If you own one maybe you’ve asked the question, “Why is my Keurig not hot enough?” In this article, we will go over some solutions to help increase your Keurig water temperature.
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Keurigs Are Very Versatile
There’s no denying that the Keurig coffee maker is a convenient way to get your caffeine fix. Just pop in a K-cup, press a button, and out comes a hot cup of joe. But did you know that there are also some lesser-known benefits to using a Keurig? For example, did you know that Keurigs are great for making other hot beverages, like tea and hot chocolate? And did you know that they can also be used to make cold beverages, like iced coffee and iced tea?
I’m not a Keurig hater!
First off, let me clarify something. This is not intended to take a shot at Keurigs. Admittedly, the Keurig does not make the best or hottest cup of coffee, but when you are a single man who is often in a rush, it’s good to have it to fall back on. Odds are, you’ve probably popped a K Cup in at one time or another.
A Keurig machine gets you a cup of joe in a hurry, which is a great option. While it may not be the best coffee brew, it makes up for that with convenience.
Keurig and I Go Way Back!
To speak further to my Keurig fanhood, I received one as a wedding gift over ten years ago. Sadly, the single-serving coffee machine outlasted my marriage by a wide margin.
Alright, now back to the issue at hand. One of the issues people have with these coffee makers is that the coffee is not hot enough. For whatever, the heating element of these machines is often the first thing to go wrong. Specifically, they don’t get the water hot enough when making your coffee.
No matter which Keurig model you use, there’s a decent chance you run into this at some point. If you are in this situation you are looking for a way to increase the water temperature that comes out of the Keurig as coffee.
Can You Adjust the Temperature on a Keurig?
In regards to adjusting the temperature on a Keurig coffee maker, it is important to note that most Keurig models do not have a specific temperature adjustment feature. Keurig machines are designed to heat water to a predetermined temperature that is optimal for brewing coffee, typically around 192-197 degrees Fahrenheit. While some users may desire a higher or lower temperature for personal preference, the Keurig’s standardized temperature ensures consistent brewing results. However, it should be mentioned that there are alternative methods to adjust the temperature indirectly, such as running a water-only brewing cycle before making coffee to heat up the machine and using preheated water to improve the overall temperature of the brew.
Some Keurig Models Have Adjustable Brew Temperatures
Well, we have some good news. On certain Keurig models, you are able to adjust the brew temperatures. For certain models in the Keurig® Plus Series (K425/K475 and K525/575) you are able to adjust the temperature. You can learn how to do it by clicking here. So if you have one of those models, the Keurig not being hot enough is an easy fix.
Now, if you don’t have one of those models, you are probably wondering “what about me?” Well, unless you are willing to do some advanced electrical work, you are not going to be able to heat things up.
Modify Your Keurig to Make the Water Temperature Hotter
I realize this is not a suggestion for the average person. It’s definitely not an option for me. But this is a very interesting video where this guy actually modifies his Keurig to make hotter coffee.
For all of the engineers out there:
Did You Always Think Your Keurig Didn’t Make Coffee Hot Enough?
Let’s think back to when you first got your Keurig. Did you need to heat your coffee up after using it? Probably not. After all, the Keurig makes a cup of coffee at about 192 degrees Fahrenheit. That equals about 89 degrees Celsius for my non-American buddies. If you’re the kind of guy who takes a piping hot cup of coffee at McDonald’s and immediately takes a stip, a Keurig will probably never be hot enough for you.
Some Things You Can Do to Increase or Retain Brew Temperature
So what are some things you can do to make sure you get that Keurig cup of coffee to an optimal temperature? Here are some things you can do:
- Use a ceramic mug (not a foam or paper cup) that is heated. To heat it, run some hot water on it. That way the coffee won’t cool when it hits the cool surface. If you want to go a step further then you can use a YETI or the style of stainless steel travel mug you prefer that best retains heat.
- Run a cycle of water through your Keurig to get it heated up. If your Keurig has been sitting idle for a few hours, your first brew won’t be as hot as your second.
- The mug warmer is always an option. They are very affordable and do a great job of keeping that coffee temperature you are looking for.
Simple enough, right? Fire that baby up with a practice run, use a stainless steel travel mug and if that’s not good enough get an aforementioned warmer.
Is Your Keurig Still Not Hot Enough? Maybe Try a Keurig Alternative
However, I’m going to take things a step further. If you are this worried about your cup of coffee it’s time to move on to a different coffee maker. My recommendation would be the French Press, which takes about five minutes to take and produces a much better-tasting brew and you can literally make it as hot as you want. If you move on to other ways of making coffee, then your Keurig not getting hot enough is no longer an issue.
While Keurig coffee makers are convenient, there are a number of alternatives on the market that offer similar convenience and quality. One such alternative is the Nespresso machine, which uses pre-packaged coffee pods to brew a perfect cup of coffee in seconds.
Another option is the Tassimo coffee maker, which employs barcodes to brew each cup of coffee according to the specific instructions for that particular blend.
For those who prefer a more traditional brewing method, there are also a number of pour-over coffee makers on the market that allows users to control every aspect of the brewing process.
No matter what your preferences are, there is sure to be a coffee maker out there that will suit your needs.
Unfortunately, if you have had your Keurig for a year or more and your brew temperature isn’t enough for you, you’re probably not going to get it to increase unless you have one of the models listed above. There’s no quick fix for those who want to address the issue that their Keurig is not hot enough.
With all of that said, I understand the desire to use a Keurig. When you are a single person who wants one cup of coffee as they head out the door, it is certainly a coffee maker that makes sense for a lot of people. The Keurig certainly has its limitations, but if you want one cup in a minute or two with minimal work, it’s pretty unrivaled.