Introduction
How often should you replace your coffee maker? It’s a question that many people ask. Coffee makers have some of the longest life spans of any appliance in a home, but eventually, they will require replacement. However, these units need a long time to wear out and break down, so it’s hard to give an average lifespan. Simply put, most coffee makers last for 5-10 years before they begin breaking down and need replacing.
This article will provide you with useful information about coffee makers and why they should be replaced.
The Average Lifespan of a Coffee Maker
The average lifespan of a coffee maker is around 5-10 years. They are built to be strong and reliable. Infact, the average lifespan of a coffee maker is much higher than many other home appliances that we use daily, such as toasters or microwaves.
The amount of cups also gives an idea about how long your coffee maker appliance has brewed coffee. For example, if your coffee maker has a 12-cup capacity, it means that it’s at least two years old. Smaller-sized coffee makers with fewer features should be replaced after three to four years.
How Often Should You Replace Your Coffee Maker?
You should replace the coffee maker every six months because significant amounts of calcium and other mineral sediments build up in the heating element, which begins to affect the flavor of the coffee. Even if you run vinegar through the machine regularly, it does not help. The more often you use the appliance, the more buildup of mineral sediments occurs.
If you use bleach or other chemicals on a regular basis, it could weaken the heating element and cause bacteria to grow in the water reservoir. The calcium deposits will eventually start to build up in the heating element and damage the coffee maker.
10 Reasons to Replace the Coffee Maker
1) Distasteful Coffee
Coffee machines tend to run at optimum levels when they are clean and maintained. So if you have been using the same device for years, you should replace it once it starts to produce an unpleasant coffee taste.
2) Inappropriate Water Temperature
If the past few cups of coffee have been weak, burnt or bitter-tasting, it could be due to hot water. Most coffee makers have a setting that allows you to adjust the temperature to suit your personal preference. You should replace the coffee maker if you aren’t able to change the setting.
3) Older Models
If you are using an older model that uses a carafe, make sure you don’t keep it on top of a heating device like a stove or radiator. Just keep it in the cabinet or on a table and it will be safe from any damage.
4) Low Capacity
If you are using a coffee maker that produces 12 cups or less, you should probably consider replacing it. Coffee makers with smaller capacities often do not have much water in them. This is one reason why the coffee is weak and close to burning off the bottom of the pot.
5) Unworkable Filter
If the coffee maker is full of sediments and produces a cup of java that tastes bitter, it’s time to replace the machine. Check the filter for holes or other issues as one of the reasons for a cup of burnt coffee is a damaged filter. Ensure that you change the filter every time the coffee maker is cleaned.
6) Chipped Or Cracked Coffee Pot
Coffee makers are made out of glass and metal, which is why they chip and break so easily. You should replace the coffee maker immediately if it starts to crack over time.
7) Cord Issues
The cord may eventually wear out if it’s not adequately protected. You should check to make sure that the cable isn’t loose or falling apart. The cord needs to be in good condition; otherwise, there can be electric fluctuations or power loss during its use.
8) Slow Working Machine
If the coffee maker starts to produce weak or burnt coffee, it’s time to replace it. You should start thinking about getting a new one if this issue keeps coming. One of the reasons can be a clogged or worn-out filter. You should always check it every time you clean the coffee maker.
9) Cracked Carafe
The thermal carafe is the cup that provides a hot cup of coffee. If it’s cracked, then you should replace it. This is because the material used to make thermal carafes are prone to chipping and breaking. The heat will eventually seep out of the glass or metal to make the coffee bitter.
10) Noisy Machine
The coffee maker can be noisy for various reasons. The noise may come from the machine if it’s too old, worn out and is no longer working correctly.
11) Scalding Issue
A scalded coffee maker can result from the heating element not being able to regulate the temperature of water going to the brewing chamber. The steam that comes out from the carafe is hotter than the temperature that is set. The problem of scalding can be rectified by changing the heating element.
Can We Replace The Parts Of The Coffee Maker?
