Keurig K-Mini Plus is a compact and efficient coffee maker, but like any appliance, it can encounter issues from time to time. Whether it’s not brewing, brewing a partial cup, or not turning on, troubleshooting these problems quickly and efficiently is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common problems with the Keurig K-Mini Plus and provide step-by-step solutions to fix them.
Common Keurig K-Mini Plus Single-Serve Coffee Brewer Issues
- Brewer Not Brewing
- Brewing a Partial Cup
- Brewer Does Not Have Power
- Temperature Issues
- Clogged Needles
- Water Reservoir Issues
- Descaling Problems
Now, let’s explore each of these problems and how you can resolve them.
1. Brewer Not Brewing
Problem:
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t brewing coffee, there could be several factors at play. This problem is often caused by a low water level, clogged needles, or scale buildup.
Solution:
- Check the Water Reservoir: Make sure that the water reservoir has at least 6oz of water. If it’s too low, add more water to ensure it meets the minimum fill level.
- Clean the Needles: Grounds can clog the exit or entrance needles, causing the brewer to malfunction. Use a straightened paper clip or needle-cleaning tool to clean both the exit and entrance needles.
- Perform a Descale: If calcium deposits are clogging the internal parts of the brewer, descaling is necessary. Follow the descaling procedure below.
2. Brewing a Partial Cup
Problem:
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus is brewing only a partial cup of coffee, it could be due to clogged needles, insufficient water in the reservoir, or scale buildup.
Solution:
- Restart the Brewer: Press and hold the brew button for 5 seconds to allow all the water to be dispensed. Discard the contents into the sink, and press the power button to restart the brewer.
- Clean the Needles: Clogged needles can prevent proper brewing. Use a paper clip or similar tool to clean the exit needle and the K-Cup® pod holder.
- Descale the Brewer: If the brewer is heavily scaled, you may need to perform the descaling procedure more than once to fully clear the system.
3. Brewer Does Not Have Power
Problem:
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t turning on, it might be due to power issues or an overload in the circuit.
Solution:
- Check the Power Button: Ensure the power button is turned on. If not, press it to power up the machine.
- Plug Into a Grounded Outlet: Ensure your coffee maker is plugged directly into a grounded outlet. Avoid using power strips or overloaded circuits.
- Automatic Shutoff: The Keurig K-Mini Plus has an automatic shutoff feature for energy savings, which kicks in 90 seconds after the last brew. If the brewer shuts off unexpectedly, press the power button to restart it.
- Contact Customer Service: If the brewer still doesn’t power on, you may need to contact Keurig customer service for assistance.
4. Temperature Issues
Problem:
If the coffee brewed by your Keurig K-Mini Plus is too cold or not hot enough, there could be issues with the brewing temperature settings or scale buildup affecting the heating element.
Solution:
- Descale the Brewer: Scale buildup on the heating element may prevent the water from heating to the right temperature. Descaling the brewer can help restore the proper heating function.
- Check High Altitude Mode: If you’re at a high altitude, the brewer may automatically adjust to accommodate for the reduced air pressure, which may slightly affect brewing temperature. This can be turned off by pressing the temperature setting button.
5. Clogged Needles
Problem:
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus is not dispensing coffee properly or making strange noises, it could be due to clogged needles.
Solution:
- Exit Needle Clogging: Coffee grounds can clog the exit needle, which is located inside the K-Cup® pod holder. Use a straightened paper clip to gently clear the needle.
- Entrance Needle Clogging: The entrance needle may also get clogged. Follow the instructions for cleaning it, using a similar tool to clear any blockages.
6. Water Reservoir Issues
Problem:
Sometimes, the Keurig K-Mini Plus may not brew if there’s an issue with the water reservoir, such as it not being properly seated or having insufficient water.
Solution:
- Properly Seat the Water Reservoir: Ensure the water reservoir is correctly seated on its base. If it’s misaligned, it can cause the machine not to function properly.
- Fill to the MAX Line: Always fill the water reservoir up to the MAX line to ensure proper water flow during brewing.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the reservoir for any cracks or leaks. If the reservoir is damaged, consider replacing it.
7. Descaling Problems
Problem:
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus is still not working properly after descaling, it could be due to improper descaling, scale buildup, or the need for a second descaling cycle.
