Keurig Coffee makers
Keurig is a leading brand of single-serve coffee makers that are known for their convenience, versatility, and affordability. Keurig coffee makers can brew a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and iced coffee.
In addition to coffee makers, Keurig also manufactures single-serve K-cup pods containing ground coffee, tea, cocoa, and other beverages to use in their brewing systems.
Keurig has released over 100 different coffee maker models since launching in the 1990s! They really have something for everyone. Their catalog spans basic single-cup brewers to high-end machines with touch screens and multiple customizable features.
The unique selling point of Keurig is its simplicity. To brew a cup of coffee, simply place a K-cup pod in the machine and press the button. And the Keurig will brew a fresh cup of coffee in seconds, without the need for grinding and measuring coffee beans or dealing with messy filters.
The simplicity and convenience of Keurig brewers are the reasons behind their immense popularity. Their streamlined single-cup preparation has made Keurig the preferred brew method in 27% of US households.
When was Keurig invented and Who Owns It
Keurig was founded in 1992 by two college roommates, John Sylvan and Peter Dragone, in Massachusetts.
The brand was originally developed to address the problem of brewing coffee in offices, where the Pot machines were used and the drink usually got bitter and stale over time.
The opportunity caught John Sylvan’s attention, and he decided to solve this problem by inventing the single-serving machine that quickly brews a fresh cup of coffee. He conducted several experiments to refine his prototype, and he ultimately succeeded in creating a product that prepares a quick and fresh cup of coffee.
John Sylvan brought Peter Dragone on board to help him with the marketing and business planning for his single-serving coffee machine. The two entrepreneurs co-founded Keurig, a company that has become a household name in the coffee industry.
Initially, Keurig only targeted the office market and manufactured coffee makers to satisfy the needs of offices. Later in 2004, after gaining massive popularity, Keurig also started targeting home consumers.
In 2006, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, a company that invested heavily in the Keurig brewing system at the starting phase, acquired it completely. And started doing innovations in the design and technology of Keurig machines.
In 2012, Keurig’s main patent for K-cup Pods expired. So, many 3rd party brands started manufacturing K-cup pods for the Keurig brewing system.
To overcome this problem, Keurig introduced Keurig 2.0 brewing system, which only works with new and unique 2.0 k-cups (that plan eventually failed).
How to use Keurig machines
Keurig coffee makers are convenient and easy-to-use single-serve coffee makers that are perfect for both homes and offices.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brew a tasty cup of coffee using the Keurig brewing system:
1. set up the Keurig machine
To begin brewing, plug in your Keurig coffee maker and press the power button. The machine will heat the water to 192 degrees Fahrenheit in 40 to 80 seconds.
2. Fill the water reservoir
Keurig coffee makers have water reservoirs that can store 1 to 6 cups of water.
If your machine is new, it’s a good idea to run a cleaning cycle before brewing your first cup. To do this, select the largest mug size and brew without a K-cup pod.
For the best cup of coffee always use filtered water in Keurig
3. Choose your favorite coffee or beverage
You can brew a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and iced coffee, using different K-cup pods.
K-cups come in a variety of coffee blends, flavors, and intensities, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.
To brew a cup of coffee, simply lift the top lid of the Keurig machine, place your favorite K-cup pod in the round slot, and close the lid.
If you want to use your own coffee grounds in Keurig then you can buy a universal My K cup filter.
4. Place the mug
Next, place your favorite mug on the drip tray under the dispenser.
If your mug is too large to fit in the machine, try removing the drip tray. This feature is only available in some models. If your machine does not have a removable drip tray, use a smaller mug.
5. Choose the size of coffee
Most Keurig coffee makers have the option of three different cup sizes 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz. But some also have an option for 12 oz and a full carafe.
The larger the cup size you choose the weaker will be your coffee drink!
Tip: For a stronger Keurig coffee choose the smallest brew size or press the strong button (if your model has it).
6. Enjoy your coffee
Once you have selected your brew size, the Keurig will take only 40-50 seconds to dispense coffee.
Enjoy your drink, add milk or sweeteners if needed!
Be sure to discard the used K-Cup pod after brewing and clean the pod holder thoroughly. Otherwise, your Keurig coffee will taste burnt or bitter the next time you brew.
What Makes Keurig so special?
Keurig coffee makers offer unmatched convenience; the only way easier to have coffee than Keurig is to order a cup of coffee at some cafe. And this convenience is the main factor behind the success of Keurig brewing systems.
1. Convenient and easy to use
Keurig machines have a very simple interface, so anyone can brew a great cup of coffee even without any brewing experience.
You don’t have to grind and measure coffee grounds, or worry about the water temperature or coffee filters. Just pop in a K-Cup pod of your choice, select the desired brew size, and within moments, you’ll be enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
2. Variety of flavors
Keurig understands that no two coffee drinkers are alike. That’s why the brand offers a wide variety of K-Cup pods to suit every taste. With Keurig, you can explore a range of varieties, from bold and intense to light and refreshing.
