Ground coffee pile isolated on white background overhead view
Maya Kovacheva Photography/iStock/Getty Images

You can easily fix certain common problems with Keurig B30 machines at home, but more complex problems require service by a Keurig technician. Most of the issues that arise are a matter of improper set-up or a machine that requires cleaning to ensure optimum performance. A compact Keurig single-cup brewing system, the B30 comes in a range of vibrant colors beyond the basic black.

Setup

Plug the machine into an outlet -- preferably on its own circuit -- and set it in the desired position on the counter. Press the button on the top labeled "press to open" to open the K-Cup holder. Insert a K-Cup in the holder and close the lid so the prong punctures a hole in the foil K-Cup lid. This action automatically opens the hot water tank lid. Fill the hot water tank with cool water, preferably filtered or distilled water. This is a major difference in the miniature B30 design compared to full-size Keurig machines that have removable water reservoirs on the side. Close the lid and place a 10-ounce cup on the drip tray under the dispenser. Press the "Brew" button to begin heating the water. The beverage will dispense after the water heats.

Simple Fixes

Check the outlet for power when setting up the Keurig B30 for the first time or when you experience loss of power. If the machine works in another outlet, then the original outlet may have a blown breaker or in the case of GFCI outlets, may need to be reset. Sometimes the machine loses power during the brew cycle. In this case, simply open and close the K-Cup holder to reset the machine and press the "brew" button to continue brewing. It may be necessary to leave the machine unplugged for several hours to reset the machine. The cup sensors cannot sense the presence of clear cups, so be sure to use an opaque mug. If the drip tray is full, simply remove the mug, slide the drip tray out of place and empty the contents.

Descaling

Even bottled and filtered water can have mineral content that leads to calcium buildup and scale in the Keurig B30. Descale the Keurig B30 with white vinegar every three to six months, depending on mineral content in the water, to clear mineral buildup and restore peak performance. Pour 8 ounces of white vinegar into the hot water tank, place a mug under the dispenser and press "brew" without adding a K-Cup to the holder. Pour the hot dispensed vinegar from the mug back into the hot water tank and begin another brew cycle. Power off the machine just as it starts brewing and wait 30 minutes, allowing the hot vinegar to remain inside the machine. Brew the vinegar into the cup and discard. Run six to seven cycles with plain water through the machine to rinse out the vinegar.

Basic Cleaning

The external components of the Keurig B30 should be cleaned with a damp cloth without ever submerging the machine in water. Slide out the drip tray and lift off the drip plate. These pieces can be washed with a soapy dishcloth but should never be placed in the dishwasher. Remove the K-Cup holder by pulling from the top and pushing from the bottom simultaneously. You can also pull the K-Cup funnel -- located beneath the K-Cup holder -- out of place. Both the K-Cup funnel and holder are dishwasher-safe. After emptying the contents of the hot-water tank into a mug, wipe the inside of the tank clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Clogs

The presence of coffee grounds in your coffee or a slow drip time indicates a clog in the K-Cup holder assembly. Pull the holder out of the machine to access the exit needle, the small protrusion through which coffee passes from the K-Cup and exits into the mug. Insert a paper clip or toothpick into the exit needle to push out any coffee grounds and clear the clog. Replace the K-Cup holder and continue brewing as normal.