How Long Does a Keurig Last?
Keurig is famous for its affordable and quality-wise top-notch coffee makers. However, they are still an investment, and you may want to know how long does a Keurig last.
Keurig brewers have an estimated lifespan of about three to five years. They are insured with a one-year warranty, i.e., during this period, the company covers replacement and repair costs in case of malfunctions. But it is essential to remember that the longevity of Keurig brewers depends upon their maintenance and upkeep.
I have been using Keurig for many years now. Throughout the years, I have gone through two to three of its models.
Thus, based on my experience, I have curated the following guide, which can instruct you regarding the factors that influence Keurig’s lifespan.
What is the Lifespan of a Keurig Brewer?
Keurig brewers are easy-to-use machines that can make your coffee quickly within minutes. Their brewing quality is far superior to most coffee makers these days.
That is why Keurig is one of the few companies that rule the coffee industry. Still, you cannot determine the worthiness of these brewers without determining their longevity.
The lifespan of these machines plays a vital role in estimating whether they are eligible for an investment. Factually, Keurig brewers are only bestowed with a one-year warranty.
It means that the Keurig company only insures their brewers for one year. After that, the company won’t be responsible if the machine fails.
But in reality, Keurig brewers are robust enough to last more than three to five years. This is an estimated lifespan of Keurig brewers.
Sometimes, the Keurig brewers may last for more than five years. While in other situations, the brewer may not even have a three-year lifetime.
Thus, the lifespan of Keurig brewers varies among different cases. Some Keurig models have a longer lifespan than others. Similarly, several factors are involved in determining a Keurig’s lifespan.
For instance, a brewer’s longevity depends upon how much you use it and how well-maintained it is. Therefore, if you oblige these factors, it is likely that the brewer will last longer.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Keurig Mini Not Pumping Water – Best Solutions
What are the Signs that Your Keurig is Failing?
Keurig brewers do not expire abruptly. Instead, they show failure signs much before they finally die. But most people ignore these signs, considering them as mere technical glitches.
If you capture these symptoms on time, you can save your Keurig and may add a few months to its lifespan. Below are the most significant signs of a failing Keurig brewer.
1. Delay in Brewing Cycles
One of the first symptoms of failure is that your Keurig experiences a delay in brewing cycles.
Initially, the brewing process slows down, such as it shuts off in the middle and then abruptly starts working.
The delay in brewing indicates that the machine’s internal system has worn out. If this issue is prolonged, the brewer completely stops. It may start and produce sounds but will not brew coffee.
2. Frequent Error Codes
If you have a commercial Keurig brewer with a display, it will show frequent error codes when the machine is about to expire.
These error messages may vary depending on the brewer’s model. But most of the time, the brewer will ask you to descale and unclog the needles because it can no longer do these tasks.
Also Read: Keurig Error Codes
3. Needle Clogs Too Often
When the Keurig brewer is near failure, its internal descaling system collapses. As a result, its needles will clog more often than they should. The debris accumulates in the needles and causes blockage.
Due to clogging, the entry needle cannot suck in K-Cup grounds. Similarly, the exit needle cannot deliver coffee properly as it may be plugged with limescale.
Therefore, when you notice that the needles are clogging too much, it means that the brewer no longer works appropriately.
4. Leakage Problems
A functional Keurig should never leak, especially in between the brewing cycle. But if your brewer leaks every now and then, consider that its lifespan is coming to an end.
But before declaring the machine dead, it is better to check if the water reservoir is adequately filled.
Sometimes, the tank’s base might not be correctly placed, causing water to leak.
Similarly, overfilling the tank may also cause the water to overflow. If you have inspected both these aspects and your tank is still leaking, it will be confirmed that your Keurig is about to expire.
5. Hot Tank Fails
In some situations, your Keurig shows no apparent signs of failure. The machine starts malfunctioning internally. One of the most subtle signs of Keurig’s failure is that its hot tank fails.
When the hot tank expires, no error code will appear. Instead, the machine will produce lukewarm to cold coffee.
Unfortunately, when this happens, there is nothing much you can do to save the brewer.
Which Factors Influence Keurig Brewer’s Lifespan?
As stated earlier, several factors can influence a brewer’s lifespan. Investing in a good brewer is insufficient for it to last up to many years. Instead, there are a few things you must consider in this regard.
The following are the most significant aspects that play a vital role in determining a brewer’s lifespan and should be considered.
1. Frequency of Usage
Brewer’s functional quality is directly related to its frequency of use. If the brewer is residential, it may last for years. Because even on the busiest days, it might be used only 2-3 times.
