The Keurig® brewing system has transformed how millions of people enjoy their coffee. With just the push of a button, you can brew a hot, flavorful cup in under a minute. It's convenient, fast, and—when paired with the right pods—can deliver exceptional flavor.
But despite its simplicity, many users aren’t getting the most out of their machine. Whether you're new to Keurig or looking to upgrade your brew game, learning how to use a Keurig coffee machine properly is the key to a consistently great cup.
At Cambio Roasters, we design our aluminum pods specifically for Keurig® brewers, combining organic beans, small-batch roasting, and eco-friendly packaging. This guide will walk you through the process so you can enjoy the full potential of both your machine and our coffee.
Step 1: Set Up Your Keurig® Brewer
Before brewing your first cup, you’ll need to unbox your machine and follow the setup instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most Keurig® models include a water reservoir, drip tray, pod holder, and control panel. Begin by plugging in the unit and placing it on a flat, stable surface near an outlet.
Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water. Using filtered water not only improves the taste of your coffee, but also helps prevent scale buildup inside your machine. Make sure the water level is above the minimum fill line. Some Keurig® models also allow you to set a brew temperature or program auto-on functions, so take a moment to explore those settings if available.
Step 2: Rinse and Prepare (First Use or After Inactivity)
If you’re using the Keurig® for the first time—or if it hasn’t been used in a while—run a cleansing cycle with just water. Place a large mug on the drip tray, lift and lower the handle (without inserting a pod), and press the brew button. This helps prime the internal parts and ensures your first coffee is free from dust or residue.
We recommend doing this rinse regularly to keep your brewer fresh and functioning well. At Cambio Roasters, we care deeply about both the flavor and cleanliness of your brewing process because we know how much it affects your cup.
Step 3: Insert a Cambio Roasters Pod
Once your machine is ready, it’s time for the fun part—brewing your coffee. Lift the handle to reveal the pod chamber, and insert your Cambio Roasters pod. Our pods are crafted with recyclable aluminum, which seals in freshness and delivers full-bodied flavor that plastic pods just can’t match.
Each pod is packed with organic, specialty-grade Arabica beans and designed for compatibility with all Keurig® machines. Just drop it in and lower the handle until it clicks into place.
Step 4: Choose Your Brew Size and Strength
Most Keurig® machines offer multiple brew sizes, usually ranging from 6 to 12 ounces. For the richest, boldest flavor, we recommend using the 8 oz setting. Brewing too much water through a single pod can dilute the taste, especially with more delicate or complex blends.
Some machines include a "strong" button, which slows the brew for a more robust extraction. This is a great option when using dark roasts like our Special Dark or French Roast. If your model doesn’t have this feature, brewing on the smaller 6 or 8oz setting will achieve a similar effect.
Step 5: Brew and Enjoy
Once you’ve selected your settings, press the brew button and let the machine work its magic. In less than a minute, you’ll have a hot, aromatic cup ready to enjoy. Be careful when removing your mug, as fresh coffee can be quite hot.
Now’s the time to savor your creation. Whether you prefer your coffee black or with a splash of oat milk, the flavors should be smooth, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. Our recyclable pods lock in the quality and freshness of each roast, giving you café-quality coffee without the waste.
Step 6: Dispose of the Pod Responsibly
After brewing, lift the handle and carefully remove the used pod—it will be hot, so wait a few moments if necessary. Because Cambio Roasters pods are made from aluminum, they are infinitely recyclable. Unlike plastic pods, which often end up in landfills, our pods can go directly into your household recycling bin after cooling.
To recycle properly, peel off the lid, compost the grounds, and toss the aluminum shell. It’s a simple act that makes a big impact. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this step helps reduce waste while you enjoy your daily brew.
Step 7: Clean Your Machine Regularly
Even the most advanced coffee makers need regular maintenance. Coffee oils, water minerals, and residue can build up over time, dulling flavor and affecting machine performance. We recommend wiping down the exterior weekly and descaling your Keurig® every one to three months, depending on water hardness and usage.
To descale, you can use Keurig®’s branded solution or a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Run a few brew cycles without a pod to flush the system, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. A clean machine ensures each Cambio Roasters pod delivers the flavor and freshness it was designed for.
Tips for the Best Brew Every Time
While Keurig® machines are designed for ease, a few extra tips can make a big difference in quality:
Always use fresh, filtered water.
Stick with the 8 oz setting for optimal flavor balance.
Choose recyclable aluminum pods like ours to preserve freshness.
Avoid overfilling your cup—one pod is best for a single serving.
Keep your machine clean and descaled for peak performance.
These small habits can transform your Keurig® experience from “good enough” to gourmet.
Single-Serve Brewing With a Purpose
Learning how to use a Keurig coffee machine is more than just understanding buttons and settings—it’s about discovering a better way to enjoy your coffee. At Cambio Roasters, we pair the convenience of single-serve brewing with the values of sustainability, quality, and community impact.
From sourcing 100% organic beans and small-batch roasting to packaging in aluminum pods that reduce plastic waste, every step of our process is crafted with care. We even give back 20% of our profits to coffee-farming communities, so every cup makes a difference. We even have Medium Roast coffee pods that are great!
With a little knowledge and the right pods, your Keurig® machine becomes more than just a time-saver. It becomes your gateway to a richer, more meaningful coffee ritual.
