Having a good source of caffeine can be quite fun, but how long your coffee machine last depends mostly on two things: how well you take care of it and what kind of brewer you choose.
A quality espresso maker will make excellent service for years to come if you treat it that way. The same goes for any type of pour-over or drip machine!
However, not every person enjoys drinking strong beverages with lots of flavor so there are lower maintenance models out there as well. These include regular old brewed coffee makers and those using pre-packaged ground beans.
This article will talk about why some types of machines require more frequent attention than others and also describe how to best maintain them.
How to check the condition of a coffee machine
While most people purchase a new coffee maker very quickly, some do not change their machines for years. This is totally unnecessary as a new machine will make excellent quality beverages for just about any type of drink!
If you are looking to upgrade your current model or find one that is brand new, there are several things you can look into to determine if a used coffee machine is worth buying.
It’s important to know what qualities an effective coffee making machine should have before investing in it so here are some tips on how to check the condition of a coffee maker.
Does it work? The first thing to do is make sure the machine works. You may be able to tell if this has been done already since most manufacturers include picture instructions. If it doesn’t seem to work properly then try doing it yourself by reading through our professional reviews.
Is it sturdy? Since coffee makers can weigh more than half a kilogram, you want to make sure it feels solid and isn’t likely to break easily.
Are there signs of wear? As mentioned earlier, most coffee makers come with user manuals and pictures which describe all parts of the machine. Looking at these pictures and studying the manual will help you identify whether or not parts such as dasher rods, spoons or carafes show clear use and wear.
Coffee machine maintenance tips
The first thing you should do to maintain your coffee maker is check it’s temperature setting. Most machines have an off position, which is usually warm. But if it’s in use, it will be colder than that!
If this happens, try switching it off for a few minutes to come back up to temperature. This is important as it affects how well your drink tastes! If your drink is too strong or weak, the water content of the milk or liquid used can make a difference.
Another tip is to remember to clean out your coffee maker regularly. When it’s been put away, left sitting overnight, dirty dishes piled next to it – even for just a couple hours – it can pick up bacteria and minerals which may affect flavor.
You don’t need any special tools to get into your coffeemaker. Simply use a spoon to scoop out the leftover grounds, then wash with hot soapy water.
Coffee machine repair
A coffee maker’s motor usually has two parts: the control board and the pump. The control board is what controls the power going into the motor, while the pump is what actually produces the flow of liquid.
The control board can malfunction and stop working for several reasons, such as running out of battery power or getting hit with too much electricity. If your coffee maker suddenly stops making sounds and sending signals to the pump, it may be time to look at software upgrades or repairs.
If you find yourself without a drinkable beverage, don’t worry! There are many ways to make a brewed batch of coffee using another device or ingredient. You can also invest in an additional brewer to ensure that no damage was done.
Luckily, most people do not need to take professional help cleaning their coffee makers. Most problems can be fixed by someone who knows how to fix them. This article will go over some potential symptoms, causes, and solutions for when a coffeemaker fails.
How to save money on a coffee machine
Having a good quality espresso or drip-style coffee maker is very important. You want to make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller and brand, but unfortunately not all cheap coffee makers are worth the cost!
There are several reasons why poor quality coffee machines may fail, often within just a few weeks of use. Some examples include no water filter, no way to check how much water has been consumed, and/or no automatic shut off mechanism.
If your coffee maker fails to work properly, do not worry! Most major sellers will give you a free replacement part or two as long as you have proof of purchase (an invoice or receipt).
Replace the filter
After using your coffee machine for some time, you may find that it is starting to show its age. One of the first things to go is the plastic milk frothing sleeve or lid that covers the carafe.
These lids usually tip off durability as they are typically made of either polypropylene or nylon. Polypropylene can break down when exposed to acid substances in beverages, while nylon will slowly degrade due to exposure to liquids.
Either one of these is not a good thing as both additives end up in our drinks! So, make sure to always wash this component thoroughly after use to prevent any leftover chemicals from sticking to the material.
Removing other add-ons such as filters and spoons also makes replacing this part easier. You should try and buy high quality machines where all parts are easily replaceable.
Clean the machine
While some say that your coffee maker’s warranty is only limited by how long it takes to make an espresso, we can add another factor to consider: how well you take care of yours.
Just like with any appliance, the lifespan of your brewer depends largely on how much work you put into keeping it in good working condition. This includes cleaning it every time you use it!
There are many ways to clean your machine, but our best advice is to be systematic and straightforward when washing it.
Most importantly, never use abrasive cleaners or chemicals for cleaning. Only wash it with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. That way you won’t risk damaging the internal components.
After you have cleaned the device, leave it alone until it has dried. Never run it under water as this could potentially cause damage or break down the material.
Given that most people don’t take very good care of their machines, we thought we would save you the trouble and help you determine if your machine is due for a new one.
Fortunately, there are some parts of a standard drip machine that tend to last longer than others.
Wipe down the machine
After using your espresso maker, make sure to wipe it down properly! This includes cleaning the milk froth collection areas, the barista paddle, and the portafilter or mug where used to pour coffee.
Many manufacturers will include some type of cleaning tool that makes this process easy. Simply use these tools to clean all of the components.
Once you have cleaned the machine thoroughly, let it air dry before storing. Your manufacturer’s instructions should tell you how to do this.
Some points about wiping down an espresso making device: never pull out any parts while wet, always be sure to completely dry each part before reassembling.
Run the machine on a regular basis
The length of time your coffee maker will last depends largely on how frequently you use it! Obviously, more usage means longer lifespan for most models.
The average one-cup brewer lasts around three years before needing to be replaced. But if you are careful to only use small amounts of water every few cups, then you can probably stretch that to five or even six years!
And remember, don’t throw out your old brewer – many make excellent second life servingware. You could sell it online or in stores such as Costco or Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Another tip is to never pull the carousel apart until right after use. That way, there is less risk of liquid escaping while cleaning.