But the situation will be different if it is a commercial brewer used at restaurants or offices. It is because, at these places, coffee consumption is much higher.
Coffee makers do not expire depending on the number of years. Instead, they gradually wear out with usage.
If the usage frequency is high, the brewer is likely to expire before the one which is rarely used.
For instance, after every 100 brews, it is mandatory to descale the coffee makers. At homes, this 100-brew count might run out after three months.
Whereas at busier places like coffee shops, this limit may surpass within two weeks. Thus, you must determine how much you have used the brewer, as it will affect its lifespan.
2. Manufacturing Quality
Believe it or not, a brewer’s manufacturing quality also determines its lifespan. If the brewer has robust manufacturing, it will last longer than those with lighter parts and frail construction.
Though Keurig has not officially declared which brewer lasts longer, customers report that K-Elite brewers are the best in terms of longevity.
This model has the highest rating on several websites and is considered the most reliable.
But its convenience comes at a fortune, as it is also one of Keurig’s most expensive brewers.
On the other hand, K-Mini brewers are notorious for being the least reliable brewers. Users often complain that they have frail construction, which is why they don’t last longer than three years.
Thus, before investing in a Keurig brewer, you should research whether your desired model is reliable.
Customer reviews will prove extremely helpful to help you determine which Keurig brewers are best in this regard.
3. Maintenance and Upkeep
Last but most important, a brewer’s lifespan is notably influenced by how you maintain it. Maintenance and upkeep include descaling, unclogging needles, and cleaning the water reservoir.
If you keep your brewer in unhygienic and poorly-ventilated spaces, it will expire sooner than expected.
On the contrary, proper maintenance and ventilation will ensure the brewer’s longevity.
How to Increase Keurig’s Lifespan?
Here are some tips that can help you improve your brewer’s lifespan.
Regular Descaling Sessions
One of the mistakes users often make is that they delay descaling sessions. Descaling is the most critical and crucial procedure brewer.
This process acts like an energizer by removing the accumulated limescale from the machine and ensuring its proper functioning.
Over time, accumulated limescale starts damaging the machine’s internal components. The longer the debris stays, the more it will harm the brewer.
Thus, by conducting descaling sessions after every 100 brews, you can save your Keurig brewer from wearing out. The process will keep the machine clean and fit for prolonged use.
Technical Maintenance
Technical issues usually pop up when they have already damaged the brewer from the inside. Thus, they prove fatal for coffee makers.
If your brewer has a higher usage frequency, it will likely experience more technical glitches than residential coffee makers.
But you can avoid such issues by ensuring the brewer’s technical maintenance. Once a year, you should call for professional help and conduct the brewer’s technical checkup.
The checkup will reveal all the hidden faults that might secretly harm the brewer. Resolving these malfunctions can prevent damage and protect the brewer from wearing out sooner than its lifetime.
Proper Ventilation
Not many people know, but coffee makers also require proper ventilation.
If they are kept in constricted places with poor ventilation, the brewer’s temperature will rise above the normal limit.
The thermostat burdens the water reservoir when the temperature exceeds the standard limit.
As a result, the brewer will have to function under immense load, which is not good for its longevity.
Therefore, if you want to increase the lifespan of your Keurig, it is advised to keep it in a properly ventilated atmosphere.
The place should have room temperature, neither too cool nor too hot.
Also Read: Keurig Keeps Saying Add Water Even It’s Full
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Keurig lasts the longest?
According to Amazon and Keurig website reviews, the company’s most reliable brewer range is K-Elite.
These brewers are famous for their convenience, optimal quality, and superior construction. Customer reviews also suggest these brewers last longer than many Keurig models.
How do I extend my Keurig machine’s lifespan?
You can extend your Keurig’s lifespan by ensuring proper maintenance. The best thing you can do in this regard is to descale the brewer regularly.
Moreover, keep the machine ventilated so it does not overheat and works viably.
Why does Keurig stop working?
The Keurig stops working when there is an issue with its tank or it needs to be descaled.
After checking for these things, you can also try resetting your brewer. But if the problem persists, your brewer has likely expired.
Author’s Takeaway
I have tried coffee makers from several brands, including Ninja Coffee and Mr. Ninja Brewers.
Most of these last for only one to two years. Compared to them, Keurig brewers last for a relatively longer period.
Now that you know how long does a Keurig last, you can invest in them accordingly. Some Keurig models are more reliable than others, so they would be a better choice when it comes to longevity.
Moreover, with proper care and maintenance, you can enhance the lifespan of Keurig brewers by years.
But as soon as you notice the failure symptoms in your Keurig, replace it instead of going for repairs, as doing so would be a waste of money.
