Are you wondering when to replace the coffee maker? If your coffee maker is not working, it might be time to replace it. When replacing the coffee brewer, think about whether you want a single-cup brewer or one that makes multiple cups. Also, consider whether you want a drip-style machine or a pod brewer.
Contents
When Should You Replace a Coffee Maker?
A coffee maker should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. While some coffee machines can last up to 10 years, most models tend not to make it that long. If you use your coffee pot every day, it might need to be replaced more often. The best way to know if it’s time to replace your machine is by checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance.
Automatic drip makers of stainless steel tend to last longer than plastic models. Drip makers with glass carafes also tend to last longer than those with metal trim because they’re easier to clean and less likely to become stained over time.
Signs You Should Get a New Coffee Machine
Coffee machines can be expensive, so it is important to know when to replace your machine. Here are some pointers for when it is time to replace the coffee machine:
Coffee Tastes Bad
If your coffee tastes off or has an odor, this could be a sign of mold growth. Mold spores can grow on wet surfaces of the brewing chamber and develop into fungi over time. To clean it out, run vinegar through the machine’s water reservoir and let it sit overnight before rinsing with water again.
The Machine Is Slow or Stops Running
A slow-running coffee machine isn’t going to brew quickly enough for you in the morning before work or school. If it stops running during brewing, no more coffee for breakfast!
If this happens consistently with your current machine, consider replacing it with one with more power.
The Machine Leaks or Drips
If water leaks from your coffee machine’s reservoir after you’ve finished brewing, it’s likely that the spring that seals the lid has deteriorated. You can replace this part yourself with an online purchase or take the whole machine back to where you bought it for repair or replacement.
The Coffee Has a Bad Taste or Smell
If your coffee tastes bitter or smells stale, it could be due to scale buildup in the tank or filter basket. To clear this problem out, run several hot water cycles through the machine until it runs clear again.
If this doesn’t work, try cleaning the coffee maker according to its manufacturer’s instructions (usually by running vinegar through a cycle). If neither of these solutions works, you may need to replace the machine.
The Coffee Brewer Doesn’t Get Hot Enough
If your coffee isn’t hot enough, you may want to consider replacing your machine. The ideal temperature for brewed coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature range, many of the flavor compounds in the coffee are released into the water and extracted into the brew. To reach this range of temperatures with most machines, it takes five to six minutes of brewing time. If your machine isn’t reaching these temperatures consistently, consider replacing it.
You Can’t Find Replacement Parts
If you have an older model, you may be out of luck when it comes to finding replacement parts. This is especially true if the manufacturer has stopped manufacturing the product altogether. Even if you can find replacement parts, they may not fit properly or meet safety standards. Thus, you should consider replacing the coffee pot.
Taking Care of a Coffee Machine
You can prolong the life of your coffee machine by following some simple tips:
- Clean the carafe regularly with a mixture of water and vinegar
- Empty coffee bean container
- Clean the brew basket regularly
- Run vinegar through your brewer regularly to clean the internal components
Related Questions
Why Do Coffee Brewers Stop Working?
Coffee brewers stop working mostly because of old age. If you’ve had the same model for over five years, it’s probably time to upgrade. The technology in today’s machines has advanced dramatically since the first drip brewers hit the market decades ago. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t get something new if yours is older than that.
What Can I Do With an Old Coffee Pot?
When you’re ready to replace your old coffee maker, there are a few beneficial things that you can do with it.
- Sell it online
- Gift it to someone who needs it
- Donate it to a charity organization like Goodwill or the Salvation Army
- Recycle the old coffee maker at an electronics recycling center in your area (most cities have these)
Conclusion
Do you want to know when to replace the coffee maker? As long as it still brews coffee properly, there is no reason why you should not continue using it. If you’ve had your coffee maker for more than five years, and it starts to act up, it’s probably time to replace it. You need to determine whether the problem is with your coffee brewer or if it’s something else.
