Keurig Model 40 Manual (K40)

The Keurig Model 40 (K40) is a single-serve coffee brewing system designed for home use. It features a compact design, multiple brew sizes, a removable drip tray, an energy-saving auto-off function, and a descaling alert system. This manual covers safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for your K40 brewer.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Brewing Instructions 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Descaling Procedure 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Brewer with K-Cup pod holder, Water Reservoir, Drip Tray, Power Cord, and Control Panel.

FeatureDescription
Brew Sizes6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz cup options
Water ReservoirRemovable 48 oz capacity
Auto-OffEnergy saving feature (turns off after 90 seconds idle)
Descaling AlertIndicator light prompts for cleaning
Drip TrayRemovable for tall travel mugs
Power ButtonTurns brewer on/off
Brew ButtonInitiates brewing cycle
Brew Size SelectorButtons for 6oz, 8oz, 10oz
Add Water IndicatorLight alerts when reservoir is low
Heating ElementRapid heat-up technology

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place brewer on a stable, level surface.

  1. Remove packaging materials from inside and outside the brewer.
  2. Wash the water reservoir with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
  3. Place reservoir onto the back of the brewer.
  4. Plug power cord into a standard 120V AC outlet.

WARNING! Do not use without water in reservoir. Ensure brewer is on a heat-resistant surface away from edges.

First-Time Use

Prime the system before first brew to ensure optimal performance.

  1. Fill water reservoir with fresh, cold water to the MAX fill line.
  2. Place a large mug (at least 10 oz) on the drip tray.
  3. Lift and close the brewer handle without inserting a K-Cup pod.
  4. Press the POWER button. The brewer will begin heating.
  5. Once the ADD WATER light turns off, press the 10 oz BREW button to run water through the system. Discard this water.
  6. Repeat step 5 two more times. The brewer is now ready for use.

CAUTION! The exterior may become hot during operation. Do not touch heated surfaces.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Control Panel located on front of brewer.

Power Button: Press to turn brewer on (light illuminates) or off.
Brew Size Buttons (6oz, 8oz, 10oz): Select desired cup size. Corresponding light will illuminate.
Brew Button: Press to start brewing cycle once a size is selected.
Add Water Indicator: Red light turns on when reservoir is empty or low.
Descale Indicator: Amber light flashes when descaling is required.

Auto-Off: Brewer automatically powers down 90 seconds after last brew cycle to save energy.

Brewing Instructions

For use with licensed K-Cup pods.

  1. Ensure brewer is ON (Power light illuminated).
  2. Fill water reservoir to desired level.
  3. Place a mug on the drip tray.
  4. Lift the handle and insert a K-Cup pod into the pod holder. Close the handle firmly.
  5. Select your brew size (6oz, 8oz, 10oz) by pressing the corresponding button.
  6. Press the BREW button. The brewing cycle will begin.
  7. When cycle is complete, lift the handle to eject the used pod into the internal bin.

Tip: For a stronger brew, select a smaller cup size for the same pod.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures best performance and taste.

  1. External Cleaning: Unplug brewer. Wipe exterior with a damp, soft cloth. Do not immerse in water.
  2. Water Reservoir: Remove and wash weekly with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Drip Tray & Pod Holder: Remove drip tray and pod holder assembly. Wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry completely before replacing.
  4. Needle: If clogged, unplug brewer. Use a paper clip to gently clear the entrance and exit needles.

CAUTION! Always unplug brewer before cleaning. Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

Descaling Procedure

Perform when DESCALING light flashes, or every 3-6 months.

  1. Purchase Keurig Descaling Solution or use a vinegar solution (mix equal parts white vinegar and water).
  2. Fill empty water reservoir with descaling solution to the MAX line.
  3. Place a large mug on the drip tray.
  4. With brewer OFF, press and hold the 8oz and 10oz buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter descale mode.
  5. Press the BREW button. It will run a partial cycle and pause. Discard mug contents.
  6. Repeat step 5 until ADD WATER light comes on.
  7. Rinse reservoir thoroughly and fill with fresh water to MAX line.
  8. Press BREW button repeatedly to rinse system. Continue until reservoir is empty. Repeat rinse cycle 2 more times with fresh water.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. UL Listed. Copyright © Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Keurig, K-Cup, and the Keurig logo are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. For support, visit www.keurig.com or contact 1-866-901-2739.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Brewer won't turn onNo powerCheck that brewer is plugged in. Ensure outlet is working.
No water flow / small cupClogged needle or water linesDescale brewer. Use a paper clip to clear exit needle.
Water leaksReservoir not seatedEnsure reservoir is pushed down firmly and correctly.
Brew is not hotNeeds priming/descalingRun several brew cycles without a pod. Descale if problem persists.
DESCALE light flashingMineral buildupPerform descaling procedure as outlined in Section 9.
Pod not puncturedHandle not closed fullyOpen and firmly re-close the handle.

Reset: Unplug brewer for 2 minutes, then plug back in.

Service: 1-866-901-2739; www.keurig.com

Keurig Model 40 (K40) User Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025