It can be devastating when one of your favorite kitchen appliances isn’t working like it used to. It’s rare to find somewhere that will fix them and finding replacement parts that actually work can feel overwhelming.
So what if your beloved Keurig is on the fritz? Well don’t fret, there’s no need to run out and get a new one! As it turns out, it’s actually quite easy to find and install some replacement parts all on your own. Best of all, you have the option to purchase straight from Keurig, so you know the piece you’re getting will actually fit and work with your machine.
While it can be difficult to live without your daily K-cup, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for your replacement piece to come in. Luckily, Keurigs are popular appliances and many major retailers sell the parts you need to get your machine back up and running.
Why replace a part vs. the whole machine?
There are several reasons why replacing a piece or two on your machine is preferable to buying a whole new one.
First of all, you might be attached to your particular Keurig. Maybe it has sentimental value. Maybe it’s the only coffee maker you’ve ever had. Maybe it brews your coffee just to your liking and you can’t imagine having to part ways with it. If you have an emotional attachment to your brewer, don’t worry, no judgment here!
The next logical reason is that an essential piece has broken, but not in a way that prevents the machine from working. Maybe the water tank has a chip on the top or your dog chewed up the cup holder. It’s definitely not worth shelling out for a whole new machine when you can get a new part for much cheaper.
Lastly, if a part of your brewer has broken in a way that does affect its ability to work, there’s still a good chance that replacing the specific part that’s acting up will do the trick. Since most replacement pieces are relatively inexpensive, it’s definitely worth a shot to see if you can get a new part rather than having to buy a new machine.
Can I really replace a Keurig part on my own?
I’m going to break this down into two categories of knowledge: novice and expert.
Novice
This includes exterior parts, including water reservoirs and lids, carafes, drip trays, and even K-cup holders. Anyone should be able to replace one of these pieces. They are easy to remove and incredibly simple to install.
If you’ve ever deep-cleaned your machine, you’ll already be familiar with how to get the pieces off. If not, we’ll cover that in a little bit. No shame, but if you haven’t ever cleaned your machine, you definitely should!
Expert
These pieces, on the other hand, require a certain level of skill that not everyone should attempt. They include mostly interior pieces that would require you to disassemble the machine. If you aren’t confident that you could get to the part, replace it, and put the machine back together, I don’t suggest trying it on your own.
If you’re up for the challenge, you should be able to find parts like LCD screens, water pumps, air pumps, intake tubing, circuit boards, and more. Just keep in mind that replacing these parts is best reserved for someone with some cursory electrical knowledge or who is very handy, at the very least.
Which replacement parts can you find?
There are dozens of Keurig models out there, along with an abundance of replacement parts. If it’s easily accessible and removable, there’s a great chance you’ll be able to replace it.
This includes pieces like:
- Water reservoirs
- Water reservoir lids
- Drip trays
- K-cup holders
- Carafes
How do I know which model I own?
Each Keurig has a serial number that will indicate which model you have. If you’re having trouble finding it or it has somehow been disfigured, you can use this guide, which has an exhaustive list of Keurig models with pictures to help you determine which one is yours.
It’s important to know which Keurig model you have since this will come into play when you’re looking for replacement parts. Not all parts are created equal and some pieces can vary widely between models. You want to make sure you’re getting a piece that is the right size and shape for your brewer to ensure you don’t have to go through the hassle of trying to return the product and then start from scratch to find the right one.
Where to find Keurig replacement parts
There are a few trusty retailers out there who sell a wide range of Keurig parts. If you find yourself in need, there’s a good chance one of these sites will have what you’re looking for.
Keurig.com
Buying directly from Keurig has its advantages, one of them being that you’ll know for sure that the piece will fit your machine and work as it should. Their pieces are all made to each Keurig machine’s specifications, so you don’t have to worry that the replacement part won’t fit as intended or cause further harm to your machine if it doesn’t work properly.
The Keurig.com spare parts page has everything you could imagine in terms of novice parts, from carafes to water reservoirs to drip trays. You won’t find any parts here though that require expert knowledge to replace. Somewhat surprisingly, I wasn’t able to find K-cup holders on the site, which are really quite simple to remove. But if you’re looking for the most basic parts to replace, Keurig’s online store is a great option.
Amazon
There aren’t many things you can’t find on Amazon, and Keurig replacement parts are no exception. Plus, their free shipping and sometimes cheaper prices than the retailer offers can be quite enticing.
One thing to keep in mind with Amazon, though, is that they sell parts from third-party retailers and manufacturers, meaning many of the products aren’t actually made by Keurig. To confidently purchase Keurig replacement parts from Amazon, you should take a few moments to do some research and consider the following:
- How many stars is it rated?
