Why does my Keurig coffee taste metallic? (What makes Keurig coffee taste metallic? + More information)

Nothing beats a cup of freshly brewed dark-roasted coffee on a chilly morning. However, your coffee might disappoint you and have a metallic taste. You might wonder, “Why does Keurig coffee sometimes taste metallic?” Let’s find out.

I have been a victim of having coffee with a metallic taste, and it is quite an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. Finding the real reason my coffee tasted metallic was an uphill task because my Keurig machine was new. I almost called for professional assistance, thinking I needed a machine replacement.

However, my sister calmed me down once I inquired from her. She has been using the Keurig machine for quite a long time and is aware of the various struggles one faces with this machine. I later discovered that I used stale coffee, and the issue was nowhere near the machine being damaged. Keep reading to learn more reasons your Keurig coffee tastes metallic and what to do.

What makes Keurig coffee taste metallic?

Dirty Keurig coffee maker

If your coffee maker is dirty and has residues built up, your coffee will absorb these residues, which often affects the taste of your coffee. Oil and other residues that have stayed long in your coffee maker might give your beverage a metallic taste.

Stale coffee

Coffee that has gone bad or sits in the house for a long time gradually loses its flavor and picks up unpleasant flavors that sometimes might resemble a metallic taste. Also, coffee left in the open and not stored in an airtight container is prone to going stale. When brewed in a Keurig machine, this coffee will produce a metallic taste.

Dirty water reservoir

If you do not regularly clean the water reservoir of your Keurig machine, it accumulates mineral deposits and other impurities, which reflect on the flavor of your coffee. These impurities and minerals can give your coffee a metallic taste.

Poor quality coffee

The taste of coffee is heavily affected by the type of coffee you use. Beans that are of poor quality or have additional flavors and were not roasted at the right temperature often have a weird taste. You might notice a burnt, metallic taste because poor-quality beans are usually roasted at high temperatures.

What should I do when my Keurig coffee tastes metallic?

Clean your Keurig machine.

As mentioned above, a dirty Keurig machine that has a dirty water reservoir is key in altering the taste of your coffee and giving it a metallic taste. Therefore, you should always clean your Keurig machine thoroughly. Even when it is new, ensure you clean it before use. You can mix equal parts of water and vinegar solution and let the solution run through the machine. After it is clean, rinse your Keurig machine thoroughly with plain water. Let plain water run through the machine a few times to ensure no residue of the cleaning solution is left in your machine.

Use fresh, high-quality coffee.

If you want to get the most in terms of flavor and taste out of your cup of coffee, always opt for freshly roasted high-quality coffee beans. Coffee that has been sitting for too long or not properly stored loses its flavor and can develop a metallic taste.

Check your Keurig machine for damage.

If the above solutions do not help, it might be time to inspect your Keurig machine to see if it is functioning correctly. A Keurig with a faulty water reservoir or brewing system might produce coffee with off-flavors. Though this case scenario is rare, it is vital to check it out.

FAQ Section

What should Keurig coffee taste like?

Keurig coffee should have the taste of any coffee, but that depends on several factors, like the brewing method and the pod you are using. However, coffee should generally have a taste that ranges from mild and smooth to robust and bold.

Do I need a new Keurig coffee maker when my coffee starts tasting metallic?

Though sometimes a metallic taste in your Keurig coffee maker might indicate a problem with your coffee maker, most of the time, the issue is either with the coffee beans or the coffee maker has previous residues and oils. Therefore, it is important to establish the main reason why your coffee has a metallic taste before replacing the one you have.

Is Keurig coffee that tastes metallic bad for you?

Keurig coffee that tastes metallic is not necessarily bad for you; however, consuming such coffee might be unpleasant and uncomfortable if it’s not in the range of your preferred flavors.

Should I drink Keurig coffee that tastes metallic?

Drinking anything with an unusual taste and odor is not always advisable. And though the coffee itself might not be harmful to your health, it is key to take the necessary precautions.