Undeniably, Keurig is the leader in single-serve coffee brewers. Since the brand developed the B2000 in 1998, it has become a staple in households seeking a quick, simple, and no-fuss cup of coffee. While the original Keurig was created for office use, Keurig machines soon became popular for home use in 2004.
While the technology of Keurig coffee makers has drastically improved over the last twenty years, the basics remain the same. Coffee drinkers rely on Keurig, with an estimated 40% of households in 2020 relying on single-serve brewers for their morning cup of joe. However, most households don’t give much thought to the operation of their Keurig until it breaks. Have you ever wondered, “How long do Keurigs last?” Here’s what to know about Keurig longevity and how to know when to replace it before it fails you.
How long do Keurigs last?
The answer to “How long do Keurigs last?” is not necessarily a cut-and-dry answer. Several factors can affect the longevity of your Keurig maker. However, most users find their Keurig will last three to five years before malfunctioning. Perhaps the most obvious factor affecting the longevity of your maker is the frequency of usage.
Do you use your Keurig now and then as an alternative to brewing coffee through other methods, such as with a French Press? Or, perhaps multiple people in your home use the Keurig multiple times a day? The frequency of use will cause wear and tear on the machine.
Another factor that can affect the longevity of your brewer is the model you have. Keurig has dozens of models on the market and has recently released brewers with new features, such as the K-Brew & Chill, which can make iced coffee. While the frequency of use and the model of your maker will impact longevity, the maintenance of your brewer will most directly affect your Keurig’s lifespan. Are you cleaning your brewer? If you’re shaking your head, no, you’re not alone.
Knowing the signs to replace your brewer
If your Keurig is on its way out, there may be some obvious signs to pay attention to. Paying attention to the operation of your maker will help you identify issues before it dies (and prevent panic when you’re left with no morning coffee). One obvious sign to replace your maker is an extra-long brewing time. Keurigs are known for brewing quick coffee, but if your maker takes over three minutes to brew, it may be malfunctioning.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the temperature of your coffee. If your coffee isn’t getting hot, this is a sign that the heating components within the maker are failing. Other signs it may be time to order a new Keurig include:
- The flavor of coffee is inconsistent or not normal
- Coffee tastes weak or watery
- The machine is making very loud or irregular noises while brewing
- The machine is leaking during brewing
If your Keurig is nearing the 3 to 5-year mark, it may still have life ahead. But if you know you’ve had your Keurig for five or more years, proactively replacing it will ensure you’re not left without a coffee maker.
Keurig maintenance affects longevity
Performing maintenance on your Keurig coffee maker is not inherently apparent like other home maintenance tasks. We often enjoy our morning coffee, toss our K-cup, and move on with the day. However, regularly cleaning your Keurig can help you get the most lifespan out of your brewer. With regular brewing, coffee grinds naturally build up inside the maker, along with mineral buildup from the water. Adding cleaning and descaling brew cycles into your routine helps keep the interior components of your machine free from buildup and helps it function optimally.
Descaling your brewer
Descaling your brewer involves removing calcium deposits, or “scale,” from the interior tubes within the machine. Many of the newer Keurig models will notify you with a “descale” message when running this cycle is time. However, you don’t have to wait for the reminder to run a descale cycle on your machine. Homemade solutions to descale your brewer, made of water and vinegar, work perfectly. You can also purchase pre-made descaling liquids to make your life easy.
Running descaling cycles every 3 to 6 months will help extend your maker’s lifespan. The process takes about 45 minutes and involves running several water cycles to flush out the pipes inside the maker. To limit the buildup within the water tank, consider adding a charcoal water filter and using filtered water. Additionally, most Keurig models have a removable water tank that can be run through the dishwasher regularly to clean from the inside and outside.
Running water cycles
Descaling your brewer is the best way to keep it functioning well. However, you can also run general water cycles between descaling sessions to keep your Keurig cleaner. To do this, run a regular cycle without adding a K-Cup pod to the maker. Running cleansing water brews can help remove any loose coffee grounds that may end up in your mug.
