Let’s be real. Buying a new automatic coffee maker is a huge investment.
So, if you're considering getting a Keurig machine, one of the first things you need to know is its lifespan.
As a proud Keurig coffee machine owner, I'll break down important information about this brewing device so you will know just what to expect.
For Keurig owners, I'll also discuss signs your Keurig is dying and other tips to keep it in tip-top shape so that you can prolong its lifespan.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Keurig Coffee Machine?
Several factors can affect the lifespan of a Keurig brewer, but in general, most Keurigs last for three to five years.
One key contributor to its longevity is its use. Like any device or gadget, the more frequently you use it, the more it can shorten the lifespan.
Of course, if you know how to take care of your coffee maker and keep it clean, you can still prolong the life of your Keurig machine.
So, if you're planning to brew coffee every day, how long does a Keurig last?
For extremely high usage—imagine a breakroom coffee machine—you can expect Keurig coffee makers to only have, at most, 2 years.
If properly maintained, give it about 3 years; from my experience, 2 years is their average lifespan.
If you’re not much of a coffee enthusiast and just want one for convenience, like when you have guests, a Keurig coffee maker can last for 5 years, even longer if you clean your Keurig regularly.
For coffee lovers who plan to use it every day but not as much as how it is used in break rooms, Keurig coffee machines can give you around 3 to 5 years, depending on how you maintain it.
Generally speaking, the more coffee you brew in a Keurig coffee maker, the more maintenance it requires to ensure it is in tip-top shape.
I have been cleaning my Keurig machine after every use, removing excess coffee grounds out of the brew chamber; I also wiped down its needles and rinsed and emptied the reservoir—that's why I have been using it for more than 5 years.
I'll discuss this in more detail in the next sections. One more important thing to note: Keurig machines come with a one-year warranty.[1]
This means that if a Keurig coffee maker fails you within a year of use due to factory defects and other things that are listed in its warranty information, you can replace your Keurig without shedding any cash.
Isn’t that a delight?
Is Your Keurig On Its Last Brew? Look Out for These Telltale Signs!
Now that we have answered the million-dollar question, “How long does a Keurig last?” It's now time to learn the key signs that show when your Keurig coffee maker needs replacing.
This is particularly useful for Keurig owners like me, so you won’t be surprised when your machine just stops working one day.
Refuses To Brew Or Takes Forever
Okay, let's start with the most obvious sign. When your Keurig coffee maker stops making coffee, it's a clear sign that it's not functioning properly anymore.
For example, it will stop brewing coffee at all, or it will take a long time to brew a cup.
Another thing that could happen is that the Keurig machine may pause for a long time before it continues brewing a coffee.
However, this sign will only apply if you have been using your Keurig for a while. If you just purchased a new coffee maker and you’ve experienced this scenario, you may be facing a factory defect.
This is pretty rare to happen for Keurig coffee makers, but if this is your case, you can consult your warranty.
It Springs A Leak!
Keurig coffee makers should never leak. It doesn’t matter if it’s old or new; water shouldn’t be dripping out of it, especially when brewing coffee.
Once you start noticing a leak while you brew and continue even after the coffee machine is off, your brewer is experiencing some problems.
However, before you go buy a new Keurig coffee maker right away, there are a few things you need to check to ensure that this isn’t just a minor issue.
First, check your water reservoir. Make sure it is not overfilled and is placed correctly on the base.
I once thought my beloved machine was dying, but it was just a problem with the water reservoir, so I know that this is one common mistake we owners make.
If you find that the reservoir is in its correct position, go ahead and check the needle next. Ensure that it isn’t clogged and there is no buildup of coffee residue.
If that's not the issue, then I have to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s almost time to let your Keurig go.
Your Coffee Tastes Like A Bitter Disappointment
If you’ve done a little bit of research about Keurig machines, you know that it offers various coffee K-cups in dark roast and light roast, as well as other flavors.
So, if you find your machine brewing a bad-tasting cup of coffee, it may be a sign that you need to replace your Keurig.
However, there is one critical step you need to perform to ensure that it’s time to let the machine go—descale your machine.