- How many people have reviewed it?
- What do the reviews say?
- Which Keurig model(s) does it fit?
- What is the return policy?
Ideally, you should look for a rating of at least 4 stars or above, if not 4.5 stars. This is a good indicator that the product will do what it says it will.
At the same time, take a look at how many people have rated the product. If it has thousands of 4-5 star ratings, that’s great! If it has only a handful of 4-5 star ratings, that can be a red flag.
Next, check the reviews. What are people saying? Are there any issues that people keep bringing up? What do the bad reviews say?
If the reviews have nothing to do with how the product itself functions, don’t put too much stock into them. Sometimes people will leave negative reviews for unrelated grievances, like the package getting lost in the mail or coming in the wrong color.
A reputable product should list a good number of details about the replacement part, including which Keurig models it will fit. If this isn’t listed anywhere, you run the risk of ordering a part that isn’t compatible with your machine.
As an added precaution, see if they list a return policy, just in case the part doesn’t end up working out for you.
One of the best brands on Amazon I could find for Keurig replacement parts is Hakano. They sell a variety of replacement pieces and all the products I came across are rated 4 stars or higher, with most rated 4.5 stars or above. The store also lists compatible models for its products and includes assembly instructions so you won’t be left in the dark wondering what you’re doing when the part arrives.
Walmart
The selection here is a bit more limited, but you can find some Keurig parts from Walmart, including K-cup holders and water filter kits. Similar to Amazon, Walmart sells many of these parts from third-party retailers. They do sell some Keurig brand products, but they are mostly maintenance-related, such as water filters and descaling solutions, and not actually replacements for machine parts.
eBay
I personally have no experience with eBay, but when I saw the number of Keurig replacement parts they have available for sale, I knew I had to include it on this list. If you’re like me and aren’t familiar with the site, I encourage you to take a look at this helpful guide on how to use eBay smartly and safely.
What’s unique about eBay is that this is where you are going to find those expert-level replacement parts for your machine. They have a dedicated section for parts and accessories, but you can also use the search function to seek out the specific piece you’re looking for.
After a brief search, this is what I was able to find in addition to all the novice-level pieces:
- LCD screens
- Screen covers
- Air pumps
- Water pumps
- Button boards
A good seller will include what model(s) the part is compatible with, so be sure to check for that before purchasing. If they don’t include that information, feel free to ask! If they can’t provide you with an answer, it’s not worth purchasing from them.
eBay sellers are also rated, or given feedback, by buyers, so it’s good to check and make sure they have a good feedback score before buying. Based on personal opinion, I’d like to see 95% or higher, but go with whatever your comfort level is.
The biggest thing to keep in mind for eBay purchases is that they most likely won’t include instructions on how to install the piece you’re buying, so you’ll be left to your own devices to figure it out. However, depending on the part, there are a lot of YouTube videos out there, like this one to replace the K-cup holder, that can help walk you through the process:
What about warranties?
Keurig does offer a one-year limited warranty on its products, so if it’s been less than a year since you’ve purchased your machine and it’s having issues, your best course of action is to contact Keurig to see if it’s eligible for replacement before trying to replace any pieces on your own.
It’s also important to consider that your warranty will be voided if any damage results from the use of non-Keurig products. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re tempted to just buy a replacement part from a third party for a quick fix. If you end up contacting Keurig afterward and they’re able to tell that you’ve used a replacement part that isn’t theirs, they could determine that it no longer falls within the parameters of the warranty and not provide you with a new machine.
Additionally, depending on local laws, the warranty may or may not cover incidental damages.
All in all, a one-year warranty also isn’t that long, so it’s likely that by the time your machine shows any signs of dysfunction, it won’t be under warranty anymore anyway. That will free you up to purchase replacement parts from the retailer of your choosing.
The importance of cleaning your Keurig
Maintenance plays a huge role in the lifespan of your machine, so discuss in more detail why you want to regularly clean your machine. There are two main reasons.
Mold
Heat and moisture are mold’s best friends. Frequent use of coffee makers doesn’t always allow time for water to dry, and as it continues to be heated up, mold can eventually form, especially in the machine’s nooks and crannies.
Functionality
Just as your car requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, so does your Keurig. Keeping your brewer clean will help it to work better and maintain the quality of coffee a new machine would brew.
How to clean your Keurig
I just cleaned my “new to me” Keurig the other day, so I can attest to how easy it is! I just moved into a new home and the previous owner was nice enough to leave his Keurig behind, but it was in need of a good deep cleaning before I would even consider using it.
