How to Use a Keurig Machine: Brewing, Assembly, & Cleaning

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Plus, expert tips for getting the most out of your machine
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Keurig coffee makers are quick, convenient, and easy to use. To get the most out of your next cup of coffee, keep reading for a step-by-step guide that will walk you through setting up your Keurig , brewing your first cup of coffee , and cleaning your machine . You’ll also find expert cleaning and maintenance advice from house cleaning professional James Sears, along with troubleshooting tips, so you can keep using your Keurig coffee maker for a very long time. Let's get brewing!

How to Use a Keurig: Quick Steps

  1. Fill the water reservoir with clean water.
  2. Place a mug on the drip tray.
  3. Lift the handle on the machine and insert a K-Cup.
  4. Push down the handle.
  5. Select your brew size and hit the “K” or brew button to start brewing your coffee.
Section 1 of 3:

Setting up Your Keurig

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  1. Before you use your Keurig for the first time, look it over and remove any adhesive tape or protective films. Then, place the Keurig securely on your counter and plug it into the outlet. [1]
    • Grounded outlets have 3 holes: 2 for the live wires that bring power to your appliances, and one for a ground wire to prevent dangerous surges. For safety reasons, the Keurig is designed to only plug into grounded outlets.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    James Sears is a house cleaning professional with 9 years of experience specializing in green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Depending on your Keurig model, the water reservoir may be located on the side or back of the machine. Remove the lid of the reservoir and set it aside, then lift the reservoir itself up and away from the Keurig. Rinse it with cool, clean water in your sink. [2]
    • Some Keurig reservoirs can’t be removed from the machine, like the Keurig K-Mini brewer. If your Keurig has a built-in reservoir, you’ll have to clean it simply by filling it and running water through it. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Once you’ve rinsed the reservoir, fill it with clean water up to the highest fill line marked on the side. Put the reservoir back in place and lock it in. Then, put the lid back on. [4]

    If the reservoir is built into the Keurig, use a separate container to pour in water up to the fill line.

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Once the Keurig is set up and the reservoir is filled with water, hit the power button to turn it on. The water should start heating up automatically. [6]
    • Depending on your model, your Keurig may display a red “Heating” light while it’s warming up. This light will turn off once the machine is done heating.
    • If your model doesn’t have a heating light, wait for the heating sound (which resembles a low, mechanical purr) to stop.
    • The Keurig K-Brew+Chill model brews cold beverages after a short initial warm-up.
    • Expect the Keurig K-Mini to heat up very quickly.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    For a brand new machine, place a mug on the drip tray, and then open and close the K-Cup holder as if you were brewing a beverage. The brewing buttons on the control panel should blink to let you know the machine is ready. Press the cup size button; at least 10 fluid ounces (300 mL) is recommended for a brew cycle, unless your user manual instructs otherwise. Then, press the brew button to start brewing, which is usually a round button with a “K” symbol. Let the brew cycle run, then pour out the water in the cup. [7]
    • Most Keurig models offer 6-ounce, 8-ounce, and 10-ounce options for cup size. Some, like the K-Slim, K-Mini, K-Elite, and K-Select, offer sizes ranging from 4 ounces to 12 ounces.
    • The K-Supreme Plus model also includes buttons for other features like temperature and strength selection.
    • On some models, such as the K-Elite, you will need to press the “Hot Water” button before you select the brewing button. The correct cup size for the cleansing brew cycle may also vary, so check your model’s instruction manual.
    • Don’t put a K-Cup pod in the machine when you run the cleaning cycle!
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Section 2 of 3:

