As a coffee hobbyist who takes coffee even when it is hard for others, you always expect a heavenly sip of coffee from your brewer. It is quite infuriating when the anticipated pure bliss comes with bitter solids instead. And probably you are wondering why the coffee grounds are coming out of your Keurig into your drink. Here’s the main reason:

Coffee grounds come out of a Keurig when tea or coffee grounds clog the exit needle. As a result, the K-cup fails to get enough water passing through it for smooth brewing. Clogging often occurs on teas and café escapes as opposed to coffee grounds but it may happen to good K-cup pods. Thankfully, regular cleaning of the Keurig solves the problem.

Keurig Coffee Maker Overview

A Keurig is a coffee brewer suitable for a single-serve brew. The brewer uses small plastic pods (k-cups) instead of ground coffee when brewing.

Here is what happens when you brew your coffee using a Keurig:

• You pour water into the water reservoir and press a button for it to heat.
• You place the k-cups in their compartment with a handle for opening and closing.
• A sharp needle pierces the bottom and top of the k-cup.
• The top hole becomes the inlet of hot water, while the bottom hole enables the brewed coffee to flow out.
• The Keurig exerts a lot of pressure to enable hot water to flow into the k-cup for brewing.

Why Coffee Grounds Come Out Keurig

The main reason why the grounds come out of the Keurig is the blockage of the exit needle. The clogging is due to the accumulation of coffee grounds or tea on the exit puncture.

At some point, you may notice bitter solids in your drink after brewing. You don’t have to panic. It is something that often happens when using the k-cup pods. Thus, most coffee lovers can relate to that experience. Besides, it is a problem you can fix.

Your Keurig clogs when the coffee grounds get to the puncture needle and the water discharge tubing. As a result, they inhibit the smooth flow of water when brewing. In addition, they may accumulate in your brewer and appear in your subsequent drinks.

What Should You Do When You Get Coffee Grounds in Your Cup When Using a Keurig?

You can do the following when you get coffee grounds in your cup:

• An essential thing you will need is a paperclip.
• First, lift the brewer’s handle to view the k-cup pod compartment.
• Check out the puncturing needle in the brew basket.
• Place the paper clip’s straight end into the puncture, and move it down and round to remove any debris.
• For thorough cleaning, twist and lift the brew basket and wash it with warm water and soap.
• Put the brew basket back into the Keurig machine. Ensure you place it tightly.
• Run a brew cycle with water only.

If you correctly follow these simple steps, your next cup of coffee will be clean, smooth, and tasty. However, if you continue to experience the same problem, thoroughly clean your entire Keurig brewer with a descaling solution.

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How Do You Know If Your Keurig Brewer is Partially Blocked By Coffee Grounds?

You may notice that you are brewing half a cup instead of a full one. Also, your brewing process might be slower than the usual speed. In addition, you may be brewing intermittently and inconsistently. Another sign is the presence of coffee grounds in your brew.

If you are experiencing all these, your Keurig might have a partial blockage and not a complete clog. Most partial blockages happen in the k-cup brewers, especially with the exit needle and not the internal pumps.

The good thing is that you can fix these issues with ease by following the correct cleaning procedure.

How To Prevent Your Keurig Coffee Maker From Coffee Grounds Clogging

Just like any other coffee machine, the Keurig brewer needs proper maintenance to ensure its smooth functioning. Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual. Also, make sure you regularly clean your appliance using the right cleaning products.

What you need is an effective and quick cleaning is soap, water, and a descaling solution. You can use white vinegar to descale inside your brewer. It works perfectly fine.

 Regular cleaning minimizes the chances of mineral and mold build-up, which can clog your Keurig machine. It will take you an average of 30 minutes to clean your brewer.

What Do You Do If Keurig Exit Needle is Not Puncturing?

There are two reasons why your Keurig exit needle may fail to pierce; first, the needle may be bent, and second, the coffee grounds might be blocking it from puncturing.

You can tell if your exit needle is not piercing from the appearance of your brewed coffee. The brew looks thinner and may come in smaller quantities than usual. Besides, you may notice excess coffee grounds in your cup of coffee.

If this is with your Keurig machine, no need to worry. The exit needle cleaning process is pretty simple. Just follow the following simple procedure:

1. Raise the Keurig handle to the lid.
2. Twist and remove the k-cup holder assembly from the brewer.
3. Separate the funnel from the Keurig k-cup vessel assembly by pulling them away from each other.
4. Insert a paperclip into the k-cup needle compartment at the lower part of the k-cup holder assembly. By moving the paper clip down and round, you will remove any debris in the k-cup slot. Use running water to remove extremely dry debris.
5. Also, remember to clean the brewer’s puncture needle found beneath the Keurig’s lid. The paper clip will do the job perfectly well.

Note: the procedure applies if the exit needle is blocked. However, if it is bent or damaged, you need to undertake all the necessary repairs. Replacing it may also be a suitable course of action.

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What is the Procedure for Descaling Your Keurig Coffee Brewer?

• Mix white vinegar and some water and pour it into the brewer’s water reservoir
• Start to brew using a used k-cup again and again
• Repeat the first and second steps until you empty your Keurig water filter.
• Fill the water reservoir with cold water.
• Run the water through your appliance to remove any traces of vinegar.

How Do You Remove Other Internal Keurig Blockages?

• If you have been using the machine, wait for the water inside to cool.
• Get the brewer’s water filter and place it aside.
• Turn your Keurig upside down over the sink. Let the lid be closer to the drain.
• With your hand, tap several times at the bottom of the coffee machine.

Also read: How To Turn On a Keurig

Final Thoughts

Clogging of the exit needle is the reason why your coffee grounds are coming out of your Keurig brewer. You can avoid experiencing this by regularly cleaning and descaling your coffee machine. Through that, you minimize the chances of material build-up in your coffee maker. In return, your brewing process becomes as smooth as your cup of coffee.