As the resident Keurig expert back when I worked in an office, I became the go-to fixer of our temperamental coffee machines. After taking a peek inside and researching how Keurigs work, I learned how to diagnose most issues with the Keurig not heating properly and get that baby brewing again in no time.
Now I’m bringing my self-taught Keurig repair skills to you! If your morning cup of joe is lukewarm instead of piping hot—or your Keurig won’t heat up at all—your machine likely has a common and fixable heating problem. Follow this guide to identify the issue and get your Keurig heating properly again—no professional repair required (usually). I’ll start by explaining briefly how Keurig machines work so that you understand the potential issues a little better.
How Keurig Machines Work to Heat Water
Keurig machines use an internal water reservoir (the one you take out to refill) to store water that will be heated and used for brewing. When starting the brewing process, the machine first pumps water from the reservoir into an internal heating chamber. This chamber contains a heating element, which usually contains a coiled metal heating element. The element rapidly heats up when the machine turns on. The heating element brings the water to a precise target temperature, usually around 192 degrees (F).
Just a quick note about this temperature: it’s a little on the low side. Optimal brewing temperature for coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees (F), as the extraction rate for all of the different compounds in coffee get extracted at the ideal rate here. Using water below 195 degrees (F) means your extraction rate will be slower than it should be, and you’ll get underextracted coffee. When extraction is fast or long enough, you highlight sour flavors from some of those coffee compounds.
The 192-degree water that your Keurig provides for brewing is close to but still under the optimal range, so you’re likely going to get a bit of sourness and imbalance in your coffee. As I’ll discuss later, a lot of Keurigs only reach around 185 degrees for a variety of reasons, and that’s too far below the optimal range to produce good coffee.
Anyway, a sensor in the heating chamber monitors the water temperature in real-time. When the target temperature is reached, the sensor sends a signal to the control board to stop heating.
The now heated water is then pumped through tubing into the waiting Keurig pod through the top brewing needle. The pod contains coffee grounds which get infused with the hot water to produce your coffee, which flows out the bottom of the pierced K-cup.
Keurig Not Heating: What’s the Problem?
Okay, so, why is your Keurig not heating properly? Unfortunately, there are a bunch of reasons your Keurig might not be reaching the 192-degree mark and could be sitting closer to 185 degrees. Or maybe you’re just getting straight-up cold water from your Keurig. I’ll walk through the most common problems that cause Keurig machines not to heat, starting with quick and easy fixes and building up to more intensive issues that might require a replacement or repair.
1. The Hot Water Thermometer Needs to Be Reset
Keurig machines use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water before brewing. If this gets faulty readings, your machine may incorrectly think the water isn’t hot enough—or, less likely, is too hot—and shut off the heating element.
Luckily, you can reset the thermometer in just a few minutes.
Turn off your Keurig machine and unplug it. Pull off the cold water reservoir, set it aside, and plug the machine back in. With the machine off but plugged in, hold down the brew button until the coffee maker stops dripping water. Refill the reservoir and turn your Keurig back on. This resets the thermometer so it can correctly read water temperatures again.
Now test the machine without a pod, and note the temperature of the water that comes out. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can just put a glass or ceramic mug under it to catch the water, and feel whether or not it gets heated by the water. Just be careful not to touch the water itself, as it might be too hot.
2. Your Coffee Maker Needs to Be Reset
Sometimes there’s a small issue with the internal electronics in your machine that’s keeping your Keurig from properly heating water. Resetting your entire coffee maker can clear up any weird tech gremlins, although it does take a little longer than resetting the thermometer. You might want to hit your local coffee shop first to get your caffeine fix while you work.
To reset your Keurig, turn off the machine and unplug it. Let it sit unplugged for 30 minutes to completely reset. Then plug it back in and try heating up some water. This isn’t the most common issue, but it’s a simple fix if it is the problem.
It’s not clear exactly what’s happening during this process, but if the electronics inside your machine get wonky from overuse, Keurig itself recommends doing this to reset everything.
3. Your Machine Has Scale Build Up
You know that descaling warning your Keurig always flashes that you ignore? “It’s time to descale your brewer.” Yea, turns out descaling really is important if you want hot coffee!
Scale, which is made up mostly of calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water, build up in all coffee machines over time, and Keurig machines are no exception. This insulating layer of scale build-up prevents the heat from the heating element from reaching the water, causing it to overwork and eventually fail. Descaling removes this layer so your heating element can work properly again.
To descale, use a store-bought descaling solution or diluted vinegar (mix a 1:1 solution of fresh water with distilled white vinegar). Add whichever solution you choose to the reservoir. Run the solution through brew cycles with no K-cup until the reservoir is empty. Then run plain water through 2 to 3 more times to rinse out any residue. Removing built-up scale can get your Keurig heating like new again, and it can actually make your coffee taste a little better, too!
Pro Tip
If you're using a vinegar solution to descale, rune 4 or 5 cycles afterward with fresh water, and then one with coffee to clear out any remaining vinegar flavor.
Next time, listen to your machine…scale build up can also cause your Keurig machine to leak, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. Scale can also negatively affect the taste of your coffee, so make sure not to ignore the descale warning for too long.
4. Your Water Pump Is Broken or Detached
Keurig machines use an internal water pump to move water from the refillable reservoir into the heating system. If this pump fails, your machine won’t have water to heat, and the element will shut off to protect itself from damage. This is a safety feature that’s great to have, but it also means your Keurig won’t heat any water for brewing, and you’ll be left without coffee.
