To make tea with a Keurig, simply insert a tea pod, select your cup size, and press brew for a quick, delicious cup of tea.
Your Keurig isn’t just for coffee – it can brew excellent tea too. While not ideal for all tea types, these proven techniques let you enjoy quality tea without special equipment. We’ll cover temperature considerations, steeping times, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Can You Really Make Good Tea in a Keurig?
Yes, but with some limitations. Keurigs heat water to 192°F (89°C), which works well for black teas but may be too hot for delicate greens or whites. The main challenge is steeping time – Keurigs push water through quickly, unlike traditional steeping methods.
Tea Types That Work Best
- Black teas (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Ceylon)
- Herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile, rooibos)
- Some oolongs (darker varieties)
3 Methods for Brewing Tea in Your Keurig
1. Hot Water Dispenser Method (Best for Quality)
This gives you full control over steeping time:
- Run a water-only cycle to clear coffee residue
- Place tea bag or loose leaf in your cup
- Dispense hot water into cup
- Steep for recommended time (3-5 min for black tea)
- Remove tea bag/strainer and enjoy
2. Reusable K-Cup Method (Fastest)
For when you’re in a hurry:
- Fill reusable K-cup with finely ground tea (not whole leaves)
- Brew on smallest cup setting (4-6 oz)
- Let tea sit in cup 1-2 minutes after brewing
- Strain if needed before drinking
3. Tea Bag Hack (Most Convenient)
A clever workaround from Keurig users:
- Remove tag from tea bag
- Place bag where K-cup normally goes
- Brew on small cup setting
- Run water-only cycle after to clean machine
Temperature Tips for Perfect Tea
Tea Type | Ideal Temp | Keurig Compatibility |
---|---|---|
Black Tea | 200-212°F | Good (192°F) |
Green Tea | 150-180°F | Fair (too hot) |
White Tea | 160-180°F | Poor (too hot) |
Herbal Tea | 200-212°F | Good |
Adjusting for Temperature
If your Keurig has temperature settings (like the Keurig B60), lower it for delicate teas. Otherwise, let hot water cool 30-60 seconds before adding green or white tea leaves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using whole loose leaves: Can clog machine – grind finer or use bags
- Skipping the rinse cycle: Coffee residue affects tea flavor
- Overfilling reusable cups: Restricts water flow
- Ignoring steep times: Even after brewing, let tea sit in cup
Cleaning Your Keurig for Tea
To prevent coffee flavors in your tea:
- Run 2-3 water-only cycles before first tea use
- Clean needle regularly with paperclip
- Change water filter monthly
- Descale every 3-6 months
Best Teas for Keurig Brewing
According to tea enthusiasts, these work well:
- Strong black teas (Assam, Ceylon)
- Mint and herbal blends
- Chai concentrates
- Rooibos (but may leave residue)
Alternative Options
For serious tea drinkers, consider these specialty machines that offer precise temperature control. However, for quick morning cups, your Keurig can make surprisingly good tea with these techniques.
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– Temperature guidance
– Common troubleshooting
– Cleaning tips
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– Helpful tables and lists
– Specific model recommendations
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