There are over 200 types of K-cup pods available that are compatible with Keurig machines. And these pods are not just limited to Black Coffee; you can prepare lattes, hot chocolate, different flavored hot beverages, and tea.
The best thing about K cups is the specialized vacuum packaging so they don’t expire or stale quickly as coffee grounds.
3. Easy cleaning
Keurig machines are very easy to clean, adding to their overall convenience.
The cleaning process typically involves a few simple steps. First, remove the used K-Cup pod and wipe the holder with a clean cloth.
Many Keurig models also have a removable drip tray and water reservoir that can be easily cleaned and rinsed.
Additionally, you have to descale the machine after 2-3 months to avoid mineral buildup and maintain optimal performance. Many Keurig models have built-in descaling alerts.
Check out a guide on how to clean Keurig machines
4. Range of Models
Keurig offers a diverse range of models to cater to different preferences.
Some basic Keurig Models like K mini are very simple and available for under 100 dollars.
Advanced models like the Keurig Supreme series offer a variety of useful customizable features like adjustable temperature control, strength control, programmable settings, and iced coffee settings.
And the K-Cafe Series includes built-in milk frothers for specialty coffee drinks.
Keurig also offers commercial models for high-volume office use or busy cafes.
With options to suit a variety of needs, Keurig ensures that coffee lovers can find the perfect machine for their brewing needs.
The Drawbacks of Keurig Coffee Makers
Despite being much more convenient, Keurig coffee machines also have some cons. So, let’s discuss the disadvantages of Keurig machines.
1. Cost
The unit cost and operating cost of Keurig machines are way higher compared to regular drip coffee makers. The Cheapest Keurig machine will cost you around 100 dollars, and some advanced models are priced over 200 dollars. At the same time, you can get comparable drip coffee makers from other brands in the range of 40 to 70 dollars.
K-cup pods are also much more expensive than regular coffee grounds. You can easily buy good quality coffee grounds at half the price compared to the K cups.
Read a detailed guide on whether Keurig machines are worth it or not
2. Plastic waste
One of the major concerns about Keurig brewing systems and K-Cup pods is their environmental impact. K-Cup pods are made of plastic and are discarded after a single use, generating a significant amount of waste.
Although Keurig has completely shifted to recyclable plastics, but there is still a lot of carbon emission involved in the recycling process.
3. Weak Taste
Keurig is not the best choice for coffee enthusiasts who crave the boldest and most complex flavors of coffee. While they do make decent coffee, Keurig Coffee is generally weaker than other coffee makers or brewing methods.
But if you are already familiar with and enjoy the taste of pod-based coffee, I am sure you will enjoy Keurig coffee as well.
Check out the Best Keurig Alternative Coffee Machines
Keurig Buying guide
Best Keurigs for Office
We’ve done the legwork to find the best Keurig for office use that fits like a glove in your workspace, whether it’s a cozy corner or a bustling break room.
Best Keurig for Iced Coffee
Keurig coffee makers prepare perfect refreshing iced coffee drinks. It’s better to look for a model with “Brew Over Ice” settings for iced drinks
Smallest K-cup Coffee Makers
K Cup Coffee makers are ideal choices for small apartments or space-constrained kitchens. In this article, I have reviewed the top smallest K Cup machines
Keurig Slim vs Mini
Both these machines are great entry-level single-serve coffee makers but I have found that the K-mini Plus offers the best value in this price range. Read a detailed comparison of these machines.
Keurig Supreme vs Supreme Plus
Keurig Supreme is one of the premium series of Keurig. It has three variants Supreme, Supreme Plus, and Supreme Plus Smart. I have made a detailed comparison of these three models.
Keurig vs Mr Coffee
Keurig machines utilize K-Cup pods for single-cup brewing while Mr Coffee uses traditional grounds and filter drip brewing. I have made a detailed comparison among these top brands.
Reviews of top Keurig Models
I have reviewed all the top Keurig models and compiled a detailed article detailing their features, pros, and cons to help you choose the perfect machine for your needs.
- Keurig Duo Plus Review – The Carafe Machine
- Keurig Mini Plus Review – The Smallest Keurig
- Keurig K-Elite Review – Advanced Keurig Model
- Keurig K Classic Review – The Best-Selling Machine
- Keurig K Cafe Review – Latte and Cappuccino Machine
- Keurig Supreme Plus Review – Most Modern Machine
- Keurig K Select Review – Simple Keurig Model
Best Tasting K cup Pods
Having tried and tasted many K-cup pods in my life, I have written articles on different categories of K-cups and the reasons why I like them.
- Strongest K Cup Coffee Pods
- Best Decaf K Cup Coffee Pods
- Best Latte and Cappuccino K Cups
- Best Espresso K Cups
- Best K Cups for Iced Coffee
- Best Light Roast K cups
- Best Medium Roast K cups
- Best Dark Roast K cups
- Best Starbucks K cups
- Best Organic K cups
- Best Low Acid K cups
- Best Compostable K cups
- Best Reusable K cup Pods
Keurig Recipes
Keurig Espresso
While it’s not possible to make Authentic Italian Espresso with a Keurig machine but you can certainly come close to it and make something called “Espresso-like shots” with your Keurig.
