A coffee maker is a huge investment. Keurigs are typically the most cost-effective coffee maker models on the market, but they can still be a bit of an investment.
So, let’s say you’re in the market for a new Keurig. You’ve done all your research and decided on the model that best fits your and your family’s coffee needs. You’re just about to pull the trigger and buy the brewer, but you hesitate. So, how long does a Keurig last?
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Keurig offers a one-year warranty, but what if something happens after that?
If you want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth before purchasing your new Keurig, you’re in the right place.
Does a Keurig wear out?
Just like any kitchen appliance, your Keurig automatic coffee maker will eventually wear out. The lifespan of your Keurig will depend on many things, like how often you use it and how well you take care of it.
Some people report their Keurig lasting around ten years before it wears out, while others report a shorter life span of about three years. On average, you can expect your Keurig to last three to five years before it starts to wear out.
Signs Your Keurig is Dying
A few key signs will let you know your Keurig is done and it is time to replace it.
Your Keurig either stops brewing coffee or takes ages to brew one cup
The most obvious sign that your Keurig is reaching the end of its life span is when your coffee machine stops making coffee. Your coffee maker could either stop brewing altogether or take longer than usual to brew a cup. Another thing to look out for is if your Keurig seems to pause for a long time before continuing to brew.
Your Keurig starts to leak
Your Keurig should never leak – especially when brewing coffee. If you start to notice your Keurig is leaking coffee while brewing and continues to leak after the machine has been turned off, that’s an obvious sign of a Keurig problem.
Now, a leak itself doesn’t mean your Keurig is dying. Before you head out to buy a new Keurig, make sure the water reservoir is not overfilled and is sitting correctly in the base. If that isn’t the issue, check the puncture needle to ensure it is not clogged with a buildup of coffee residue. If you’ve checked both these things and your Keurig continues to leak, it might be time for a new one.
The coffee starts to taste bad
Like a leak, you don’t need to replace your Keurig after the first bad cup. If you notice your coffee is starting to taste worse than it should, it might be time to descale your machine. Descaling refers to a deep clean that removes the limescale buildup and mineral deposits on the inside of your machine. This buildup can affect the taste of your coffee, so if you notice a change in taste, your first step should be to use a descaling solution.
If you descale your machine and the taste hasn’t improved, it might be time for a new machine.
Your coffee is lukewarm or cold
Reaching for your coffee and getting a cold sip when you’re expecting something hot is not what you want in the morning. Cold or lukewarm coffee can indicate an issue with the heating mechanics inside the machine. Unfortunately, if your Keurig starts to experience difficulties heating water, there isn’t much you can do to save it. The best course of action is to replace the machine.
You’ve had it longer than you can remember
If your Keurig machine has watched your child grow up, it might be time for a new one. If you’ve had yours for years and it’s still working the way it should – that’s great. But, I do recommend taking a moment to really assess your Keurig. Make sure it’s actually operating the way it should be, and you haven’t just become used to it operating at half capacity.
When to Replace Your Keurig
Once you’ve had your Keurig for about three years, take an audit of your machine. If you find it’s doing any of the abovementioned things, it might be time to replace your Keurig.
Additionally, you don’t have to replace your Keurig just because it’s broken. Keurig is always coming out with new machines with new features. If you spot a new model you think looks cool, that might be the only sign you need to replace your current one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Keurig lasts the longest?
Keurig doesn’t advertise which of its models lasts the longest, but consumers report the Keurig K-Elite coffee maker is the most reliable and long-lasting model.
How often should you replace your Keurig?
Again, Keurig doesn’t advertise a set lifespan for its coffee makers. Most consumers report that replacing their Keurig after three to five years is a good rule of thumb, but ultimately, it comes down to whether your machine is still working or not. Regular cleaning can also increase the lifespan of your appliance.
I got my Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker in 2014, and it’s still in my kitchen today. I believe the main reason it’s lasted as long as it has is that I descale my machine every four months – like clockwork. Additionally, the Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker is one of a few coffee machines I have, so it is not at risk of overuse.
Ultimately, when you should replace your Keurig comes down to how long you can keep it functioning with proper care.
How do I get a free Keurig replacement?
As I mentioned, Keurig offers a one-year limited warranty on all their machines. This warranty covers any defects in the workmanship that you experience within one year of the purchase date.
It’s important to note that this warranty does not guarantee you a free Keurig if you find an issue. If Keurig deems it possible, they may repair your machine instead of sending a replacement. Additionally, the replacement machine might be refurbished instead of brand new.
If you just purchased a Keurig or it’s been less than one year since the purchase date, Keurig recommends visiting their website to register your machine in case any issues arise.
Can an old Keurig make you sick?
An old Keurig won’t necessarily make you sick, but an old and dirty one might. It’s a common misconception that the hot water used to brew your coffee is enough to rid your machine of germs and decontaminate it, but that could not be further from the truth.
The inside of the Keurig is constantly warm and moist and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’ve had your machine for years and have never cleaned it, it’s quite possible drinking a cup of coffee from it could make you sick.
To avoid a buildup of bacteria and mold, make sure you clean and descale your machine every three to six months.
How do I extend my Keurig machine’s lifespan?
To extend your Keurig machine’s lifespan, the best thing to do is clean and descale it regularly. In general, it’s a good idea to descale your machine every three to six months. The descaling procedure removes the limescale buildup on the inside of your machine and can be done using white vinegar or a descaling kit from Keurig.
In addition to cleaning your beloved appliance, being gentle with it over the years will also increase its lifespan. Avoid using third-party coffee pods or force quitting the machine mid-brew cycle to ensure everything continues to operate as it should.
What is a Keurig’s lifespan compared to other brands?
In general, a Keurig’s average lifespan is similar to other brands. Machines like Mr. Coffee Coffee Makers and Ninja Coffee Makers typically have an approximate lifespan between one and three years. Other machines like Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker coffee machines last as long as five years and sometimes more.
Final Thoughts
Like I mentioned earlier, my Keurig coffee maker is going on eight years and works just as great as it did the day I bought it.
While the three to five-year timeframe is a good starting point, your machine can live longer with a bit of effort and proper care. That said, if you start experiencing any of the issues outlined in the article, it might be time to replace your Keurig with a newer model.
Happy Caffeinating!
