Function, Components and Manufacturing of Pod-Style Coffee Machine

In order to understand if K-Cups are recyclable, the group first sought to understand the different components and functions of a pod style coffee maker. The standard Keurig Coffee Maker is shown below.
  Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker. 

The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker contains a 48oz removable water reservoir. The machine can brew coffee in under a minute, and can brew 6oz, 8oz and 10oz mugs. The Keurig also contains a control panel. The control panel includes a button to select the desired mug size, a power button, and buttons to enable auto off, heating, descale, and an indicator to add water. There is also a removable drip tray that prevents messes from spills. Once the tray is removed, users can fit a 7.1” travel mug. The last main component of the Keurig is the pod holder. A handle can be used to open and close the holder. Once a pod is placed inside the holder, the Keurig prompts the user to indicate their mug size. The Keurig is 10.6lbs and is 13.3” high (17.6” high when the pod holder is open) by 10.1” wide by 13.2” deep [1]. 

Below is a product teardown of a standard coffee maker and a Keurig Machine. A Keurig works by filling up a water tank which stores large amounts of water, so that users do not have to keep filling their tank. Once the brewing size is selected, the water is pumped through the pressurized hoses into heating chambers and it is then heated to the optimal temperature. The water will then pass into the top of the brewer. The user then inserts their preferred K-cup into the chamber and closes it into place. Small pins will pierce the cup allowing the hot water to flow and pass through, and then into the cup. [2]

Teardown of Keurig Machine

[1] “Keurig® K-Classic® Coffee Maker.” Keurig® K-Classic™ Coffee Makerwww.keurig.com/Home-Coffee-Makers/Keurig%C2%AE-K-Classic%C2%AE-Coffee-Maker/p/K50-Coffee-Maker:Black_color.

[2] Globalcoffeegrind. “How Do Keurig Coffee Brewers Work? – Delishably – Food and Drink.” Delishably, Delishably – Food and Drink, 16 Feb. 2010, delishably.com/cooking-equipment/How-Do-Keurig-Brewers-Work.