Keurig K-Café Essentials

Button Overview

The K-Café Essentials coffee maker features several buttons for operation:

• BREW SIZES: Selectable sizes: 237 ml (8 oz), 296 ml (10 oz), or 355 ml (12 oz).
• SHOT BUTTON: Brews a concentrated coffee shot, ideal for specialty beverages.
• STRONG BUTTON: Select for a bolder coffee flavor.
• ADD WATER LIGHT: Illuminates to indicate the water reservoir needs refilling.
• DESCALE LIGHT: Illuminates when the coffee maker requires descaling.
• FROTH BUTTON: Used to froth and warm milk. ❗ Note: Frothing and brewing cannot be performed simultaneously.

How to Froth Like a Pro

Follow these tips for a fantastic frothing experience:

• Fresher is Better: Using fresh milk delivers the richest, frothiest foam. Opened milk may still froth but can lose effectiveness over time.
• Milk Matters: Different milk types produce different results:
  • Fat-Free/Skim Milk: Easy to froth, creates a light, airy foam.
  • 2% Milk: Easy to foam, similar to skim milk, but with a creamier consistency.
  • Whole Milk: Higher fat content creates the richest-tasting foam.
  • Lactose-Free Milk: Results can be less reliable due to different properties.
  • Dairy Alternatives: Results vary by type; bubbles may dissipate quicker than with dairy milk.
• Not All Brands Are the Same: Experiment with different brands of milk to find what works best for your preferences.

Before You Brew

1. 1. Plug & Place

   Remove any packing tape from the coffee maker. Plug the unit into an electrical outlet. Place a large mug on the drip tray.

2. 2. Rinse & Fill

   Remove the water reservoir lid, then lift the reservoir straight up. If you have a Keurig® Water Filter (sold separately), install it now, following the instructions in its starter kit. Rinse the reservoir with fresh water and fill it to the MAX FILL line. Replace the water reservoir, ensuring it is seated properly in the base, and then replace the lid. ⚠️ Note: Do not use distilled water.

Initial Setup

1. 3. Clean the Frother

   Remove the lid and whisk from inside the frother. Wash the interior, lid, and whisk with warm, soapy water. Dry all parts thoroughly using a soft, nonabrasive cloth, then reassemble. ⚠️ Note: The frother is not dishwasher safe and should not be submerged in water. Use only nonabrasive cleaning materials to prevent damage to the inner surface.

2. 4. Lift & Lower

   Lift and lower the coffee maker handle. Do not insert a K-Cup® pod. The coffee maker will power on automatically.

3. 5. Cleansing Brew

   The cup size indicators will blink. Press the 8 oz button to start a cleansing brew. Pour the hot water into the sink. Do not remove the water reservoir or lift the handle once the brew button has been pressed until the brew is completed. This completes the one-time setup process.

Make Your First Latte

1. 1. Froth Milk

   Remove the frother lid and add milk to the MAX line marked inside the frother (for cappuccino, fill to the MIN line). Replace the lid and place the frother on its base. Press the power button on the frother. The button will illuminate while heating, taking up to three minutes. Frothing is complete when the button flashes and then turns off. ⚠️ Caution: The frother is not microwave or dishwasher safe. ❗ Note: Do not under- or overfill the frother. Do not operate before adding milk.

2. 2. Queue Your Brew

   While frothing, lift the handle of your coffee maker and place a K-Cup® pod in the K-Cup® pod holder. Lower the handle completely to close the lid. Place a mug on the drip tray. The brew selections will blink. Press the SHOT* button. When frothing is completed, the shot will automatically brew next. ❗ Note: The coffee maker cannot brew coffee and froth milk at the same time. ⚠️ Caution: Extremely hot water is present in the K-Cup® pod holder during brewing. To avoid injury, do not lift the handle during the brew process. Do not remove the foil lid on the K-Cup® pod before brewing. *The SHOT button can also be used with any cup size, but is recommended for coffeehouse beverages.

3. 3. Create Your Latte

   When the shot is complete, remove the K-Cup® pod and recycle it (refer to recycling instructions). Remove the frother from the base. Remove the lid and pour the frothed milk over your shot of coffee. ❗ Note: Clean the frother immediately after use.

Why Queue Your Brew: Since the coffee maker and frother cannot operate simultaneously, queueing your brew allows you to set up frothing and coffee brewing to run back-to-back automatically.

