How long should a coffee maker last? The average lifespan of a coffee maker varies from brand to brand. It primarily depends on the materials from which it is built, but maintenance can play a big role here, too! So, how long does a coffee maker last? Let’s find out!

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How long should a coffee maker last? What is the average lifespan of a coffee machine? How can I increase the lifespan (to save some money)?

Owly Choice reader Grayson

Grayson wonders how long a typical coffee maker should last. And, admittedly, the question about the average lifespan of a coffee maker is on point.

In our experience, we see two types of readers asking this question:

  • Readers who purchased a coffee maker which broke soon after a purchase. These readers typically try to find out if a coffee maker is faulty or flawed.
  • Readers who are about to purchase a coffee maker and want to be sure that the investment will last them for a little while.

An automatic coffee maker should last about 5 years, if that coffee maker is properly maintained and regularly cleaned. Furthermore, many people report that their coffee makers last much longer than that, with some reaching a venerable age of 10. Obviously, the wear and tear does occur over time, and it may cause heating element to burn out in automatic coffee machines.

On the other hand, manual coffee makers may last for a lifetime, if properly maintained and cleaned. There are no electronic parts to speak of. Therefore, unless a manual coffee maker, such as a french press, percolator or pour over are broken, they should be good for a long time.

For the curious: average lifespan of coffee makers

Average lifespan of automatic coffee makers

Automatic coffee makers, such as drip coffee machines or single serve coffee brewers, should last for anywhere between 5 and 10 years. The machine can last this long thanks to regular cleaning regime, which includes descaling and cleaning.

There are several reasons why automatic coffee makers can break and stop working, even before a 5 year mark. Here are the most common reasons:

  • Coffee residue clogs up and irreversibly damages pipes and tubes in coffee makers. Mineral and calcareous buildup will cause the machine to stop working when descaling is not done, or is not done properly. Therefore, it is extremely important to perform clean a coffee maker according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Electric system or the heating element will burn out. Those systems cannot be designed to last forever, as the materials wear out. Once the materials are worn out, the machine will simply stop heating water or circulating water to brew.
  • New upgraded models make coffee makers look old and obsolete. Some people prefer having new upgraded coffee makers.

Lifespan of a coffee maker by brand

We have noticed that coffee makers are not made equal. Some brands tend to do a better job with their coffee maker’s lifespan than the others. Here’s what we have found:

  • A Keurig coffee maker should last about 3-5 years. Note that some Keurig machines work only with certain types of capsules or k-cups. Therefore, if the manufacturer stops producing those capsules, the machine will become useless more quickly.
  • A Cuisinart coffee maker should last about 2-5 years. Importantly, Keurig offers a 3-year warranty to customers, if they purchase new coffee makers.
  • Ninja coffee makers are actually reported to have short lifespans of about 1-2 years. The most common issues that our readers report are leaks from the reservoirs and incorrect cleaning cycles.
  • Mr. Coffee coffee maker should work fine for about 2-3 years (about 1000 cups). It can last longer up to 4-5 years, if it is cleaned and descaled regularly.
  • Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker coffee makers should last 5 years or more (if cleaned and maintained properly).

How to increase a lifespan of an automatic coffee maker?

If you are looking to increase a lifespan of your coffee maker, make sure to focus on proper cleaning and maintenance. If you use a machine every day, make sure to descale it once a month (or every 3 weeks). Further, make sure to wipe the machine down after each use.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can increase the longevity of a coffee machine from 5 years to 10 years!

Average lifespan of manual coffee makers

Manual coffee makers can last for a lifetime. They can break in the meantime due to our clumsiness. However, there are no essential parts that use up during the use.

Most manual coffee makers, such as French presses, percolators or pour overs, are made of glass, ceramic, plastic or metal. Therefore, they can last forever.

The only thing that you will need to change is the filter. In the case of French presses, the metal mesh filter located at the end of the plunger needs to be changed after around 6 months of daily use. The filters can be bought online, and are really inexpensive.

Owly’s conclusion

When you buy a coffee maker, you want to ensure that it lasts a long time. It saves money and hassle of buying a new machine.

While automatic coffee makers will eventually break, manual coffee makers can typically last a lifetime. Whether you choose an automatic coffee machine, or a manual brewer, you can increase the lifespan of a coffee maker by cleaning and maintaining it on a regular basis.

Interestingly, the price does not always determine the life expectancy of a coffee machine. The less expensive brands such as Hamilton Beach or Black & Decker manufacture stellar products with high durability and life expectancy.

Ultimately, you need to decide what works for you.

What do you think?

How long has your coffee machine lasted? Which brands of coffee makers do you have a good experience with? Which coffee maker would you recommend for a long life expectancy?

Let us know in the comments!

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