Brewing Using a K-Cup

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  1. Before you brew your first beverage, choose a mug and place it on the drip tray plate. Depending on the model of Keurig you have, you should be able to use a range of mug or cup sizes with your machine.
    • For example, if you have the K-Elite, you can use containers ranging in size from a 4  fl oz (120 mL) cup to a 12  fl oz (350 mL) travel mug.
    • To use a travel mug with some models, you may need to remove the drip tray and put the mug directly on the base for it to fit.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Select the K-Cup pod of your choice and lift the handle at the top of the machine to access the K-Cup holder. Insert the pod into the holder with the foil-side up. [8]
    • Don’t remove the foil from the lid before putting the K-Cup into the machine. The Keurig has built-in needles that pierce the foil during the brewing process.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Once you insert the K-Cup securely into the holder, push the handle down until the lid is securely closed. Depending on the model you have, you may see the message “Ready to Brew” in the display window. [9]
    • If you’ve just brewed a cup, your Keurig may need a little time to warm up again before you can brew another cup, depending on the model. This generally takes less than a minute.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    When the Keurig is ready to brew, select the brew size button of your choice. On most models, brewing takes about 1 minute.
    • Depending on your model, you may have options other than cup size to choose from. For example, the K-Elite allows you to select the strength of your coffee and also choose between hot and iced options. [10]
    • The Keurig will make a loud gurgling sound when the brewing process is finished.
    • To protect yourself from being injured by hot water or steam, don’t lift the lid of the K-Cup holder while the Keurig is brewing.

    Tip: If you see a message that says “ Prime ” and nothing comes out of the Keurig machine when you hit the brew buttons, you may need to clean your Keurig .

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Section 3 of 3:

Cleaning and Maintaining a Keurig Coffee Machine

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Over time, mineral deposits will build up inside your Keurig. Sears suggests “descaling your Keurig with white vinegar.” every 3 months to keep it running smoothly. [11] To do this, fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Run several brewing cycles without a K-Cup until the reservoir is empty. Then repeat this process with plain water. [12]
    • You can also purchase a Keurig descaling solution as an alternative to vinegar. Follow the directions on the package if you choose a commercial descaler . While Keurig recommends its own descaling solution, many users find that vinegar works just as well and is less expensive.
    • Learn more about the descaling process if you’ve got a Keurig Slim , or discover how to clean a Keurig Mini .
    • Find additional help if your Keurig descaling light won’t turn off .
    • Check out our forum for reader tips on cleaning your Keurig with vinegar .
  2. The outside of your Keurig may start to build up grime, dirt, and coffee residue after a while. To keep your Keurig looking clean and shiny, Sears recommends “cleaning the exterior of your Keurig with a microfiber cloth and an all-natural, plant-based cleaner as needed. Avoid toxic or synthetic chemicals as much as possible around an item that you will be consuming or drinking from.” [13]
    • Never immerse your Keurig in water, since this can damage the electrical components inside.
    • Keep the water reservoir clean by detaching it and rinsing it occasionally.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    The drip tray catches excess coffee or water when it drips out of the Keurig during and after brewing. On most models, the tray can hold up to 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of overflow. When the tray starts to get full or dirty, remove it by pulling it toward you and emptying it into the sink. Clean the tray with a damp, soapy cloth and rinse it with clean water. [14]
    • You can also clean the tray by placing it in the top rack of a dishwasher.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    Sometimes, the internal components of the Keurig can get dirty or clogged , affecting the machine’s performance or the taste of your coffee. To clean the K-Cup holder, lift the handle and pull up on the holder while pushing on it from beneath at the same time. Pull the funnel off the K-Cup holder and rinse both parts with soap and water. [15]
    • Be careful of the sharp needle inside the K-Cup holder.
    • If your Keurig is clogged, insert a straightened paper clip into the underside of the exit needle to clean out any built-up coffee grounds.
    • Use a damp cotton swab to clean the area underneath the K-Cup holder.

    Tip: The entrance needle under the lid may need to be cleaned occasionally as well. To do so, lift the lid and insert a straightened paper clip all the way through the needle. Wiggle it around to dislodge any clogs, then run 2 cleansing brew cycles.

