If you adore the pleasant fragrance of freshly brewed coffee right in the morning pouring out of a keurig, you must learn how to use a keurig machine.
Making a cup of coffee using a keurig is not a biting a bullet kind of task. All you need to do is, give this guide a read as you’ll discover the step-by-step process of using a keurig machine. Although it is smooth sailing to learn how to brew a cup of coffee using this advanced machine, there are a plethora of things that must be understood beforehand. For instance, switching its modes, its settings, cleaning and maintenance, etc.
With the help of this guide and the instructions given in the manual that comes with your keurig machine (because several different models of this machine are available). Let’s see how to use keurig.
Using Keurig Machine For The First Time
(A) Setting Up The Keurig Machine
The first and foremost step is to set-up the keurig machine properly, otherwise, you might end up breaking this machine and your cup of coffee will just become an unfulfilled dream.
- Unbox your keurig machine, take it out of the plastic bag, and remove the tape securing the various parts. Do this cautiously while keeping it on a soft cushioned place or bed.
- Do not proceed without the user manual that comes with your keurig because although the set-up and usage procedure for these machines is typically the same, there can still be minor differences in the models.
(B) Cleaning The Water Reservoir
It is much needed to clean the water reservoir before and after making a coffee cup.
1. Detach the water reservoir from your keurig machine. Lift it straight up or remove from the sideways depending upon the model. The user manual will come in handy here.
NOTE: If your keurig model has a fixed/non-removable water reservoir, wipe it off with a clean tissue/cloth, and proceed with step 4 of this process.
2. Now clean the reservoir under tap water and rinse it well.
3. Afterward, wipe the reservoir and the water entry point to ensure pouring a good cup of coffee.
4. Fill the water reservoir to the fullest with fresh drinking water and place it back in its place to proceed (or cover it- in case of a non-removable reservoir).
5. Place a large capacity jug or coffee mug on the drip tray and run the brew cycle with water only. This will cleanse the water reservoir. Throw away the water and rinse the reservoir once again under running water before finally using it.
(C) Optional Step: Install The Charcoal Water Filter
Now this is an optional step, so if your keurig can work without a charcoal water filter, you can skip this step. If you happen to have a charcoal filter (these are usually purchased separately), you must wash it. Read further to know how.
- Fill a large container with fresh drinking water and leave the charcoal water filter in it undisturbed for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Now use your hands to rub the charcoal water filter to remove the charcoal sheds in the container only.
- Install the water filter in the keurig machine. Refer to your manual for this purpose or else, put it into the water filter handle. You’ll hear a snap sound when it perfectly fits in.
The process of changing the water filter is discussed at the end of this post.
How To Use A Keurig Machine?
A single-cup coffee maker like keurig is the most friendly machine for many to make mornings exceptionally good. Now it’s time to decode the most awaited procedure of how to use a keurig machine. After carefully completing the steps mentioned above, proceed to do as stated below:
(I) Preparation
Clean the keurig and assemble the machine as per the instructions (or refer to the installation procedure above). Place a large mug on the drip tray. In case your keurig machine has in-built sensors, it won’t begin to work unless there is a coffee mug on the drip tray. In either case, it’s better to be prepared in advance so that your efforts for the freshly brewed coffee won’t go in vain.
Plug the unit into a grounded outlet. It is important to know that keurig machines are designed in such a way that they can only be plugged into grounded outlets.
(II) Add Water To Reservoir
Fill in the water reservoir with filtered water and make sure to clean the reservoir every time before use (refer to the process of cleaning the water reservoir). Now wait a few minutes for the water to heat (or as mentioned in your keurig machine manual).
(III) Brew The Coffee
Place your favorite coffee mug on the drip tray. Press the power button, lift the lid, and place the coffee pod in the K-Cup section before finally closing it. Ensure that you pick a large coffee mug and select a brew size smaller than the capacity of the mug. Then press the brew button and your coffee will start pouring out in a few seconds. During the process, you’ll hear buzzing sounds going on and off, which is pretty normal.
So your freshly brewed coffee is out of the keurig machine now. You can put ice cubes for making cold coffee (and add this secret ingredient: chocolate powder). Or else, enjoy it instantly hot.
NOTE: Remember the power button will have a light that flashes and needs to be pressed once or twice based on the keurig model. On the other hand, the brew button needs to be pressed several times while the procedure takes place. It is advisable to read the manual to get a better grasp of how to use a keurig machine that you have.
Descaling Keurig Machine
Learning how to descale a keurig machine is as crucial as learning how to use a keurig. Before starting to descale this machine, you first need to let it cool completely. It might take around 20 to 30 minutes until the machine cools off entirely.
(i) Start With Disassembling
The first step is to detach all the removable parts of the keurig machine including the drip tray, water reservoir, and K-Cup holder. Forget not to remove the water filter as well.
Pro Tip: To remove the K-Cup holder, pull on the sides and then push it upwards from beneath (the coffee outlet). Refer to the video under step- 3 of the descaling procedure.
(ii) Rinse The Detached Parts
To clean the detached parts, you can simply rinse them under normal water to remove any debris. Then use warm water and dish soap solution to cleanse the parts and again rinse them under running water.
(iii) Descaling Water Reservoir
To descale the water reservoir you have two options, you can either use white vinegar + water solution or descaling solution + water.
Fill the reservoir to the max, place a large mug or jug under the opening mouth, and press the descale button. Similarly run two more descaling cycles but with only fresh water (without vinegar). It’ll eliminate the left-out white vinegar solution.
(iv) Wipe Off External Parts
The next step is to clean the external parts with a clean cloth so that it gets free from any kind of deposits. You can use a spray bottle to splash the machine with soapy water and similarly use normal water to clean the external parts. Once done, wipe it off with a dry cloth.
(v) Changing The Water Filter
As per general recommendations, keurig water filters must be changed every 3 to 6 months. To change it, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Take out the filter holder; using a handle will make the process more convenient. Then discard the used filter.
- Rinse the filter holder under running water.
- Now soak the new water filter in fresh water for 5 minutes. Then simply rinse it under running water for 1 minute.
- Afterward, insert the filter into the holder from its bottom and enclose it until you hear the click sound.
- Next, you need to place the holder back into the water reservoir above the placement until you hear the click sound. To ensure that the holder is placed securely, wiggle the machine a little.
Let all the parts dry and attach them again. Keep the keurig in a closed kitchen compartment or pack it again to save from dust accumulation.
Wrapping Up
A keurig machine is one of the most preferable ways to brew a perfect coffee cup. But you can’t proceed to make one unless you know how to use a keurig machine. Since there are several models presently available in the market, the process can slightly differ. In addition, you must descale your keurig machine from time to time.