I wasn’t familiar with how to clean a Keurig since I haven’t owned one in years, so I found a great article that helped me out. What I love about this resource is that it breaks down how frequently each type of cleaning should be done, along with how to do it. Since I couldn’t be sure this Keurig had ever been cleaned, I completed all of these steps this time around. So here’s what I did:
Disassemble all removable parts
First, make sure you unplug the machine as a safety precaution. Then, remove the machine’s water tank and lid, tray, and K-cup holder.
I couldn’t figure out how to remove the K-cup holder at first, but it’s simple once you figure it out. If you’re having trouble, this video shows you how to remove the holder. Just be careful, as the needle right above it is sharp!
Soak removable pieces
I went a step beyond the directions and soaked these pieces in a bowl of warm, soapy water while I set about cleaning the rest of the Keurig.
Wipe down the machine’s exterior
With the removable parts gone, I used a microfiber cloth and cleaning spray to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Then I grabbed a toothbrush and some cotton swabs and got into the real nitty gritty.
Scrub all the nooks and crannies
I scrubbed away all the coffee grounds surrounding the K-cup holder and then got into all the crevices I could reach with the brewer open. You won’t want to forget to use a cotton swab to clean the openings where the water tank attaches to the side of the machine. You’d be surprised how much gunk comes out of there!
Hand wash removable pieces
Since the pieces had been soaked in warm soapy water while I cleaned the rest of the machine, they were ready for a good hand washing. You don’t need anything special, just a normal sponge and dish soap to scrub it down and a good rinsing. Then either dry by hand or air dry before moving on to the next step.
Run a water and vinegar solution through the Keurig
Beware, this step is stinky but well worth it. Running distilled white vinegar mixed with water through your machine will help to remove mineral buildup that can impact how well the brewer works. This is also known as descaling. You can also purchase Keurig descaling solution to achieve the same result, but vinegar is a much more affordable option.
You’ll need to run the machine quite a few times to ensure the vinegar or descaling solution is completely rinsed through, but it’s well worth the effort to keep your Keurig running smoothly and coffee tasting like it should.
How to be sure replacement is right for you
The bottom line is, you have options when it comes to a dysfunctional Keurig. Depending on the situation, some will outweigh others. Ask yourself the following questions to determine which route is best for you.
Did I purchase my Keurig less than a year ago?
If your Keurig is still under warranty, it’s definitely worth contacting the company to inquire about replacing the machine for free. If you prefer to speak with someone over the phone, you can call 1-866-901-BREW (1-866-901-2739). They take calls from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST, 7 days a week.
If your Keurig is no longer under warranty or you have somehow voided the warranty, then you can proceed to the options below.
Is the piece I need to replace easy to access and remove?
If so, then you’re in luck. Not only are the novice-level parts easy to find and purchase, but they’re also easy to replace.
These pieces are all external and it will be fairly obvious why it needs to be replaced. This is usually due to a piece cracking or somehow becoming disfigured. It may or may not wholly impact how the brewer functions, but you may want to replace it for aesthetic purposes.
You should have no trouble finding something like a water reservoir, drip tray, or water filter online. Whether you choose to order directly from Keurig or through another retailer is up to you.
Is the piece I need to replace difficult to access and remove?
If the piece you’re trying to get to requires tools, then the answer here is yes. If your machine has stopped working properly and there’s nothing obviously wrong with it from the outside, then you’re most likely looking at an expert-level part as the root of your problem.
This is where you need to judge for yourself whether you think you have the expertise to try not only to figure out the problem but then find a replacement piece and install it. If you’re familiar with small engine repair, electrical work, or are good with computers, then you may feel confident taking a crack at it.
If so, eBay will probably be your best bet to find the part you need. YouTube will be your guide as to how to install the piece if you’re unable to figure it out for yourself.
When was the last time I cleaned the machine?
If it’s been a while or you’ve NEVER cleaned or descaled your Keurig, it’s possible that the problem with your machine is related to that. While it’s good to clean your machine to keep mold and bacteria away, it can also help the brewer function to the best of its ability.
If you think it might be possible that this calcium buildup is hindering your Keurig’s ability to perform its best, it’s worth going through the cleaning processes outlined above. Once cleaned and descaled, you can run your brewer like normal and see if there’s any difference.
There are several reasons your Keurig may not be at its peak, but just as many solutions to resolve the issue without buying a whole new machine. Depending on your knowledge and needs, you should be able to have your Keurig back up and running in no time!
