Coffee makers are reliable companions that can create scrumptious caffeinated beverages for you. While they take a certain investment to procure, they can be a pleasure to have around. After all, they help make mornings more bearable. Before deciding to purchase one, you might wonder whether the machinery is built to last. So, how long do coffee makers last?
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How Long Do Coffee Makers Last?
On average, a coffee maker can last for about five years. However, there is variation in the life span depending on the particular coffee model you own and the level of maintenance. Proper cleaning and descaling can enable a coffee maker to last up to ten years.
The more you understand coffee makers, the more you will realize how long they can last. It is intriguing that even though a coffee maker can potentially last for ten years, it should probably be replaced way before that.
Do Expensive Coffee Makers Last Longer?
A high-end coffee maker isn’t guaranteed to last longer than a basic coffee maker. Basic coffee makers are simple and use physics to push the water through the heating element and out the coffee maker’s head. In contrast, a high-end coffee maker has a complicated design with moving parts that can start to trouble you over time.
While the heating element of a high-end coffee maker isn’t likely to present with issues, the body it possesses is another story altogether. Since expensive coffee makers tend to have more moving parts, they tend to also last for a shorter time than their simpler counterparts.
A basic coffee maker’s tubing and heating element have a simple structure. Whereas high-end coffee makers have distinct reservoirs to help prepare special drinks, which give it a complicated structure. It is this very structure that reduces its longevity.
When Do You Need to Replace the Coffee Maker?
If you have a coffee maker, it is important to know when to move on to the next one. Even if a coffee maker can last for a decade, some reasons justify replacing it even sooner. While this does depend on your preferences, over time, better, more efficient machinery comes out, making the older one obsolete.
Here are signs that you need to look out for which signal that it is time to replace your coffee maker:
- The coffee maker is leaking and creating random drips and puddles. The seals aren’t working as they should and are not working efficiently, making tons of mess you need to clean.
- If the coffee made in the coffee maker tasted oddly burnt, there is something wrong with the machine. Scaling and build-up are the usual culprits who are signs of excessive use.
- There could be scaling in the lines if there is a foul smell coming out of the coffee maker or the coffee. There is no easy way of resolving this situation.
- If the coffee isn’t as hot as it should be and basic repairs haven’t done anything to rectify the situation, the machine is no good.
- The coffee maker may have become outdated if it is getting harder to procure the specific pods your coffee maker needs. In other words, you might want to upgrade to another coffee maker.
- If your tastes have evolved and your current machine doesn’t provide the coffee you desire, it is time to let it go.
Why Is Using the Same Coffee Maker for Ten Years a Bad Idea?
Even though certain coffee makers can be functional for about a decade, that doesn’t mean you should use the same one for that long. Like other electronics, the coffee maker industry also has innovations. Other than that, an old machine can become unreliable over time, making it risky to rely on it for so long.
The heating element will slowly stop heating the water as efficiently as possible. According to the National Coffee Association of the U.S.A, the perfect temperature to brew coffee is between 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A machine that isn’t doing that much for your coffee should probably be retired.
It is no secret that the machinery will be impacted by wear and tear. You may have to repair the coffee maker more often than not. A point might come where the cost to repair the coffee maker would be higher than getting a new one. In such a situation, the best thing you can do is move ahead. A good example is Keurig machines that can only last for about 5 years.
How to Pick the Best Coffee Maker
Have you decided to make your brewing experience more comfortable? Buying a coffee maker can be an exciting experience. While there are many options in the market, it is crucial to understand your needs, read sufficient reviews, look for good deals, and check for a warranty before finalizing a coffee maker. Only then can you pick the best coffee maker for your home.
Read Reviews
When you need to pick a coffee maker, there is a lot of research that you need to do. You understand your needs, and only you can ensure that you choose the coffee maker that satisfies you. Compare the models vs the top picks. Check how much electricity it can consume in a day.
Read reviews to garner a deeper understanding of the performance of a coffee maker. Don’t just jump at the first one you see. It is wiser to take things slow to find the perfect coffee maker. At times a particular model looks really good when you observe it, but reviews share a different story making it clear that it isn’t worth your money.
Look For Good Deals
If you time your purchase well, you might be able to buy a coffee maker during one of the major sales of the year. Think about ‘Black Friday’ sales and the opportunities at your disposal. Check with the store and get the coffee maker of your dreams. Don’t be impulsive and regard your budget before settling for any option.
Check for Warranty
One of the wisest steps during any purchase is checking for a warranty. If your item has a warranty, it can make a difference down the line. While many coffee makers are available in the market, the one that can inspire the greatest confidence in you is the best.
How to Maintain a Coffee Maker
Coffee makers, like other electronics, need to be handled with care. They need to be properly cleaned, be serviced regularly, and used appropriately. Unplug them when they are not in use and perform simple repairs when they seem to need them.
Clean the Coffee Maker
To help the coffee maker function in the best way possible, dedicate time to cleaning it. Every week, take out the removable parts of the machine, then soak and wash them. You can use either dishwashing liquid or a white vinegar solution for soaking purposes.
The coffee pot, the lid, the filter are some parts that should be cleaned in your weekly regimen. Also, regularly change the filter when needed.
Unplug the Machine When Not in Use
Don’t forget that the coffee maker is essentially an electronic device that needs to be treated well. Don’t unnecessarily plug in the machine. Instead, switch it off and take it out from the socket when not in use.
Safety issues can occur if you’re careless with the appliance. So don’t let a problem erupt when it can be eliminated so easily.
Perform Simple Repairs
A few common issues come up with coffee makers that can require your attention. While they can be slightly bothersome to fix, they are just a nuisance that you can get rid of yourself.
Here are a few common repairs that can fix your coffee maker if it isn’t working as well as you hope:
- Service the on/off switch. If there is an issue with the circuit, you might have to replace it.
- Service the thermostat. If there is an issue with the thermostat, it might also be replaced.
- Servicing the heating elements. If the issue is too serious, it might be best to let a professional deal with it.
Related Questions
Can Coffee Makers Be Repaired?
Coffee makers can be repaired depending on how severe the issue happens to be. Simple problems can be resolved with the servicing and replacements of parts.
How Do You Check a Heating Element in a Coffee Maker?
Unplug the coffee maker, open the screws from the base of the appliance to expose the heating element. Proceed to check the heating element for continuity and replace it if needed.
Conclusion
Coffee makers are remarkable appliances that make making my favorite warm beverages easier for me. While they usually last for about five years, if taken good care of, they have the potential to last for up to a decade. While it doesn’t always make sense to keep an appliance for so long, it all depends on your preferences.
