way down. After inserting a K-Cup into the holder, the lid can be closed by pressing down on the handle. The display window may read "Ready to Brew" if your machine is ready to brew coffee. [7]

   • Your Keurig will require some time to reheat between brews if you just made one. Less than a minute is typical for this.
   • Before you begin brewing, make sure the water reservoir is not empty.
4. 

   4

   Select the desired brew size and press the brew button. When the Keurig is ready, choose the appropriate brew size from the control panel. Most models have a 1-minute brewing time.

   • Depending on the design, you may be able to customize your bra beyond just the cup size. Using the K-Elite, for instance, you can customize your coffee experience by selecting your preferred brew temperature and strength.
   • When the brewing cycle is complete, the Keurig will announce it with a loud hiss.
   • Do not lift the K-Cup holder lid while the Keurig is brewing to avoid burns from hot water or steam.

   If your Keurig machine displays the message "Prime" but fails to produce any beverage when you press the brew buttons, you may need to clean it.

Advertisement

1. 

   1

   Each three to six months, use white vinegar to descale your Keurig. It's inevitable that mineral deposits will accumulate inside of your Keurig machine over time. Machines require periodic descales to maintain peak performance. In order to do this, fill the reservoir halfway with white vinegar and run several brewing cycles without a K-Cup until the reservoir is empty. To start over, use clean water. [8]

   • Using bottled water as opposed to hard tap water can help reduce the risk of scale buildup. Keurig says that filtered or softened water shouldn't be used in its machines. [9]
   • Keurig descaling solutions are commercially available and can be used in place of vinegar. If you decide to use a commercial descaler, be sure to follow the product's instructions. While Keurig does sell a descaling solution, many customers have found that white vinegar is just as effective and much cheaper.

2. 2

   Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and remove dirt and dust. Grime, dirt, and coffee residue can accumulate on the exterior of your Keurig over time. A microfiber cloth and a few drops of liquid dish soap will do the trick for keeping your Keurig sparkling. Squeeze the cloth to remove excess water, and use it to clean the exterior of the Keurig.

   • A natural cleaner made from plants is another option.
   • Submerging your Keurig in water will cause serious damage to the internal wiring.
   • Occasionally detaching the reservoir to give it a good rinsing is also a good idea.

   Advertisement

3. 

   3

   When the drip tray is full, empty it and rinse it out. The Keurig's drip tray collects any liquid that overflows while brewing. The overflow tray on most models can hold up to 8 ounces (240 mL) of liquid. When the tray is full or soiled, pull it toward you and dump the contents into the sink. Wipe the tray down with some soapy water, and then rinse it thoroughly.

   • The dishwasher's top rack is also an option for cleaning the tray.
4. 

   4

   If your K-Cup holder gets dirty, remove it and wash it. The quality of your coffee and the efficiency of your Keurig can suffer if the machine's internal parts become clogged or dirty. To remove residue from the K-Cup holder, raise the lever and pull up on the holder while pushing down from below. The K-Cup holder and the funnel can be disassembled for a quick soap and water cleaning.

   • The K-Cup holder contains a sharp needle, so handle with care.
   • If your Keurig is clogged, you can clear out the coffee grounds by inserting a straightened paperclip into the exit needle's underside.
   • The area beneath the K-Cup holder can also be cleaned with a damp cotton swab.

   Note that the needle entrance under the lid may also require periodic cleaning. To do this, open the container and thread a paper clip through the needle in a straight line. Shake it up to loosen any sediment buildup, and then put it through two purifying brew cycles.

5. 

   5

   Brew a sanitizing brew after making sugary beverages. After making a sugary or sticky beverage (like hot chocolate, apple cider, or a sweet coffee drink), it's recommended to run hot water through the Keurig machine to remove any leftover residue. After you've brewed your beverage, simply repeat the brewing process with water. [10]

   • This will lessen the likelihood of crystallization in your Keurig.

Advertisement

The Question-Asking Game