If you’re a coffee lover who relies on your trusty Keurig machine to jumpstart your mornings, there’s nothing more frustrating than experiencing the disappointment of your Keurig not brewing a full cup of coffee.
From incomplete brews to half-filled cups, this issue can put a damper on your coffee routine. But fear not, as we’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons why your Keurig might not be dispensing a full cup and provide you with practical troubleshooting steps to get your beloved machine back to brewing your perfect cup of Joe.
So let’s dive in and get your Keurig back to its full brewing potential!
Possible Solutions for Fixing a Keurig That is Not Brewing a Full Cup
If your Keurig is not brewing a full cup of coffee, there are several potential reasons for this issue. Luckily, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. Here are some possible solutions:
1. Check the Coffee Pod Seating
The first thing to examine is whether the coffee pod is properly seated in the machine. If it is not inserted correctly, the water may not flow properly, resulting in a partial cup of coffee. Ensure that the coffee pod is securely placed in the designated holder.
2. Check the Lid
Although the exact reason behind its effectiveness remains unknown, we have observed this method successfully resolving the issue on several occasions.
To begin, switch on your Keurig as you typically would and insert the K-Cup. Proceed by closing the lid, pressing the brew button, and ensuring that you continuously apply pressure on the lid throughout the brewing process. Gentle pressure should be enough.
3. Check the Water Reservoir
If the water reservoir was removed during the brewing process, it may disrupt the brewing cycle. Make sure to place the reservoir back onto the machine and perform a cleansing water-only brew without a coffee pod to reset the system.
4. Check the Brew Size Selection
Ensure that you select the correct brew size to obtain a full cup of coffee. If you choose a smaller brew size, the machine will dispense a lesser amount of coffee accordingly.
5. Check the Brew Basket
If your Keurig is less than a year old and you suspect a faulty brew basket, contact Keurig® for a replacement. They typically provide a new brew basket free of charge.
6. Descale the Machine
Over time, water scaling can accumulate in the Keurig coffee maker, potentially interfering with its functioning. Descaling is a recommended periodic maintenance step to remove these deposits.
To descale the machine, create a mixture of white vinegar and water, then pour it into the reservoir. Run a brewing cycle without a coffee pod to allow the vinegar mixture to clean the internal components.
Afterward, rinse the machine thoroughly by running multiple water-only brewing cycles.
7. Check and Clean the Needles
If the Keurig is still not brewing a full cup after descaling, the problem might lie with the needles that pierce the coffee pod.
Debris, such as foil from the K-Cup, can become lodged in these needles, obstructing the flow of water. Cleaning the needles with a paper clip or a needle can help resolve the issue. Here’s how:
- Turn off and unplug the brewer, and remove the water reservoir.
- Gently pull away the pod holder by grabbing its sides.
- Press the button on both sides to separate the holder from the housing, then flip the holder over.
- Insert the straight end of a paper clip into the exit needle, moving it in a circular motion to clean it.
- Rinse the pod holder with water and set it aside.
- Open the handle and locate the top entrance and exit needles. Insert the paper clip into each needle, moving it around to clean them.
- Run a water-only cleaning cycle to ensure any remaining debris is flushed out. It’s a good practice to perform a water-only brew after using tea or cocoa pods to prevent future blockages.
8. Clear the Reservoir Tube
If something is obstructing the tube that connects the water reservoir to the machine, it can cause the Keurig to brew a partial cup. Descaling might resolve this issue, but if it persists, you can try the following methods:
- Slosh some water around in the reservoir, then pour it out. Use a cloth to manually clean the area where the reservoir connects to the machine.
- Use a turkey baster to force water into the tubing at high pressure, attempting to dislodge any debris.
- With an empty reservoir, use a can of compressed air to blow air through the tube and clear any blockages.
9. Clear Air Trapped in the Machine
Sometimes, the pump of the Keurig cannot prime properly due to trapped air in the system.
Shaking the machine gently or employing other methods to release the air may resolve the issue.
To prevent this from happening in the future, refill the reservoir before it becomes completely empty.
10. Drain The Heating Component
If your Keurig is sucking in water but not brewing coffee or only producing a half cup, it may indicate that there is already water in the heating component of the machine. In such cases, the power light and long bar light usually won’t stay illuminated.
To fix this, follow these steps: brew a cup of coffee as you normally would, but instead of pressing the brew button once, hold it down without the K-Cup inside. This will help expel the remaining water from the heating component.
Once completed, refill the water reservoir, and you should be able to brew coffee normally again.
Remember to press the brew button only once and wait for at least 30 seconds. Pressing it repeatedly due to impatience can lead to the same problem, requiring another draining of the machine.
Additionally, it is advisable to maintain the water reservoir above the minimum level to prevent air from entering the heating component.
11. Clear Buildup Around the Water Tank Valve
Mineral buildup around the water tank’s exit valve can impede the flow of water into the machine. Follow these steps to address this issue:
- Empty the water tank and remove the water filter holder.
- Flip the reservoir over and locate the nozzle with the spring.
- Use a dull object like the eraser end of a pencil to push the spring down several times. If it moves easily, the nozzle is not the issue.
- Put the tank back on the machine and fill it with about two to three inches of water.
- Use a turkey baster to suck up a small amount of water from the tank.
- Squirt the water directly into the top side of the black nozzle where water should exit the tank. Repeat this process multiple times, working around the nozzle.
- If you notice particles floating up from the nozzle, it indicates calcium buildup, which was causing the blockage.
12. Check the Water Reservoir Level
If the water reservoir is not filled to the MAX line, the Keurig may not brew a full cup of coffee. Make sure to fill the reservoir adequately to ensure proper brewing.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Keurig not brewing a full cup of coffee.
Remember to perform regular maintenance, such as descaling, to keep your machine in optimal condition and enjoy a satisfying cup of coffee every time.
How To Check If The Problem Is Solved
After trying any of the solutions mentioned above, it is important to verify whether your Keurig is brewing a complete cup of coffee. To do this, you will require a measuring cup. Follow these steps:
- Remove any K-cup from the chamber.
- Run a hot water cycle of 8 oz into the measuring cup.
- Measure the volume of water in the cup. If it measures exactly 8 oz, you have identified the reason why your Keurig was not producing a full cup of coffee.
- If the measured volume is not 8 oz, proceed to try the remaining solutions.
Conclusion
If you find that your Keurig is not making a full cup of coffee, there are several potential solutions to consider.
Ensure that the coffee pod is seated properly, check the water reservoir, descale the machine regularly, clean the needles, and examine the brew basket and lid for any issues.
Additionally, clearing the reservoir tube, addressing trapped air, draining the heating component, and removing buildup around the water tank valve can help restore full brewing capacity.
Finally, don’t forget to check the brew size selection and maintain a full water reservoir. By following these troubleshooting steps and conducting a measurement test, you can enjoy a satisfying, full cup of coffee from your Keurig once again.
Cheers to a perfect cup every time!
