How To Use A Reusable K Cup?

We all know we should be switching to reusable products where we can, to help stop the waste epidemic that is harming our planet. But, did you know that simply switching to reusable products instead of single-use products is actually only a half-measure. Having an impact on the environment turns on how you actually use the reusable item. Thus, today’s post will focus on how to use a reusable K Cup.

If you are a regular coffee drinker, one thing we could all do to cut down on our daily waste is to switch from normal K-Cups or coffee pods in our coffee machines to reusable ones like the K-Cup for the Keurig machines.

There are plenty of unknowns when you buy a new reusable K-Cup for the first time. So, in order to help, we wanted to check out different available reusable K-Cups and see if they are worth the hype. We’ll also explain how to use, clean, and maintain your reusable K-cup in case you do intend to purchase some. 

What Is A K-Cup?

A K-cup is a capsule that contains coffee grounds or blends for your favorite hot drinks. They are sort of like cartridges or pods that you insert into your Keurig coffee machines. K-cups are usually single-use and disposable.

Since most of the disposable varieties are made of plastic, this can add to the world’s waste problem. And, while some other brands of coffee machines are creating biodegradable pods and recyclable pods, there is always the option of using reusable K-Cup either from Keurig themselves or using a cheaper imitation brand. While K-cups do contain some plastic, it is premium BPA-free material designed for reuse (similar to the type of plastic found in reusable Tupperware products).

They aren’t very expensive and they are a great way to cut down on your daily waste and consequently your carbon footprint if you are a regular coffee drinker. 

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Are K-Cups The Same As Coffee Pods?

My K-Cup is what the Keurig brand calls its coffee pods which can contain coffee, tea, or other hot beverages. Most brands of coffee machines use their own pods that are compatible with only their brand so their customers aren’t paying regular money to one of their competitors.

Nespresso has its own design of coffee pods that fit their machines and so do most other coffee machine manufacturers. Keurig calls thair coffee pods K-Cups. You won’t be able to use other kinds of coffee pods in your Keurig machine as it is only compatible with K-Cups just like how a Nespresso machine wouldn’t be able to take a K-Cup pod. 

So, How To Use A Reusable K Cup? 

The first thing you need to know is that you’ll need coffee beans and a grinder (for the best coffee) or preground coffee grounds to use in your reusable K-Cup. You’ll need to clean and refill it after every use.

Here is how you use a reusable Keurig K-Cup in your Keurig coffee maker:

1. You need first to remove the K-cup. Turn the lid gently counterclockwise until it unlocks. Then take the lid off. 
2. Fill the reusable K-Cup with your favorite coffee grounds. You’ll find fill lines on the cup side to indicate where to fill the grounds up to. It has level markers for a travel mug or a standard cup so you can make the right strength of coffee for your requirements. Do not fill over the travel mug line or press the grounds down to fit more in as this can affect the longevity of your filter. 
3. Place the lid back on the K-Cup and turn clockwise until it aligns with the lock symbol. Make sure it is securely on. 
4. Raise the Keurig machine’s handle and put your K-Cup in the filter holder. Some models of Keurig Machines have an arrow to match up with the arrow on the K-Cup. Make sure these are aligned if your machine has an arrow. 
5. Lower the handle and select the right option on the machine for the coffee you want.
6. Sip and enjoy

If you are using a K-Cup that is not made by Kuerig then the process should be similar if not absolutely the same as the steps described above. Check the packaging for operation instructions.

Tips For A Better Coffee Using A Reusable K-Cup

The coarseness of the blend can have an effect on the quality of your coffee. For the best cup of coffee, we recommend that you use freshly ground beans instead of pre-ground ones and grind them to medium fineness. Using very fine coffee grounds can cause the filter to clog and will affect its durability. 

We also strongly advise that you clean the K-Cups thoroughly between uses and use fresh grounds for each cup otherwise you’re sure to get watery sub-standard coffee that nobody wants to drink. 

While all Keurig reusable K-Cups are compatible with all Keurig coffee machines, the larger Plus series from Keurig will require an adaptor to make your reusable K-Cups work. Just make sure that you check before you buy whether or not you need an adapter for your particular model of Keurig coffee machine and if the reusable K-Cup you are looking to buy comes with one or not. 

How Do You Clean A Reusable K-Cup?

To ensure that you can make a perfect cup of coffee again and again with your reusable K-Cups, you’ll need to make sure you clean them thoroughly between uses. 

To clean your reusable K-Cups you should:

1- Allow the filter to cool down before you attempt to disassemble it. Remember that it has just had boiling water passed through it, so be careful not to burn yourself. 

2- Disassemble the filter gently and dispose of the used coffee grounds in the general waste or for composting. 

3- If you will be cleaning the K-Cup by hand then use warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly under running water to make sure all old grounds are gone.

If you have a dishwasher then you’ll be pleased to learn that the K-Cup from Keurig is safe to put in the top rack of your dishwasher. Check with the supplier if you are using an alternative manufacturer as to whether it is dishwasher compatible. 

Where To Find Reusable K-Cups For Keurig Coffee Machines?

You can buy several compatible varieties on Amazon. It’s best to buy in multipacks so you always have a clean K-Cup ready for your coffee. No one wants to realize that all your K-Cup coffee filters are in the dishwasher and in the middle of a wash cycle when you want a coffee. 

As a handy tip, the reusable K-Cups from the Keurig brand are called My K-Cups and you can find them on Amazon. You can also find many cheaper alternative products as well. Check out the Bestsellers list below.

Final Thoughts

Switching to reusable K-Cups for your Keurig coffee machine is a great way to minimize the landfill waste you are responsible for every day. While you may not get as much variety of beverages as the individual K-Cup pods, if you want a plain cup of coffee, then this will definitely serve you one. 

 

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