Keurig K500 Series Brewer: Use and Care Guide

Caring For Your Brewer

Regular cleaning ensures your Keurig brewer operates smoothly. Always turn off and unplug the brewer before cleaning.

Brewer Exterior

Clean the brewer's exterior periodically with a damp, soapy, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth. Never immerse the brewer in water or other liquids.

Pod Holder Assembly

Lift the handle. Push up while gripping the sides of the pod holder assembly and pull away from the brewer. Pull out the pod holder assembly and base. Press the release buttons on both sides to separate the pod holder from the housing. Clean the pod holder (1), housing (2), and base (3) with a damp, soapy, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth and rinse thoroughly. Reassemble by inserting the pod holder back into the housing, placing the base, then the pod holder assembly into the brew head, and lowering the handle.

⚠️ CAUTION: Sharp needles. Do not put fingers in the chamber.

Cleaning the Exit Needle

If a clog occurs in the exit needle, push the lever of the pod holder to expose the needle. Use a straightened paper clip or similar tool to loosen the clog. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. After cleaning, reassemble the pod holder assembly and lower the handle.

⚠️ CAUTION: Sharp needles. Do not put fingers in the chamber.

Cleaning Entrance Needles

Lift the brewer handle to access the top entrance needles under the lid. Hold the handle up and carefully insert a straightened paper clip into the holes to loosen coffee grounds. Lower the handle completely and run two water-only brew cycles without a pod.

? TIP: Refer to support.Keurig.com for video instructions.

ℹ️ NOTE: A Brewer Maintenance Accessory tool can also be used. Contact Customer Service for one.

Drip Tray

The drip tray holds up to 8 ounces of overflow. Empty and clean it occasionally. Slide it towards you, keeping it level to avoid spills. Rinse and clean with a damp, soapy, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.

Water Reservoir & Reservoir Lid

Clean the water reservoir lid and reservoir periodically with a damp, soapy, non-abrasive cloth and rinse thoroughly. Do not put them in the dishwasher. Avoid drying the inside with a cloth to prevent lint. Repeat cleaning as needed.

⚠️ CAUTION: Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly after cleaning to prevent cleaning solutions from contaminating the water supply.

Recycling K-Mug® and K-Carafe® Pods

The plastic cups of K-Mug® and K-Carafe® pods can be recycled where #5 plastic is accepted. Check local guidelines or visit KeurigRecycling.com for more information. In Canada, #5 plastic is recyclable everywhere. After brewing and cooling, separate the lid and filter (which adhere together) from the cup. Discard the lid and filter, and recycle the plastic cup.

Settings Menu

Access the Settings Menu from the home screen by selecting the settings button (⚙️ Settings). Use the arrows (⬆️⬇️) to navigate and SAVE (? SAVE) to confirm, or use the BACK BUTTON (↩️ BACK) to return.

Choose Language

Select your preferred language: English, Spanish, or French.

Set Clock

Set the current time (AM/PM) using the arrows. Choose the display format: DIGITAL or ANALOG. For digital, select 12 HR or 24 HR (military).

Temperature

Adjust the brewing temperature using left/right arrows to select from low, low/medium, medium, medium/high, and high.

High Altitude

ENABLE the high altitude mode if your brewer is used at altitudes of 5,000 feet or higher for proper operation.

Wallpaper

Customize your touch screen color by selecting a color window to set the home screen wallpaper.

Nightlight

Choose the color of your home screen and set on/off times for a warm glow. Select ENABLE for Nightlight On/Off timers and use arrows to set times. Choose from white, green, blue, or red for Nightlight Color.

Water Filter Reminder

If using a Keurig® Water Filter, ENABLE the reminder to replace it.

Restore Factory Settings

Press ✔️ YES to restore brewer defaults, erasing custom settings. Press ❌ NO to return to the menu.

Auto On/Off

Configure brewer power settings: set Auto On time, Auto Off time, or Energy Saver mode (shuts off after 15 minutes of idle time).

Preferred Brew Settings

Customize default settings for each KEURIG BREW number. Use arrows to set and SAVE.

Water Reservoir Light

Choose the color for the water reservoir light: white, green, blue, or red.

Descaling Your Brewer

Descale your brewer every 3-6 months to maintain performance and prevent scale buildup. Descale promptly when the touch screen indicates "Time to descale the brewer!".

Descaling Procedure

You will need a large ceramic mug, fresh water, Keurig® Descaling Solution, and sink access. Allow approximately 45 minutes.