Coffee Maker Features

• STRONG BREW: For a bolder, more intense cup. Select STRONG before or after your cup size. Cannot be used with the SHOT button.
• FAST & FRESH-BREWED: Coffee made in minutes.
• BACK-TO-BACK BREWING: Immediately brew a second cup without waiting for reheating.
• TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Accommodates travel mugs up to 18.4 cm (7.25") tall.
• SIMPLE BUTTON CONTROLS: Insert any K-Cup® pod and use the button controls to brew a delicious cup.
• MAINTENANCE ALERT: Reminds you to descale after every 250 brews. To disable DESCALE notifications: Power off the coffee maker and press and hold the 10 oz and 12 oz buttons for three seconds. The STRONG light will illuminate to confirm alerts have been disabled. To re-enable alerts, repeat the steps; the SHOT light will illuminate. ❗ Note: Regular descaling enhances coffee taste and long-term performance, even if alerts are turned off.
• COMPATIBLE WITH THE MY K-CUP® UNIVERSAL REUSABLE COFFEE FILTER: Allows you to brew your own ground coffee (sold separately).
• AUTO OFF: Automatically turns off the coffee maker five minutes after the last brew for energy savings, but is ready to brew again instantly.
• HIGH ALTITUDE: To ensure proper operation at higher altitudes (1,500 metres/5,000 feet), enable the High Altitude Brewing Mode. To enable: Begin with the coffee maker plugged in and powered off. Press and hold the STRONG button and 10 oz button for three seconds; the 12 oz button will illuminate. To disable: Repeat steps 1-2; the 12 oz light will turn off and the 8 oz light will turn on. For High Altitude Brewing: While holding the handle up, push down slowly on the K-Cup® pod until the bottom is punctured by the exit needle.

Caring For Your Coffee Maker

Regular cleaning keeps your coffee maker running smoothly. Always turn off and unplug your coffee maker before cleaning.

• Coffee Maker Exterior: Clean the exterior with a damp, soapy, lint-free, nonabrasive cloth. Never immerse the coffee maker in water or other liquids.
• Drip Tray: Empty and clean the drip tray overflow occasionally. To remove, lift it straight up off the coffee maker base, keeping it level to avoid spilling. Rinse and clean with a damp, soapy, lint-free, nonabrasive cloth. Hand-wash only.
• Water Reservoir: Clean the water reservoir periodically by wiping the inside and the underside of the lid with a damp, nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Do not dry the inside with a cloth, as lint may remain. Allow the reservoir to dry completely. Hand-wash only.

Caring for Your Frother

Clean immediately after each use and before first use.

1. Remove the frother from the base, remove the silicone ring from the lid, and remove the whisk from inside the frother.
2. Wash the silicone ring, lid, and whisk with warm, soapy water.
3. Clean the interior of the frother with soap and rinse with warm water. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth or sponge to prevent damaging the inner coating.
4. Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.
5. Dry all parts thoroughly and reassemble for next use. ⚠️ Note: Frother is not dishwasher safe. Do not submerge frother in water.

K-Cup® Pod Holder and Needles

• K-Cup® Pod Holder: Instructions for removal, cleaning, and replacement. ⚠️ Caution: There are sharp needles that puncture the K-Cup® pod above and in the bottom of the holder. Do not put fingers in the holder to avoid injury. ❗ Note: Always remove and recycle the used K-Cup® pod after brewing. K-Cup® pods are recyclable in select locations.
• Funnel: Washing the funnel ensures a fresh beverage experience. Remove the funnel from the K-Cup® pod holder by pulling on it until it pops off. To replace it, orient the snaps to the indent and snap it back onto the holder.
• Exit Needle: Remove the pod holder assembly and detach the funnel. Locate the exit needle on the inside bottom of the K-Cup® pod holder. Insert a straightened paper clip into the exit needle to loosen any coffee grounds.
• Entrance Needle: Lift the coffee maker handle and locate the entrance needle on the underside of the lid. To clean the holes, hold the handle up; with your other hand, carefully insert a straightened paper clip into all holes. Gently move it to loosen coffee grounds. Lower the handle and run a cleansing brew two times. Do not insert a K-Cup® pod.

Regular Maintenance

For great-tasting coffee, keep your coffee maker running at peak performance by following the recommended maintenance schedule:

*To turn off Descale notification, follow the full descaling procedure as outlined in this guide.

