Introduction: Get a STRONGER Brew From Your My Kcup

I love my Keurig Coffee Maker and if you are like me you probably enjoy experimenting with other non prepackaged coffee blends that aren't available in KCup form. That is where the "My KCup" accessory comes into play. For those unfamiliar, it allows one to brew a cup of their favorite coffee blends without needing to buy them in KCup form (if they are even available). Unfortunately the My KCup in my opinion brews a rather weak cup of coffee compared to it's pre-manufactured counterpart. Rest easy! I have found a fix that doesn't cost a dime! All you need is a "USED" KCup. Follow along. I have photos attached in order to make it easier to follow.

Step 1: What You Need

Here are the materials and tools you will need:

1. My KCup
2. Used KCup (any flavor)
3. Pair of Scissors

In the Photo I have labeled each item I will be referring to in the instructions so there is no confusion of the different parts.
 

Step 2: Start Destruction

First we need to remove the foil lid of the used KCup using your scissors, knife or fingers. We don't need this to be perfect as we will be cutting the top off a bit when we are finished.

Step 3: Yuck

Once the foil top is removed we now have access to the used coffee grounds and filter. We want to remove these with our fingers and or a pair of scissors. Again this doesn't have to be perfect yet.

Step 4: Clean Up That Mess!

Discard the foil top, coffee grounds and the paper filter. Saving the white plastic shell.

Step 5: Trim-it!

Using your scissors, cut the very top of the KCup Plastic shell about halfway down the little flat bump illustrated in the first picture all the way around removing the very top of the shell. you should be left with what is illustrated in 2nd and 3rd picture as shown next to the KCup we started with.  Also now is a good time to get that plastic shell good and clean.

Notice the hole in the bottom that was created by the Keurig machine when it was used. This whole is what is going to create more back pressure in the brewing process allowing the beans to seep more into the water causing a stronger brew.

Step 6: Mmm.... That Fits Nice!

Next we need to insert the plastic shell we just cut into the My KCup Body.  Notice in the pictures how it sits just below the top edge of the My KCup Body.  If yours protrudes above the top a bit pull it out and trim a little more off the top of the white plastic shell.  Once our fitting is satisfactory it is time to brew!

Step 7: Brew Me a Cup of Joe!

This is how to assemble our new little modification. 

Insert the white plastic shell into the My KCup Body as we did in the test fit of the previous step. 

Then Fill your Basket with coffee grounds (I have found two mostly level tablespoons to be the optimal amount of grounds).

Place the lid on top and lock it in place and brew as usual.  Then "Enjoy your Stronger Brew!"

You can also play around with making your own holes in the bottom of an UNused KCup using a needle or pin to find the right setup for you.  But I find the used KCup hole to be as close to simulating an actual KCup brew.  I am not sure why Keurig's engineers didn't come to this conclusion on their own.  It stands to reason that a self filled KCup should brew in a similar way to an actual KCup.