So, if your K-Cup or whatever your Keurig is starts to brew a cup of coffee that tastes worse than usual, start descaling.
Descaling simply refers to the process of deep cleaning your machine to remove limescale buildup and mineral deposits.
This mineral buildup can affect the flavor of your coffee pod, which results in a bad-tasting cup.
However, if you have already descaled your machine and there is no improvement in the taste, replacing the Keurig coffee maker is the only solution.
Coffee Temperature Turmoil
Have you ever brewed coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in your Keurig, and you get a cold cup or lukewarm coffee instead? This is such a disappointment, right?
However, that's not the only disappointment you have to deal with. If your Keurig coffee machine brews disappointing cups, it indicates a problem with its heating components.
Unfortunately, if your machine can't produce hot water anymore, there's really nothing you can do apart from getting a new machine.
It's Just Getting Old
Is your Keurig an inheritance from your parents? Or maybe, it’s been in your kitchen for who knows how long?
Well, if you had it for as long as you can remember, it’s probably time to start looking at a new one. Unfortunately, like most kitchen devices, Keurig doesn't last forever.
The Keurig Countdown (How Often Should You Replace It?)
The lifespan of a Keurig coffee maker is not set in stone and depends on a multitude of factors, such as the model, how often it's used, how well it's maintained, and the quality of water used in the machine.
Most Keurig coffee makers can last three to five years, even longer, with proper care. From experience, I find that it's best to replace your Keurig within that given timeframe.
Still, if you've been taking care of it and have not experienced any issues with it, it will last for a year or so.
However, be ready to have some cash with you once your machine starts acting up. You don’t want to end up with a big purchase, especially when you’re not financially ready to do so.
That’s why saving up for a new machine once your Keurig coffee maker hits its average lifespan can be an excellent idea.
How Do You Prolong A Keurig's Lifespan? (Tips & Tricks)
To keep your Keurig in tip-top shape even if you’re using it on a regular basis, there are some things you can do to preserve and prolong its lifespan.
Two of the most important practices are regular cleaning and frequent descaling. Apart from prolonging your machine's lifespan, it can also help you save money in the long run.
Cleaning
Ensuring your machine is always squeaky clean can add more life to your Keurig coffee maker.
On top of that, it can address other issues that can potentially break your machine, such as an air bubble problem.
While the cleaning process can be a bit tedious at first, it will become an easier habit once you start cleaning the machine regularly.
I used to dread this activity before when I first owned my Keurig, but as I frequently do it, it becomes sort of automatic that I don’t mind doing it at all.
Follow these steps to clean your Keurig:
- 1Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies: Ensure you have a cleaning toothbrush or sponge, pure white vinegar, a mild liquid detergent like an all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid, and a microfiber cloth at hand.
- 2Dismantle the Removable Parts: Carefully remove the drip tray, K-cup holder, water reservoir, water filter, funnel, and other removable parts from your Keurig machine. This step is similar to most coffee makers. If you're unsure of how to remove these parts, consult your manual brewer guide for instructions. Be particularly careful when handling the K-cup holder and the funnel, as they house a needle that punctures the K-cups during the brewing process.
- 3Clean the Detached Parts: Now you have two alternatives:
Soak in Soapy Water: Immerse the detached pieces in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse and towel dry them. Use your toothbrush or sponge to scrub off any remaining residue.
Utilize a Dishwasher: Alternatively, you can place the removable parts on the top rack of your dishwasher for cleaning. Be careful not to place them on the bottom rack as the heat there can potentially damage the parts. - 4Regular Cleaning Routine: Cultivate a habit of cleaning your machine regularly. As with other brands or models, maintaining all parts clean ensures your coffee maker continues to function optimally and lessens the risk of machine breakdowns.
Barista HQ Reminder: This step-by-step guide might not cover the cleaning process for every component of a Keurig coffee maker. Other parts, such as the air bubble system, using Keurig rinse pods, a reusable k cup, and other unique features, may require additional cleaning steps.
Descaling
Another process that can help your Keurig last longer is frequently descaling it.
