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How Long Do Keurigs Last? Expected Lifespan & Care Tips

Keurig coffee machine

Keurig coffee makers are some of the most popular home coffee machines on the market today. They are easy to use, make good coffee, and can take a beating. Tons of people use Keurigs to make their coffee every morning at home, and many offices rely on a Keurig to fuel their employees day after day. Some people might be hesitant to purchase a Keurig because they tend to be more expensive than other coffee makers. Many factors determine whether a Keurig is the right coffee maker for you, but one of the most important aspects is longevity.

In this guide, we’re going to analyze Keurig coffee makers from a value perspective. If you like the convenience of a Keurig but aren’t sure if the price is worth it, this article will help you decide if you think you’ll get your money’s worth. Keurigs are decently durable and will last for several years, but there are a few points worth considering before you take the plunge and spend your hard-earned cash on one.

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Average Lifespan of a Keurig

Several factors determine how long a Keurig will last, but the most important one is the frequency of use. If you use your Keurig to brew between one and four cups per day, you can expect your machine to last between 3-5 years. The more coffee you make each day, the more likely you are to anticipate a shorter lifespan. However, variability between machines can have more of an effect than absolute usage as long as you’re within a reasonable range.

Extremely high use—as you might expect to find in an office breakroom—can drastically reduce the lifespan of a Keurig and require a replacement within 2 years.

In general, the more you use your Keurig, the more maintenance you’ll need to perform to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. We recommend cleaning your Keurig after each use by brushing any excess grounds out of the brew chamber, wiping down the needle, and rinsing and emptying the water reservoir. Deeper cleanings should be performed each month, and a full descaling procedure should be done between two and three times per year.

keurig mini side view

Comparison to Other Brands

A timeframe of 3-5 years might not sound like a lot, but it’s actually on the high end for home coffee makers. Cuisinart coffee makers last between two and five years, Mr. Coffee machines last between 2-3 years, and Ninja coffee makers have notoriously short lifespans of only 1-2 years.

Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker coffee makers have longer lifespans than most Keurigs and can last more than 5 years with proper care and maintenance. One drawback to these machines is that they cost more in the long run due to the recurring cost of buying filters. K-Cups are also a regular cost, although they wind up costing less than filters and ground coffee since they fill both roles.

Keurigs are significantly easier to use than traditional automatic coffee makers, and you have to pay a premium for that convenience. While Keurigs tend to be more expensive than other brands, they last slightly longer than average and offer a smoother brewing experience. The increased price you pay saves you time in the long run.

Clean Mr. Coffee

Keurigs vs Manual Brewers

Manual brewers like a French press, Chemex, or Hario V60 will easily beat the Keurig in price, maintenance, and longevity. However, they are less convenient to use and require attention and effort to use properly.

Whether a manual brewer or Keurig is right for you depends on whether you value customizability and price more than speed and convenience. If you like tinkering and are willing to invest time and effort into learning to use your equipment correctly, go for a manual brewer. You will spend less money than buying a Keurig and less time maintaining your equipment.

If you prefer a hands-off brewing experience, go with a Keurig. You’ll pay more money buying a Keurig but will spend less time brewing your coffee every morning. Be aware that you will spend some of the time you save brewing your coffee on maintenance but will still save time overall.

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Conclusion

Keurigs last longer than most other automatic coffee makers but also cost more. Broadly speaking, you can expect to get between 3-5 years from your Keurig, assuming you maintain and clean it regularly. If you want the most bang for your buck, you should consider going with a manual brewer instead. You’ll save significant amounts of money in the long run, although you will have to expend more effort brewing your coffee each day.

Ultimately, which machine is right for you depends on whether you’re looking to save money or save time. A Keurig will make brewing your morning coffee quick and painless but will cost a bit more than your average coffee maker, and you’ll still need to replace it within 5 years.

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Sean Brennan

Sean’s obsession with coffee started when he received his first French press as a gift almost ten years ago. Since then, his love of coffee – and the number of coffee gadgets he owns – has grown considerably. A scientist by training, there is no stone he has left unturned in the never-ending quest for the perfect cup of coffee. He has spent many hours tuning his pour-over technique, thinking about how to best compare grind quality, and worrying about whether the Nicaraguan or Kenyan beans will make the best cold brew. These days he favors the Hario V60, and starts each day by hand grinding his coffee before enjoying a cup prepared with care and attention to detail.

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