Solution:
- Follow the Descaling Procedure Carefully:
STEP 1: Cleansing Rinse
Pour one-third (4.6oz) of the Keurig® Descaling Solution into the water reservoir and fill the rest with fresh water to the 10oz level. Press the brew button without a K-Cup® pod in place. Once the solution is dispensed, pour it into the sink. - STEP 2: Internal Tank Soak
Let the brewer stand for at least 30 minutes. After this, press and hold the brew button until all the solution is dispensed. - STEP 3: Fresh Water Rinse
Use fresh water (12oz) to rinse the system. Repeat this process three times to ensure all the descaling solution is removed. - Heavy Scale Buildup: If the brewer still isn’t working after performing the descaling process twice, it’s likely that there’s heavy scale buildup that requires more frequent descaling. Contact Keurig customer service for assistance if the problem persists.
Conclusion
With regular maintenance and the right troubleshooting steps, you can keep your Keurig K-Mini Plus working smoothly and continue enjoying your coffee without interruption. Descaling every 3-6 months and cleaning the needles will go a long way in extending the life of your coffee maker. However, if you encounter any issues that these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve, don’t hesitate to contact Keurig customer service for further assistance.
Here’s a short table summarizing common issues with the Keurig K-Mini Plus and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Brewer Not Brewing | Ensure water reservoir has at least 6oz, clean needles, and perform descaling. |
| Brewing a Partial Cup | Clean needles, ensure proper water level, and perform descaling if necessary. |
| No Power | Check power button, plug into a grounded outlet, and restart brewer if needed. |
| Temperature Too Low | Descale brewer to remove scale buildup; check High Altitude mode. |
| Clogged Needles | Clean both entrance and exit needles using a straightened paper clip. |
| Water Reservoir Issues | Ensure proper seating and check for leaks; refill to the MAX line. |
| Descaling Problems | Follow the descaling procedure carefully; repeat if necessary. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my Keurig K-Mini Plus not brewing coffee?
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t brewing, it could be due to a few reasons. Ensure the water reservoir has enough water (at least 6oz). If the water level is too low, the brewer won’t brew. Additionally, check for clogged needles, which can be cleaned with a paper clip. If the issue persists, try descaling your machine to remove mineral buildup.
2. How do I know if my Keurig K-Mini Plus needs descaling?
If you notice that your Keurig K-Mini Plus is brewing slower than usual, or not brewing at all, it may need descaling. Mineral buildup inside the brewer can cause blockages that affect the performance of the heating element. Follow the descaling procedure to restore functionality and improve brewing speed.
3. What should I do if my Keurig K-Mini Plus is brewing a partial cup?
Brewing a partial cup is often caused by clogged exit needles, insufficient water in the reservoir, or scale buildup. First, clean the needles using a straightened paper clip. Then, ensure there is enough water in the reservoir and perform the descaling process if necessary.
4. Why is the water temperature too low in my Keurig K-Mini Plus?
If your Keurig K-Mini Plus brews coffee that’s too cold, there could be an issue with the heating element, often caused by mineral deposits. Descaling the brewer should resolve the issue. Additionally, check if High Altitude mode is enabled, as it may affect the temperature.
5. Can I use a paper cup for the descaling process?
No, using a paper cup is not recommended during the descaling process. Always use a large ceramic mug to catch the water dispensed by the brewer. Paper cups may not withstand the heat and could potentially cause a mess or malfunction.
6. My Keurig K-Mini Plus isn’t turning on. What can I do?
If your brewer isn’t turning on, first ensure that it’s plugged into a grounded outlet, not a power strip. Press the power button and make sure it’s turned on. If the brewer has turned off automatically for energy-saving, simply press the power button to restart it. If it still doesn’t work, try unplugging the machine for 1-2 minutes before plugging it back in.
7. How do I clean the needles on my Keurig K-Mini Plus?
To clean the needles, gently use a straightened paper clip to remove any coffee grounds or debris that might be clogging the entrance and exit needles. This simple step can help improve the flow of water and prevent brewing issues.
8. What causes the “Add Water” light to stay on even after refilling?
If the “Add Water” light stays on after you’ve added water, ensure the water reservoir is properly seated on its base. If it’s still on, unplug the brewer for 10-15 seconds and try again. If the issue persists, contact customer support for further assistance.
9. How often should I descale my Keurig K-Mini Plus?
You should descale your Keurig K-Mini Plus every 3-6 months, depending on the mineral content of your water. If you use hard water, consider descaling more frequently to maintain the brewer’s performance and prevent calcium buildup.
10. Can I use a third-party descaling solution for my Keurig K-Mini Plus?
It’s recommended to use Keurig’s official descaling solution to ensure optimal cleaning and to prevent any damage to your coffee maker. While third-party solutions may be available, they may not be as effective or could potentially harm the brewer over time.
0 Comments