1. Descaling Solution Rinse: Empty the water reservoir. Remove any Keurig® Water Filter. Pour the entire bottle of Keurig® Descaling Solution into the reservoir, then fill the empty bottle with water and add to the reservoir. Turn the brewer off and on by holding the power button. Place a large mug on the drip tray, lift and lower the handle, select the largest brew size, and press the brew button (☕ Brew).
2. Descaling Rinse & Repeat: Repeat the cleansing brew process until the touch screen shows "More Water Please". Do not use a pod. Let the brewer stand for at least 30 minutes while powered on. Discard any residual solution and rinse the reservoir thoroughly.
3. Fresh Water Rinse: Fill the water reservoir to the MAX line with fresh water. Place a large mug on the drip tray and run a rinsing brew using the largest size. Do not use a pod. Pour contents into the sink. Repeat at least 12 times, refilling the reservoir as needed.

ℹ️ NOTE: Foam dispensed during cleaning is natural. If the brewer doesn't fill properly after adding descaler (small/no output, air sounds), turn off/unplug, rinse reservoir thoroughly, refill with water, power on, and repeat Step 3. If the problem persists, let the brewer sit unplugged for 30 minutes before continuing.

ℹ️ NOTE: If the "Time to descale the brewer!" alert remains, repeat the descaling procedure.

Options: CONTINUE NOT NOW

Warranty

Limited One Year Warranty

Keurig warrants the brewer against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from purchase under normal home use. Register your brewer at Keurig.com/new. Keurig will repair or replace defective brewers free of charge upon receipt of proof of purchase. Replacement brewers may be new or reconditioned and will carry a new one-year warranty.

This warranty applies to brewers operated in the United States and Canada. It provides specific legal rights, with variations by state/province.

Using only Keurig® K-Cup® brand pods and accessories ensures proper function and longevity. Damage or malfunction from non-Keurig® pods/accessories may void the warranty or incur service fees.

Other Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces all other express warranties (written or oral). Keurig disclaims all other implied warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Limitations on implied warranty duration may not apply depending on state/province.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

Call Keurig Customer Service at 1.866.901.BREW (2739). Do not return the brewer without a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number from Customer Service.

What is Not Covered

This warranty does not cover consequential or incidental damages (e.g., property damage) or costs resulting from warranty breaches. Limitations on incidental/consequential damages may not apply depending on state/province.

Damages caused by non-Keurig® pods/accessories, unauthorized service, non-genuine Keurig® parts, abuse, misuse, improper power supply, or acts of God are not covered.

Before You Brew

Get the most from your Keurig brewer with these initial steps.

Plug & Place

Remove packing tape. Plug the brewer into a grounded outlet. Place a large mug (minimum 12 oz.) on the drip tray plate.

Rinse & Fill

Remove the water reservoir lid and lift the reservoir. Rinse it with fresh water and fill to the MAX line. Replace the reservoir, ensuring lock tabs engage, and replace the lid. ℹ️ NOTE: Do not use distilled water.

Power On

Press the power button (? Power). Lift the handle, remove and discard the orange shipping disk, then lower the handle. Wait for preheating (approx. 3 minutes).

Cleansing Brew Setup

Press the hot water button (? Hot Water), then press the blinking brew button (☕ Brew) to start a cleansing brew. Pour the hot water into the sink. The initial setup is now complete.

Brew Your First K-Cup® Pod

1. Place Mug: Position a mug on the drip tray plate. For travel mugs, remove the drip tray and place the mug on the base.

   Hot Water on Demand: Press ? Hot Water, select cup size, press ☕ Brew. Enjoy!

   ℹ️ NOTE: Brewer may take a minute to reheat between brews.

2. Lift & Insert: Lift the handle, place a K-Cup® pod in the holder, and lower the handle completely. Do not remove the foil lid from the pod.
3. Size & Strength: Select brew size using arrows (⬆️⬇️). Select STRONG if desired (for coffee only). Press HOT COCOA/OTHER for select non-coffee beverages.

   ℹ️ NOTE: Check pod packaging for instructions.

   ⚠️ CAUTION: Hot water is present during brewing. Do not lift the handle during the brew process.

4. Brew & Enjoy: Press the blinking brew button (☕ Brew). The button stays illuminated during brewing (approx. 1 minute). The brewer will notify when complete. Lift the handle and dispose of the used pod. The brewer is ready for the next cup in about a minute.

   ℹ️ NOTE: To stop brewing, press and hold the power button (? Power) for one second.

Brew Your First K-Carafe® Pod

1. Place Carafe: Ensure the Keurig® Carafe is empty. Remove the drip tray and insert the carafe securely.
2. Lift & Insert: Lift the handle, place a K-Carafe® pod in the holder, and lower the handle completely. Do not remove or puncture the pod's foil lid.
3. Select Brew Size: Choose the KEURIG BREW setting matching the pod lid number. Select the desired number of cups.