If the coffee maker has been in storage or hasn't been used in days, run a cleansing brew before brewing your beverage. Periodically hand-wash the water reservoir and lid and drip tray with warm, soapy water and rinse clean. ⚠️ Caution: Parts are not dishwasher safe. ❗ Note: Do not dry the inside of the water reservoir with a cloth, as lint may remain.

Descaling Procedure

The full descaling procedure must be completed to turn off the Descale light. To opt out of descale notifications, see instructions under Coffee Maker Features.

You will need: A large ceramic mug (min. 296 ml/10 oz), fresh water, Keurig® Descaling Solution, and access to a sink. Do not use a paper cup. Ensure that there is no beverage pod in the K-Cup® pod holder. The descaling procedure takes approximately 20 minutes.

1. STEP 1: Prepare the Coffee Maker

   Pour the entire bottle of Keurig® Descaling Solution into the empty water reservoir. Then, fill the empty bottle with water and pour it into the water reservoir. Do not insert a K-Cup® pod. Place a large mug on the drip tray.

2. STEP 2: Descaling the Coffee Maker

   To activate Descale Mode, begin with the coffee maker plugged in and powered off. Press and hold the 8 oz and 12 oz buttons together for three seconds. When flashing, press the 12 oz button to start the descaling process. Once the brew is complete, pour the hot liquid into the sink. Continue to brew until the ADD WATER light illuminates. ❗ Note: The cleaning action of Keurig® Descaling Solution may result in a "foam" dispensed from the coffee maker, which is natural as the solution reacts with scale.

3. STEP 3: Fresh Water Rinse

   Empty and rinse the water reservoir, then refill it to the MAX fill line with fresh water. When flashing, press the 12 oz button to start the rinsing process. Once the brew is complete, pour the hot liquid into the sink. Continue to brew until the DESCALE notification turns off. The coffee maker has now exited Descale Mode and is ready for use.

   Troubleshooting Descaling: If the coffee maker does not fill properly after adding the descaler, or if you see only a small or no output followed by air blowing out: Turn off and unplug the coffee maker. If Keurig® Descaling Solution is in the reservoir, discard it, rinse the reservoir thoroughly, and refill with water. Plug the coffee maker back in, power on, and repeat the Step 3 Fresh Water Rinse cycle. The coffee maker should function normally after rinsing out the solution and removing scale. If the problem persists, allow the coffee maker to sit unplugged for at least 30 minutes before continuing with the rinse.

Troubleshooting

Frother:

• If you are brewing coffee, you cannot use the frother simultaneously. Wait until your brew has completed before pressing the frother button.
• For best froth performance, ensure the whisk is seated properly on the post in the bottom of the frother.
• Some separation of milk and froth can occur, especially if the froth is not poured immediately. Pour the milk and scoop the froth into your beverage with a spoon if needed.
• If you are not satisfied with how your milk is frothing, please reference the "How to Froth Like a Pro" section. If still unsatisfied, contact Customer Service.
• If you are frothing the same milk twice, you may experience a shorter froth time as the milk will have already reached the target temperature.
• If your milk frother is overflowing, ensure you are filling below the MAX fill line inside the frother.
• If your milk frother is scalding or burning the milk, ensure you are filling above the MIN fill line. Additionally, clean residual milk at the bottom of the frother after each froth to avoid scalded milk.
• If the milk frother is not turning on, unplug your coffee maker, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. If it still does not work, call Customer Service.

❗ Note: Froth time will vary depending on the temperature of the milk.

Grounds in Your Coffee:

Grounds may have gathered in the exit or entrance needles and can be cleaned using a straightened paper clip or similar tool. Clean the exit needle of the K-Cup® pod holder and the coffee maker entrance needle per the care instructions. For optimal enjoyment and to limit grounds, clean the exit and entrance needles and perform two cleansing brews.

Coffee Maker Will Not Brew:

• The water level must be at a minimum to brew. Add water to the MAX line, open and close the handle, and try to brew again.
• Lift up and replace the reservoir to ensure a secure fit on the base.

Brewing a Partial Cup:

• Unplug and plug the coffee maker back in. Remove and replace the water reservoir, ensuring a proper fit on the base.
• Clean the K-Cup® pod holder and unclog the needles, following the K-Cup® pod holder care instructions.
• The coffee maker may need to be descaled. If you have repeated the descale procedure twice and it is still only brewing a partial cup, contact Customer Service.

