Can You Put Milk in a Keurig (what happens if I put milk in a Keurig + more information)?

Keurig coffee makers are super practical and easy to use. But if I need a latte or hot chocolate, can I use milk instead of water in my Keurig water tank? Can you put milk in a Keurig? 

No. You should not put milk in a Keurig. Adding milk to your Keurig will not only damage your machine, but it will be impossible to clean it. Therefore, avoid adding milk to your Keurig, even though it can seem like a good idea for your latte or hot chocolate. My preferred method of making coffee was the conventional way, something I did all the time. However, I recently discovered Keurig and decided to get it after learning how simple it will make preparing coffee. But after learning how to operate it, I discovered that I should not put milk in it because it could damage the equipment. In this article, learn more information about what happens if you put milk in a Keurig.

Why can’t I put milk in a Keurig?

The reason not to put milk in your Keurig is that the milk will stick in the water reservoir and spoil the machine. Plus, it will bring a foul odor to the machine even when you try to clean it since the Keurig machines come equipped with a water reservoir. It is vital to understand that this is because it should be filled with water only and not milk. Therefore, adding milk or anything else that is not water causes the interior of the machine and the pipe system to clog.

What happens if I put milk in a Keurig?

Three issues will arise if you put milk in a Keurig. One is the spoiling of the milk. Unlike water, which you can leave standing in the reservoir until you need to make more coffee, milk will not take long before it curdles. As a result, there would be a sour smell that is hard to get rid of from your Keurig. Two, the milk will burn since the heating coil of the Keurig, by design, brings the water temperature quickly to a boiling point in less than a minute. Thus, it will give you a sour-tasting beverage. Lastly, it will scorch the metal. The burned milk will form curd that will stick to the heating element of the Keurig, and it will stop working efficiently due to the buildup. Thus, avoid putting milk in your Keurig to prevent damaging it.

Should I clean my Keurig machine after putting milk in it?

Yes, you can clean your Keurig machine after you put the milk in it. It will require effort and time, but it is not permanently damaged or impossible to clean. Clean it to get rid of the milk residue. Add a few drops of dish soap into the water reservoir with water and brew it. Also, you can seek advice at Keurig’s website or take it to a Keurig outlet for professional cleanup. It is vital to clean the Keurig after putting milk in it sooner to avoid the machine growing mold, smelling bad, or generating other types of bacteria.

Are there alternatives to putting milk in a Keurig?

Yes. There is an alternative to putting milk in your Keurig. Use milk pods that brew similarly to K-cup coffee pods. If this alternative is not possible, and you need to have automatic milk heating with your coffee, invest in a machine that offers a milk tank to use as you make your lattes and hot chocolates. So, you avoid adding milk to your Keurig and damaging it.

Final Thoughts 

A Keurig machine is best if you want a single serving of coffee in a matter of minutes. It is not a good idea to add milk to it, though. It can damage the machine and render your milk unfit for consumption. It’s crucial to fill the Keurig machine only with water. Therefore, avoid the error of filling your Keurig’s water tank with milk, which can destroy your brand-new Keurig.

FAQ Section 

Is there a Keurig with a milk tank?

Yes. There are some Keurig’s with milk tanks. However, they are a separate piece from the Keurig equipment, where you can put milk to heat and froth it. So, you prepare coffee in one Keurig equipment and milk in another and mix them to make the beverage you want.

Can descaling help with clogs after putting milk in a Keurig?

No. Descaling is not effective with removing clogs after putting milk in a Keurig. However, it is a vital part of cleaning your Keurig. The descaling process for removing scale or calcium deposits that build up over time in your coffee maker.

Can you put milk in your Keurig for hot chocolate? 

No. It is advisable not to add milk or cream to your Keurig to make hot chocolate. However, you can add it to your coffee mug before you start. Plus, use less water, for your coffee mug will be partially full of milk.