If you have a Keurig coffee machine, then you know just how convenient it is. You can make just enough for yourself using their signature single-serve k-cups. However, if you drink a lot of coffee, you may be wondering if you can reuse the pods for your second cup. If you are looking to be less wasteful or get more value out of your k-cups, then keep reading. We have done the research and have all of the information you'll need.

K-cups are designed to be used once to brew a strong six-ounce cup of coffee. The k-cups can be used to brew eight to ten-ounce cups as well. Although, the larger the cup, the weaker the strength of the coffee. With that in mind, it is recommended to use classic k-cups only once for a full flavored cup of coffee. 

There are many Keurig owners who find single-use cups to be wasteful. However, there are some ways to maximize the use of k-cups. There are also alternatives to k-cups that work just as well with your Keurig. Keep reading for more information.

A large group of various brands of coffee pods for Keurig single cup coffee makers. How Many Times Can You Use A K-Cup

How many cups can a Keurig pod make?

A Keurig k-cup makes one six-ounce cup of strong coffee. Just like regular coffee makers, the pod itself is filled with coffee grounds. The more coffee you make with the same grounds, the weaker the taste will become. They are designed to make at the most a ten-ounce cup.

k-cups inside a large coffee mug on a wooden table

If you have a Keurig and prefer to have larger amounts of coffee, then you are in luck. You can now purchase k-mug pods. These pods are able to make batches of coffee in 12 to 16 ounces. With that in mind, if you were to purchase k-mug pods, you can get two smaller cups of coffee out of one pod.

Can you reuse K-cup pods?

Yes and no. You should not reuse the k-cup pod with its original coffee grounds. But, if you were to empty the cup and refill it with fresh ground coffee, you could get an additional use. Essentially, the original coffee grounds are trash, but you can reuse the empty pods.

In order to reuse the plastic cup, you will need to create a replacement lid. You do that by cutting a square of heavy-duty foil and use it to seal the cup closed. Since the cups are used, they will already have a hole punctured in the bottom. This will not be a problem, just be sure to align the hole with the needle to avoid re-piercing.

How long does a reusable K-cup last?

Although the classic cups can be recycled to make more coffee, there is an even simpler solution: reusable k-cups. You can find two different kinds of reusable k-cups on the market: stainless steel and silicon. With both of these options, they are built to last a very long time. Unless they are physically broken by the user, the materials are designed to be reused for years.

Stainless steel k-cups are composed of a steel cup and a silicon snapping lid. Stainless steel is extremely durable and does not show signs of wear, even when exposed to heat. You can use the cup alone, but it is often suggested to use a paper filter inside to catch fine coffee grounds. These stainless steel k-cups can be found here, on Amazon.

There are also silicone k-cups that have stainless steel micro-mesh filters, as shown above. The silicone cup itself is made to withstand the test of time and can be reused indefinitely. You can find these reusable k-cups here, on Amazon.

How do you clean a reusable K-cup?

You can clean reusable k-cups just like the rest of your household dishes. First, you will need to dispose of the coffee grounds. This is where paper filters can come in handy; you can grab the filter and toss the grounds out along with it. Without it, you may have to take some extra time to clear out all of the coffee.

You can get paper filters from Amazon, click here.

Next, once the cup is empty, you can clean it with soap and warm water. When washing reusable filters, it is a good idea to place a paper towel over your sink strainer. Coffee can get stuck, and clog sinks because it does not break down in the water.

How to clean coffee buildup?

After a few uses, you may experience a buildup in the filter. You can soak the k-cup in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water for 30 minutes to dissolve the remaining coffee. Make sure you do not leave any stainless steel components soaking for longer than 30 minutes. Much longer soaking times could cause warping and damage.

Are reusable K-cups dishwasher safe?

Upper cell of dishwasher with clean shiny cups and glasses

Yes, you can clean reusable k-cups in the dishwasher. Both the plastic and stainless steel models are dishwasher-safe. If you choose this cleaning method, keep in mind to keep it on the top rack. Although most reusable k-cups are dishwasher safe, always be sure to check the product information to be sure.

What kind of coffee do you use in a reusable K-cup?

The great thing about using the reusable k-cup is that you can fill it with whatever coffee you like. This is especially useful if you have a custom blend of coffee that you prefer. The cup is also perfect for those who like to grind their whole bean coffee fresh at home. You can use any ground coffee in the k-cup.

What kind of ground coffee works best

There are many different kinds of ground coffee available. The variance comes in how coarsely or finely it is ground. Medium fine ground coffee will yield the most flavor when using these reusable k-cups.

photo of arabica coffee beans at various stages of grinding

You should avoid fine grinds and espressos as well as coarse grinds. However, you can use these k-cups for brewing anything with the correct particle size. If you are a tea lover, read our article on if you can use a coffee maker to brew tea.

Is it better to use K-cups or reusable filters?

If you are an avid Keurig user, then the reusable k-cup is perfect for you. Not only can you customize your coffee, but you can also save money while doing so. Switching to reusable k-cups will also cut back on a lot of plastic waste produced by single-use coffee pods.

In case you are a huge fan of the Keurig coffee blends, you can purchase them bagged and ground as well. If you are looking to make the switch and already own a large collection of k-cups, take a look at our article on if Keurig coffee expires.

In Closing

Using a reusable k-cup allows you to customize your Keurig experience. They also give you access to coffee brands that do not make single-serve pods. To top it all off, they will save you money in the long run, and they are better for the environment.

There are virtually no downsides to switching to a reusable k-cup. Although they are useful, one drawback is the need to clean them between uses. The coffee from the filter can also clog drains over time from buildup. Even so, the use of a paper filter or a paper towel over your drain can prevent these problems.

One comment

  1. Thats good to know! I actually use the k-cups you linked a couple of time in this article, and i highly recommend that brand

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