Many people think that they can replace the parts of the coffee maker when it comes down to replacing their appliance. In most cases, this is true. However, you may encounter problems when you install replacement parts. You should always consult the manufacturer before you attempt to do so.
Replaceable Parts of a Coffee Maker
1. Carafe
This part can be easily replaced. Just make sure to check the water reservoir and the heating element, which is located in the carafe.
2. Filter
This part can be easily replaced if the new filter is compatible with the coffee dispenser. However, you should consult with a professional if you are not sure that it is an OEM fit.
3. Water Reservoir
The water reservoir is not an easy replaceable accessory. It can be hard to find one that fits your machine. You should consult with a professional to replace this part of the coffee maker.
4. Permanent Filter
It is used to keep the coffee grounds inside the pot. Permanent coffee filters can be made from fine wire mesh cloths, nylon mesh, or paper. They can be replaced every time you clean the coffee maker.
5. Removable Filter Basket
It is used to hold the paper filters and is usually made from plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes aluminum. It can be replaced when it begins to wear out.
6. Machine Base
The base holds all the other parts of the machine together and sits on the counter. If the base is broken or damaged, you should replace it.
Tips for Proper Usage Of Coffee Makers
1) Use fresh water for the coffee mix. Water should be filtered and preferably bottled to keep away impurities.
2) The water should be warm but not excessively hot. This can cause burning, as the coffee maker cannot bring the water down to the ideal temperature.
3) Always clean the coffee maker after each use. This will help to remove any leftover residue that may affect the taste of the coffee when brewed.
4) Remember to clean the coffee maker before putting it away for storage.
5) Use the large filter basket to remove the sediment and coffee grounds.
6) Do not pour more than a cup of coffee at a time. Keep the remaining coffee warm by placing it in a microwave for up to one-half minute. This will allow the flavor to be infused into the next cup that you brew.
7) Do not pour the entire pot of coffee into the carafe unless it is a large coffee maker. The coffee will overflow and spill on the countertop. Also, it can cause skin burns if the hot water splashes or boils over you.
8) Do not fill any empty spaces with hot water during brewing unless it’s a large coffee maker. This can cause scalding or overflow damage to the machine.
9) Always unplug the coffee maker when the work is done. This will reduce the risk of having a damaged appliance by a power surge, especially if the outlet is near a high-use area.
Some people like to put their coffeemaker next to a window since it often resembles a piece of art on the kitchen countertop. Do not keep any delicate objects on the coffee dispenser if it is near an opening. This can cause them to break or spill over.
Cleaning Tips for Coffee Maker
Cleaning a coffee maker is not a difficult task, but you will need to clean it regularly so that the coffee remains fresh and tasty. Here are some cleaning tips.
1) Clean the Pot
If the coffee maker pot is removable, you should always thoroughly rinse it with water after each use to prevent any stains from developing. This will keep the machine in proper working condition and will dispense out a tasty cup of coffee.
2) Use Vinegar For Cleaning
Use vinegar to clean the coffee pot. Just pour it directly into the pot and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub out any residue remaining.
3) Clean With Water When Finished
After letting the vinegar stay in the machine for a bit
- Pour it away and fill the pot with fresh water.
- Let the water sit for 60 seconds and dispense it off.
- Repeat this process unless all vinegar is gone and the pot is clean again.
4) Disassemble The Carafe
If the carafe is removable, then you should always disassemble it and then wash it with hot water to prevent any oils and stains from building up on the cup after a few uses.
5) Put Decal Inside The Filter
When brewing coffee, always put the decal inside the filter to not lose any grounds in the pot. Otherwise, the cleaning process would be required after every use.
6) Check For Clogs
Ensure that there are no clogs in the machine’s filter that can cause it to stop working correctly and affect the coffee-making process.
Conclusion
Getting a coffee brewer that is easy to use and clean is important. Coffee makers should be able to get the job done without having to spend hours on maintenance. Keep your coffee machine clean on a regular basis, using a suitable amount of water and follow the basic guidelines to keep it functioning for a long time.