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Waking up and finding your Keurig won’t brew can really ruin your morning. It’s a nightmare not getting your coffee fix when you need it most!
Coffee makers don’t last forever, and nobody wants one that breaks too soon. In this post, I’ll explore how long Keurigs typically last, compare their lifespan to other coffee makers, discuss why they might stop working, and share tips on keeping your Keurig brewing happily for as long as possible.
So, How Long Do Keurigs Last?
Keurig coffee machines usually keep brewing for five to six years. But, guess what? Some lucky owners have theirs working for more than 10 years! Stick around, because I’ll share secrets on how to make your Keurig last even longer.
Which Keurig lasts the longest?
Most Keurig machines last about the same time, but a few are a bit better. To choose the right one, look for strong build, easy upkeep, and the least chance of breaking down.
The K-Elite series is built to last! With proper cleaning and care, these machines can serve up delicious coffee for years to come. Perfect for coffee lovers who value durability.
Many of the tiny Keurig coffee makers come without detachable water tanks, making them tough to clean. For a compact option that’s easy to maintain, check out the K-Supreme. It not only has a removable tank but is also known for its reliability.
Why do Keurigs stop working?
Coffee makers fail due to user mistakes, defects, lack of cleaning, or just getting old.
User error and damage
We’ve all had those oops moments, like spilling water on our gadgets or dropping something breakable. But, that’s just one way things can mess up. There’s more to watch out for!
Keurig water tanks are designed to only hold water. However, some adventurous souls have tried adding extras to the water or even swapping it out for milk. This isn’t great for drip coffee makers, but it’s a bigger problem for Keurigs. Why? Because Keurigs use pressure to brew your coffee, and this pressure doesn’t mix well with other liquids. The result? Gunk inside your machine or even damaged pipes.
Manufacturing defects
Automatic coffee makers can sometimes let you down. Imagine your frustration when, just weeks after buying one, it starts leaking or won’t even turn on. Manufacturing flaws are often to blame for these headaches.
Good news for coffee lovers! Keurig has your back with a one-year limited warranty on their coffee machines. Just remember, no milk in the water reservoir! They’re usually great about fixing issues, whether that means sending you new parts or even replacing your entire coffee maker. Keep brewing worry-free!
Poor maintenance
In the following section, I’ll dive deeper, but remember, keeping your Keurig happy is key. This means regular cleaning, descaling, and avoiding leaving water or used pods in it for too long.
Normal wear and tear
Even with great care, your Keurig will wear out over time. Treat it well, but expect to replace it someday.
All things come to an end. Wires wear out, plastics degrade, and electronics can give up. If fortune smiles on you, your Keurig will last a long time, maybe 10 years or even over 20. But eventually, every machine meets its match against the inevitable force of wear and tear.
What’s the Longest Lasting Coffee Maker?
Manual coffee makers outlive automatic ones because they lack electronics. This means you can easily replace any parts that break, keeping your brew going strong.
The AeroPress is a fantastic, sturdy choice for making coffee by hand. Its key pieces can keep going strong for 5 to 10 years. Though the rubber seal might wear out in 2 to 3 years, replacing it costs only $4. With a bit of care, the rest of the AeroPress can last forever.
Looking for a durable automatic coffee maker? Keurigs are decent, but not the top choice. For the most reliable machines, check out Bonavita and Technivorm – they’re the real stars in durability.
Extending the Life of Your Keurig
Taking good care of your Keurig means it’ll stick around longer. Clean and descale it often, but don’t forget a few extra steps to keep it in top shape.
Use filtered water
Using tap water in your Keurig? It’s packed with minerals and impurities. Switch to filtered or distilled water. Not only will your machine thank you by lasting longer, but your coffee will taste amazing, too.
After each use
Using a Keurig is super easy for daily coffee lovers. The best part? It’s all about popping in a pod and pressing start. Just remember to wipe up any mess, and you’re all set to enjoy!
Flush the machine as needed
Love your sweet k-cup treats, like hot chocolate? Remember to give your machine a quick cleanse after. It’s easy! Just pop out the used pod, place a mug below, and press start (without inserting a new k-cup). This helps keep your machine clean and ready for your next cup.
Even with just basic coffee pods, it’s crucial to clean your machine every 1-2 weeks. It’s quick, taking only a minute!
When you are traveling
Make sure not to leave pods or water in your coffee machine for over a day. Planning a trip or won’t use it for a bit? Take out those used pods and drain the water tank. This step keeps mold, mildew, or stale water at bay. Plus, it prevents water from evaporating and leaving mineral buildup, saving you from having to descale your machine too often. Keep your coffee maker fresh and ready for your next brew!
How to clean a Keurig
Keep your Keurig fresh by cleaning its removable parts every 1-2 weeks – doing it more often is even better! It’s a quick and simple process. While these steps suit most Keurig models, note that not all machines have the same removable parts.
- Unplug your Keurig.
- Remove the water reservoir, lid, drip tray, and k-cup holder.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a wet sponge.
- Clean the drip tray and k-cup with warm, soapy water then rinse them thoroughly.
- Remove the water filter and wipe the reservoir and lid with a damp, soapy cloth.
- Rinse the reservoir and lid thoroughly and let everything air dry.
- Replace the parts and plug the machine back in.
How to descale a Keurig
Even if you’re super careful, your coffee machine will still collect minerals. Using hard tap water? You might need to clean it out every 2–3 weeks. But, for most of us, a monthly descaling should do the trick.
For cleaning most coffee machines, mixing white vinegar with water (half and half) works great. However, if you have a Keurig, be cautious. The company warns that vinegar might harm its inner parts over time. They suggest using their own descaling solution, though it’s pricier than vinegar. To keep your Keurig running longer, it’s best to use the recommended descaling solution. But, it’s totally understandable if you prefer the more budget-friendly vinegar method.
Either way, here are the basic steps.
- Fill the water reservoir to the fill line with either descaling solution (diluted as specified on the container) or a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Place a mug on the tray, and make sure there is no k-cup in the machine.
- Start a normal brew cycle.
- Dispose of the liquid in the mug and repeat step 3 until the add water indicator light turns on.
- Let the machine rest for 30 minutes
- Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly.
- Fill the reservoir to the max line with water (preferably filtered) and run at least 12 cycles through to clean out any vinegar residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use apple cider vinegar to clean a Keurig?
If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use other types of vinegar to clean a Keurig. However, they will have a stronger flavor than white vinegar.
If you use a flavorful vinegar like apple cider vinegar to clean your Keurig, you’ll need to run even more cycles of water through afterward. Otherwise, your next cup of coffee is not going to be enjoyable.
What’s Next?
Taking good care of your Keurig can make it last more than a decade. However, you’ll probably want a new one every 5 to 6 years. This isn’t too shabby for a coffee machine, and it’s a great opportunity to check out new features and improvements.
Exploring the Keurig Elite vs Select shows the evolution of Keurig machines. Over the years, features like the Keurig strong button and multi-stream technology have significantly enhanced Keurig coffee’s taste. Plus, with new options like espresso k-cups, stronger k-cups, and some of the top coffee k-cups now available, upgrading to a newer model means you’ll enjoy the best these innovations offer.
Love your Keurig now, but get ready for awesome upgrades with your next one – maybe a Keurig, Ninja, or Nespresso. New features await!
