Protecting Your Keurig Coffee Maker in Winter

Quick answer

• Store your Keurig indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Always unplug and disconnect the power before any storage.
• Empty all water from the reservoir and internal lines.
• Run a brew cycle with no water to clear any remaining moisture.
• Clean the machine thoroughly before storing it.
• Use original packaging or a protective cover if possible.

Who this is for

• Anyone who uses a Keurig coffee maker and lives in a climate with freezing winter temperatures.
• Campers or RV owners who bring their Keurig on trips and need to store it during colder months.
• People who store seasonal items in unheated garages or sheds.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your Keurig model matters. Some have more complex internal systems than others. Check your manual if you’re unsure about specific components. Most Keurigs use a simple drip system, so no fancy filters to worry about for winter storage.

Water quality and temperature

This is crucial for winter. You must get all the water out. Even a little bit left behind can freeze, expand, and crack plastic parts or damage the pump. Use filtered water for brewing normally, but for storage, any tap water will do for the final flush, as long as you get it all out.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Not directly relevant to winterizing, but good practice for a clean machine. Make sure your coffee pods or grounds are fresh when you’re using the machine. A clean, well-maintained machine will last longer, even when it’s not in use.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Again, not a direct winterizing concern. This is for brewing performance. Focus on getting the water out for storage.

Cleanliness/descale status

A clean machine is a happy machine. Before you pack it away for the winter, give it a good cleaning. This means descaling if it’s due, wiping down all external surfaces, and cleaning the drip tray and pod holder. It’ll be ready to go when you bring it back out.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Unplug the Keurig.

• What “good” looks like: The power light is off, and the machine is completely dead.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to unplug it. This is a safety hazard and wastes power. Always disconnect power first.

2. Remove the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is detached from the main unit.
• Common mistake: Trying to drain it while still attached. It’s easier to get it completely empty when it’s off the machine.

3. Empty the water reservoir.

• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is completely dry. No water pooling at the bottom.
• Common mistake: Leaving a little bit of water in the bottom. This is the most critical step to avoid freezing damage. Tip it upside down and let it drain fully.

4. Empty the K-Cup holder.

• What “good” looks like: No coffee pod or grounds are left inside.
• Common mistake: Leaving a used pod in the holder. This can get moldy and is just gross.

5. Run a brew cycle with no water.

• What “good” looks like: The pump runs, and no water comes out. You might hear a few sputtering noises as it clears the lines.
• Common mistake: Not running this cycle. This is how you clear water from the internal pumps and heating element. Don’t skip it!

6. Repeat step 5 a couple of times.

• What “good” looks like: You hear the pump working, but absolutely no water is dispensed.
• Common mistake: Only doing it once. A second or third run ensures the lines are truly clear.

7. Wipe down all external surfaces.

• What “good” looks like: The outside of the machine is clean and dry.
• Common mistake: Leaving dust or grime on the exterior. It’s just a good habit for storage.

8. Clean the drip tray.

• What “good” looks like: The drip tray is removed, washed, and completely dry.
• Common mistake: Forgetting the drip tray. It can hold residual water and coffee drips.

9. Dry the inside of the K-Cup holder area.

• What “good” looks like: No moisture visible in the pod chamber.
• Common mistake: Leaving any dampness. A quick wipe with a dry cloth helps.