Coffee Maker Does Not Have Power or Shuts Off:

• Press any button or lift the coffee maker handle to turn on the coffee maker.
• Plug the coffee maker into its own outlet. If the electric circuit is overloaded with other appliances, your coffee maker may not function properly. It should be operated on its own circuit, separate from other appliances.
• For energy savings, the coffee maker automatically turns off five minutes after the last brew.

Helpful Hints

Water Quality: Water quality varies greatly. If you notice an undesirable taste (such as chlorine or mineral tastes), we recommend using bottled or filtered water. Do not use distilled water.

Service

Beyond these recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures, this coffee maker is not user serviceable. For service, please refer to the Warranty section of this guide.

Storage

Empty the water reservoir before storing or transporting and take care to ensure that you store your coffee maker in a safe and frost-free environment. When you prepare to use it after storage, we recommend rinsing the water reservoir with fresh water and descaling the coffee maker as detailed in the Descaling Procedure section. If you plan to move your coffee maker to a different location, turn the coffee maker off, unplug it, and empty the water reservoir. If your coffee maker has been in an environment below freezing, please be sure to let it warm to room temperature for at least two hours before using.

Contact & Support

Click or Call! If the coffee maker still doesn't have power, contact Customer Service.

Have Questions? We're here to help. Visit support.keurig.ca for step-by-step videos on cleaning, descaling, and more.

Still Need Help? Give us a call at 1-800-361-5628.

Warranty

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (Keurig) warrants that your coffee maker will be free of defects in materials or workmanship under normal home use for one year from the date of purchase. It is recommended that you register your coffee maker on keurig.ca/welcome so that your purchase information will be stored in our system. Keurig will, at its option, repair or replace a defective coffee maker without charge upon receipt of proof of the date of purchase. If a replacement coffee maker is necessary to service this warranty, the replacement coffee maker may be new or reconditioned. If a replacement coffee maker is sent, a new limited one-year warranty will be applied to the replacement coffee maker. This warranty only applies to coffee makers operated in the United States and Canada. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state and, in the case of Canada, from province to province.

Only the use of Keurig® K-Cup® brand pods and accessories will guarantee the proper functioning and lifetime of your Keurig® coffee maker. Any damage to or malfunction of your coffee maker resulting from the use of non-Keurig® pods and accessories may not be covered by this warranty or may result in a service fee if the damage or malfunction is determined to be caused by such use.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE LIMITED WARRANTY?

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SUCH AS PROPERTY DAMAGE AND DOES NOT COVER INCIDENTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, EVEN IF FORESEEABLE. Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you depending on the state or province of purchase.

Nor does this warranty cover damages caused by use of non-Keurig® pods or accessories, services performed by anyone other than Keurig or its authorized service providers, use of parts other than genuine Keurig® parts, or external causes such as abuse, misuse, inappropriate power supply, or acts of God.

OTHER LIMITATIONS

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL. IN ADDITION, KEURIG HEREBY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO YOUR KEURIG® COFFEE MAKER, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states or provinces do not allow disclaimers of such implied warranties or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you depending on the state or the province of purchase.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE?

Keurig® coffee makers are high-quality appliances and, with proper care, are intended to provide years of satisfying performance. However, should the need arise for warranty servicing, simply call Keurig Customer Service at our toll-free phone number 1-800-361-5628. Please do not return your coffee maker for servicing without first speaking to Keurig Customer Service to obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Keurig® coffee makers returned without an RMA number will be returned to the sender without servicing.

Parts Diagram

The K-Café® Essentials is a Single Serve Coffee, Latte & Cappuccino Maker.

Parts:

• A. Handle
• B. K-Cup® Pod Holder Assembly
• C. Drip Tray Plate
• D. Drip Tray
• E. Drip Tray Base
• F. Milk Frother
• G. Frother Whisk
• H. Frother Lid
• I. Water Reservoir
• J. Water Reservoir Lid
• K. Frother Base

For replacement parts, please visit www.keurig.ca.

Promotional Offer

Double Your First Purchase of 48 K-Cup® Pods: Register your coffee maker and receive a coupon code by email for 2 boxes of 24 K-Cup® pods FREE with an equal or greater value purchase. Restrictions apply. Visit keurig.ca/welcome.