Why is my Keurig coffee not hot enough?

Keurigs are highly conventional machines that brew a single perfect shot of coffee with the ease of just pushing the button.

However, as with many other good products, the Keurig coffee machine has some pros and cons. One of them is that Keurig coffee is not as hot as it should be.

Many users encounter this issue and anxiously look for a solution because they never want to lose charm in their cup of coffee.

So, in this article guide, we will discuss why Keurig isn’t heating enough, what are possible reasons behind that are, and how you can make Keurig coffee hotter.

3 reasons why Keurig not heating properly

If your Keurig is not brewing as hot coffee as it should, then there are three possible reasons.

  • The water pump isn’t functioning properly.
  • The heating system inside is malfunctioning due to an issue with the water pump.
  • Dried coffee grounds and calcium buildup inside the machine clogged Keurig, causing malfunctions.

In some cases, Keurig’s heating system malfunctions, resulting in insufficient hot water. It doesn’t only give you a cold cup of coffee, but also a very weak and watery taste

This may be due to the water pump of Keurig not working correctly. When the pump doesn’t work properly, the heating element shuts off automatically to prevent the machine from overheating.

Additionally, if you don’t clean your machine regularly, then limescale buildup over time clogged your machine, and the machine won’t operate properly.

Keurig not getting hot enough – Solution!

The most probable cause of your Keurig coffee not being as hot as it used to be is a dirty machine.

Clogging and limescale buildup inside the machine decreases the efficiency of the water pump and the heating element which in turns results in a cold cup of coffee

The ultimate solution is to clean and descale the machine, especially the valve at the bottom and the Needles in the head of the machine. Regular cleaning is mandatory for the smooth functioning of the machine. 

It is recommended to clean the machine every time before you brew coffee and after you brew coffee and descale your machine once in 3-6 months.

You can watch the video for guidance

Here are descaling instructions for every Keurig model

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Another solution is to reset the machine.

Because sometimes the heating element or the water pump starts malfunctioning due to some internal malware in the machine’s software. If that’s the problem, resetting the machine will definitely solve your problem.

If the Keurig is not heating water completely even after cleaning and descaling then it’s time to contact Keurig customer support to seek professional help.

Here’s how to reset Keurig coffee makers

3 tricks to make Keurig coffee hotter

The optimum temperature range for a perfect cup of coffee lies between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. And Keurig claims that it brews the coffee at 192 degrees.

I don’t believe that! Because I have tested the temperature of brewed coffee from different Keurig machines several times and it usually lies in the range of 165 to 175 degrees.

Yeah, I know the temperature may drop during the dispensing period. But I don’t think it can make the difference of 20 degrees.

But anyways, I love Keurig machines because of their convenience, So I figured out some ways to get a hotter cup of coffee from Keurig.

Although, 165 to 175 degrees is hot enough and it pleases most coffee lovers. But if you are a fan of an extra hot cup of coffee then these tips are for you.

i) pre-heat the machine

A simple trick to preheat the machine is to simply run plain water through the machine for one cycle without inserting the K-cup pod.

Insert the K-cup pod in the second cycle. This will make your coffee hotter and also enhance the flavors.

iI) Pre-heat the cup

This trick works well, especially in winter. As in winter, the ambient temperature is very low, and when the hot coffee from the Keurig machine gets in contact with a cooler cup the temperature drops instantly.

So, it makes sense to pre-heat your mug with boiling water before pouring coffee into it.

III) Use a milk frother

 If you prefer lattes or cappuccinos made with separate milk instead of the k-cup pods. Then it will be a wise idea to invest in a milk frother.

This will not only make your milk-based drinks hotter but also enhance the taste of Cappuccinos and Lattes.

Some other tips to keep coffee hot for longer

  • The usage of paper or foam cups can significantly lower the temperature (by up to 10 degrees) in a short time. The ultimate solution is to double your cup to create a double wall and use a lid to cover it up (We recommend you choose a travel mug as it helps keep your coffee hotter).
  • A mug with a large opening will cool considerably faster than one with a smaller opening or, better yet, one with a lid.
  • Make use of a cup warmer, as they work well and are also reasonably priced.
  • You can also add a little amount of boiling water to elevate the temperature of your Keurig coffee. Personally, I will never recommend this trick as it makes the taste of coffee weaker and I don’t like it.

The ultimate solution Tip to maintain a hot, constant temperature for an extended period of time is to use a stainless steel travel mug.

We recommend you choose the Contigo brand as it helps in maintaining optimum temperature for a longer period of time.

Keurig Model reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you just run hot water through a Keurig?

Yeah, you can run a hot water cycle on your Keurig machine. Just fill in the water reservoir. Don’t insert any pod into the machine and heat the brew button. You will get a cup of hot water

Can you adjust the temp on a Keurig?

No, you can’t adjust the temperature in entry-level Keurig models.
However, advanced models like Keurig K elite and the Supreme series give the user option to adjust the temperature.

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Johny Morrisson is a passionate coffee enthusiast and an avid blogger dedicated to exploring the world of coffee.

Whether it's repairing or troubleshooting coffee equipment, reviewing cutting-edge brewing machines, or delving into the latest coffee trends, Johny's writing captivates readers and invites them on a flavorful journey.

When he's not writing, Johny enjoys traveling, seeking inspiration from different cultures and coffee traditions worldwide.