  5. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Keurig Machine
    If you brew a sticky, sugary drink (such as hot chocolate, apple cider, or a sweet coffee drink), it’s a good idea to flush the Keurig with hot water afterward. Simply run a brewing cycle with plain water immediately after brewing your drink. [16]
    • This will help prevent sugar from crystallizing in your Keurig.
    • Explore Keurig troubleshooting tips if you are still having any issues.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I drain the water completely from my Keurig?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Most Keurig models can't be drained completely. You can drain some models, such as the K15 and Mini Plus, by pressing and holding the brew button while the Keurig is plugged in but powered off.
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  • Question
    Since I cleaned my Keurig, it trips the electric socket when I plug it in. What could be the problem?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It sounds like it could be an issue with your wiring. You may need to talk to an electrician.
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  • Question
    What do I do if my Keurig won't warm up?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You may need to empty the internal hot water tank. Try powering the Keurig brewer off but keeping it plugged in. Close the lid of the cold water reservoir and put a cup on the drip tray. Press and hold the brew button to empty the hot water tank completely (there will be a delay of 3 to 5 seconds before the tank begins to drain). Then, turn your brewer back on and refill the cold water reservoir. If the Keurig still won't heat, contact their customer service at 1-866-901-BREW(2739).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • You can set your Keurig to shut down automatically after 2 hours to save energy. Simply hit the power button to turn it back on again.
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      • Get detailed instructions for using your specific model of Keurig machine on the Keurig website .
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      • Some select models of Keurig machines can also brew coffee from coffee grounds. Check your machine’s manual to learn if and how you can do this before brewing with coffee grounds.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.keurig.ca/medias/J3600-500901352-KGM-KMiniPlus-UCG-401.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8NzgyNzI3fGFwcGxpY2F0aW9uL3BkZnxoOTMvaGQxLzUyMTgyMTQ3MzM0MTc0LnBkZnw0ZGRkMTI5ZTlmMjViYmVhYWFjNTk0OTQ5ZWZjOGJjMzU3OTA4ZGJiNWUyMDU1MzA2MWQ4NTU0YTE2NDY0ZTZm&srsltid=AfmBOorvxjGN-VAeLRsEER_WZQqR3iWAXj185uyYUl4LC8PN1OjwINwt https://www.keurig.ca/medias/J3600-500901352-KGM-KMiniPlus-UCG-401.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.kitchensanity.com/coffee/how-to-use-a-keurig/
      3. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/hub/support/how-to-use-keurig-k-mini-go
      4. ↑ https://www.kitchensanity.com/coffee/how-to-use-a-keurig/
      5. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmc3w2Mzc5MTF8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmcy9oOGEvaDFlLzQ0MjIzODcxNDUxMTY2LnBkZnxhZDAyNDc2ZjlhYjA1ODFkMmJkMjc4ZDExZWI4NjdmYWY5YjBlMjdmZTgyYWY2YmFkMWIyNTQ2ODI4ZDE2ZjIz https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmc3w2Mzc5MTF8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmcy9oOGEvaDFlLzQ0MjIzODcxNDUxMTY2LnBkZnxhZDAyNDc2ZjlhYjA1ODFkMmJkMjc4ZDExZWI4NjdmYWY5YjBlMjdmZTgyYWY2YmFkMWIyNTQ2ODI4ZDE2ZjIz https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.kitchensanity.com/coffee/how-to-use-a-keurig/
      9. ↑ https://www.kitchensanity.com/coffee/how-to-use-a-keurig/
      1. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/hub/lifestyle/how-to-brew-iced-pods
      2. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://littlethings.com/home/how-to-clean-a-keurig/2897691-1
      4. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmc3w2Mzc5MTF8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmcy9oOGEvaDFlLzQ0MjIzODcxNDUxMTY2LnBkZnxhZDAyNDc2ZjlhYjA1ODFkMmJkMjc4ZDExZWI4NjdmYWY5YjBlMjdmZTgyYWY2YmFkMWIyNTQ2ODI4ZDE2ZjIz
      6. ↑ https://www.keurig.com/medias/K55-User-Care-Guide.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmc3w2Mzc5MTF8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfGstY3VwLWJyZXdlcnMtdXNlci1ndWlkZXMtcGRmcy9oOGEvaDFlLzQ0MjIzODcxNDUxMTY2LnBkZnxhZDAyNDc2ZjlhYjA1ODFkMmJkMjc4ZDExZWI4NjdmYWY5YjBlMjdmZTgyYWY2YmFkMWIyNTQ2ODI4ZDE2ZjIz
      7. ↑ https://www.kitchensanity.com/coffee/how-to-clean-a-keurig/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use a Keurig machine to make coffee, start by filling the water reservoir and pressing the power button so the water starts heating up. When it's finished, place a mug on the drip tray, and lift the handle on the front and put a K-cup inside. To start brewing, close the handle, and press the "brew" button or select a mug size from your machine's options. Once liquid stops pouring, remove your cup from the machine. To dispose of the K-cup, lift the top handle and throw the K-cup in the trash. For tips on how to clean and descale your Keurig machine, keep reading!

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