To check the pump, unscrew the bottom or back panel of your Keurig to access the internal hoses. Look for any leaks, cracks, or disconnects in the notoriously flimsy water line hoses and the pinch-to-close hose clamp that Keurig seems to be so fond of. Replace any damaged hoses and re-secure any disconnected ones. You can buy replacement hoses from Keurig in most cases, or from Amazon or Prima Coffee.
If the pump itself is broken, you’ll need to replace the entire pump, unfortunately. You can sometimes tell if the pump is broken if it still doesn’t pump any water into the heating chamber after turning your machine one. But the best way to diagnose if the pump is broken is to send your machine to Keurig if it’s still under warranty, or have a small appliance repair expert take a look. Sometimes, if you have a cheaper Keurig machine and it’s outside the warranty, it’s more cost-effective just to replace it.
5. The Heating Element Is Broken
If you’ve tried all the above fixes and your Keurig still isn’t heating, chances are the internal heating element needs to be replaced. This is one of the most common reasons Keurigs stop heating properly, but it’s the most expensive and difficult to resolve.
If your machine is still under warranty, contact Keurig customer support about a repair or replacement. If not under warranty, you can order a new heating element online and install it yourself, or send your machine to Keurig for expert repair.
As a last resort, you may just need to buy a new Keurig coffee maker. But try these heating element fixes first before throwing in the towel!
Keurig Preventive Maintenance
No one wants to be without their morning coffee, and, more importantly, no one wants to have to drop another $75+ on a new Keurig machine before they have to. The average lifespan of a Keurig machine is between 3 and 5 years, but there are a few things you can do to keep your machine in tip-top shape, extend its lifespan, and potentially avoid issues like poor heating performance:
- Descale the machine regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions. Descaling removes mineral buildup that can clog tubes and damage internal components.
- Use filtered water instead of tap water. Tap water often contains minerals that can leave buildup over time, making your machine work harder than it needs to and break down more quickly. Filtered water helps reduce mineral deposits.
- Clean the needle that punctures the K-cup. Coffee oils and grounds can clog the needle. Use a paperclip or needle to clear any obstructions—just be gentle and be careful not to bend the needles in the process.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine periodically with a damp cloth to keep it clean. Avoid submerging the machine in water. Sounds dumb, but…I had to include it just in case!
- Unplug the machine before cleaning or maintenance. This prevents accidental activation during cleaning and potential shorting of the electrical components.
- Position the machine away from counters or walls to allow airflow. Good ventilation helps prevent overheating.
- Be gentle when inserting and removing K-cups to avoid damaging the brew head, pod holder, or brewing needles.
- Refer to manufacturer’s manual for the proper machine settings and maintenance schedule. Follow all recommendations.
Keurig Warranty: Will It Cover Keurig Heating Issues?
Keurig home brewing systems usually come with a 1-year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials or workmanship under normal use during the 1-year period. The warranty is voided if the machine is used improperly, modified, or damaged.
Specifically, the heating element inside Keurig machines is covered under the 1-year warranty. If the heating element fails to heat water to the proper brewing temperatures within the first year, it will be repaired or replaced under the warranty. This ensures you can brew cups at optimal temperatures. Keurig is pretty good about honoring warranty claims, but make sure you contact the company as soon as you experience heating problems.
Additionally, the warranty covers the internal water pumps that deliver water from the reservoir to the heating element. If these pumps fail in the first year, preventing water flow to the heating chamber or to the brewing needle, they will be fixed or a replacement provided.
The warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages caused by a defect. It also does not apply to improper use, care, cleaning, or maintenance. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is important to keep the warranty valid over the first year, and beyond that to get the most value from your Keurig machine.
Wrapping Up: How to Fix a Keurig That’s Not Heating
With a little troubleshooting, you can likely get your Keurig brewing hot again. Start with quick resets and descaling, then move to pump and heating element repairs if needed. And remember: regular descaling and machine cleaning will help prevent future heating issues. If you’re having other problems with your machine as well, you can check out my guide on common Keurig problems and how to fix them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Keurig stop heating properly even when it’s turned on?
There are a few common reasons a Keurig might not heat water when turned on. The most likely culprits are scale build-up insulating the heating element, a faulty thermometer not reading temperatures correctly, a bad heating element, or a failed water pump not delivering water to be heated.
How can I descale my Keurig machine if it won’t heat up water?
To descale without heating the water, fill the water reservoir with descaling solution—make sure to dilute it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Then, run a cleaning brew cycle and let the solution sit in the machine for 30 minutes. After that, manually rinse the machine with fresh water cycles to flush out the solution. The descaler will still work to remove scale even if your machine won’t heat while you’re working.
Is it safe to try and fix heating issues on my Keurig myself?
Most common Keurig heating fixes like descaling, resetting, and hose or pump repairs are safe for DIY repairs. However, replacing internal parts like the heating element can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Consider contacting Keurig support for help with bigger part replacements. If your machine is under warranty, you might want to forego DIY repairs even if you have less severe issues. Repairing a machine yourself might void your warranty, so it’s probably best to let Keurig fix the problem.
Where can I find replacement parts to fix my non-heating Keurig?
Keurig sells many replacement parts directly through their website, like heating elements, pumps, and more. You can also find generic replacement parts on Amazon or other appliance parts sites for cheaper. Just search for your Keurig model number to find the right compatible parts. If your machine is still under warranty, the cost of the parts should be included in any repairs Keurig carries out for you.
