How To Tell When It's Time To Replace Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Single-serving coffee makers like Keurig are incredibly popular among American coffee drinkers, coming in right behind the classic drip brewers. In fact, according to a 2023 survey by the National Coffee Association, 28% of all Americans use single-serve coffee machines to get their caffeine fix. The allure of obtaining a quick and hassle-free cup of coffee from a small, palm-sized K-cup pod filled with pre-made coffee grounds is undeniable. 

However, despite their reputation for reliability, with most users reporting that their Keurigs last anywhere from three to five years, these machines are not immune to wear and tear. Thankfully, there are some things you can watch for to know when it's time to consider a replacement. The most obvious sign that there's something wrong with your Keurig is that the brew takes a lot longer than usual. Instead of a minute or two, it now takes five or more minutes to fill your cup. This is not normal and could indicate that certain internal components have worn out.

Another sure sign of trouble is getting coffee that's not as warm or hot as it should be, even when using the highest brewing setting. This issue may be due to a clogged water pump or a malfunctioning heating element. Besides temperature, the flavor of your coffee can also serve as a clue. If you consistently find that your coffee tastes weak and watery, or if your Keurig is prone to leaking, it's best that you look into getting a replacement ASAP.

If you fancy doing DIY repairs, it may be possible to fix a few issues if you have the tools and the know-how. For example, if you have a clogged water line, you can attempt a fix by descaling the machine. This is pretty easy and involves running a mixture of water and distilled vinegar through it to clean the Keurig machine and clear the water line from any mineral buildups that have clogged it up. Keurig even sells a special descaling solution that works with its machines!

But, over time, some parts may simply wear out. Although not all internal parts are replaceable (at least easily), a few Keurig models do allow you to swap out certain easily-accessible parts, like the water reservoir, drip tray, or the K-cup holder. You can usually find replacement parts online or even through Keurig itself.

Last but not least, if your Keurig is leaking water or coffee, it might be due to a damaged seal or gasket. Replacing these seals can often solve the problem, but this is a rather advanced fix, considering that it requires you to partially disassemble the machine. You'd have to be very comfortable with doing DIY repairs to attempt this yourself. If you're not, it would be much less of a headache to just get a replacement machine for your kitchen.