Introduction
Keurig coffeemakers are known for their convenience, but many users wonder: “Can my Keurig make hot water?” and “Can my Keurig make tea?”
While these machines are primarily designed for coffee, they can indeed dispense hot water and brew tea - with some caveats. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use your Keurig for hot water, the best ways to brew tea, potential problems, and how to get the best results.
Can my Keurig Make Hot Water?
✅ Yes, Keurig can brew hot water - but there are a few things to keep in mind.
How to get hot water from a Keurig:
- Make sure the water reservoir is full.
- Open and close the pod chamber without inserting a K-Cup.
- Select your desired cup size and press the brew button.
When you might need hot water from a Keurig:
- Make instant oatmeal
- Make cup noodles
- Brewing tea bags
- Mixing hot chocolate
Potential issues with using a Keurig for hot water
❌ Residual Coffee Taste - Hot water may contain residual coffee flavor.
❌ Not Boiling Hot - Keurig’s water temperature (195°F-200°F) is slightly lower than boiling (212°F), which may affect tea brewing.
❌ Not all models have a hot water feature - Some require the “no K-Cup” method, while others have a dedicated hot water button.
How to get the cleanest hot water from a Keurig:
✔️ Run a cleaning brew before dispensing hot water.
✔️ Clean the needle and water lines regularly.
✔️ Use filtered water for better taste.
Can my Keurig make tea?
✅ Yes, Keurig can make tea, and there are two main methods:
Using Tea K-Cups.
Keurig offers a variety of tea K-Cups from brands such as:
- Lipton
- Twinings
- Celestial Seasonings
To brew tea with a K-Cup:
- Insert a Tea K-Cup.
- Select a smaller cup size for stronger tea.
- Allow tea to steep in cup before drinking.
⚠️ Downside: Tea K-Cups may taste weaker than traditional brewing.
2️⃣ Brewing tea with a tea bag using Keurig hot water.
Steps:
- Place a tea bag in your cup.
- Run a hot water cycle using the method above.
- Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time.
✅ Why this method is better than K-Cups?
✔️ More tea variety - use any brand of tea.
✔️ Stronger flavor because you control the steep.
✔️ Less expensive than K-Cups.
Best Teas to Brew in a Keurig
☕ Best Tea K-Cups:
- Black Tea (Lipton, Twinings Earl Grey, Bigelow English Breakfast)**.
- Green Tea (Celestial Seasonings Green, Tazo Zen)**.
- Herbal Tea (Chamomile, Peppermint, Lemon Ginger)**.
🍵 Best Tea Bags for Keurig Hot Water Maker:
- Delicate Teas (White, Green, Oolong)** - Ideal for 175°F-185°F.
- Strong Teas (Black, Chai, Herbal)** - Best for 195°F-200°F water.
Keurig vs. Traditional Tea Brewing – Which is Better?
| Feature | Keurig Tea (K-Cups) | Traditional Tea Brewing |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | ✅ Super fast | ❌ Slower process |
| Variety | ❌ Limited to available K-Cups | ✅ Any tea bag or loose leaf |
| Flavor | ❌ Often weaker | ✅ Stronger, richer flavor |
| Cost | ❌ More expensive per cup | ✅ More affordable per serving |
| Control Over Brewing | ❌ Fixed steep time | ✅ Customizable steep time |
💡 Takeaway: If you want speed, use tea K-Cups. If you want flavor and variety, use a tea bag with Keurig hot water.
Troubleshooting: Why isn’t my Keurig dispensing hot water?
🔴 Common Problems & Solutions
- Problem:** Water tastes like coffee.
- Solution:** Run a cleaning brew first.
- Problem: Water is not hot enough for tea.
- Solution:** Run a preheat cycle before brewing.
- Problem: Keurig does not dispense water.
- Solution:** Check for clogged needles or mineral buildup.
Conclusion: Should you use the Keurig for hot water and tea?
- Yes, Keurig can make hot water and tea, but with some limitations.
- For fast, convenient tea, K-Cups work well.
- For better flavor and more options, use a tea bag + Keurig’s hot water.
- Running a cleaning cycle will help remove coffee flavor.