Keurig Latte
Most Keurig coffee machine user thinks that Keurig confines them to drinking plain, black coffee. But in reality, you can whip up some pretty cool lattes and other milk-based drinks with your Keurig.
Keurig Iced Coffee
Let’s face the fact that K-cup Iced coffee is very weak and watery. So, I have shared some valuable tips on how you can make a strong and rich iced coffee drink with Keurig K cups.
Keurig Compared to Other Coffee Makers
Keurig vs French Press
French Press typically produces a strong and intense cup of coffee compared to Keurig. But French Press isn’t as convenient as Keurig and it takes time to brew. Also, Keurig is way more expensive than a French Press.
Keurig vs Drip Coffee Maker
The main difference between Keurig and Normal Drip coffee makers is that drip machine uses coffee grounds and gives user control over the brewing parameters while Keurig uses pre-packaged K cups and is completely automatic.
Keurig vs Nespresso
Nespresso is the biggest competitor of Keurig in the pod based coffee industry. The main difference is Nespresso prepares small and dense shots of Espresso while Keurig prepares a regular and plain serving of black coffee
Keurig Troubleshooting guides
Keurig Machine Leaking
Many Keurig users encounter this problem and ask for a solution. The pod holder can leak from the bottom or top, causing the machine to become dirty and even putting it at risk of electrocution.
Keurig Flashing Lights
Sometimes Keurig starts blinking light irregularly and the machine faces disruption in the task and doesn’t brew coffee. There could be many reasons which cause that problem.
Keurig Keeps Shutting off
Some Keurig users complain that their brewer keeps shutting off while working. This is obviously a very annoying situation. There could be many reasons for this problem.
Keurig Not Pumping Water
How frustrating a situation is when your Keurig is not pumping any water. There could be many reasons for it and you can fix it easily.
Keurig Descale Light Error
Sometimes Keurig’s descaling light stays on and won’t go off no matter how hard you try. You can solve this issue with some simple hacks
Keurig Not Making Full Cup
Many Keurig machine owners face the issue of Keurig not brewing a full cup or dripping very slowly. This problem can be caused by many different reasons, but you can solve these problems easily.
Keurig Frother Not Working
The problems you can encounter with the Keurig milk frother include: Keurig Frother keeps flashing and doesn’t work at all or Frother turns on and heats the milk but isn’t frothing.
Keurig Coffee Not Hot Enough
Many users face the issue of Keurig coffee not being hot enough. I have discussed the possible reasons behind this issue, and listed some tips on how you can you make your drink hotter
Keurig How to’s
Keurig Serial Number Lookup
Some Keurig owners find it difficult to determine which machine they own. Here’s a guide on how you can easily find or locate the Serial Number of your Keurig machine.
How to use Cleaning Rinse Pods
To facilitate its customer, Keurig includes Keurig rinse pods as parts of their maintenance kits. Many Keurig owners don’t know how to and how often to use these rinse pods.
How to Drain a Keurig
There are different ways to drain Keurig from simple to advanced. You can drain your Keurig Machine depending on your available time and the technical knowledge.
How to Reuse Keurig K cup Pods
By reusing each K-Cup at least once, you can cut your personal coffee waste in half and take a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint.
How to Recycle K cups
Recycling K-Cups can be a bit challenging due to their mixed materials. You have to completely clean and separate the parts of K cup and send them to recycling unit.
How to Make Keurig Stronger
Here are some of my exclusive tips on how you can make your Keurig Coffee stronger and more flavorful. No need to drink watery and weak coffee again!
How to Reset a Keurig
In some cases resetting the Keurig machine is helpful, and after rebooting the machine, it works perfectly again.
More on Keurig
Do Keurigs Have Water Filters
Most of the Keurig models have a place for water filters in their Water tanks but you have to buy water filters separately depending on the model you own.
Can you put milk in keurig
Adding milk to Keurig for lattes or hot chocolates seems quite a good idea but can you put milk directly into the Keurig reservoir? The simple answer is NO!
Hot water from keurig
You can easily Get Hot water from your Keurig machine for tea bags or cocoa, instant soups, oatmeal, and other beverages.
Caffeine Content in K cups
A standard cup of coffee made with a normal K-Cup will give you a caffeine boost ranging from 75 to 125 mg. There are some exceptions though!
Are K cups Instant Coffee
No, Keurig Pods aren’t Instant coffee, they are filled with normal coffee grounds and have special packaging to preserve the freshness.
A Guide on Keurig Cup Sizes
Keurig Machines offers 3-5 cup sizes for users to choose from in a range of 4-12 oz. Find out how these cup sizes can affect the taste and quality of your brew.