Even if you clean it regularly and no matter how careful you are with your device, minerals like limescale and calcium deposits will build up in your machine. This is because of hard water.[2]
Some areas have hard water, and if yours is one of them, you need to descale regularly, or your machine will start producing a bad cup and can break your machine.
To prolong the life of your Keurig, follow this descaling procedure below.
Note: There are two types of descaling solution that you can use: a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and distilled water or Keurig’s own descaling solution. I prefer Keurig’s solution as it is specifically made for this coffee machine. However, it comes with a cost. If you’re not ready to splurge, the vinegar solution works, but prolonged use of this solution can degrade the internal parts of your device. This may cost you more money than just buying the descaling solution.
- 1Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill the water reservoir up to the fill line with either the Keurig descaling solution, diluted according to the container's instructions, or a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and distilled water.
- 2Set Up for Cleaning: Place a mug on the tray, ensuring there's no K-cup in the K-cup pod holder.
- 3Start the Cleaning Cycle: Initiate a normal brew cycle. Whether you're making a cup of ground coffee, a flavored coffee, or using a cappuccino maker function, the process remains the same.
- 4Dispose and Repeat: Empty the mug and repeat the third step until the 'add water indicator light turns on.
- 5Let the Machine Rest: Allow your machine to rest for 30 minutes to ensure the descaling solution or vinegar mixture has ample time to work on any deposits.
- 6Rinse the Reservoir: Thoroughly rinse out the water reservoir to remove all traces of the descaling solution or vinegar, reducing the risk of a vinegar smell during the next brewing cycle.
- 7Flush with Fresh Water: Fill the reservoir to the max line with fresh, preferably filtered, water. Run a minimum of 12 cycles through to completely clear out any residual vinegar or descaling solution. If you're only using tap water, it might require more cycles.
Keurig Vs Drip Coffee Makers (Whose Lifespan Reigns Supreme?)
Keurigs may not be the longest-lasting kid on the block, but they sure hold their own!
With a life span of around 3 to 5 years, they outlive Ninja coffee makers and even match with big automatic coffee makers like Cuisinart and Mr. Coffee.
Sure, other coffee makers like Hamilton Beach and Decker coffee machines might go the distance, but let me tell you, those filter costs add up!
Meanwhile, Keurig is there for you, ready to serve that perfect one-cup brew without any fuss.
So, if you ask me, I'd say go for the Keurig. It's a bit pricier, yes, but the convenience and the smooth brewing experience are worth every penny.
However, if you're more of a hands-on, manual brewing aficionado, then that's another story.
Remember, time is money, and with a Keurig, you'll certainly save on brewing time, even with a touch more maintenance. Just my two cents!
Related Keurig Lifespan Questions
Which Keurig lasts the longest?
Although Keurig doesn't advertise which of their models last the longest, the Keurig 2.0 line lasts longer than the other models, according to reviews. On top of that, it has a higher brewing capacity and can brew coffee that can last you more than a day—of course, unless you drink coffee like water.
How long is a Keurig warranty?
A Keurig warranty lasts for a year from the date you purchase the machine. Just be sure to register your brewer right away.[3]
How do I get a free Keurig replacement?
You can get a free Keurig replacement if your device has a factory defect and the defect has been discovered while under warranty.
Can an old Keurig make you sick?
An old Keurig can make you sick if you fail to take care of it. If you haven’t cleaned or descaled your machine at all, it may have bacteria and mold buildup that can make you seek.
How do I store my Keurig for months?
To store your Keurig for months, all you need to do is remove any pods from the machine and empty the reservoir. It’s also good practice to descale and thoroughly clean your machine if you have been using it for a while before storing it.
Conclusion
With proper care and maintenance, a Keurig machine can keep brewing your favorite coffee for 3-5 years.
Though it may require a slightly higher initial investment, the convenience and reliability it offers make it a worthwhile choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking a balance between quality and ease of use.
References:
1. https://support.keurig.com/?kmContentId=1014732&page=shell&shell=knowledge-article
2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/understanding-and-dealing-hard-water
3. https://www.keurig.com/new