10. Reassemble if needed, or prepare for storage.

• What “good” looks like: The machine is ready to be put away.
• Common mistake: Storing it with wet parts. Make sure everything is bone dry.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving water in the reservoir	Reservoir or internal lines can crack due to freezing expansion.	Empty reservoir completely, tip it upside down, and let it drain thoroughly.
Not running a dry brew cycle	Water left in pump and heating element can freeze and damage components.	Run the brew cycle 2-3 times with no water to clear all internal moisture.
Storing a dirty machine	Mold or mildew can grow, leading to unpleasant odors or taste when brewing.	Clean all external surfaces, drip tray, and K-Cup holder before storing.
Storing in a damp environment	Can lead to corrosion or mold growth on internal or external parts.	Store in a dry location, ideally with its original packaging or a protective cover.
Not unplugging the machine	Safety hazard, especially if exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.	Always disconnect power before cleaning or storing.
Leaving a K-Cup in the holder	Can lead to mold and odor issues over time.	Remove and discard used K-Cups before storage.
Storing with the power cord exposed	Cord can be damaged, kinked, or become a tripping hazard.	Securely wrap the cord or store it neatly.
Not drying all parts thoroughly	Residual moisture can lead to freezing damage or mold.	Use dry cloths and allow parts to air dry completely before reassembly or packing.
Storing in extreme cold	Even with water removed, plastic components can become brittle and crack.	Keep the machine in a temperature-controlled environment when possible.
Forgetting to descale before storage	Mineral buildup can become harder to remove after prolonged storage.	Perform a descaling cycle as part of your pre-storage cleaning routine.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the temperature in your storage location will drop below 32°F, then you must winterize your Keurig because water expands when it freezes and can damage the machine.
• If you are unsure about your specific Keurig model’s water lines, then consult your owner’s manual because different models may have slightly different draining procedures.
• If you find any moisture after running the dry brew cycles, then repeat the dry brew cycle because you need to ensure all internal water is gone.
• If you are storing the Keurig for more than a few months, then consider placing it in a sealed plastic bag within its box to protect it from dust and humidity.
• If you plan to use the Keurig again immediately after winter, then it’s a good idea to run a descaling cycle when you bring it back out, even if you cleaned it before storing.
• If you notice any cracks or damage on the plastic components, then do not use the machine and contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options.
• If you are storing the machine in a humid environment, then ensure all parts are exceptionally dry and consider adding a desiccant pack to the storage container.
• If you are using a Keurig in an RV or camper that might experience freezing temperatures, then always remove it from the vehicle and store it indoors when not in use during cold weather.
• If you are only storing the Keurig for a short period (e.g., a week or two) and temperatures are not expected to drop below freezing, then you might not need full winterization, but it’s always best practice to err on the side of caution.
• If you are uncertain about any step in the winterization process, then it’s better to take extra time and ensure everything is done correctly to avoid potential damage.

FAQ

Do I really need to remove all the water?

Yes. Even a small amount of water left in the reservoir or internal lines can freeze, expand, and crack plastic components or damage the pump. Getting it all out is the most critical step.

How do I know if I got all the water out?

After unplugging and emptying the reservoir, run a brew cycle a few times with no water in it. You should hear the pump engage, but no water should come out. A few sputtering noises as it clears the lines are normal.

Can I just leave it plugged in but empty?

It’s not recommended. While emptying the water is key, leaving it plugged in can still be a minor electrical hazard, especially if the environment is damp. Always unplug it for storage.

What if I don’t have the original box?

No worries. Use a sturdy box and wrap the Keurig in a blanket or bubble wrap for protection. Just make sure it’s dry and clean before packing.

Should I clean it with soap?

For the exterior and drip tray, yes. Use a mild dish soap and water. For the internal components that handle water, just focus on running water through them or a descaling solution as per the manual, and then ensure they are thoroughly dried.

How cold is too cold for a Keurig?

Any temperature at or below 32°F (0°C) poses a risk of freezing. If your storage area will dip below this, proper winterization is essential.

What about K-Cups? Should I store them too?

K-Cups are generally fine to store in a cool, dry place. The important part for winterizing the machine is to remove any used K-Cups and ensure the holder is clean and dry.

Is it okay to store it on its side?

It’s best to store your Keurig upright if possible. This helps prevent any residual moisture from pooling in unexpected places and keeps the components in their intended positions.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific descaling procedures for every Keurig model. (Refer to your owner’s manual.)
• Troubleshooting error codes or specific mechanical failures. (Check the manufacturer’s support website.)
• Long-term storage solutions for commercial-grade brewers. (These often have different requirements.)
• Detailed cleaning instructions for parts like the needle assembly. (Your manual will have the specifics.)
• Recommendations for specific storage containers or packing materials. (Use common sense for dry, protective storage.)