   ℹ️ NOTE: Ensure the screen number matches the pod number.

   ⚠️ CAUTION: Hot water is present during brewing. Do not lift the handle during the brew process.

4. Brew & Enjoy: Press the blinking brew button (☕ Brew). The button stays illuminated during brewing. The brewer will notify when complete. Lift the handle and dispose of the used pod.

   ℹ️ NOTE: To stop brewing, press and hold the power button (? Power) for one second.

Set Carafe Auto Brew Mode

Ensure the Keurig® Carafe is empty. Remove the drip tray and insert the carafe securely.

Select the K-Carafe® pod, place it in the holder, and lower the handle. ℹ️ NOTE: Ensure the current time is accurate (refer to Set Clock instructions).

Select AUTO BREW SET. PRESS TO SET.

Choose the desired brew time using the right arrow (➡️). Select a brew size and press SET.

The touch screen will indicate "DO NOT DISTURB!".

To edit options, select "TOUCH HERE TO EDIT".

To put the brewer in sleep mode, quickly press and release the power button (? Power). To cancel auto brew, remove the carafe or lift the handle.

Troubleshooting

• Brewer Does Not Have Power or Shuts Off:
  • Press and hold the power button (? Power) to ensure the touch screen is illuminated.
  • Plug the brewer into its own grounded outlet. Avoid overloading the circuit with other appliances.
  • If power issues persist, contact Customer Service.
• Brewer Shuts Off Or Turns On Automatically:
  • Check AUTO ON/OFF settings in the Settings Menu.
• Grounds in Your Coffee:
  • Clean exit and entrance needles with a straightened paper clip or similar tool. Refer to "Caring For Your Brewer" for instructions.
• Brewing a Partial Cup:
  • The exit needle may be clogged. Refer to "Cleaning the Exit Needle".
  • The water reservoir may have been removed during brewing. Replace it and perform a rinsing brew without a pod.
  • The brewer may need descaling. If descaling twice doesn't resolve it, contact Customer Service.
• Brewer Will Not Brew:
  • Ensure the handle is fully lowered after placing a pod and the screen shows the brew screen.
  • If "More Water Please" appears, add water or ensure the reservoir is seated properly.
  • If "More Water Please" persists after refilling, empty, clean, and reseat the reservoir.
  • Clean the pod holder or descale the brewer. Refer to "Caring For Your Brewer".
• Touch Screen Alerts:
  • "More Water Please": If water level is adequate, remove, empty, clean, and reseat the reservoir.
  • "Sorry, Brew Interrupted": Lift handle, remove pod, lower handle, perform rinsing brew.
  • "Sorry, There is a Problem": Coffee grounds may be in the entrance needle. Refer to "Caring For Your Brewer".
  • "Time To Replace the Keurig® Water Filter": Replace the filter and press ✔️ YES to reset the reminder.

Settings and Touch Screen Controls

Home Screen

• A. ⚙️ Settings Button
• B. ? Hot Water Button
• C. ? Power Button

Brew Settings

Select the KEURIG BREW setting that matches the number on the pod lid for K-Mug® and K-Carafe® pods.

Screen for K-Cup® Pods

• A. STRONG (coffee only)
• B. HOT COCOA/OTHER (select non-coffee beverages)
• C. Brew Size
• D. ? Power Button

Screen for K-Carafe® Pods

• A. KEURIG BREW Setting 1
• B. Auto Brew (K-Carafe® pods only)
• C. Brew Size
• D. ? Power Button

Helpful Hints

Water quality affects taste. If you notice chlorine or mineral tastes, use bottled or filtered water. Do not use distilled water. Installing a Keurig® Water Filter can improve beverage taste by removing impurities.

Service

Beyond recommended cleaning and maintenance, this brewer is not user serviceable. Refer to the Warranty section for service information.

Storage

Empty the water reservoir before storing or transporting. Store in a safe, frost-free environment in an upright position to prevent leakage. If stored in a cold environment, allow the brewer to warm to room temperature for at least 2 hours before use. Rinse the reservoir and run three rinsing brews without a pod after storage.

When moving the brewer, turn it off, unplug it, and empty the reservoir. If exposed to freezing temperatures, allow it to warm up for at least 2 hours before use.

Contact & Support

Have questions? Visit support.Keurig.com for step-by-step videos on cleaning, descaling, and more.

Still Need Help? Call 1-866-901-BREW (2739).

Fully experience your Keurig® brewer benefits at KEURIG.COM/NEW. You can REGISTER your brewer for a special savings offer or DISCOVER personalized recommendations through their taste quiz.